Building Our Membership—Part III
Gaining Friends for the Truth
By: Louise C. Kleuser
Truth teaching does not make the same progress in all lives. The fault is not always with the teacher; it is more often with the seeker, who may not be ready to surrender everything for Christ's sake, at least not at that moment. The human teacher cannot hope to do the work that the Holy Spirit Himself is not successful in accomplishing in the inquirer's life because of sin standing in the way. Too often men choose the hard course of disappointment and sorrow before they completely surrender to the demands of Bible truth. We wish it might be otherwise, but the long history of the human race and the examples of Scripture reveal that this is true.
There is, however, an experience in this truth-teaching work that can well afford to be watched that of avoiding hard climaxes that sever the Bible instructor forever from those she has tried to reach, but who have not yet responded to all her appeals. Some workers feel that they have not done their duty for the message unless they have brought about in the inquiring individual's experience an abrupt decision for the message or a sudden turning away from it. When those who study the Bible with them will not accept the points presented at the planned-for time, then these workers feel that they are through with them in every sense of the word. But this is a mistake that should be avoided.
Though the Bible instructor will be greatly saddened by the fact that some people with whom she may have been carefully studying do not take their stand, and though she may have tried in every way humanly possible to impress them with the urgency of such a course, her interest in them must not cease. She may not be able to continue her former studies with the same regularity, because her labors may be needed elsewhere; yet she should make pro vision to follow up every ray of interest, letting all men know that she is truly interested in their souls. She simply cannot leave them to their condemnation when it is her sole business to save them for Christ.
I can point to a number of very remarkable experiences when souls with whom I had studied and labored years ago eventually took their stand and declared that the truth previously studied had burned its way into their lives. The final decision may have come through another worker's effort, when the gospel net was again cast in their community. The Holy Spirit was calling and calling through the years; and later, circumstances they were not at all conscious of at the time, led them to take their full stand. Perhaps no one had recently studied the Bible with them, but this was not necessary. Long ago they had been convinced of the truth. Back of such experiences may be the history of some one's noble Christian effort, or a genuine friendly spirit that through those long years would not let them go until their hearts were won for this message. This is genuine soul winning!
Why is it that some people are truly loved by saints and sinners alike, whereas others do not kindle a spirit of love? Why is it that some workers, without at any time sacrificing one principle of truth, are welcomed even by those who have not yet seen it necessary to accept our message? Such workers seem to vibrate cheer and Christian fellowship, even among those who cannot agree with them on doctrine. They are the ones who cause men everywhere to speak highly of Seventh-day Adventists. It is definitely a talent God lends them to help His church in her difficult and unpopular cause, for it is these very souls who break down the cold walls of prejudice.
The whole question must lead us all to find the more perfect way to the hearts of our fellow men with this truth the path of Christian love. An unfavorable observer once remarked in my presence that Seventh-day Adventists would never need to face in the judgment their neglect to tell other people what was what! They might, however, be found guilty of not revealing the more gracious way to live with their neighbors after these people could not agree with them in their religious views. This is indeed something to think about! But it is not the usual experience. Someone else remarked to me, "My dearest neighbor is a Seventh-day Adventist. We truly enjoy Christian fellowship together even though we cannot see alike in every point of religion. I believe in my very soul that she will someday win me to her lovely way of life." As Bible instructors in this precious truth, let us learn more and more to present it in the friendly, loving spirit that will win its way not only to the mind but also to the heart.
[End of Series]
The Joy of Bible Work
HELEN M. WESTON: Bible Instructor, Southern New England Conference
A minister is called of God to his special work, and just so the Bible instructor is called to her sacred work.
When still in my teens I used to pray that God would open the way whereby He would in some way use me in soul winning. I seemed to see before me a soul standing at the crossroads not knowing which way to go, and I longed so much to help. I grew up with the conviction that God wished me to work for Him. In everything I did there was unrest of soul, for other things seemed very inadequate. I wanted to be building for eternity.
God answered my prayers, and when I was equipped with the proper armor the true message He sent me forth into the field to feed His sheep. It is truly wonderful to be a Bible instructor to love and work for souls, not merely to present doctrines to others, but to lead them to Jesus, and thus bring them into close relationship with Him.
To tell others what He has meant to us personally prepares the way to suggest what He will do for them. If only we could make heaven so attractive that our readers would become home sick, then the attractions of this world would fade as the beauties of a heavenly home are presented. How many more souls might be directed to the new earth!
One of my most outstanding answers to prayer came a few months ago when it was my privilege to meet and give Bible readings to a very sincere, likable woman who accepted the truth. She was far from well, and was soon confined to the bed. I called at her home about twice a week, reading comforting passages from the Bible and kneeling beside her bed in prayer. At home I prayed i£ it was not God's will to heal this sister, He would not let her suffer. She did not suffer.
The time then came when I had to attend a workers' institute for a short while in another city. My dear little reader was so weak that I was uneasy about leaving her, because I felt that I would soon be needed. The family were not Adventists, but had expressed the desire that in case of death my minister should conduct the funeral.
I prayed to God that we might be there when needed, that He would keep her while we were away. Upon my return I went the next morning to her home, and she died shortly after I came. I felt that God had kept life in her body until I returned.
A Bible instructor's life is one of continued service. She learns to know well the opposing forces at work on every hand. In teaching others one must look over the head of man into the face of Christ and be able to live close to Him, keeping his eyes fastened upon the perfect Pattern. The Bible instructor, of all persons, must eat, dress, and live to the honor and glory of the One she serves. Let us live so near our Great Teacher that His methods may always be ours, that we may at all times speak His words and live a life completely in Him. This is the true joy of one who has given herself to the Master's service.
The Purgatory Doctrine
MAYBELLE VANDERMARK: Instructor In Religion, Washington Missionary College
(This study is designed for Catholic religionists. The Douay Version is used exclusively throughout the study. In many cases only one phase of the study need be used.)
I. DOCTRINE OF PURGATORY BASED ON THREE IDEAS:
1. Man is immortal; there is therefore an intermediary state of consciousness. "The soul is immortal." CARDINALO'CONNELL.
2. Souls of just must be purged after death to be worthy of union with God.
a. "It is therefore a holy and wholesome thought to pray for the dead, that they may be loosed from sins." 2 Machabees12:46.
b. "If any man's work burn, he shall sufferloss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire." 1 Cor. 3:15.
c. "He that shall speak against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him neither in this world, nor in the world to come. "Matt. 12:32.
3. Bereaved ones may help the departed.
a. 2 Machabees 12:46. (See above.)
b. "While of themselves they [the departed] must await the completion of their just sentence, the all merciful God has placed in the hands of those still living the power to hasten the day of their liberation and of their flight to paradise." CARDINAL O'CONNELL.
II. TEACHING OF HOLY SCRIPTURES REGARDING THESE THREE IDEAS.
1. Man is mortal. Rom. 6:12; 8:11.
a. Immortality is the gift of God. 1 Cor.15:53, 54.
b. Man sleeps while waiting to receive gift of immortality. 1 Thess. 4:14; Dan. 12:2;John 5:25; 11:11, 14.
(1) Saint Peter regarding the patriarch David. Acts 2:29-34.
(2) Saint Paul also said David slept. Acts 13:36.
2. Man is inactive (as one in slumber) after death.
a. Do not learn one thing or another. Isa. 38:18, 19; Ps. 113:17; Ps. 145:4, 2.
b. People of Sodom and Gomorrah thought there would be another opportunity to learn righteousness, but Saint Peter writes they were reduced to ashes. 2 Peter 2:6.
c. Saint Peter speaks of trial of your faith (while living) as being tried by fire. 1 Peter 1:7. (See 1 Cor. 3:15.)
d. Saint Peter writes concerning Saint Paul: "As also our most dear brother Paul . . . hath written to you: as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things [that is, he speaks of the same things as does St. Peter, but]; in which are certain things hard to be understood, which the unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, to their own destruction." He warns the church to "grow ... in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ" instead of heed ing what men say. 2 Peter 3:15-18. (See 1 Cor. 3:15.)
e. "World to come" spoken of by Jesus as the world where "life everlasting" is enjoyed; this must be paradise. Luke 18:30. (See Matt. 12:32.)/. Saint Augustine is said to have believed in prayers for the dead at one time in his life. He also said, "It is a good thing to me to cleave to God," which shows his desire to keep learning of God. This is well expressed by Saint Peter: "We have the more firm prophetical word [Holy Scriptures]: whereunto you do well to attend, as to a light that shineth in a dark place." 2 Peter 1:19.
3. What is responsibility of the living?
a. "Be thou an example." 1 Tim. 4:12.
b. Saint Peter did not ask for prayers, but was anxious that after his death they remember things he taught. 2 Peter 1:13-15.
c. He admonished the church to live righteously. "Purifying your souls in the obedience of charity, with a brotherly love, from a sincere heart love one another earnestly." 1 Peter 1:22.
d. Gird up loins of mind. Verse 13.
e. Sin not, "But if any man sin [or have sinned], we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the just." 1 John 2:1.
f. This is a gift not bought by silver or gold, but with the "precious blood of Christ." 1 Peter 1:19.
4. Jesus, our Lord, wants you to be saved.
a. "To-day if you shall hear his voice, harden not your hearts." Heb. 3:7, 8.
b. Our Lord "dealeth patiently for your sake, not willing that any should perish." 2 Peter 3:9.
God's Divine Character and Purpose
MAYME CLEMENTS: Bible Instructor, North Ireland Mission
TEXT: Isa. 46:10.
I. GOD'S IMMUTABLE PURPOSE.
1. God revealed to Moses His divine character. He is merciful, gracious, long-suffering, abundant in goodness and truth. Ex. 34:6, 7. Moses was desirous of knowing God's way and His purpose. Surely it is also our desire to know the Lord personally, so that we might more earnestly follow in His way.
2. David too had learned that life's suffering and disappointments are known to God. "He . . . bindeth up their wounds." Ps. 147:3.
3. God's ways are not ours. He has a lofty purpose for each life. We must discover His purpose. We must search the Word continually, so that we may learn to please Him in all our ways. Tsa. 55:8, 9.
II. DISCOVERING GOD'S PURPOSE IN OUR LIVES.
1. He longs to see us saved. John 3:16.Let us personally discover that love that gave all to save us.
2. God's choice for us is a godly life of useful ness. Heb. 13:21.
3. God desires that we continue to grow-in knowledge as well as grace. 2 Peter 3:18; Heb. 6:1.
4. Christian growth means fully believing God's promises. Heb. 4:11.
5. He teaches, cleanses, and perfects us by His Word. James 1:21, 22; Phil. 2:15, 16.
6. He also gives us the satisfaction of right- doing. Ps. 18:20.
7. Obedience to God's Word is a part of true worship. 1 Sam. 15:22.
8. He answers our prayer in time of need. Heb. 4:16.
9. He has a divine answer to every human problem. "His ways past finding out!" Rom. 11:33.
10. We have nothing to fear in persecution. God rewards the faithful with a crown of life at last. Rev. 2:10.
11. Let us by faith continue to live out God's purpose. Phil. 3:13, 14.
III. ULTIMATE TRIUMPH OF GOD'S PURPOSE.
His saints perfected, His cause glorified. God's purpose stands unquestioned throughout eternity. Rev. 7:13-17; 5:11-13.
Conversion, Need of All
MARGARET REEVES: Minister's Wife, Ontario-Quebec Conference, Canada
I. MAN'S COMPLETE RUIN IN SIN. Rom. 3:23.
1. Man's condition by nature is carnal. Rom. 7:14; 1 Cor. 2:14.
2. Death passed upon all men. Rom. 5:12.
3. Man doomed unless saved. Rom. 6:23.
4. Conversion necessary for morally upright as well as sinner.
a. Paul needed it in spite of his great zeal and religious education. Acts 9.
b. Nicodemus—personification of all that was good and noble needed it. John 3:3.
c. Peter, although he knew teachings of Jesus, needed it. Luke 22:32.
5. The human heart is morally bankrupt. Rom. 8:7, 8.
a. If our righteousness is as filthy rags, what must our sins look like? Isa. 1:5, 6.
b. Paul cried out for deliverance from dead body of sin. Rom. 7:24.
Illustration: In this age of miracles one of the most wonderful discoveries is penicillin, the miracle-healing drug developed from plain, green mold. But a greater miracle takes place when God can make a new creation from sin-wrecked human lives. 2 Cor. 5:17.
II. GOD'S PERFECT REMEDY IN CHRIST. John 1:29; Isa. 45:22.
1. Our salvation lies in leaving one family and being born into the other,
a. Those who are led by Spirit become sons of God. Rom. 8:14.
b. Impossible to educate anyone into it. We must be born of God. 1 Peter 1:23.
c. Not by works, but according to His mercy, He saves. Titus 3:5.
2. Necessary steps in conversion:
a. Belief. John 1:12.
b. Repentance. Acts 3:19.
c. Confession. 1 John 1:9.
d. Obedience. Heb. 5:9.
e. Assurance. Gal. 3:26.
3. Fruits of conversion: Matt. 3:8.
a. Living the Christian life daily. 1 John2:2-6; 5:2, 3.
b. Dying with Christ daily. Gal. 2:20; 1 Cor.15:31.
c. New heart given. Eze. 36:26, 27; 1 Sam.10:6.
4. A complete salvation consists of:
a. Justification—saved from sin's penalty at conversion. 1 John 4:10.
b. Sanctification—saved from sin's power.1 John 1:7.
c. Glorification—saved from sin's presence at Second Advent. Heb. 9:28.
