The psalmist declares, Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against Thee. [Psalm 119:11.] And Paul wrote to Timothy, All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. [2 Timothy 3:16, 17.] Gospel Workers, page 250.1} . The life of God, which gives life to the world, is in His word. It was by His word that Jesus healed disease and cast out demons. By His word He stilled the sea and raised the dead; and the people bore witness that His word was with power. He spoke the word of God as He had spoken it to all the Old Testament writers. The whole Bible is a manifestation of Christ. It is our only source of power. { Gospel Workers, page 250.2} . This word does not repress activity. It opens before the conscientious searcher channels for activity. It does not leave men in uncertainty, without an object, but places before them the highest of all aims, --the winning of souls to Christ. It puts in the hand a lamp that lights the way to heaven. It tells of unsearchable riches, treasure beyond estimate. { Gospel Workers, page 250.3} . The word of God is the standard of character. In giving us this word, God has put us in possession of every truth essential to salvation. Thousands have drawn water from these wells of life, yet there is no diminishing of the supply. Thousands have set the Lord before them, and by beholding have become changed into the same image. But these searchers have not exhausted these grand and holy themes. Thousands more may engage in the work of searching out the mysteries of salvation. { Gospel Workers, page 250.4} As the worker studies the life of Christ, and the character of His mission is dwelt upon, each fresh search will reveal something more deeply interesting than has yet been unfolded. The subject is inexhaustible. The study of the incarnation of Christ, His atoning sacrifice and mediatorial work, will employ the mind of the diligent student as long as time shall last; and looking to heaven with its unnumbered years, he will exclaim, Great is the mystery of godliness! [1 Timothy 3:16.] { Gospel Workers, page 251.1} . We talk about the first angels message and the second angels message, and we think we have some understanding of the third angels message. But as long as we are content with a limited knowledge, we shall be disqualified to obtain clearer views of truth. He who holds forth the word of life must take time to study the Bible and to search his own heart. Neglecting this, he will not know how to minister to needy souls. The diligent, humble student, seeking by earnest prayer and study for the truth as it is in Jesus, will most assuredly be rewarded. He seeks for help, not from ideas of human writers, but from the Fountain of wisdom and knowledge; and under the guidance of holy intelligences he gains a clear understanding of truth. { Gospel Workers, page 251.2} . It is not by the might or power of the human agent that truth is to be impressed upon minds, but by My Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts. [Zechariah 4:6.] It is not the temperament or the eloquence of the one who preaches the word that makes his work successful. Paul may plant and Apollos water, but God gives the increase. It is a ministers familiarity with Gods word and his submission to the divine will, that give success to his efforts. { Gospel Workers, page 251.3} . The heart that receives the word of God is not as a pool that evaporates, nor like a broken cistern that loses its treasure. It is like the mountain stream fed by unfailing springs, whose cool, sparkling waters leap from rock to rock, refreshing the weary, the thirsty, the heavy-laden. { Gospel Workers, page 252.1} . A familiarity with the truths of the Scripture will give the teacher of truth qualifications that will make him a representative of Christ. The spirit of the Saviours teaching will give force and directness to his instruction and to his prayers. His will not be a narrow, lifeless testimony; he will not preach over and over the same set discourses; for his mind will be open to the constant illumination of the Holy Spirit. { Gospel Workers, page 252.2} . Whoso eateth My flesh, and drinketh My blood, Christ said, hath eternal life. As the living Father hath sent Me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth Me, even he shall live by Me. It is the spirit that quickeneth; . . . the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. [John 6:54, 57, 63.] { Gospel Workers, page 252.3} . When the servants of God know of a truth the meaning of these words, the elements of eternal life will be found in the ministry. The tame, dull sermonizing will cease. The foundation truths of the gospel will be presented in a new light. There will be a fresh perception of truth, a clearness and power that all will discern. Those who have the privilege of sitting under such a ministry will, if susceptible to the Holy Spirits influence, feel the energizing power of a new life. The fire of Gods love will be kindled within them. Their faculties will be quickened to discern the beauty and majesty of truth. { Gospel Workers, page 252.4} . The minister who makes the word of God his constant companion will continually bring forth truth of new beauty. The Spirit of Christ will come upon him, and God will work through him to help others. The Holy Spirit will fill his mind and heart with hope and courage and Bible imagery, and all this will be communicated to those under his instruction. - Ibid. . prophecymadeeasy - understand the future events now, (before you get there) like driving a car with your headlights on at night revealing the dangers down the road before you get there.
Posted on: Wed, 21 Jan 2015 11:57:54 +0000