The Review and Herald

1429/1903

April 26, 1906

A Message to Church-Members

EGW

God has instructed me to say to his people, ministers and lay members. “Take your stand on higher ground. Move steadily onward and upward in the path that Jesus trod. Do not trust in your own opinions. Sanctification through the truth is your only safety.” The Lord God of Israel would have his people stand in his strength, and in his might, receiving to impart. He will uphold and sustain those who serve him with mind and heart and strength. RH April 26, 1906, par. 1

We need to understand what it means to put on Christ, what it means to have an experimental knowledge of the grace of Christ, and a continually increasing faith. RH April 26, 1906, par. 2

Speaking of the mystery “which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God,” Paul says, “Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; and to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery; ... to the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be made known by the church the manifold wisdom of God.” Not only to those living in this world, but to the principalities and powers in heavenly places is the church on this earth to reveal the glory of God. RH April 26, 1906, par. 3

A Royal Name

God chose from among the Gentiles a people for himself, and gave to them the name of Christian. This is a royal name, given to those who join themselves to Christ. It is of this name that James is speaking when he says, “Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment-seats? Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called?” And Peter says: “If any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.” “Rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye: for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.” RH April 26, 1906, par. 4

O that God's people would take him at his word, and lay hold of the wonderful treasure of knowledge opened to them! O that they could realize the simplicity of the faith and love that means so much to them! RH April 26, 1906, par. 5

Words of Instruction

“The elders which are among you,” Peter says, “I exhort, who also am an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory which shall be revealed.” He who is chosen to fill the office of elder is not, because of this, to become self-exalted. Let him remember that the office does not make the man, but that before angels and before men he is to honor his office. RH April 26, 1906, par. 6

“Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.” RH April 26, 1906, par. 7

The teachers of the word of God are first to learn of Christ, that in spirit and word and act they may represent him. RH April 26, 1906, par. 8

“And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.” RH April 26, 1906, par. 9

“Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, ... for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time.” You may sometimes feel that you are wronged, abused, misjudged, but looking to Jesus, remember the words, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart, and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” RH April 26, 1906, par. 10

Our Example and Our Rule

We have before us the highest, holiest example. In thought, word, and deed Jesus was sinless. Perfection marked all that he did. He points us to the path that he trod, saying, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” RH April 26, 1906, par. 11

We have a perfect rule—the word of the living God. This word he has given us as our guide and counselor. The psalmist says, “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” And in Paul's letter to Timothy we read, “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.” RH April 26, 1906, par. 12

Christians, those who are to represent God in the world, are not to seek for doctrines that are new and strange. They are not to pry into the mysteries of the future life. Their part is to make their life in this world such as God can approve. They are to practise the lessons that God has given. RH April 26, 1906, par. 13

Different Instrumentalities

God has not given to any one man all the knowledge and wisdom. He entrusts to different ones the different gifts needed for the accomplishment of the work to be done in this world. RH April 26, 1906, par. 14

When God gave Moses instruction regarding the building of the tabernacle, he said: RH April 26, 1906, par. 15

“See, I have called by name Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah: and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship.... And I, behold, I have given with him Aholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan: and in the hearts of all that are wise hearted I have put wisdom, that they may make all that I have commanded thee.” RH April 26, 1906, par. 16

Many of God's people are to go forth with our publications into places where the third angel's message has never been proclaimed. The word of the canvasser-evangelist, whose heart is imbued with the Holy Spirit, is fraught with wonderful possibilities for good. The presentation of the truth, in love and simplicity, from house to house, is in harmony with the instruction that Christ gave his disciples when he sent them out on their first missionary tour. By songs of praise, humble, heartfelt prayers, and a simple presentation of truth in the family circle, many will be reached. The divine worker will be present to send conviction to hearts. “I am with you alway,” is his promise. With the assurance of the abiding presence of such a helper, we may labor with faith and hope and courage. RH April 26, 1906, par. 17

Every church should be a light in the world. If there is in your church a deadness, a stagnation, come together, as the disciples did before the day of Pentecost, and plead with God until you receive the light of life. Then let the light shine to all around you. Do not go on from week to week, from year to year, without knowing whether or not you are in the love of God. When Jesus went away, he promised to send the Holy Spirit, and we have a right to claim that promise. God wants us to work in the power of the Spirit. He wants us to be guided and controlled by the living, abiding principles that will keep us in the truth. RH April 26, 1906, par. 18

God has not placed any soul on the judgment-seat. We are not to dissect the work and character of others. Each one has enough to do to attend to the work that has been given him. Every one is to bear his burden in the place where he has been appointed to labor, doing his work with the perfection that will give character and influence to the cause of God. This is what the Lord expects of every conference president. It is what he expects of every worker in every line, and of every church-member. Each one is to stand at his post of duty. When God's people act their part, in their appointed places, there will come to them a freedom, a light, a power, that will enable them to endure the seeing of him who is invisible. RH April 26, 1906, par. 19