YE SHALL BE WITNESSES by T.

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Dec 8, 1898

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 24, No. 49.

YE SHALL BE WITNESSES.

By T.

Much is said among Christian workers about plans. Conferences are called to discuss plans, and committees are appointed to formulate resolutions, and whole days and sometimes weeks are spent in discussing them. And certainly no fault can be found with the idea of Christian workers coming together for conference. For the Word of God says, “Where no counsel is, the people fall; but in the multitude of counselors there is safety.” Prov. 11:14.

But is not a mistake made in failing to study the Bible in our planning for the Gospel work? Plans of work are quite as clearly presented in the Word as is the Gospel of salvation itself. And, like the Lord’s plan of salvation, His plans for work are exceedingly simple. No complicated machinery whatever is needed.

When the Saviour was about to ascend to His Father’s throne, he imparted to His disciples the following simple plan: “Ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you; and ye shall be witnesses unto Me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” Acts 1:8.

These words from the Master show that first of all His workers must have the Holy Ghost upon them. Then after their baptism by the Holy Ghost they are to go everywhere—even to “the uttermost part of the earth,” but simply as “witnesses” unto Jesus. The work of a witness is to tell what he knows. Then learn of the Saviour, receive His Spirit, and go tell others what you know of His free salvation, his love, and His joy. Men are not truly converted to Christ by finely-drawn arguments nor through the intricacies of complicated plans. His method is for us to receive power from Him, and then witness to His saving grace. How simple the plan is! Yet it is wonderful in working. Cease not to seek Him for the power, and then witness for Him everywhere.