Amos 4:11
I have overthrown some of you, as God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah, and ye were as a firebrand plucked out of the burning: yet have ye not returned unto me, saith the LORD. I have overthrown some of you, as God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah, and ye were as a firebrand plucked out of the burning: yet have ye not returned unto me, saith the LORD.
The verse describes a divine overthrow comparable to the overthrow of Sodom and Gomorrah. Those spared in that overthrow were mercifully preserved like a burning stick pulled from a fire, picturing people who came near ruin or destruction but were rescued. Despite that overthrow and rescue, they still did not return to the Lord. The verse describes the condition of Brother John Kellogg as not standing correctly in his relation to present truth.
Its rescue image calls followers of Jesus to save souls through medical missionary work carried forward with speed and directness. Its rescue image calls representatives of Christ to labor to rescue sinners from destruction. Its rescue image applies to those who nearly suffered ruin through the breaking down of the safeguards around marriage. Rescuing a soul in danger of giving up the truth is plucking a brand from the burning, and it requires delivering testimony plainly, firmly and decidedly yet calmly and in love in the spirit of Jesus, with close earnest reproof and warning and pleading for one who is drawing away.