Editorial Postscripts

From the Ministry back page.

L.E.F. is editor of the Ministry.

Central!—Is the word of God made central in our preaching? Does it stand out as God's imperative message to man? Is it unceasingly set forth as His supreme counsel for all our thinking and planning and as the in­dispensable light for guidance in all our service? Is it read as the authoritative Scriptural foun­dation for all we may say thereafter in exposi­tion, illustration, and amplification? In other words, are we truly "Bible preachers" ? The Seripture lesson is too often dispensed with be­cause of the pressure of time. It must give way before the pressing demands of some program or campaign. Just think of it ! No time for the Word ! Then is our preaching but the word of man, our plans but the plans of men, and we stand on precarious, shifting sand instead of on solid rock. We must exalt the Word, ponder the Word, preach the Word, teach the Word, and read the very words of the Word. Let the luminous message of heaven have its rightful, central place.

Symphony!—What is more glorious and inspiring than a bird symphony at dawn on a perfect morning in May ! From a thousand golden throats, with all their trills and runs and harmonies, this sublime symphony of praise is poured forth by these lovely feath­ered creatures, as they make melody to their Creator before beginning the activities of the day. Surely God understands and accepts their praise. Without tuning fork or central instru­ment, they keep in perfect harmony. Without a leader there is perfect synchronizing of time and tone. Truly their chorus at daybreak seems like a lingering echo of paradise. And it becomes an earnest of the songs and beauties of earth made new, when the redeemed shall blend their voices and musical instruments in adoring praise to their Redeemer for His love and power and grace that have fully restored the lost glories of the Paradise of Eden.

Terminals!—When a train is late in arriving at its destination, there is al­ways more or less restlessness among the pass­engers aboard. Watches are consulted and in­quiries are made whether or not the train will pull into the station late. Anxiotis eyes peer out of the windows for evidence of the end of the journey. A sight of the terminal is now of far greater interest than the scenery that formerly held the attention. The friends that wait at the station are likewise restless. They, too, watch the bulletin board and scan the track for the appearance of the iron horse that will bring its train of cars to a standstill. All of which is a figure : The same restlessness and the same furtive or open glances at watches or the clock mark the attitude of those that wait for the preacher to bring his sermon to a terminus when he has run over his time ten or fifteen minutes. Many a preacher has serious trouble in getting to his terminal on time. The last ten or fifteen minutes added to the sermon after closing time are largely lost on a congregation that is growing restless. More than that, the whole impression of the sermon is counteracted on the part of certain members. Brother Preacher, how are your terminal facilities ?

Drivers!—To drive one's evan­gelistic associates throughout the day until they are virtually exhausted from continuous visita­tion—tramping the streets, climbing steps and terraces, passing out handbills, or delivering re­quested literature—is not only unwise but is a shortsighted imposition. Few have the physical constitution necessary to follow such a program. Through such a strenuous regime, these work­ers are unfitted to render their best service when most needed. Worn and weary Bible instructors cannot do their best in those important contacts that public meetings afford, or should afford. The health of not a few has been impaired by the demands of some of our evangelists. Some­one needs to speak for them. Berthren, let it not be said of us that we are slave drivers.

Representative!—The minis­ter is a public representative of the gospel under all conditions. He does not put off his profes­sional and representative character when out­side the desk and away from his distinctive min­isterial responsibilities. In his relaxations and recreations, as well as in his stated service, he is still a representative of this message. What others may do without challenge, he may have to refrain from. Indulgences, innocent in them­selves, may need to be forgone because of his representative character. This becomes increas­ingly true, the greater one's responsibilities. To illustrate : It is one thing for a layman to indulge in golf. It is quite another for a min­ister to indulge—especially if his associates are meanwhile tramping the streets in Ingathering or gospel visitation. Some of our laymen and some of our workers are deeply troubled over such proclivities. And what shall be said of the professional baseball park? Relaxation and wholesome recreation are part of every man's need. But let it be found in fields that do not cause others to stumble.

L.E.F. 


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L.E.F. is editor of the Ministry.

June 1943

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More Articles In This Issue

Impressions of the Southern Union Council

Presentation from Southern Union Conference, Chattanooga, January 7-14, 1943

Ideal Supervision of a District

In order for a district to be properly supervised, it is important that the superintendent of the district give personal attention to the many problems that arise, and carefully super­vise the promotion of conference and local church projects.

A Larger Approach to Larger Evangelism

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Making and Maintaining a World Movement

What are the problems and solutions associated with the manning of our work in the mission fields?

Work of the Pastor-Evangelist

Although the gifts spoken of in Ephe­sians 4:11 are mentioned separately, every active Seventh-day Adventist minister, aside from those in administrative work, is either a pastor-evangelist or an evangelist-pastor, de­pending upon which phase is emphasized in his work.

Building New Members into Church Life

Plans and Methods, Experiences and Problems

Greater Bible Work—No. XII

The worker who prepares people for the sacred step of baptism must himself have a clear conception of its significance in the Christian life.

National and Local Broadcasts

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Christ's Use of Psalm 117

The monthly music of the message column.

Let's Not Use the "Ave Marias"

Why not make use of this beautiful work?

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