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Welfare Ministry
appearance in the heavens before I would give up the struggle. There
is a great power in Jesus.—
Manuscript 10, 1888
.
The “First Works” Bring Results—The reason so many fail to
have success is that they trust in themselves altogether too much, and
do not feel the positive necessity of abiding in Christ, as they go forth
to seek and save that which is lost. Until they have the mind of Christ
and teach the truth as it is in Jesus, they will not accomplish much....
The atmosphere of the church is so frigid, its spirit is of such an
order, that men and women cannot sustain or endure the example of
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primitive and heaven-born piety. The warmth of their first love is
frozen up, and unless they are watered over by the baptism of the Holy
Spirit, their candlestick will be removed out of its place, except they
repent and do their first works. The first works of the church were seen
when the believers sought out friends, relatives, and acquaintances,
and with hearts overflowing with love, told the story of what Jesus was
to them and what they were to Jesus.—
Testimonies to Ministers and
Gospel Workers, 167, 168
.
You Are a Letter; Deliver It!—The apostle Paul says to the dis-
ciples of Jesus, “Ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ,”
“known and read of all men.” In every one of His children Jesus sends
a letter to the world. If you are Christ’s follower, He sends in you
a letter to the family, the village, the street, where you live. Jesus,
dwelling in you, desires to speak to the hearts of those who are not
acquainted with Him. Perhaps they do not read the Bible or do not hear
the voice that speaks to them in its pages; they do not see the love of
God through His works. But if you are a true representative of Jesus,
it may be that through you they will be led to understand something of
His goodness, and be won to love and serve Him.—
Steps to Christ,
119
.
The Literature We Leave in the Homes Will Bear Fruit—
“Your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace,” you
will be prepared to walk from house to house carrying the truth to
the people. Sometimes you will find it very trying to do work of this
kind; but if you go forth in faith, the Lord will go before you, and His
light will shine upon your pathway. As you enter the homes of your
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neighbors to sell or to give away our literature, and in humility to teach
them the truth, you will be accompanied by the light of heaven.—
The
Review and Herald, November 11, 1902
.