To preach the gospel with power demands that we ourselves know the power of the gospel; and that power is the power of love. "By this shall all men know," said the Saviour. And He was not talking about knowing the doctrines or the arguments, but about men knowing that we are His disciples. They will "know," He said, "if ye have love." Only love can beget love. And if we have that love, it will be reflected in what we say and how we say it.
Years ago the messenger of the Lord declared that "the manner in which the truth is presented often has much to do in determining whether it will be accepted or rejected."----Testimonies, Vol. IV, p. 404. A tremendous responsibility is thus thrown upon the teacher of truth—a responsibility that . cannot be lightly regarded. Again, Mrs. White says, "It is to be regretted that many do not realize that the manner in which Bible truth is presented has much to do with the impressions made upon minds, and with the Christian character afterward developed by those who receive the truth."—Historical Sketches, p. 121.
Not only the immediate success of the evangelist but even the future character of the church itself is influenced by the manner and method of the preacher. Continuing, we read that "instead of imitating Christ and His manner of labor, many are severe, critical, and dictatorial. They repulse instead of winning souls." Then the statement closes with these sad words : "Such will never know how many weak ones their harsh words have wounded and discouraged."—Ibid.
Think of it! Called to the holy service of winning men and women to Christ and then actually turning them away from the Saviour simply because our spirit is one that repels rather than attracts.
The Master's method was so different. He was more interested in winning men than in winning arguments. It was "the loveliness of His character" and "the love expressed in look and tone," that drew men. to Him. And "had it not been for the sweet, sympathetic spirit that shone out in every look and word, He would not have attracted the large congregations that He did :"—The Desire of Ages, p. 254.
Not by clever argument—much less by cutting irony—but rather by the power of love, the Saviour won men to His cause. He loved people and that love manifested itself in every expression of His countenance, in every word He uttered and through the very tones of His voice. This was the method of the Master. It should be ours. And it can be, for "those who will study the manner of Christ's teaching, and educate themselves to follow His way, will attract and hold large numbers now, as Christ held the people in His day."—Testimonies, Vol. VI, p. 57. But are we attracting large numbers? More important still, are we holding them? If not, why not?' Let every man examine himself. These lines by Everett Henry are worth remembering:
"There was nothing amiss in the words he said,
But his tone was the thrust of a blade;
And a friend went away with a wound that bled.
'Neath the haircloth his silence had made.
"There was much that might hurt in the words he spoke,
But his tone and his look were a bairn;
So a wrong was acknowledged and love flung a cloak
Over evil and lifted a psalm."
"We need far less controversy and far more presentation of Christ" is the Lord's counsel to us. To be able to "present His matchless love, and inspire hearts to give Him their best and holiest affections"—this is a vital qualification for one who is called to preach the everlasting gospel.
R. A. A.
Building Interest by Sermon Titles
Good titles are imperative. In many cases the title will decide whether people will attend the meeting or not. To thoroughly prepare a sermon is not sufficient, unless with that preparation there is sufficient popular appeal in the announcement to bring people to hear the presentation. A stirring title usually suggests action. Simple, provocative, sincere, well-selected language is vital. Usually a short title, with not more than five words, is the most arresting—better still if only three.
People who are discouraged, broken in spirit, driven by the pressure of labor, are often challenged and have their hopes raised by a simple title. And yet, we must be careful not to employ the flamboyant scarehead titles of the tabloid press. Such methods may attract "floating congregations," but they fail to build up confidence among the kind of people who make strong converts. Crude or untrue titles are entirely out of place.
Occasionally letters come to our desk from responsible and thoughtful people, expressing regret for certain methods of publicity. One writer says, "I wish something could be done to impress upon some of our ministers the poor taste that is often used in making up and wording their handbills. From articles appearing in the Ministry I know that you, too, have seen the need for improvement in this matter. From time to time I have seen handbills which are equally as disgusting as the one enclosed. How can an evangelist ever hope to create with such as this the sincere desire for anyone to attend an inspirational religious meeting? A simple layout and less sensational statements will stimulate a greater interest than some of these fantastic by-lines which are too often used by our ministers and ministerial students. In many instances I am sure they create a definitely unfavorable reaction to our meetings."
This is not the reaction of old-fashioned conservatism. It is the balanced judgment of a thoughtful well-wisher, and one admirably qualified to express an opinion in the field of publicity.
We would not want to give the impression that such advertising is general, but we mention it here that we might emphasize the importance of right advertising as contrasted with that which merely startles or disgusts. Remember that a handbill or a newspaper advertisement is perhaps the only contact which the great majority have with our message. Let that contact be winsome rather than merely sensational. All true evangelism wins while it warns.
R.A.A.
