Matthew 24
"The twenty-fourth chapter of Matthew is presented to me again and again as some thing that is to be brought to the attention of all." Gospel Workers, p. 148.
Fatherhood of God
"Let the teacher of truth make known to the sinner what God really is, a Father waiting with yearning love to receive the returning prodigal, not hurling at him accusations of wrath, but preparing a feast to welcome his return." Ibid., p. 157.
Repentance and Faith
"Some ministers think that it is not necessary to preach repentance and faith. . . . But many people are sadly ignorant in regard to the plan of salvation; they need more instruction upon this all-important subject than upon any other." Ibid., p. 158.
Practical Godliness
"Ministers would reach more hearts if they would dwell upon practical godliness." Ibid., pp. 158, 159 (see also p. 153).
Righteousness by Faith
"Our churches are dying for the want of teaching on the subject of righteousness by faith in Christ, and on kindred truths." Ibid., p. 301.
Daniel and Revelation
"The book of Revelation opens with an injunction to us to understand the instruction that it contains. . . . When we as a people understand what this book means to us, there will be seen among us a great revival." Testimonies to Ministers, p. 113.
"When the books of Daniel and Revelation are better understood, believers will have an entirely different religious experience." Ibid., p. 114.
Truth That Decides Destiny
"Let them [ministers] leave out of their discourses matters of minor consequence, and present the truths that will decide the destiny of souls." Gospel Workers, p. 148. Faithful Instruction on Every Point of Faith "The minister of Christ is not to present to the people only those truths that are most pleasing, while he withholds others that might cause them pain. . .. The pastor who fulfills his high commission must give his people faithful instruction on every point of Christian faith, showing them what they must be and do in order to stand perfect in the day of God." The Acts of the Apostles, p. 394.
The Grace of God
"Christ's favorite theme was the paternal tenderness and abundant grace of God; He dwelt much upon the holiness of His character and His law; He presented Himself to the people as the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Let these be the themes of Christ's ministers. Present the truth as it is in Jesus. Make plain the requirements of the law and the gospel. Tell the people of Christ's life of self-denial and sacrifice; of His humiliation and death; of His resurrection and ascension; of His intercession for them in the courts of God; of His promise, 'I will come again, and receive you unto my self.' " Christ's Object Lessons, p. 40.
Instruction on the True Standards
"Some ministers choose for their sermons subjects that will please the people, and offend none. This is shunning the cross of Christ. You see one man selfish; another controlled fay pride or passion; another robbing God in tithes and offerings; and another doubting and unbelieving. Do not leave these deceived ones to remain blinded by the enemy in regard to their own spiritual standing. For each of these there is a special message in the word of God. Pray for wisdom, that you may be able to present the instructions of that sacred word that they may see wherein their characters are defective, and what is required of them in order to conform to the true standard." ELLEN G. WHITE, in Review and Herald, June 17, 1884.
Excellent counsel appears in Gospel Workers, pages 147-171, regarding what to preach. This should be carefully read.
