Visitation—The New Testament Plan
41
fully established on the truth will, like the first disciples, be laborers
for others.—
The Review and Herald, December 8, 1885
.
The Divine Example of Personal Evangelism—Jesus came in
personal contact with men. He did not stand aloof and apart from
those who needed His help. He entered the homes of men, comforted
the mourner, healed the sick, aroused the careless, and went about
doing good. And if we follow in the footsteps of Jesus, we must do as
He did. We must give men the same kind of help that He gave.—
The
Review and Herald, April 24, 1888
.
It is not preaching that is the most important; it is house-to-house
work, reasoning from the Word, explaining the Word. It is those
workers who follow the methods that Christ followed who will win
souls for their hire.—
Gospel Workers, 468
.
The Lord desires that His word of grace shall be brought home to
every soul. To a great degree this must be accomplished by personal
labor. This was Christ’s method. His work was largely made up of
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personal interviews. He had a faithful regard for the one-soul audience.
Through that one soul and message was often extended to thousands.
Christ’s Object Lessons, 229
.
The Twelve Sent Forth in House-to-House Labor—On this first
tour the disciples were to go only where Jesus had been before them
and had made friends.... Nothing must be allowed to divert their minds
from their great work or in any way excite opposition and close the
door for further labor. They were not to adopt the dress of the religious
teachers, nor use any guise in apparel to distinguish them from the
humble peasants. They were not to enter into the synagogues and call
the people together for public service; their efforts were to be put forth
in house-to-house labor.... They were to enter the dwelling with the
beautiful salutation, “Peace be to this house.” That home would be
blessed by their prayers, their songs of praise, and the opening of the
Scriptures in the family circle.—
The Desire of Ages, 351, 352
.
The Seventy Likewise—Calling the twelve about Him, Jesus bade
them go out two and two through the towns and villages. None were
sent forth alone, but brother was associated with brother, friend with
friend. Thus they could help and encourage each other, counseling
and praying together, each one’s strength supplementing the other’s
weakness. In the same manner He afterward sent forth the seventy. It
was the Saviour’s purpose that the messengers of the gospel should be