JESUS QUICKENS FAITH

The following study is from a compilation created by Glenn A Coon entitled, "I Know Something Good"  A soul winning manual for sharing the good news of salvation.

LESSON VIII

JESUS QUICKENS FAITH

The Law of Victory

I. The Kind of Men Jesus Chose as Leaders of His Church

1. How many apostles did Jesus first choose?
"Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve," John 6:70, first part.
2. How is one of the twelve described?
"And one of you is a devil?" John 6:70, last part.
3. Which one was a faithless doubter?
"Then saith he to Thomas . . . be not faithless, but believing." John 20:27.
4. Which one was a denier of Jesus?
"And Simon Peter stood and warmed himself. They said therefore unto him, Art not thou also one of his disciples? He denied it, and said, I am not." John 18:25.
5. What were James and John called?
"And James the son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James: and he surnamed them Boanerges, which is, The sons of thunder." Mark 3:17.
6. What was often the condition of the twelve disciples?
"And there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest." Luke 22:24.

II. Jesus had Faith in these Erring Men
1. What did Jesus do and say to quicken the faith of Peter?
"But I have prayed for thee that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren." Luke 22:32.
2. What words of Jesus to these men (excepting Judas) shows that He had confidence that they would let the Holy Spirit enter their hearts?
"But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you." Acts 1:8. 
3. What world-wide commission did Jesus give these erring men?
"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost." Matthew 28:19.
"Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven." Matthew 18:18.
Which authority was subject to the following simple rules which He laid down: Matthew 18:15-18; Matthew 28:20. 

4. How great was the faith of Jesus in His human followers?
"He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied." Isaiah 53:11.

III. Christ Wants to Break Down Our Prejudice of One Another
1. When Christ calls a man to service, what are we liable to say?
“I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done." Acts 9:13.
2. How does Christ reply to our prejudices?
"Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name." Acts 9:15, middle part.
"Feeling the terrible power of temptation, the drawing of desire that leads to indulgence, many a man cries in despair, 'I can not resist evil.' Tell him that he can, that he must resist. He may have been overcome again and again, but it need not be always thus. He is weak in moral power, controlled by the habits of a life of sin. His promises and resolutions are like ropes of sand. The knowledge of his broken promises and forfeited pledges weakens his confidence in his own sincerity, and causes him to feel that God can not accept him or work with his efforts. But he need not despair."Ministry of Healing, pp. 174, 175.
3. If one errs from the faith, what are we to do?
"Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted." Galatians 6:1.
"You will watch over and encourage them, and your sympathy and confidence will make it hard for them to fall from their steadfastness."Christ's Object Lessons, p. 197.
"He honored man with His confidence, and thus placed him on his honor."Testimonies to Ministers, p. 190.

IV. Reward of Confidence
1. What wonderful, almost unbelievable promise has Christ left us concerning our erring brothers?
"If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life." 1 John 5:16.
"Jesus sees His true church on the earth, whose greatest ambition is to cooperate with Him in the grand work of saving souls. He hears their prayers, presented in contrition and power, and Omnipotence can not resist their plea for the salvation of any tried, tempted member of Christ's body." Testimonies to Ministers, pp. 19, 20.
2. How fully will Christ's confidence in His people be justified?
"Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy." Jude 24.
"For they are without fault before the throne of God." Revelation 14:5, last part.
"The Lord Jesus is making experiments on human hearts through the exhibition of His mercy and abundant grace. He is effecting transformations so amazing that Satan, with all his triumphant boasting, with all his confederacy of evil united against God and the laws of His government, stands viewing them as a fortress impregnable to his sophistries and delusions. They are to him an incomprehensible mystery. The angels of God . . . look on with astonishment and joy, that fallen men, once children of wrath, are through the training of Christ developing characters after the divine similitude, to be sons and daughters of God, to act an important part in the occupations and pleasures of heaven." Testimonies to Ministers, p. 18.

V. Practical Ways to Express Faith in Others
1. Parents express faith in young child who plans to be baptized, rather than expressing doubt by saying, "I don't know whether you realize what you are doing."
2. Wife or husband express faith in mate by saying, "I believe you want to decide for Jesus."
3. Church member to express faith in one who has fallen by saying, "God will bring you through."
4. For the sick, instead of saying, "You look bad:" rather say, "I believe you will soon be well."
5. To the apparently careless say, "Way down in your heart, I know there is a real longing to do right, and I will stick by you and not fail you."

VI. Our Appeal to God
1. What prayer should be ours for our brethren?
“'0 Lord, be gracious unto us; we have waited for thee: be thou their arm every morning, our salvation also in the time of trouble.” Isaiah 33:2.
"The Spirit furnishes the strength that sustains striving, wrestling souls in every emergency, amidst the hatred of the world, and the realization of their own failures and mistakes."Acts of the Apostles, p. 51.

Reflection
Will you join the author in quickening faith in one another, even in those who have stumbled again and again?
"All dissension, all differences and fault-finding, should be put away, with all evil speaking and bitterness; kindness, love, and compassion for one another should be cherished, that the prayer of Christ that his disciples might be one as he is one with the Father, may be answered." Testimonies, Vol. 5, p. 279. 

JESUS INSPIRES HOPE

The following study is from a compilation created by Glenn A Coon entitled, "I Know Something Good"  A soul winning manual for sharing the good news of salvation.

LESSON VII

JESUS INSPIRES HOPE

A Law of Salvation

I. Jesus Saves By Hope
1. How are we saved?
"For we are saved by hope." Romans 8:24
"The Lord is keeping alive the spark of hope in their hearts."Testimonies to Ministers, p. 354.
2. What is Satan's desire to bring to the human heart?
"That at that time ye were without Christ, . . . having no hope, and without God in the world." Ephesians 2:12.
"Satan . . . desires to take every glimmer of hope and every ray of light from the soul." Steps to Christ, p. 56.

II. Jesus' Ministry of Hope
1. Cite some characters whose lives Christ inspired with hope.
a. Saul, greatest of New Testament missionaries. Acts 9:11, 13, 15.
"The martyrdom of Stephen made a deep impression upon all who witnessed it. The memory of the signet of God upon his face; his words, which touched the very souls of those who heard them, remained in the minds of the beholders, and testified to the truth of that which he had proclaimed. His death was a sore trial to the church, but it resulted in the conviction of Saul, who could not efface from his memory the faith and constancy of the martyr, and the glory that had rested on his countenance.
"At the scene of Stephen's trial and death, Saul had seemed to be imbued with a frenzied zeal. Afterward he was angered by his own secret conviction that Stephen had been honored by God at the very time when he was dishonored by men. . . . Saul was elected a member of the Sanhedrin council, in consideration of the part he had acted on this occasion. For a time he was a mighty instrument in the hands of Satan to carry out his rebellion against the Son of God. . . . A Mightier than Satan had chosen Saul to take the place of the martyred Stephen, to preach and suffer for His name, and to spread far and wide the tidings of salvation through His blood."Acts of the Apostles, pp. 101, 102.
b. Mary Magdalene, first at the Saviour's tomb. Mark 16:9 

"There are souls in their darkness, full of remorse and pain and anguish, who still feel that God is just and good. The Lord is keeping alive the spark of hope in their hearts. . . . The soul wrenched with human agony turns away from the misjudgment and condemnation of men who can not read the heart, yet have taken it upon them to judge their fellow men. He turns to One who is without a shadow of misapprehension, One who knows all the impulses of the heart, who is acquainted with all the circumstances of temptation."Testimonies to Ministers, p. 354.
c. The woman of Samaria, who had had five husbands. John 4:18, 39.
"Jesus had convinced her that He read the secrets of her life; yet she felt that He was her friend, pitying and loving her."Desire of Ages, p. 189.
d. The thief on the cross who confessed Christ when His own disciples forsook Him. Luke 23:42.
"He had seen and heard Jesus, and had been convicted by His teaching, but he had been turned away from Him by the priests and rulers. Seeking to stifle conviction, he had plunged deeper and deeper into sin, until he was arrested, tried as a criminal, and condemned to die on the cross. . . . For long hours of agony, reviling and mockery have fallen upon the ears of Jesus. As He hangs upon the cross, there floats up to Him still the sound of jeers and curses. With longing heart He had listened for some expression of faith from His disciples. He has heard only the mournful words, ‘We trusted that it had been He which should have redeemed Israel.' How grateful then to the Saviour was the utterance of faith and love from the dying thief. While the leading Jews deny Him, and even the disciples doubt His divinity, the poor thief, upon the brink of eternity, calls Jesus Lord. Many were ready to call Him Lord when He wrought miracles, and after He had risen from the grave; but none acknowledged Him as He hung dying upon the cross save the penitent thief who was saved at the eleventh hour." Desire of ages, pp. 749, 750.

III. Lasting Victory Comes By Inspiring Hope
1. What is the purpose of the Scriptures?
"That we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope." Romans 15:4, last part.
2. How did hope in the prodigal spring up?
"But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him." Luke 15:20.
"In the parable there is no taunting, no casting up to the prodigal of his evil course. The son feels that the past is forgiven and forgotten, blotted out forever. "Christ's Object Lessons, p. 204.
3. What does hope do to the soul?
"And hope maketh not ashamed." Romans 5:5.
"He sought to inspire with hope the most rough and unpromising, setting before them the assurance that they might become blameless and harmless, attaining such a character as would make them manifest as the children of God. Often He met those who had drifted under Satan's control, and who had no power to break from his snare. To such a one, discouraged, sick, tempted, and fallen, Jesus would speak words of tenderest pity, words that were needed and could be understood. Others He met who were fighting a hand-to-hand battle with the adversary of souls. These He encouraged to persevere, assuring them that they would win; for angels of God were on their side, and would give them the victory. Those whom He thus helped were convinced that here was One in whom they could trust with perfect confidence. He would not betray the secrets they poured into His sympathizing ear." Desire of Ages, pp. 91, 92. 

IV. Jesus–the Basis of Hope
1. Who is our hope?
"For thou art my hope, 0 Lord God." Psalms 71:5.
2. What is it that gives us hope in this dark hour?
"The Lord shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee." Isaiah 60:2.
3. What hope is there in the name of Jesus?
"Thou shalt call his name JESUS; for he shall save his people from their sins." Matthew 1:21.
4. While men's hearts are failing them for fear, through looking at things coming on the earth, where, and to Whom, are we to look?
"Look up." Luke 21:28.
"Look unto me, and be ye saved." Isaiah 45:22. 5. The promises of God are likened to what? "Which hope we have an anchor to the soul, both sure and stedfast." Hebrews 6:19.
V. How to Receive this Hope with which to Inspire Others
1. How only can we receive, and then give this hope to others?
"And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us." Romans 5:5.
"If all were willing, all would be filled with the Spirit. Wherever the need of the Holy Spirit is a matter little thought of, there is seen spiritual drought, spiritual darkness, spiritual declension and death. Whenever minor matters occupy the attention, the divine power which is necessary for the growth and prosperity of the church, and which would bring all other blessings in its train, is lacking, though offered in infinite plentitude." Acts of the Apostles, p 50
2. How full of hope is the Holy Spirit when He comes to the human heart and is admitted as our guide?
"Ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise, which is the earnest of our inheritance." Ephesians 1:13, last part; 14, first part.
“The gift of this Holy Spirit, rich, full, and abundant, is to be to His church as an encompassing wall of fire, which the powers of hell shall not prevail against." Testimonies to Ministers, p. 18.

Jesus

Wonderful story of Jesus:

Whisper it softly to me. 

Give me a hope in His mercy; 

Hand me His pardon so free.

Tell me for all of my longings, 

All of my strivings for peace,

All of my heart-aches and sighings,

Jesus will bring me release. 

Freedom is found in a person 

Theory alone cannot do.

What I now need is a Saviour. 

Friend, what has Christ done for you?

Reflection

Since men are "saved by hope," is it your determination to inspire the most rough and unpromising with hope? 

Witnessing for Jesus

The following study is from a compilation created by Glenn A Coon entitled, "I Know Something Good"  A soul winning manual for sharing the good news of salvation.

LESSON VI 
WITNESSING FOR JESUS

Law of the Spiritual Court-room

I. Christ Witnessed Unto His Father

1. For what cause was Christ born?

"To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world; that I should bear witness unto the truth." John 18:37.

“He did not command the disciples to do this or that, but said, 'Follow me.'"Acts of the Apostles, p. 18.

"On His journeys through country and cities, He took them with Him, that they might see how He taught the people. . . . They saw Him in every phase of life." Acts of the Apostles, p. 18.

2. What shows that it was not merely the testimony of words, but His life that was the real witness of Jesus?

"The works that I do in my Father's name, they bear witness of me." John 10:25.

II. Christ's Followers are His 'Witnesses’

1. What promise did Christ give His early church before He departed from them?

"Ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me." Acts 1:8.

In the court-room of the universe we are not judges but witnesses. "A legal religion can never lead souls to Christ; for it is a loveless, Christless religion. Fasting or prayer that is actuated by a self-justifying spirit is an abomination in the sight of God."Desire of Ages, p. 280.

2. What shows that the witness plan has always been God's ideal?

"Ye are my witnesses, saith the Lord, that I am God." Isaiah 43:12, last part.

"This also we shall be in eternity.” Education, p. 3081.

3. Is it true that our witnessing in this life is merely preliminary to our eternal witnessing in the great beyond?

"That in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus." Ephesians 2:7. 

"The science of redemption is the science of all sciences; . . . the science that will be the study of God's redeemed throughout endless ages."Education, p. 126.

III. How We Can Witness for, or against, Christ?

1. What great science should we study?

"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." 2 Timothy 2:15.

"Great is the responsibility of those who take upon themselves the guidance of a human soul."Education, p. 280.

"The highest of all sciences is the science of soul-saving. ... For the accomplishment of this work, a broad foundation must be laid. A comprehensive education is needed." Ministry of Healing, p. 398.

"He who begins with a little knowledge, in a humble way, and tells what he knows, while seeking diligently for further knowledge, will find the whole heavenly treasure awaiting his demand. . . . The more one tries to explain the word of God to others, with a love for souls, the plainer it becomes to himself."Christ's Object Lessons, p. 357.

2. How can we witness for Jesus?

"Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee." Mark 5:19.

3. What great promise does God give us?

"If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life." 1 John 5:16.

"One petition offered up to God in faith has more power than a wealth of human intellect."Testimonies, Vol. 2, p. 279.

4. How personal will be our witness of Jesus?

"My beloved is mine, and I am his." Song of Solomon 2:16.

"lf we are Christ's, our sweetest thoughts will be of Him. We shall love to talk of Him; and s we speak to one another of His love, our hearts will be softened by divine influences."Desire of Ages, p. 83.

"Far more than we do, we need to speak of the precious chapters in our experience, of the mercy and Loving-kindness of God, of the matchless depths of the Saviour's love. When mind and heart are filled with the love of God, it will not be difficult to impart that which enters into the spiritual life." Prophets and Kings, p. 317.

5. Is it possible to deny Christ?

"But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven." Matthew 10:33.

"They may deny Him by shunning life's burdens, by the pursuit of sinful pleasure. They may deny Him

by conforming to the world, by uncourteous behavior, by the love of their own opinions, by justifying self, by cherishing doubt, borrowing trouble, and dwelling in darkness. In all these ways they declare that Christ is not in them. And 'whosoever shall deny me before men,' He says, 'him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven."'Desire of ages, p. 357. 

6. How joyful should be our witness?

"Rejoice evermore." 1 Thessalonians 5:16.

“The joy of the Lord is your strength." Nehemiah 8:10.

"Count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations." James 1:2. "In everything give thanks." 1 Thessalonians 5:18.

"True religion brings man into harmony with the laws of God, physical, mental, and moral. It teaches self-control, serenity, temperance. Religion ennobles the mind, refines the taste, and sanctifies the judgment. It makes the soul a partaker of the purity of heaven. Faith in God's love and overruling providence lightens the burdens of anxiety and care. It fills the heart with joy and contentment in the highest or the lowliest lot. Religion tends directly to promote health, to lengthen life, and to heighten our enjoyment of all its blessings. It opens to the soul a never-failing fountain of happiness."Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 600.

7. If we feel our inadequacy, what has God given to us? “Exceeding great and precious promises." 2 Peter 1:4.

"He rejoiced in the consciousness that He could and would do more for His followers than He had promised."Acts of the Apostles, p. 23.

"Although they feel the magnitude of the work, and are led to exclaim, 'Who is sufficient for these things?' yet they will not shirk from labor and toil, but will labor earnestly and unselfishly to save souls." Testimonies, Vol. 2, p. 152.

"He will guide His people and give skill and understanding in the work they are called to do. In answer to earnest prayer, He will give wisdom to those who strive to do their duty conscientiously and intelligently."Testimonies, Vol. 7, p. 61.

When in faith we take hold of His strength, He will change, wonderfully change the most hopeless, discouraging outlook. He will do this for the glory of His name." Prophets and Kings, p. 260.

"Do not neglect earnest prayer that you may possess a lowly mind, and that angels of God may go before you to work upon the hearts you are trying to reach, and so soften them by heavenly impressions that your efforts may avail."Testimonies, Vol. 2, p. 53.

8. In order to make us witnesses unto Him, what promise is left us?

"But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me." Acts 1:8.

"It is not always the most learned presentation of God's truth that convicts and converts the soul. Not by eloquence or logic are men's hearts reached, but by the sweet influences of the Holy Spirit, which operates quietly yet surely in transforming and developing character. It is the still small voice of the Spirit of God that has power to change the heart."Prophets and Kings, p. 169.

"There is no limit to the usefulness of the one who, putting self aside, makes room for the working of the Holy Spirit upon his heart, and lives a life wholly consecrated to God." Southern Watchman, August 1, 1905.

Reflection 

Will you join the author in the resolve to be a positive witness of the truth as it is in Christ, rather than a judge or a prosecuting attorney? Kindly look at the certificate of membership appearing in the back of this manual, and decide whether you would like to become a member of the "I Know Something Good Fellowship." If so, you may remove the certificate at the perforation, and frame it, after you have affixed your name to the pledge.

"Help those who have erred, by telling them of your experiences. Show how, when you made grave mistakes, patience, kindness, and helpfulness on the part of your fellow workers gave you courage and hope. "Ministry of Healing, p . 49. 

Jesus-Not Condemnation

The following study is from a compilation created by Glenn A Coon entitled, "I Know Something Good"  

A soul winning manual for sharing the good news of salvation.

LESSON V

JESUS–NOT CONDEMNATION

The Law of Positiveness

I. Christ's Mission

1. How does Christ sum up His mission?

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16.

2. For what purpose did He not come?

"For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved." John 3:17.

"The Lord wants His people to follow other methods than that of condemning wrong, even though the condemnation is just."Gospel Workers, p. 373.

II. Classes Christ Did Not Condemn

1. Name some of the classes of individuals Christ has forbidden us to condemn.

a. Christians of other groups than our own. Mark 9:38-4C. b. Christians of our own group. Romans 14:13. c. Those who have fallen into sin. John 8:3-11. d. Anyone who preaches the Word of God. 1 Timothy 5:17, 19.

III. Classes Christ Does Condemn

1. Those who condemn others. Matthew 7:1, 2; Romans 2:1.

a. They are guilty also of hypocrisy. Matthew 7:5.

b. All judgment is committed to Christ. John 5:22.

c. Therefore, those who try to take His place are associated with anti-christ. 2 Thessalonians 2:2-4; 1 John 2:18.

2. Those who "debate" and have "strife" and oppress others, we are to "cry aloud" against and "spare not." Isaiah 58:1, 4. 

3. The proud, self-satisfied, etc. Proverbs 6:16-19; Revelation 3:14-20. 4. Not the sinner, but the sin. Romans 8:3.

IV. Christ Understood

1. How did Christ show the woman of Samaria that He knew all about her life?

"For thou hast had five husbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband." John 4:18.

2. Instead of condemning her for this unfortunate life, what did Jesus do for her?

"The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: . . .Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he." John 4:25, 26.

"Jesus had convinced her that He read the secrets of her life; yet she felt that He was her friend, pitying and loving her. While the very purity of His presence condemned her sin, He had spoken no word of denunciation, but had told her of His grace, that could renew the soul." Desire of Ages, p. 189.

3. Do we have a record of Jesus ever revealing Himself in this way to the Pharisees?

"I thank thee, 0 Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes." Matthew 11:25.

"The plain statement made by Christ to this woman could not have been made to the self-righteous Jews. . . . That which had been withheld from the Jews, and which the disciples were afterward enjoined to keep secret, was revealed to her."Desire of Ages, p. 190.

4. In what words does the Bible picture Christ's understanding of our pitiful condition?

"Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him. For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust." Psalms 103:13, 14.

V. Christ Kept Alive the Spark of Self-respect

1. How did Christ value the human soul?

"For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?" Mark 8:36.

"When one at fault becomes conscious of his error, be careful not to destroy his self-respect." Ministry of Healing, p. 167.

"Most pitiable is the condition of him who is suffering under remorse; he is as one stunned, staggering, sinking into the dust. He can see nothing clearly. The mind is beclouded, he knows not what steps to take. Many a poor soul is misunderstood, unappreciated, full of distress and agony, a lost, straying sheep. He can not find God; yet he has an intense longing for pardon and peace.

"0, let no word be spoken to cause deeper pain: To the soul weary of a life of sin, but knowing not where to find relief, present the compassionate Saviour." Ministry of Healing, p. 168.

VI. The Human Heart Longs to be Understood

1. What expression of Job shows that he longed for his friends to understand rather than to condemn him?

"Miserable comforters are ye all. Shall vain words have an end? or what emboldeneth thee that thou answerest? I also could speak as ye do: if your soul were in my soul's stead, I could heap up words against you, and shake mine head at you. But I would strengthen you with my mouth, and the moving of my lips should asswage your grief." Job 16:2-5.

2. How did David express his belief that humanity's sin is that of condemnation?

"Let me not fall into the hand of man." 2 Samuel 24:14, last part.

"The inhumanity of man toward man is our greatest sin. Many think that they are representing the justice of God, while they wholly fail of representing His tenderness and His great love. Often the ones whom they meet with sternness and severity are under the stress of temptation. Satan is wrestling with these souls, and harsh, unsympathetic words discourage them, and cause them to fall a prey to the tempter's power."Ministry of Healing, p. 163.

3. For what did Solomon make request of God?

"Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart." 1 Kings 3:9.

4. Did Solomon's request please God, and did He grant his request?

"And the speech pleased the Lord. . . . And God said unto him, . . . Behold, I have done according to thy words." 1 Kings 3:10-12.

"And remember that if by your spirit or your words you close the door to even one soul, that soul will confront you in the judgment." Gospel Workers, p. 374.

"One drop of gall in it will be poison to the hearer or the reader. Because of that drop of poison, one will discard all your good and acceptable words." Gospel Workers, p. 375.

VII. How to Bring the Tempted Soul to Christ

1. What invitation of Christ are we to extend to the sin-weary heart?

"Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28.

"And let him that heareth say come." Revelation 22:17.

"Everywhere men are unsatisfied. They long for something to supply the need of the soul. Only One can meet that want."Desire of Ages, p. 187.

"Go to Him, saying, 'Lord, my burdens are too heavy for me to carry. Wilt thou bear them for me? I And He will answer: 'I will take them. With everlasting kindness will I have mercy upon thee. I will take your sins, and will give you peace. Banish no longer your self-respect; for I have bought you with the price of My own blood. You are Mine. Your weakened will I will strengthen. Your remorse for sin I will remove."Testimonies to Ministers, pp. 519, 520.

2. What ministry has God committed unto us, instead of that of condemnation? "And hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation." 2 Corinthians 5:18.

"And hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation." Verse 19.

“We pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God." Verse 20.

Reflection

Since men and women, boys and girls, are not helped by belittling them, condemning them, or denouncing them; shall we not resolve from this time forward to "speak evil of no man," even as God 

Jesus-The Argument

The following study is from a compilation created by Glenn A Coon entitled, "I Know Something Good"  

A soul winning manual for sharing the good news of salvation.

LESSON IV JESUS–THE ARGUMENT

The Law of Persuasion Through Love

I The Great Argument

1. How did Christ state the great key to soul winning:
"By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." John 13:35.
"A kind, courteous Christian is the most powerful argument that can be produced in favor of Christianity."Gospel Workers, p. 122.
"The strongest argument in favor of the gospel is a loving and lovable Christian.” Ministry of Healing, p. 470.
"Men may combat and defy our logic, they may resist our appeals; but a life of disinterested love is an argument they cannot gainsay. A consistent life, characterized by the meekness of Christ, is a power in the world." Desire of Ages, p. 142.
2. What relation to Christ does the church have?
"Now ye are the body of Christ." 1 Corinthians 12:27.
3. What kind of harmony in the body will convince the world that we are actually the people of God?
"I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me." John 17:23.
"The secret of our success in the work of God will be found in the harmonious working of our people. There must be concentrated action. Every member of the body of Christ must act his part in the cause of God, according to the ability that God has given him. We must press together against obstructions and difficulties, shoulder to shoulder, heart to heart."Review and Herald, December 2, 1890.
"If the world sees a perfect harmony existing in the church of God, it will be a powerful evidence to them in favor of the Christian religion."Testimonies, Vol. 4, p. 19.

II. Christ Set Us an Example in Soul-winning
1. How did Christ set us an example in soul winning?
"For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example that ye should follow his steps: who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously." 1 Peter 2:21-23.
"In the advocacy of truth the bitterest opponents should be treated with respect and deference." Gospel Workers, p. 373.
2. When Christ was reviled by the devil, how did He respond?
"Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation." Jude 9. 

"Remember that you are to represent Christ in His meekness and gentleness and love," Gospel Workers, p. 372.
3. What is Christ to us?
"For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you." John 13:15,
"Let the prayer constantly ascend, 'Lord, teach me how to do as Jesus would do, were He in my place.'" Gospel Workers, p. 373.

III. Early Christians Presented Jesus
1. What kind of an argument did the early disciples use to combat prejudice?
"And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see." John 1:46.
2. When Nathanael met Jesus and conversed with Him a few moments, what did he exclaim?
"Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the king of Israel." John 1:49.
3. When the early church was persecuted, what did their enemies have to admit?
"And they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus." Acts 4:13.
"They were of 'one accord', 'of one heart and of one soul'. Christ filled their thoughts; the advancement of His kingdom was their aim. In mind and character they had become like their Master."Acts of the Apostles, P. 437

IV. Reward of the Spirit
1. If we display the meekness of Christ toward the bitterest opponents, what may we expect God to do?
"And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, in meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth." 2 Timothy 2:24, 25.
2. For what aid may we look to God?
"If I depart I will send him (the Comforter) unto you. And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment." John 16:7, last part, verse 8.
"The Saviour knew that no argument, however logical, would melt hard hearts, or break through the crust of worldliness and selfishness. He knew that His disciples must receive the heavenly endowment."Acts of the Apostles, p. 31.
"The Spirit is given as a regenerating agency, to make effectual the salvation wrought by the death of our Redeemer. The Spirit is constantly seeking to draw the attention of men to the great offering that was made on the cross of Calvary, to unfold to the world the love of God, and to open to the convicted soul the precious things of the Scriptures.
"Having brought conviction of sin, and presented before the mind the standard of righteousness, the Holy Spirit withdraws the affections from the things of this earth, and fills the soul with a desire for holiness."Acts of the Apostles, pp. 52, 53.

Reflection 

A great preacher was once asked by a Christian woman, who stated that she had talked and talked and talked to her husband about being a Christian, just what he would advise her to do more than she had done.
To her question, the wise preacher replied, "Lady, if I were you, I would talk to God more about my husband than to my husband about God."
"The harmony and unity of the church are the credentials that they present to the world that Jesus is the Son of God."Testimonies, Vol. 5, p. 279.
"The consistent life, the patient forbearance, the spirit unruffled under provocation, is always the most conclusive argument and the most solemn appeal." Ministry of Healing, p. 49.