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A New Pentecost, November 3
And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples
multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests
were obedient to the faith.
Acts 6:7
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As the disciples, filled with the power of the Spirit, went forth to proclaim
the gospel, so God’s servants are to go forth today. Filled with an unselfish
desire to give the message of mercy to those who are in the darkness of error
and unbelief, we are to take up the Lord’s work. He gives us our part to do in
cooperation with Him, and He will also move on the hearts of unbelievers to
carry forward His work in the regions beyond. Already many are receiving
the Holy Spirit, and no longer will the way be blocked by listless indifference.
Why has the history of the work of the disciples, as they labored with
holy zeal, animated and vitalized by the Holy Spirit, been recorded, if it is
not that from this record the Lord’s people today are to gain an inspiration
to work earnestly for Him? What the Lord did for His people in that time,
it is just as essential, and more so, that He do for His people today. All that
the apostles did, every church member today is to do. And we are to work
with as much more fervor, to be accompanied by the Holy Spirit in as much
greater measure, as the increase of wickedness demands a more decided call
to repentance.
Everyone on whom is shining the light of present truth is to be stirred
with compassion for those who are in darkness. From all believers light is to
be reflected in clear, distinct rays. A work similar to that which the Lord did
through His delegated messengers after the day of Pentecost He is waiting
to do today. At this time, when the end of all things is at hand, should not
the zeal of the church exceed even that of the early church? Zeal for the
glory of God moved the disciples to bear witness to the truth with mighty
power. Should not this zeal fire our hearts with a longing to tell the story of
redeeming love, of Christ and Him crucified? Should not the power of God
be even more mightily revealed today than in the time of the apostles?—
The
Review and Herald, January 13, 1903
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