1910

February 1, 1910

How to Become Strong Christians

EGW 

Those who are of the household of faith should never neglect the assembling of themselves together; for this is God's appointed means of leading His children into unity, in order that in Christian love and fellowship they may help, strengthen, and encourage one another. My brethren and sisters, if you would come together for prayer-meetings, if, after confession of sin and humiliation of soul, you would have a love-feast,—every heart filled with true love for his brethren,—you would see the salvation of God. BTS February 1, 1910, par. 1

As brethren of our Lord, we are called with a holy calling to a holy, happy life. Having entered the narrow path of obedience, let us refresh our minds by communion with one another and with God. As we see the day of God approaching, let us meet often to study His Word and to exhort one another to be faithful to the end. These earthly assemblies are God's appointed means by which we have opportunity to speak with one another and to gather all the help possible to prepare, in the right way, to receive in the heavenly assemblies the fulfillment of the pledges of our inheritance. BTS February 1, 1910, par. 2

Remember that in every assembly you meet with Christ, the Master of assemblies. Encourage a personal interest in one another, for it is not enough to simply know men. We must know men in Christ Jesus. We are enjoined to “consider one another.” This is the key-note of the gospel. The key-note of the world is self. BTS February 1, 1910, par. 3

Christ declares to His disciples: “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid... Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Christians are to reveal to the world that they are wearing the yoke of the Great Teacher and learning of Him His meekness and lowliness. As obedient sons and daughters of God, they are to fulfill their obligations to Him, giving to the world a proper representation of His character. Thus they become lights in the world. BTS February 1, 1910, par. 4

The Christian pilgrim is not left to walk in darkness. Jesus leads the way. Those who follow Him walk in the sunshine of His presence. The path that the pilgrim treads is clear and defined. Christ's righteousness goes before him,—the righteousness that makes possible the good works characterizing the life of every true Christian. God is his rereward. He walks in the light as Christ is in the light. As he travels onward in the Christian journey, he combines faith with earnest endeavor to win others to accompany him. Constantly receiving the light of Christ's presence, he reflects this light to others in words of encouragement and deeds of self-denial. He bears the sign of obedience to God's law, which distinguishes him from those who are not following the pathway that leads to life eternal. BTS February 1, 1910, par. 5

The Christian pilgrim cannot be sour, gloomy, depressed. It is a misrepresentation of the Christian faith to be surly, unreasonable, or sour in spirit. My brethren and sisters, no longer cherish such a spirit. Heed the apostle's admonition to provoke one another unto love and good works. How can you do this?—By conscientious, consistent behavior. Occasionally pause to sum up the results of such a course, to ascertain whether it is the wisest course to pursue. You will find that careful regard for one another's needs, kindly words of sympathy, and thoughtful assistance in helping others in their work, encourage not only them, but yourselves as well, because you thus become laborers together with God. BTS February 1, 1910, par. 6