1908

January 1, 1908

True Christianity

EGW 

A man lives unto God when he continually recognizes Him as a present Helper. When there is a recognition of the Lord Jesus Christ, there will be a holy fear lest he shall make mistakes. The soul will be drawn out continually in earnest prayer as he realizes his need. As he draws nigh unto God, God will draw nigh unto him; the love of God will be kindled in his heart, and he will be able to speak the words of God. The language of the heart will then be, “Whom have I in heaven but Thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside Thee.” BTS January 1, 1908, par. 1

We must give evidence of a spiritual relationship to God, in all our ways acknowledging Him. Others will be able to detect whether we make ourselves a center or whether we regard Christ as all in all. When we have the fear of the Lord ever before us, our experience will not be tame and spiritless. Christ formed within will be the hope of glory. BTS January 1, 1908, par. 2

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. In him there is a hope that “maketh not ashamed.” The joy of the Lord will break forth from lips that are sanctified. We must now receive rich experiences in the service of God. Our faith is to be expressed in thanksgiving. “Whoso offereth praise glorifieth God.” “In everything give thanks.” “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His Holy Name.” Let expressions of praise flow forth from human lips. We are to rejoice in the Lord more than we have done. Let not the heart remain cold and dull and unimpressive. There are some who think that in matters of practical Christianity, they have a superior intelligence. Whether or not this is so, will be demonstrated by the life-actions. Are they self centered, or are they moved by the Holy Spirit of truth and righteousness? Religion is to become a living, active principle. The one all-absorbing motive of the true Christian is to give an expression of the goodness and the love of Christ. BTS January 1, 1908, par. 3

The Lord sends His messenger to correct the erring, however highly they may regard themselves. He asks that they submit their judgment to His control. Every soul must be under discipline to God. To occupy an exalted position is not always evidence that the Lord has placed an individual in that position. It is works, not position, that testify to the value of a man. Hereditary traits of character need to be overcome. A man can not safely be intrusted with the control of others, unless he himself is under the satisfaction of the Holy Spirit. BTS January 1, 1908, par. 4

In the spirit of meekness and lowliness of heart, all methods and plans should be submitted to wise counselors for their prayerful consideration and their endorsement. Otherwise, a restless, speculative energy and ambition may make an evil mark upon the cause of God, and subvert and hinder the very work that the Lord has declared should be done. BTS January 1, 1908, par. 5

In order that the great work of sanctification that needs to be carried forward in the churches may be accomplished, the minds and wills of our ministers, physicians, and teachers, should be united, their hearts blending in one Spirit to give the trumpet a certain sound. Let every voice proclaim distinctly the third angel's message. In word and act let those who are proclaiming the message, reveal that they are numbered among those “that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” BTS January 1, 1908, par. 6

If this had been done faithfully, with the Word of the living God as the great lessonbook, the third angel's message would have gone with greater power. Had all God's ministers, as faithful stewards of the grace of God, called upon the world to hear the last note of warning, giving the trumpet a certain sound, thousands more might have been converted, and added their voices in proclaiming the message to the world. In distinct notes of solemn warning is to be given the closing message that will prepare a people to receive the seal of the living God. BTS January 1, 1908, par. 7

Satan is working to fill minds with the spirit of ambition and of commercialism. Those whose minds are thus diverted, will lose their opportunity of giving the last message to the world. BTS January 1, 1908, par. 8

If a faithful work had been done during the last few years that have gone into eternity, thousands of souls would now be found with Bibles in their hands, reading the Word of God, and praying for light and guidance. Many of these would be engaged in the work of hunting for souls, and fitting up a people to stand in the great day of God. But some who ought to be missionaries, are enthused with the spirit of commercialism and with an ambition to secure for themselves certain advantages. The truth becomes to them a dead letter, not practiced nor obeyed. BTS January 1, 1908, par. 9

Jehovah is the true God. Let Him be feared and reverenced. BTS January 1, 1908, par. 10