Study Helps - Lesson 1

Lesson 1 June 24 - 30

Witnessing: A Christian Fundamental

Memory Text: (Mat 28:18-20 NIV) Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. {19} Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, {20} and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

Sabbath Afternoon

Sunday

What Is A Witness?

(Acts 22:15-16 NKJV) 'For you will be His witness to all men of what you have seen and heard. {16} 'And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.'

(Acts 9:1-22 NKJV) Then Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest {2} and asked letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus, so that if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. {3} As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. {4} Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?" {5} And he said, "Who are You, Lord?" Then the Lord said, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads." {6} So he, trembling and astonished, said, "Lord, what do You want me to do?" Then the Lord said to him, "Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do." {7} And the men who journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice but seeing no one. {8} Then Saul arose from the ground, and when his eyes were opened he saw no one. But they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. {9} And he was three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank. {10} Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias; and to him the Lord said in a vision, "Ananias." And he said, "Here I am, Lord." {11} So the Lord said to him, "Arise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus, for behold, he is praying. {12} "And in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and putting his hand on him, so that he might receive his sight." {13} Then Ananias answered, "Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem. {14} "And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on Your name." {15} But the Lord said to him, "Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. {16} "For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name's sake." {17} And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, "Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit." {18} Immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he received his sight at once; and he arose and was baptized. {19} So when he had received food, he was strengthened. Then Saul spent some days with the disciples at Damascus. {20} Immediately he preached the Christ in the synagogues, that He is the Son of God.

{Acts 9:21-22} Then all who heard were amazed, and said, "Is this not he who destroyed those who called on this name in Jerusalem, and has come here for that purpose, so that he might bring them bound to the chief priests?" {22} But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who dwelt in Damascus, proving that this Jesus is the Christ.

(1 John 1:3 NKJV) that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ.

Steps to Christ, p. 78

The Saviour's life on earth was not a life of ease and devotion to Himself, but He toiled with persistent, earnest, untiring effort for the salvation of lost mankind. From the manger to Calvary He followed the path of self-denial and sought not to be released from arduous tasks, painful travels and exhausting care and labor. He said, "The Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give His life a ransom for many." Matthew 20:28. This was the one great object of His life. Everything else was secondary and subservient. It was His meat and drink to do the will of God and to finish His work. Self and self-interest had no part in His labor. {SC 78.1}

So those who are the partakers of the grace of Christ will be ready to make any sacrifice, that others for whom He died may share the heavenly gift. They will do all they can to make the world better for their stay in it. This spirit is the sure outgrowth of a soul truly converted. No sooner does one come to Christ than there is born in his heart a desire to make known to others what a precious friend he has found in Jesus; the saving and sanctifying truth cannot be shut up in his heart. If we are clothed with the righteousness of Christ and are filled with the joy of His indwelling Spirit, we shall not be able to hold our peace. If we have tasted and seen that the Lord is good we shall have something to tell. Like Philip when he found the Saviour, we shall invite others into His presence. We shall seek to present to them (p. 79) the attractions of Christ and the unseen realities of the world to come. There will be an intensity of desire to follow in the path that Jesus trod. There will be an earnest longing that those around us may "behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." John 1:29. {SC 78.2}

(Acts 22:20 NKJV) 'And when the blood of Your martyr Stephen was shed, I also was standing by consenting to his death, and guarding the clothes of those who were killing him.'

Monday

The Goal Of Witnessing

(Mat 28:18-20 NKJV) And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. {19} "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, {20} "teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen.

Tuesday

Reasons For Witnessing

{Acts 8:28-31} was returning. And sitting in his chariot, he was reading Isaiah the prophet. {29} Then the Spirit said to Philip, "Go near and overtake this chariot." {30} So Philip ran to him, and heard him reading the prophet Isaiah, and said, "Do you understand what you are reading?" {31} And he said, "How can I, unless someone guides me?" And he asked Philip to come up and sit with him.

(2 Pet 3:9 NKJV) The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.

(2 Cor 5:14 NKJV) For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died;

(Acts 26:15-18 NKJV) "So I said, 'Who are You, Lord?' And He said, 'I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. {16} 'But rise and stand on your feet; for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to make you a minister and a witness both of the things which you have seen and of the things which I will yet reveal to you. {17} 'I will deliver you from the Jewish people, as well as from the Gentiles, to whom I now send you, {18} 'to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.'

The Acts of the Apostles, p. 105

Now, when the Jews were trying to destroy the infant church, Nicodemus came forward in its defense. No longer cautious and questioning, he encouraged the faith of the disciples and used his wealth in helping to sustain the church at Jerusalem and in advancing the work of the gospel. Those who in other days had paid him reverence, now scorned and persecuted him, and he became poor in this world's goods; yet he faltered not in the defense of his faith. {AA 105.1}

The persecution that came upon the church in Jerusalem resulted in giving a great impetus to the work of the gospel. Success had attended the ministry of the word in that place, and there was danger that the disciples would linger there too long, unmindful of the Saviour's commission to go to all the world. Forgetting that strength to resist evil is best gained by aggressive service, they began to think that they had no work so important as that of shielding the church in Jerusalem from the attacks of the enemy. Instead of educating the new converts to carry the gospel to those who had not heard it, they were in danger of taking a course that would lead all to be satisfied with what had been accomplished. To scatter His representatives abroad, where they could work for others, God permitted persecution to come upon them. Driven from Jerusalem, the believers "went everywhere preaching the word." {AA 105.2}

Among those to whom the Saviour had given the commission, "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations" (Matthew 28:19), were many from the humbler walks of life--men and women who had learned to love their Lord and who had determined to follow His example of unselfish service. (p.106) To these lowly ones, as well as to the disciples who had been with the Saviour during His earthly ministry, had been given a precious trust. They were to carry to the world the glad tidings of salvation through Christ. {AA 105.3}

Wednesday

Three Basic Approaches To Witnessing

(Acts 21:8 NKJV) On the next day we who were Paul's companions departed and came to Caesarea, and entered the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, and stayed with him.

(Acts 18:4 NKJV) And he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and persuaded both Jews and Greeks.

(Dan 1 NKJV) In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it. {2} And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, with some of the articles of the house of God, which he carried into the land of Shinar to the house of his god; and he brought the articles into the treasure house of his god. {3} Then the king instructed Ashpenaz, the master of his eunuchs, to bring some of the children of Israel and some of the king's descendants and some of the nobles, {4} young men in whom there was no blemish, but good-looking, gifted in all wisdom, possessing knowledge and quick to understand, who had ability to serve in the king's palace, and whom they might teach the language and literature of the Chaldeans. {5} And the king appointed for them a daily provision of the king's delicacies and of the wine which he drank, and three years of training for them, so that at the end of that time they might serve before the king. {6} Now from among those of the sons of Judah were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. {7} To them the chief of the eunuchs gave names: he gave Daniel the name Belteshazzar; to Hananiah, Shadrach; to Mishael, Meshach; and to Azariah, Abed-Nego. {8} But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank; therefore he requested of the chief of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself. {9} Now God had brought Daniel into the favor and goodwill of the chief of the eunuchs. {10} And the chief of the eunuchs said to Daniel, "I fear my lord the king, who has appointed your food and drink. For why should he see your faces looking worse than the young men who are your age? Then you would endanger my head before the king." {11} So Daniel said to the steward whom the chief of the eunuchs had set over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, {12} "Please test your servants for ten days, and let them give us vegetables to eat and water to drink. {13} "Then let our appearance be examined before you, and the appearance of the young men who eat the portion of the king's delicacies; and as you see fit, so deal with your servants." {14} So he consented with them in this matter, and tested them ten days. {15} And at the end of ten days their features appeared better and fatter in flesh than all the young men who ate the portion of the king's delicacies. {16} Thus the steward took away their portion of delicacies and the wine that they were to drink, and gave them vegetables. {17} As for these four young men, God gave them knowledge and skill in all literature and wisdom; and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams. {18} Now at the end of the days, when the king had said that they should be brought in, the chief of the eunuchs brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar. {19} Then the king interviewed them, and among them all none was found like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah; therefore they served before the king. {20} And in all matters of wisdom and understanding about which the king examined them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers who were in all his realm. {21} Thus Daniel continued until the first year of King Cyrus.

Read Matthew chapters 5 - 7

Thursday

Witnessing As A Matter Of Obedience

(Acts 5:27-28 NIV) Having brought the apostles, they made them appear before the Sanhedrin to be questioned by the high priest. {28} "We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name," he said. "Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man's blood."

(Acts 5:27-28 NKJV) And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest asked them, {28} saying, "Did we not strictly command you not to teach in this name? And look, you have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this Man's blood on us!"

(Acts 5:29 NKJV) But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: "We ought to obey God rather than men.

The Acts of the Apostles, p. 81

When they sent for the prisoners to be brought before them, great was their amazement at the word brought back that the prison doors were found to be securely bolted and the guard stationed before them, but that the prisoners were nowhere to be found. {AA 81.1}

Soon the astonishing report came, "Behold, the men whom ye put in prison are standing in the temple, and teaching the people. Then went the captain with the officers, and brought them without violence: for they feared the people, lest they should have been stoned." {AA 81.2}

Although the apostles were miraculously delivered from prison, they were not safe from examination and punishment. Christ had said when He was with them, "Take heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to councils." Mark 13:9. By sending an angel to deliver them, God had given them a token of His love and an assurance of His presence. It was now their part to suffer for the sake of the One whose gospel they were preaching. {AA 81.3}

In the history of prophets and apostles, are many noble examples of loyalty to God. Christ's witnesses have endured imprisonment, torture, and death itself, rather than break God's commands. The record left by Peter and John is as heroic as any in the gospel dispensation. As they stood for the second time before the men who seemed bent on their destruction, no fear or hesitation could be discerned in their words or attitude. And when the high priest said, "Did we not straitly command you that ye should not teach in (p. 82)

this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this Man's blood upon us," Peter answered, "We ought to obey God rather than men." It was an angel from heaven who delivered them from prison and bade them teach in the temple. In following his directions they were obeying the divine command, and this they must continue to do at whatever cost to themselves. {AA 81.4}

(Acts 5:40-42 NKJV) And they agreed with him, and when they had called for the apostles and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. {41} So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name. {42} And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.

(Mat 5:10-12 NKJV) Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. {11} "Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. {12} "Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

(Acts 6:1 NKJV) Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution.

Friday

Christian Service, pp. 9 - 13

With almost impatient eagerness the angels wait for our co-operation; for man must be the channel to communicate with man. And when we give ourselves to Christ in whole-hearted devotion, angels rejoice that they may speak through our voices to reveal God's love.--The Desire of Ages, p. 297. {ChS 9.1}

We must be laborers together with God; for God will not complete His work without human agencies.--Review and Herald, March 1, 1887. {ChS 9.2}

A Call to the Individual A distinct work is assigned to every Christian.--Southern Watchman, Aug. 2, 1904. {ChS 9.3}ry one to be a worker in His vineyard. You are to take up the work that has been placed in your charge, and to do it faithfully.--Bible Echo, June 10, 1901. {ChS 9.4}

Christian Service, pp. 9 - 13 (continued)

Were every one of you a living missionary, the message for this time would speedily be proclaimed in all countries, to every people and nation and tongue.--Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 438. {ChS 9.5}

Every true disciple is born into the kingdom of God as a missionary. He who drinks of the living water becomes a fountain of life. The receiver becomes a giver. The grace of Christ in the soul is like a spring in the desert, welling up to refresh all, and making those who are ready to perish eager to drink of the water of life.--The Desire of Ages, p. 195. {ChS 9.6}

God expects personal service from every one to whom He has intrusted a knowledge of the truth for this time. Not all can go as missionaries to foreign lands, but all can be home missionaries in their families and neighborhoods. --Testimonies, vol. 9, p. 30. {ChS 9.7}

Christ was standing only a few steps from the heavenly throne when He gave His commission to His disciples. Including as missionaries all who should believe on His name, He said, "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature." God's power was to go with them.--Southern Watchman, Sept. 20, 1904. (p. 10) {ChS 9.8}

To save souls should be the life work of every one who professes Christ. We are debtors to the world for the grace given us of God, for the light which has shone upon us, and for the discovered beauty and power of the truth. --Testimonies, vol. 4, p. 53. {ChS 10.1}

Everywhere there is a tendency to substitute the work of organizations for individual effort. Human wisdom tends to consolidation, to centralization, to the building up of great churches and institutions. Multitudes leave to institutions and organizations the work of benevolence; they excuse themselves from contact with the world, and their hearts grow cold. They become self-absorbed and unimpressible. Love for God and man dies out of the soul. Christ commits to His followers an individual work,--a work that cannot be done by proxy. Ministry to the sick and the poor, the giving of the gospel to the lost, is not to be left to committees or organized charities. Individual responsibility, individual effort, personal sacrifice, is the requirement of the gospel.--The Ministry of Healing, p. 147. {ChS 10.2}

Every one who has received the divine illumination, is to brighten the pathway of those who know not the Light of life.--The Desire of Ages, p. 152. {ChS 10.3}

To every one work has been allotted, and no one can be a substitute for another. Each one has a mission of wonderful importance, which he cannot neglect or ignore, as the fulfilment of it involves the weal of some soul, and the neglect of it the woe of one for whom Christ died.-- Review and Herald, Dec. 12, 1893. {ChS 10.4}

We should all be workers together with God. No idlers are acknowledged as His servants. The members of the church should individually feel that the life and prosperity of the church are affected by their course of action. --Review and Herald, Feb. 15, 1887. {ChS 10.5}

Every soul whom Christ has rescued is called to work in His name for the saving of the lost. This work had been neglected in Israel. It is not neglected today by those who profess to be Christ's followers?--Christ's Object Lessons, p. 191. {ChS 10.6}

There is something for every one to do. Every soul that believes the truth is to stand in his lot and place, (p. 11)

saying, "Here am I; send me." Isa 6:8.--Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 49. {ChS 10.7}

It is the privilege of every Christian, not only to look for, but to hasten the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. --Christ's Object Lessons, p. 69. {ChS 11.1}

He who becomes a child of God should henceforth look upon himself as a link in the chain let down to save the world, one with Christ in His plan of mercy, going forth with Him to seek and save the lost.--The Ministry of Healing, p. 105. {ChS 11.2}

All may find something to do. None need feel that there is no place where they can labor for Christ. The Saviour identifies Himself with every child of humanity. --The Ministry of Healing, p. 104. {ChS 11.3}

Those who have united with the Lord in the covenant of service are under bonds to unite with Him in the great, grand work of soul-saving.--Testimonies, vol. 7, p. 19. {ChS 11.4}

Christian Service, pp. 9 - 13 (continued)

So vast is the field, so comprehensive the design, that every sanctified heart will be pressed into service as an instrument of divine power.--Testimonies, vol. 9, p. 47. {ChS 11.5}

Men are instruments in the hand of God, employed by Him to accomplish His purposes of grace and mercy. Each has his part to act; to each is granted a measure of light, adapted to the necessities of his time and sufficient to enable him to perform the work which God has given him to do.-- The Great Controversy, p. 343. {ChS 11.6}

Long has God waited for the spirit of service to take possession of the whole church, so that every one shall be working for Him according to his ability.--The Acts of the Apostles, p. 111. {ChS 11.7}

When He sent forth the twelve and afterward the seventy, to proclaim the kingdom of God, He was teaching them their duty to impart to others what He had made known to them. In all His work, He was training them for individual labor, to be extended as their numbers increased, and eventually to reach to the uttermost parts of the earth.--The Acts of the Apostles, p. 32. {ChS 11.8}

Not upon the ordained minister only, rests the responsibility of going forth to fulfil this commission. Every one

(p. 12) who has received Christ is called to work for the salvation of his fellow men.--The Acts of the Apostles, p. 110. {ChS 11.9}

The real character of the church is measured, not by the high profession she makes, not by the names enrolled upon the church book, but by what she is actually doing for the Master, by the number of her persevering, faithful workers. Personal interest, and vigilant, individual effort will accomplish more for the cause of Christ than can be wrought by sermons or creeds.--Review and Herald, Sept. 6, 1881. {ChS 12.1}

Wherever a church is established, all the members should engage actively in missionary work. They should visit every family in the neighborhood, and know their spiritual condition.--Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 296. {ChS 12.2}

The members of the church are not all called to labor in foreign lands, but all have a part to act in the great work of giving light to the world. The gospel of Christ is aggressive and diffusive. In the day of God not one will be excused for having been shut up to his own selfish interests. There is work for every mind and for every hand. There is a variety of work, adapted to different minds and varied capabilities.--Historical Sketches, pp. 290, 291. {ChS 12.3}

He has intrusted you with sacred truth; Christ abiding in the individual members of the church is a well of water springing up into everlasting life. You are guilty before God if you do not make every effort possible to dispense this living water to others.--Historical Sketches, p. 291. {ChS 12.4}

We are not, as Christians, doing one-twentieth part that we might do in winning souls to Christ. There is a world to be warned, and every sincere Christian will be a guide and an example to others in faithfulness, in cross-bearing, in prompt and vigorous action, in unswerving fidelity to the cause of truth, and sacrifices and labors to promote the cause of God.--Review and Herald, Aug. 23, 1881. {ChS 12.5}

So far as his opportunities extend, every one who has received the light of truth is under the same responsibility as was the prophet of Israel to whom came the (p. 13) word, "Son of man, I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore thou shalt hear the word at My mouth, and warn them from Me."--Testimonies, vol. 9, pp. 19, 20. {ChS 12.6}

To every one who becomes a partaker of His grace, the Lord appoints a work for others. Individually we are to stand in our lot and place, saying, "Here I am; send me." Upon the minister of the word, the missionary nurse, the Christian physician, the individual Christian, whether he be merchant or farmer, professional man or mechanic,-- the responsibility rests upon all. It is our work to reveal to men the gospel of their salvation. Every enterprise in which we engage should be a means to this end.--The Ministry of Healing, p. 148. {ChS 13.1}

When the master of the house called his servants, he gave to every man his work. The whole family of God are included in the responsibility of using their Lord's goods. Every individual, from the lowest and most obscure to the greatest and most exalted, is a moral agent endowed with abilities for which he is accountable to God.--Bible Echo, June 10, 1901. {ChS 13.2}

Christian Service, pp. 9 - 13 (continued)

Combined Christian Forces Brethren and sisters in the faith, does the question arise in your hearts, "Am I my brother's keeper?" If you claim to be children of God, you are your brother's keeper. The Lord holds the church responsible for the souls of those whom they might be the means of saving.--Historical Sketches, p. 291. {ChS 13.3}

The Saviour has given His precious life in order to establish a church capable of ministering to the suffering, the sorrowful, and the tempted. A company of believers may be poor, uneducated, and unknown; yet in Christ they may do a work in the home, in the community, and even in the "regions beyond," whose results shall be as far-reaching as eternity.--The Ministry of Healing, p. 106. {ChS 13.4}

Enfeebled and defective as it may appear, the church is the one object upon which God bestows in a special sense His supreme regard. It is the theater of His grace, (p. 14) in which He delights to reveal His power to transform hearts.--The Acts of the Apostles, p. 12. {ChS 13.5}

Some one must fulfil the commission of Christ; some one must carry on the work which He began to do on earth; and the church has been given this privilege. For this purpose it has been organized. Why, then, have not church members accepted the responsibility?--Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 295. {ChS 14.1}

He calls upon the church to take up their appointed duty, holding up the standard of true reform in their own territory, leaving the trained and experienced workers to press on into new fields.--Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 292. {ChS 14.2}

The Thessalonian believers were true missionaries. . . . Hearts were won by the truths presented, and souls were added to the number of believers.--The Acts of the Apostles, p. 256. {ChS 14.3}

It was at the ordination of the twelve that the first step was taken in the organization of the church that after Christ's departure was to carry on His work on the earth.--The Acts of the Apostles, p. 18. {ChS 14.4}

God's church is the court of holy life, filled with varied gifts, and endowed with the Holy Spirit. The members are to find their happiness in the happiness of those whom they help and bless. Wonderful is the work which the Lord designs to accomplish through His church, that His name may be glorified.--The Acts of the Apostles, pp. 12, 13. {ChS 14.5}

Our work is plainly laid down in the Word of God. Christian is to be united to Christian, church to church, the human instrumentality co-operating with the divine, every agency to be subordinated to the Holy Spirit, and all to be combined in giving to the world the good tidings of the grace of God.--General Conference Bulletin, Feb. 28, 1893, p. 421. {ChS 14.6}

Our churches are to co-operate in the work of spiritual tilling, with the hope of reaping by and by. . . . The soil is stubborn, but the fallow ground must be broken up, the seeds of righteousness must be sown. Pause not, teachers beloved by God, as though doubtful whether to prosecute (p. 15) a labor which will grow as performed.--Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 420. {ChS 14.7}

Testimonies, vol. 9, p. 41

My brethren and sisters, take an active part in the work of soulsaving. This work will give life and vigor to the mental and spiritual powers. Light from Christ will shine into the mind. The Saviour will abide in your hearts, and in His light you will see light. {9T 41.1}

Consecrate yourselves wholly to the work of God. He is your strength, and He will be at your right hand, helping you to carry on His merciful designs. By personal labor reach those around you. Become acquainted with them. Preaching will not do the work that needs to be done. Angels of God attend you to the dwellings of those you visit. This work cannot be done by proxy. Money lent or given will not accomplish it. Sermons will not do it. By visiting the people, talking, praying, sympathizing with them, you will win hearts. This is the highest missionary work that you can do. To do it, you will need resolute, persevering faith, unwearying patience, and a deep love for souls. {9T 41.2}

Testimonies, vol. 9, p. 41 (continued)

Find access to the people in whose neighborhood you live. As you tell them of the truth, use words of Christlike sympathy. Remember that the Lord Jesus is the Master Worker. He waters the seed sown. He puts into your minds words that will reach hearts. Expect that God will sustain the consecrated, unselfish worker. Obedience, childlike faith, trust in God--these will bring peace and joy. Work disinterestedly, lovingly, patiently, for all with whom you are brought into contact. Show no impatience. Utter not one unkind word. Let the love of Christ be in your hearts, the law of kindness on your lips. (p. 42) {9T 41.3}

Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 29

Our watchword is to be: Onward, ever onward. The angels of God will go before us to prepare the way. Our burden for the "regions beyond" can never be laid down until the whole earth shall be lightened with the glory of the Lord. rd the work of God, both in home missions and in foreign countries. Scarcely a thousandth part of the work is being done that ought to be done in missionary fields. God calls upon His workers to annex new territory for Him. There are rich fields of toil waiting for the faithful worker. And ministering angels will co-operate with every member of the church who will labor unselfishly for the Master. {6T 29.2}

The church of Christ on earth was organized for missionary purposes, and the Lord desires to see the entire church devising ways and means whereby high and low, rich and poor, may hear the message of truth. Not all are called to personal labor in foreign fields, but all can do something by their prayers and their gifts to aid the missionary work. {6T 29.3}

An American businessman who was an earnest Christian, in conversation with a fellow worker remarked that he himself worked for Christ twenty-four hours of the day. "In all my business relations," he said, I try to represent my Master. As I have opportunity, I try to win (p. 30) others to Him. All day I am working for Christ. And at night, while I sleep, I have a man working for Him in China." {6T 29.4}

Testimonies, vol. 9, p. 150

God's servants are to be "not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord." Listlessness and inefficiency are not piety. When we realize that we are working for God we shall have a higher sense than we have ever had before of the sacredness of spiritual service. This realization will put life and vigilance and persevering energy into the discharge of every duty. {9T 150.1}

Religion, pure, undefiled religion, is intensely practical. Nothing but earnest, wholehearted labor will avail in the saving of souls. We are to make our everyday duties acts of devotion, constantly increasing in usefulness, because we see our work in the light of eternity. {9T 150.2}

Our work has been marked out for us by our heavenly Father. We are to take our Bibles and go forth to warn the world. We are to be God's helping hands in saving souls--channels through which His love is day by day to flow to the perishing. The realization of the great work in which he has the privilege of taking part, ennobles and sanctifies the true worker. He is filled with the faith that works by love and purifies the soul. Nothing is drudgery to the one who submits to the will of God. Doing it unto the Lord" is a thought that throws a charm over whatever work God gives him to do. {9T 150.3}

Carry on all your work on strictly religious principles. Let your earnest inquiry be: What can I do to please the Master?" Visit places where the believers need encouragement and help. At every step ask: Is this the way of the Lord? Am I, in spirit, in word, in action, in harmony with His will?" If you labor for God with an eye single to His glory, your work will bear the divine (p. 151) mold, and you will be carrying out the Lord's purposes. {9T 150.4}

(Acts 22:20 NKJV) 'And when the blood of Your martyr Stephen was shed, I also was standing by consenting to his death, and guarding the clothes of those who were killing him.'

(Mat 28:19-20 NKJV) "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, {20} "teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen.

(Acts 8:26-31 NKJV) Now an angel of the Lord spoke to Philip, saying, "Arise and go toward the south along the road which goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza." This is desert. {27} So he arose and went. And behold, a man of Ethiopia, a eunuch of great authority under Candace the queen of the Ethiopians, who had charge of all her treasury, and had come to Jerusalem to worship, {28} was returning. And sitting in his chariot, he was reading Isaiah the prophet. {29} Then the Spirit said to Philip, "Go near and overtake this chariot." {30} So Philip ran to him, and heard him reading the prophet Isaiah, and said, "Do you understand what you are reading?" {31} And he said, "How can I, unless someone guides me?" And he asked Philip to come up and sit with him.

(2 Pet 3:9 NKJV) The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.

(2 Cor 5:14 NKJV) For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died;

Read Daniel chapter 1

Read Matthew chapters 5 - 7

(Acts 18:4 NKJV) And he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and persuaded both Jews and Greeks.

(Acts 5:17-42 NKJV) Then the high priest rose up, and all those who were with him (which is the sect of the Sadducees), and they were filled with indignation, {18} and laid their hands on the apostles and put them in the common prison. {19} But at night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out, and said, {20} "Go, stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this life." {21} And when they heard that, they entered the temple early in the morning and taught. But the high priest and those with him came and called the council together, with all the elders of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought. {22} But when the officers came and did not find them in the prison, they returned and reported, {23} saying, "Indeed we found the prison shut securely, and the guards standing outside before the doors; but when we opened them, we found no one inside!" {24} Now when the high priest, the captain of the temple, and the chief priests heard these things, they wondered what the outcome would be. {25} So one came and told them, saying, "Look, the men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple and teaching the people!" {26} Then the captain went with the officers and brought them without violence, for they feared the people, lest they should be stoned. {27} And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest asked them, {28} saying, "Did we not strictly command you not to teach in this name? And look, you have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this Man's blood on us!" {29} But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: "We ought to obey God rather than men. {30} "The God of our fathers raised up Jesus whom you murdered by hanging on a tree. {31} "Him God has exalted to His right hand to be Prince and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. {32} "And we are His witnesses to these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him." {33} When they heard this, they were furious and plotted to kill them. {34} Then one in the council stood up, a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law held in respect by all the people, and commanded them to put the apostles outside for a little while. {35} And he said to them: "Men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what you intend to do regarding these men. {36} "For some time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody. A number of men, about four hundred, joined him. He was slain, and all who obeyed him were scattered and came to nothing. {37} "After this man, Judas of Galilee rose up in the days of the census, and drew away many people after him. He also perished, and all who obeyed him were dispersed. {38} "And now I say to you, keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this work is of men, it will come to nothing; {39} "but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it; lest you even be found to fight against God." {40} And they agreed with him, and when they had called for the apostles and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. {41} So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name. {42} And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.