The Elders Blog

"Now those whom Christ calls his own, whom He has sacrificed so much for, will not, cannot, enjoy anything selfishly. Their interest will be identified with that of their Redeemer. To every one of them will be given opportunities to show their love for his dear name by consecrating to Him themselves and the possessions He has loaned them on trust. Jesus expects nothing less of them than that the claims of his kingdom, the boundless love he has manifested towards them, will awaken a response in their hearts, an interest that will overbalance every worldly consideration. There must be no cessation of benevolent acts. New channels for their outflow will be opening around us in this day of preparation for the great event, the coming of Christ in the clouds of heaven. Link after link they form a golden chain of love, binding heart to heart, and all hearts to Christ's great heart of infinite love. When this love takes possession of the heart, the plans devised to spread the light of truth and extend the Redeemer's kingdom will seem too small, the most costly offering too cheap. The icy spirit of selfishness will melt away, and in its place benevolence will well up like a living fountain to overflow and bless." BEcho, February 12, 1894

I pray for this work to be completed in my heart and indeed each of us so that our very existence will be wrought up completely in our Fathers heart of infinite love. Then we will truly be vessels of His light to shine forth God's love to a dark and fallen world. The passion for saving lost souls will greatly out weigh any consideration of self importance and judging of others.

"Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." (Mat 5:14-16)

May our passion like Christ be to work for the reconciliation of sinners back to God. Gods inward abiding love will demand no less.

"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;" (2Co 5:17-18)

We must each evaluate our hearts and ask what our ministry really is. For many who have been the recipients of slander and attacks for our faith, honesty with ourselves may be difficult. Are we reconciliators or accusers?