Pacific Union Recorder
November 5, 1903
A Working Church
A living church is a working church. The precious light of Bible truth, like a lamp that burneth, is to shine forth from every church-member. God will use His believing ones as His instrumentalities; through them He will minister to souls fainting for the bread of life. Words of hope and cheer falling from lips that have been touched with a live coal from God's altar, will revive and comfort those who are weary and distressed. PUR November 5, 1903, par. 1
Time is precious. The destiny of souls is in the balance. At infinite cost a way of salvation has been provided. Shall Christ's great sacrifice be in vain? Shall the earth be entirely controlled by Satanic agencies? The salvation of souls is dependent upon the consecration and activity of God's church. The Lord calls all who believe in Him to be workers together with Him. While their life shall last, they are not to feel their work is done. Until the time comes when Christ shall say, “It is finished,” His work for the saving of souls is not to decrease, but is to grow in extent and importance. PUR November 5, 1903, par. 2
The mercy of God is shown by His long forbearance. He is holding back His judgments, waiting for the message of warning to be sounded to all. There are many who have not yet heard the testing truths for this time. The last call of mercy is to be given more fully to our world. PUR November 5, 1903, par. 3
Individual Responsibility. Many more of the lay-members, if consecrated to God's service, could give the warning message of mercy to the multitudes who are not acquainted with the truth for this time. All around us there are souls perishing in sin. Every day there is something to do for the Master. PUR November 5, 1903, par. 4
Every Christian is to let his light shine forth in good works. His words are to magnify our Lord Jesus Christ. Instead of waiting for great opportunities before doing anything, he is to do the work lying nearest him. Thus he will increase his talents and gain a preparation for wider service. Wherever he is, there is his field, in which he is earnestly to show forth in word and deed the saving power of truth. He is not to wait to see what others do. He has a personality of his own, and he is responsible to Christ, whose servant he is, for every word and act. PUR November 5, 1903, par. 5
God's people would put on joy and gladness as a garment if they would only receive that which He is waiting to give them,—that which would make them strong to help those in need of help. Our people, need the breath of spiritual life breathed into them, that they may arouse to spiritual action. Many have lost their vital energy and are sluggish, dead, as it were. Let those who have been receiving the grace of Christ help these souls to arouse to action. Let us keep in the current of life that comes from Christ, that we may impart to others. Healthy, happy action is what is needed in the church today. PUR November 5, 1903, par. 6
Open Doors. In the service of God there is work of many kinds to be performed. In the service of the temple there were hewers of wood, as well as priests of various orders bearing various degrees of responsibility. Our church members are to arise and shine because their light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon them. Let those who know the truth arouse out of sleep, and make every effort to reach the people where they are. The work of the Lord must no longer be neglected by us and made secondary to worldly interests. We have no time to be idle or discouraged. The gospel is to be proclaimed to all the world. The publications containing the light of present truth are to go forth to all places. Canvassing campaigns are to be organized for the sale of our literature, that the world may be enlightened as to what is just before us. PUR November 5, 1903, par. 7
In many states there are settlements of industrious, well-to-do farmers, who have never heard the truth for this time. Such places should be worked. Let our lay-members take up this line of service. By loaning or selling books, by distributing papers, and by holding Bible-readings, our lay-members could do much in their own neighborhoods. Filled with love for souls, they could proclaim the message of present truth with such power that many would be converted. Let us remember that it is as important to carry the message to those in the home field who have not heard the truth, as it is to go as missionaries to foreign countries. PUR November 5, 1903, par. 8
There is abundant work for all who know the truth. Approach the people in a persuasive, kindly manner, full of cheerfulness and love for Christ. The Saviour is ever near with grace and power to enable you to present the gospel of salvation, which will bring souls out of the darkness of unbelief into His marvelous light. Reach out after those who are ready to perish. Call attention to the “Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” PUR November 5, 1903, par. 9
I wish that all our people could see the many doors that are open before them. Beside all waters we are to sow the seeds of truth. O how my soul is drawn out for sinners, that they may be won for Christ! If those who have received the truth would exercise a living faith in Christ, if they would realize that they are to be His workers, wholly consecrated to His service, what a work might be done! When God's people surrender themselves unreservedly to Christ, they will use every power of mind and body to His name's glory; and His work will make rapid advancement. PUR November 5, 1903, par. 10
Whole-hearted Devotion The things of this world are soon to pass away. This is not discerned by those who have not been divinely enlightened, who have not kept pace with the work of God. Consecrated men and women must go forth to sound the warning in the highways and byways. PUR November 5, 1903, par. 11
I urge my brethren and sisters not to engage in work that will hinder them from proclaiming the gospel of Christ. You are God's spokesmen. You are to speak the truth in love to perishing souls. Remember that one day you will stand before the Lord of all the earth, to give an account of the deeds done in the body. Then your work will appear as it really is. The vineyard is large, and the Lord is calling for laborers. Allow nothing to keep you from the work of soul-saving. By earnest prayer obtain power that will make your influence a savor of life unto life. The Master-Worker will put His Spirit upon all who labor for Him with whole-hearted devotion. PUR November 5, 1903, par. 12
Christ's interests are the first and the highest of all interests. He has a property in this world that He wishes secured, saved for His everlasting kingdom. It is for His Father's glory and His own glory that His messengers shall go forth in His name, for they and He are one. They are to reveal Him to the world. His interests are their interests. If they will be co-laborers with Him, they shall be made heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ to an immortal inheritance. PUR November 5, 1903, par. 13
Ellen G. White