Our Field and Message by F. W. PAAP

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Aug 6, 1914

Our Field and Message

By F. W. PAAP

‘Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel.’ The vastness of the field and the dignity of the message cannot but make a profound impression upon the mind, especially if we take a careful and thoughtful view of the text. Before any steps in the direction of obedience are taken, it must be definitely understood who is addressed. ‘Go ye;’ whom does this mean? There is but one answer. He to whom the light has come. ‘Ye are the light of the world.’ The command is just as definite today as it was in the days of the apostles. Every one who, with genuine faith, believes in Christ enters into his service.

The first great requisite is a full consecration of soul, body, and spirit to God. To all who make this consecration, ‘the inexhaustible supplies of heaven are at their command.’ . . . The grace of God enlarges and multiplies their faculties, and every perfection of the divine nature comes to their assistance in the work of saving souls.’—“The Desire of Ages,” page 827.

What a blessed ministry! What a precious thought to know that we each have the privilege of being laborers together with God! We are not asked to go in our own weakness, but we are promised the fullness of divine power. ‘Ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me,’—witnesses of the gospel as a living force to change the life. God wants us to tell what the gospel has done for us. Have our feet been taken out of the miry clay, and placed upon the solid rock? Has he put a new song in our mouth, even praise to our God? Has he forgiven us our trespasses? Then let us go forth into the camp of the disloyal and declare what great things God has done for us. This will surely bear fruit to his eternal praise.

There are few who really know and appreciate the solemn times in which we are living. We must go to them with a burden of souls upon our hearts. First let us seek God earnestly to guide us, then tell our neighbors and friends that Jesus is soon coming, and furnish proof from the Scriptures as well as by the free use of our truth-filled literature. We shall find hungry and thirsty souls if we will search them out.

In our great home missionary campaign we desire to enlist the cooperation of every child of God. Now as never before the great and wonderful work of this message is to be carried on. ‘The world is to receive the light largely through our books, tracts, and papers. Our periodicals are to be distributed by men and women of all stations and walks of life. Young and old are to act a part. These publications are to show that the end of all things is at hand.’—“Call to Service,” page 2.

‘This home missionary work, this home field, has been shamefully neglected, and it is time that divine resources and remedies were presented that this state of evil may be healed.’—“An Appeal to Our Churches,” page 8.

‘When the reproach of indolence and slothfulness shall have been wiped away from the church, the Spirit of the Lord will be graciously manifested. Divine power will be revealed. The church will see the providential workings of the Lord of hosts. The light of truth will shine forth in clear, strong rays, and as in the time of the apostles, many souls will turn from error to truth. The earth will be lighted with the glory of the Lord.

‘Heavenly angels have long been waiting for human agents—the members of the church—to cooperate with them in the great work to be done. They are waiting for you. 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 for the Church,” Vol. IX, pages 46, 47.

Since it is God’s plan that every believer shall have a part in giving the gospel to all the world, does it not behoove us to set in operation the very simplest plans whereby all can engage in this work? This is what we purpose to do by God’s grace, and we feel confident that our dear people everywhere are ready to cooperate with us in making this home missionary work—this soul-winning campaign—the truest, noblest, and greatest goal ever set by this denomination. ‘Who then is willing to consecrate his service this day unto the Lord?’ We are very anxious to get in touch with every soul winner throughout the North American Division. Write us fully and pass along items of interest at any time.

We stand ready to help you to the full extent of our ability. May we not ask you to unite with us in this great soul-winning campaign? The church is God’s appointed agency for the salvation of men. Let us do all in our power to make it so. F. W. PAAP,

Home Miss. Sec. N. Amer. Div. Conf.