Every doctrine that we preach is freighted with importance. When the Adventist minister enters the rostrum, he is not there simply to "occupy" the hour, as many modern preachers are content to do. His task is not merely to "fill" the pulpit, to encourage parishioners to continue filling the collection plates. His is a solemn charge to "preach the Word" in all earnestness, entreating sinners to lay hold on salvation while it is yet time.
The advent sermon then must be clear ; its call must be unmistakable. It should be tested occasionally to determine whether or not it conveys the advent concept as forcefully as it should. Men of the various trades have a time-honored method of checking their efficiency. So it must be with the alert minister. What the square is to the carpenter, the plumb is to the stonemason, the proof sheet is to the printer—all this and more—the Bible and the Spirit of prophecy are to the Adventist preacher. These divine regulators tell quickly if his message rings true.
At least four major requirements are made of every sermon, regardless of the number of listeners and whether they be church members or not. Even if some other thoughts must be left out, these important essentials should have their place. "Leave out . . . matters of minor consequence, and present the truths that will decide the destiny of souls."—Gospel Workers, p. 148. When the
1. In every sermon Christ's second coming should be made the keynote. Someone has observed that if people are once fully convinced that Jesus' coming is very near, they will not hesitate to make the reforms demanded by the message. The blessed hope is a theme that never grows old. As the central topic of Adventism, it should be heard over and over again from every pulpit. Those who believe it wholeheartedly will break with all attachments that bind them to the world. The realities of the not-far-away event will cause earthly things to recede quickly to nothingness.
"The return of Christ to our world will not be long delayed. Let this be the keynote of every message."—Testimonies, Vol. VI, p. 406.
2. In every sermon Christ should be presented to the children. It is conceded that if our sermons are simple enough for children to understand, they will thereby be clear enough, and within the grasp of all. But Jesus left a command for ministers to do a specific work for the children. In the charge to Peter He said, "Feed My lambs." It is applicable to all ministers. Every ambassador of heaven must see that the children under his care are properly instructed in the Word of God.
"At every suitable opportunity let the story of Jesus' love be repeated to the children. In every sermon let a little corner be left for their benefit.' —Gospel Workers; p. 208.
3. In every sermon an appeal should be made to the sinner. Sometimes interested persons who attend our services are puzzled to know just how to join our church. They see so few calls made. We should let it be known that we are interested in the saving of sinnem. In public efforts some type of response should be called for nightly, and it would not be amiss to have regular calls for surrender on Sabbath. Who knows but that someone may be on the verge of the kingdom, waiting for our invitation to enter.
"Some may be listening to the last sermon they will ever hear, and the golden opportunity, lost, is lost forever. . . .
"More people than we think are longing to find the way to Christ. Those who preach the last message of mercy should bear in mind that Christ is to be exalted as the sinner's refuge. . . .
"The minister's work is not done until he has urged upon his hearers the necessity of a change of heart. In every discourse fervent appeals should be made to the people to forsake their sins and turn to Christ."—/bid., PP. 158, 159.
The preaching of Jesus presents an outstanding example. His subject matter and manner of approach are still our unfailing guide. Never was there such a faithful evangelist as He. Never was there a more diligent teacher of the principles of truth.
"Let those who have any question as to what they should teach, any question as to the subjects upon which they should dwell, go to the discourses of the great Teacher, and follow His lines of thought. The subjects that Jesus regarded as essential are the subjects that we are to urge home today."—Ibid., p. 313.
Let praise and thanksgiving be expressed in song. When tempted, instead of giving utterance to our feelings, let us by faith lift up a song of thanksgiving to God. Song is a weapon that we can always use against discouragement. As we thus open the heart to the sunlight of the Saviour's presence, we shall have health and His blessing.—Ministry of Healing, p. 254.
