p. 1180 | The Business of the Church

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Dec 4, 1913

The Business of the Church

“The church of Christ has been organized on earth for missionary purposes, and it is of the highest importance that every individual member of the church should be a sincere laborer together with God, filled with the Spirit, having the mind of Christ, perfected in sympathy with Christ, and therefore bending every energy, according to his entrusted ability, to the saving of souls. Christ requires that every one who would be called by his name should make his work the first and highest consideration, and disinterestedly cooperate with heavenly intelligences in saving the perishing, for whom Christ has died.”—An Appeal on Home Missionary Work, page 28.

Christ came into the world for a specific purpose, to seek and save that which was lost. When he ascended to heaven, he gave this work of seeking and saving into the hands of his followers, to be their business in the world until he should return to declare it finished. “As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.” John 17:18.

But did not that mean the disciples, and does it not now mean the ministers,—that to that class this work of saving sinners has been given?

Here is the answer, given through the spirit of prophecy: “God has given to every man a work to do in connection with his kingdom. Each one professing the name of Christ is to be an interested worker, ready to defend the principles of righteousness. The work of the gospel is not to depend solely upon the minister; every soul should take an active part in advancing the cause of God.”—Id., page 6.

But surely those who have had little education are excused from this work. It cannot be expected that they will take part in it.

“But let no one feel that because he is not educated he cannot be expected to take part in the work. God has a work for you to do. He has given to every man his work.”—Id., page 13.

No one is excused. From old and young, from rich and poor, from every one to whom the Lord has given eternal life, is expected loving service in making known to others the way of salvation. This is the business of the church, the object for which it was organized.

Who should plan for this work of warning the people?

“Greater and wiser efforts must be put forth to help the churches in our land. The elders and those who have leading places in the church should give more thought to their plans for conducting the work. They should arrange matters so that every member of the church shall have a part to act, that none may lead an aimless life, but that all may accomplish what they can according to their several ability.”—Sowing Beside All Waters, page 26.

“O, how few know the day of their visitation! How few, even among those who claim to believe in present truth, understand the signs of the times, or what they are to experience before the end!”

“Brethren and sisters who have long claimed to believe the truth, I would ask you, Have your practises been in harmony with your light? with your privileges? with the opportunities granted of heaven? This is a serious question. Why is there so little faith? so little spiritual power? Why are there so few who bear the yoke and carry the burden of Christ? Why do persons have to be urged to take up their work for the Master?”

“I appeal to the churches in every conference: Stand out separate and distinct from the world,—in the world, but not of it,—reflecting the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness, being pure, holy, and undefiled, and in faith carrying light into all the highways and byways of the earth. To his church God has committed the work of diffusing light and bearing the message of his love.”

“Ye churches of the living God, study this promise, and consider how your lack of faith, of spirituality, of divine power, is hindering the coming of the kingdom of God. Were every one of you living missionaries, the gospel would be speedily proclaimed in all countries, to all peoples, nations, and tongues. This is the work that must be done before Christ shall come in power and great glory. I call upon the church to pray earnestly that you may understand your responsibilities. Are you individually laborers together with God? If not, why not? When do you mean to do your God-appointed work?”—An Appeal on Home Missionary Work, pages 3, 4, 20, 21.