Presentation in Evangelism

Believing as we do that "the testimony of Jesus is the Spirit of prophecy," we must conclude that the third angel's mes­sage includes a public proclamation of this precious gift. Thus: "The third angel, flying in the midst of heaven, and heralding the commandments of God and the testimony of Jesus, represents our work."—"Testimonies," Vol. V, p. 383. Since this gift is one of the important distinguishing marks of the last true church, it should be presented in such a way that every soul may recognize it and the "remnant" which it identifies.

In our city evangelistic work we have found great blessing in such a presentation. After the Sabbath has been set forth as the great test in God's last message, and as many as possible have been brought to decision upon this point, we introduce the Spirit of prophecy and give at least three sermons on this im­portant gift. In these sermons we seek to lead our hearers to an understanding of the following points:

1. The Bible—both the Old and the New Testa­ment—was written through the Spirit of prophecy.

2. A prophet is one who has this gift—who, while in vision, sees and receives instruction from God's angel, and who, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, writes out for the church the message re­ceived from heaven.

3. The prophets who received these messages in ancient times foretold similar manifestations in the last days.

4. This gift is set forth as a distinguishing char­acteristic of the last true church.

5. The Bible warns us against false prophets, and gives definite tests by which we can "prove all things."

6. The work and writings of Ellen G. White, measured by these Bible tests, are found to be a true manifestation of the Spirit of prophecy.

In establishing this last point, many incidents in the life and ⁶ work of Mrs. White are re­lated. A set of her published writings is displayed on the platform, and certain volumes, such as "Steps to Christ," "The Great Con­troversy," "Ministry of Healing," and "Edu­cation," are held up before the audience as attention is directed to their contents. A num­ber of the books are offered for sale at the bookstand. Those who wish to borrow one of the Spirit of prophecy volumes are invited to pass in their names. We have a circulating library which contains a number of copies of "Steps to Christ," "Ministry of Healing," "Christian Experience and Teachings of Ellen G. White," "Life and Teachings of Ellen G. White," "The Impending Conflict," "Mount of Blessing," and others of these books. We have also found that Elder Spicer's new book, "The Spirit of Prophecy in the Advent Movement," is very helpful in giving the in­terested reader a clear view of this wonderful gift in its modern manifestation.

In our baptismal class we devote several studies to the place of the Spirit of prophecy in the Seventh-day Adventist Church, and again display the books, urging that all begin to form a library of these inspired writings for themselves. In both the public sermons and the baptismal classes, we seek to keep before the people the true relation of this gift to the Scriptures, showing that these writings are not an addition to the Bible or a substitute for it, but rather that they con­stitute a divinely given guide to lead us back to a true understanding of the one great Volume.

It has been a joy to observe the confidence that comes into the hearts of the people as they become acquainted with this precious gift which makes this church unique—a modern movement which is as truly led by God as was ancient Israel. I have found that, instead of being something to be kept to the last as "one of the essential points which must be men­tioned before baptism," it proves itself to be a great inducement to honest hearts to decide in favor of this message. That it may have such an influence, three factors must be placed together at all times:

1. The Bible doctrine of the Spirit of prophecy, and its clear prediction of latter-day revelation.

2. The life and work of Ellen G. White, brought before the audience in a vivid way by the relation of incidents and experiences.

3. The writings themselves. These books must be kept before the people, so that when we speak of the Testimonies, the Spirit of prophecy, etc., they will know exactly what we mean.

When candidates have heard the Spirit of prophecy presented in public sermons and in baptismal classes, and have examined for themselves these published writings by read­ing the books over a period of weeks, they are prepared to answer intelligently and af­firmatively the question, "Do you believe the Bible doctrine of spiritual gifts in the church, and do you believe in the gift of the Spirit of prophecy which has been manifested in the remnant church through the ministry and writings of Mrs. E. G. White?" We have been told:

"As the end draws near, and the work of giving the last warning to the world extends, it becomes more important for those who accept present truth to have a clear understanding of the nature and influence of the Testimonies, which God in His providence has linked with the work of the third angel's message from its very rise."—"Testimonies," Vol. V, p. 654-

"The commandments of God and the testimony of Jesus are united. They are to be clearly pre­sented to the world."—Id., Vol. VIII, p. 117.

In presenting the subject of the Spirit of prophecy, I usually follow the outlines pre­sented below, with some variation. The ma­terial given is too much for one sermon, and may be divided into three sermons, the first of which appears herewith.

1. Manifestation of the Prophetic Gift

2. Launching the initial gospel movement. Scene of last supper. "I am going away. But I will send you the Comforter, the Holy Spirit." John 14:2, 16, 17. Resur­rection. Promise repeated. Luke 24:49. Ascension. Promise repeated. Acts i :8. Through this gift, Christ would be with His church to the end. Matt. 28:18-20. Pentecost brought them the promised bless­ing. Result: Gospel to all the world in one generation. Col. I :23.

2. Revelation pictures a similar gospel move­ment today.

a. Review briefly the salient points of this message, which have been presented in previous sermons, thus tying this subject to all that has gone before. Rev. 14: 6-14.