Are You Qualified?

THE pastor who preached our sermon on Sabbath left school when he had finished only grade 4 of the primary level. He has never been to secondary school or college. He has never written a thesis or obtained a diploma. . .

THE pastor who preached our sermon on Sabbath left school when he had finished only grade 4 of the primary level. He has never been to secondary school or college. He has never written a thesis or obtained a diploma.

He is not naturally eloquent, nor has he ever learned pastoral psychology or the art of preaching. He is not of commanding stature or of particularly handsome features. He has no money, no house or nice furniture, no car. His library consists of about a dozen well-thumbed books, which have been given to him over the years. No education, no qualifications, no training, no aids—you might well say he has nothing.

But you could not be more wrong. He is "a workman that needeth not to be ashamed" of his work. He has not received an education, but he has received an edification—and in the last analysis, which is the more important? This pastor moves among his flock with diplomacy, and speaks with the wisdom of Solomon. He counsels each one as if he were the last soul to be saved in this world. He understands each one individually, all of them—their back ground, their abilities, their spiritual health. I know of no other pastor who does a better job of reaching the hearts of his people.

Whence cometh this understanding? Nowhere more vividly than here in the Pacific Islands is illustrated the truth that "God giveth . . . wisdom." Our Lord said, "Seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you." And these national pastors know where to start seeking. They ask of God wisdom, and they ask it not for selfish reasons of status or income or respect. They seek wisdom from above, that they may accomplish God's work more successfully. And God gives in full measure. There is no other way to explain the work these dedicated men do and the way they do it. Their textbook is the Holy Scriptures, and their only qualification is consecration.

Let us who have the benefits of a good education not lose sight of the fact that God gives us qualifications for His work, too. If He wants us to do a job, and we trust in Him alone, not in what we are or what we have, He will give us what it takes to get the job done. His biddings are enablings.

When these men deliver a sermon it reaches the heart. It does not always please the ear, but it reaches the heart. They have nothing on which to rely, except God. They do rely wholly on Him, and He does not fail them.

Consecration is the most important qualification for any worker for God. Without dedication of heart he is poor, notwithstanding the letters and diplomas he may have.

Of course, education does not exclude consecration. Education and training are important—provided they are mixed in the right proportion with consecration. One can still be mightily used of God without education, but his work is sure to fail with out consecration. Are you qualified?

December 1970

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More Articles In This Issue

"Man of God"

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Division-wide Evangelistic Crusade

The time has come for a united coordinated effort to be put forth to reach the entire population of the North American Division. . .

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THE so-called British Chronological and Astronomical Association was originally established as a society in 1879. J. B. Dimbleby was still the head of it as late as as 1897, when its quarters were at Memorial Hall, Farringdon Street, London, E. C. Dimbleby was author and editor of the book All Past Time, on the title page of which he designated himself as "Premier Chronologist to the British Chronological and Astronomical Association, London," and as "First Enumerator of all the Eclipses and Transits."

How to Have a Full Treasury

NO MINISTER enjoys pleading for funds or employing gimmicks to squeeze money out of unwilling people. The pastor need not assume the role of a fund raiser if he will seriously undertake his commission, "Teaching them to observe all things what soever I have commanded you." If you have financial problems in your church, may I suggest that you seriously undertake a program of STEWARDSHIP EDUCATION. . .

"One Giant Leap" for the Church (Concluded)

AS THEIR space craft sped toward the moon, the crew continually demonstrated a willing cooperation with and dependence upon their guidance complex. . .

An Experienced Evangelist Shares

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From Builder to Wrecker

CENTURIES ago a king in Ceylon employed the most famous painters of his day to paint the portraits of the beautiful ladies of his harem on the walls of his rock fortress. In order to satisfy the exacting demands of the king, the men consumed much time and spared no pains to make the portraits treasured works of art. When these paintings were discovered centuries later they became a part of the national heritage. A few months ago a few men daubed the portraits with green paint. It was an act of vandalism that tore the heart of the nation. . .

Don't Forget to Remember

When I was a young girl I looked forward each summer to the visit of my aunt who worked in a city some distance away. It seemed to me that she came from another world, so far removed was her talk of skyscrapers, concerts, and elevated trains from my little world of barns, silos, and pastures. . .

Mystic Tongues Are Speaking (Concluded)

Devils working miracles are speaking to Christendom today with new and compelling power: signs, wonders, healings, and tongues, experienced by participants in the charismatic movement and claimed to be of God, may be utter fraud. The neo-Pentecostal movement, which has sprung so quickly to prominence, crossing all denominational and social barriers, poses serious questions for the Adventist ministry.

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