The Focus of Evangelism
by Ellen White
We have entered upon time when the most earnest gospel missionary work is to be done.
But I have been given light, decided light, that the so-called medical missionary work in
America has absorbed means and labour that were needed in other fields where a strong
influence for the truth should be maintained. If we should all engage in the work that Dr.
Kellogg has been doing for the lowest class of people, what would become of the work that
is to be done in the places where the third angel's message, the truth upon the Sabbath
and the second coming of our Lord, has never been proclaimed?
The third angel's message is to be given to our world in clear, distinct lines. Some
have thought that it is best to gradually prepare the way for the presentation of the
Sabbath question. The Sabbath truth is the message to be proclaimed with a loud voice, as
presented in the fifty-eighth chapter of Isaiah. And in the fourteenth chapter of
Revelation we read, "The third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any
man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead or in his hand,
the same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture
into the cup of His indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the
presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb." [verses 9, 10]. This
message embraces the two preceding messages. It is represented as being given with a loud
voice, that is, with the power of the Holy Spirit. The impression made by this message
will be proportionate to the earnestness with which it is proclaimed. 14MR 158
The many argumentative sermons preached, seldom soften and subdue the soul. . . . It
should be the burden of every messenger to set forth the fullness of Christ. When the free
gift of Christ's righteousness is not presented, the discourses are dry and spiritless;
the sheep and lambs are not fed. Said Paul, "My speech and my preaching was not with
enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power."
There is marrow and fatness in the gospel. Jesus is the living centre of everything. Put
Christ into every sermon. Let the preciousness, mercy and glory of Jesus Christ be dwelt
upon; for Christ formed within is the hope of glory. 1SM 158 (1892)
We are living in the last days of this earth's history, and we may be surprised at
nothing in the line of apostasies and denials of the truth. Unbelief has now come to be a
fine art which men work at to the destruction of their souls. There is constant danger of
there being shams in pulpit preachers, whose lives contradict the words they speak; but
the voice of warning and of admonition will be heard as long as time shall last; and those
who are guilty of transactions that should never be entered into, when reproved or
counselled through the Lord's appointed agencies, will resist the message and refuse to be
corrected. They will go on as did Pharaoh and Nebuchadnezzar, until the Lord takes away
their reason, and their hearts become unimpressible. The Lord's word will come to them;
but if they choose not to hear it, the Lord will make them responsible for their own ruin.
2SM 147
The Lord has declared that the history of the past shall be rehearsed as we enter upon
the closing work. Every truth that He has given for these last days is to be proclaimed to
the world. Every pillar that He has established is to be strengthened. We cannot now step
off the foundation that God has established. We cannot now enter into any new
organisation; for this would mean apostasy from the truth.--Manuscript 129, 1905. 2SM 390
We have been looking many years for a Sunday law to be enacted in our land; and now
that the movement is right upon us, we ask, Will our people do their duty in the matter?
Can we not assist in lifting the standard, and in calling to the front those who have a
regard for their religious rights and privileges? The time is fast approaching when those
who choose to obey God rather than man, will be made to feel the hand of oppression. Shall
we then dishonour God by keeping silent while His holy commandments are trodden under
foot?
While the Protestant world is by her attitude making concessions to Rome, let us arouse
to comprehend the situation, and view the contest before us in its true bearings. Let the
watchmen now lift up their voice, and give the message which is present truth for this
time. Let us show people where we are in prophetic history, and seek to arouse the spirit
of true Protestantism, awakening the world to a sense of the value of the privileges of
religious liberty so long enjoyed. 5T 716
The light we have received upon the third angel's message is the true light. The mark
of the beast is exactly what it has been proclaimed to be. Not all in regard to this
matter is yet understood, nor will it be understood until the unrolling of the scroll; but
a most solemn work is to be accomplished in our world. The Lord's command to His servants
is: "Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and show My people their
transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins." Isaiah 58:1. 6T 17
The solemn messages that have been given in their order in the Revelation are to occupy
the first place in the minds of God's people. Nothing else is to be allowed to engross our
attention. 8T 302
In a special sense Seventh-day Adventists have been set in the world as watchmen and
light bearers. To them has been entrusted the last warning for a perishing world. On them
is shining wonderful light from the word of God. They have been given a work of the most
solemn import--the proclamation of the first, second, and third angels' messages. There is
no other work of so great importance. They are to allow nothing else to absorb their
attention. 9T 19
While at Loma Linda, California, April 16, 1906, there passed before me a most
wonderful representation. During a vision of the night, I stood on an eminence, from which
I could see houses shaken like a reed in the wind. Buildings, great and small, were
falling to the ground. Pleasure resorts, theatres, hotels, and the homes of the wealthy
were shaken and shattered. Many lives were blotted out of existence, and the air was
filled with the shrieks of the injured and the terrified.
The destroying angels of God were at work. One touch, and buildings so thoroughly
constructed that men regarded them as secure against every danger, quickly became heaps of
rubbish. There was no assurance of safety in any place. I did not feel in any special
peril, but the awfulness of the scenes that passed before me I cannot find words to
describe. It seemed that the forbearance of God was exhausted, and that the judgement day
had come.
The angel that stood by my side then instructed me that but few have any conception of
the wickedness existing in our world today, and especially the wickedness in the large
cities. He declared that the Lord has appointed a time when He will visit transgressors in
wrath for persistent disregard of His law.
Terrible as was the representation that passed before me, that which impressed itself
most vividly upon my mind was the instruction given in connection with it. The angel that
stood by my side declared that God's supreme rulership, and the sacredness of His law,
must be revealed to those who persistently refuse to render obedience to the King of
kings. Those who choose to remain disloyal must be visited in mercy with judgements, in
order that, if possible, they may be aroused to a realisation of the sinfulness of their
course. 9T 92
There is nothing that the Saviour desires so much as agents who will represent to the
world His Spirit and His character. There is nothing that the world needs so much as the
manifestation through humanity of the Saviour's love. All heaven is waiting for men and
women through whom God can reveal the power of Christianity. AA 600
I do hope that the trumpet will give a certain sound in regard to this Sunday-law
movement. I think that it would be best if in our papers the subject of the perpetuity of
the law of God were made a specialty. Should there not be a paper or a pamphlet issued to
take the place of the Sentinel? I have not been able to think that it was the wise thing
to do to let that paper drop. It was a voice that was constantly speaking in defence of
religious liberty. The truth should be presented in short articles, in clear, distinct
lines, giving special points in regard to the Lord's Sabbath, and showing that those who
frame laws to compel the observance of the first day of the week, are disloyal to the Lord
of heaven, who placed His sanctity upon the seventh day. Are we doing all we can to exalt
the law of Jehovah? CW 97
Multitudes who were not interested in the harangues of the rabbis, were attracted by
His teaching. They could understand His words, and their hearts were warmed and comforted.
He spoke of God, not as an avenging judge, but as a tender father, and He revealed the
image of God as mirrored in Himself. His words were like balm to the wounded spirit. Both
by His words and by His works of mercy He was breaking the oppressive power of the old
traditions and man-made commandments, and presenting the love of God in its exhaustless
fullness. DA 204
The people were gathering to Christ. The sympathetic hearts of the multitude accepted
lessons of love and benevolence in preference to the rigid ceremonies required by the
priests. If the priests and rabbis had not interposed, His teaching would have wrought
such a reformation as this world has never witnessed. But in order to maintain their own
power, these leaders determined to break down the influence of Jesus. His arraignment
before the Sanhedrim, and an open condemnation of His teachings, would aid in effecting
this; for the people still had great reverence for their religious leaders. Whoever dared
to condemn the rabbinical requirements, or attempt to lighten the burdens they had brought
upon the people, was regarded as guilty, not only of blasphemy, but of treason. On this
ground the rabbis hoped to excite suspicion of Christ. They represented Him as trying to
overthrow the established customs, thus causing division among the people, and preparing
the way for complete subjugation by the Romans. DA 205
In the commission to His disciples, Christ not only outlined their work but gave them
their message. Teach the people, He said, "to observe all things whatsoever I have
commanded you." The disciples were to teach what Christ had taught. That which He had
spoken, not only in person, but through all the prophets and teachers of the Old
Testament, is here included. Human teachings is shut out. There is no place for
tradition,for man's theories and conclusions, or for church legislation. No laws ordained
by ecclesiastical authority are included in the commission. None of these are Christ's
servants to teach. "The law and the prophets," with the record of His own words
and deeds, are the treasure committed to the disciples to be given to the world. . . .
The gospel is to be presented, not as a lifeless theory, but as a living force to
change the life. God desires that the receivers of His grace shall be witnesses to its
power. DA 826
The third angel's message calls for the presentation of the Sabbath of the fourth
commandment, and this truth must be brought before the world; but the great Centre of
attraction, Jesus Christ, must not be left out of the third angel's message....
EV 184
Many of our ministers have merely sermonised, presenting subjects in an argumentative
way, and scarcely mentioning the saving power of the Redeemer. Their testimony was
destitute of the saving blood of Christ. Their offering resembled the offering of Cain. He
brought to the Lord the fruit of the ground, which in itself was acceptable in God's
sight. Very good indeed was the fruit; but the virtue of the offering--the blood of the
slain lamb, representing the blood of Christ--was lacking. So it is with Christless
sermons. By them men are not pricked to the heart; they are not led to inquire, What must
I do to be saved? Of all professing Christians, Seventh-day Adventists should be foremost
in uplifting Christ before the world. EV 185 (GW 156 [1915])
This message was to bring more prominently before the world the uplifted Saviour, the
sacrifice for the sins of the whole world. It presented justification through faith in the
Surety; it invited the people to receive the righteousness of Christ, which is made
manifest in obedience to all the commandments of God. Many had lost sight of Jesus. They
needed to have their eyes directed to His divine person, His merits, and His changeless
love for the human family. All power is given into His hands, that He may dispense rich
gifts unto men, imparting the priceless gift of His own righteousness to the helpless
human agent. This is the message that God commanded to be given to the world. It is the
third angel's message, which is to be proclaimed with a loud voice, and attended with the
outpouring of His Spirit in a large measure. EV 190
Some ministers err in making their sermons wholly argumentative. There are those who
listen to the theory of the truth, and are impressed with the evidences brought out; then,
if Christ is presented as the Saviour of the world, the seed sown may spring up and bear
fruit to the glory of God. But often the cross of Calvary is not presented before the
people. Some may be listening to the last sermon they will ever hear, and the golden
opportunity lost, is lost forever. If in connection with the theory of the truth, Christ
and His redeeming love had been proclaimed, these might have been won to His side. EV 193
(GW 157F [1915])
Let the truth be presented as it is in Jesus, line upon line, precept upon precept,
here a little, and there a little. Speak of the love of God in words easy to be
understood. Bible truth, presented in the meekness and love of Jesus will have a telling
influence upon many minds.
EV 199
In labouring in a new field, do not think it your duty to say at once to the people, We
are Seventh-day Adventists; we believe that the seventh day is the Sabbath; we believe in
the nonimmortality of the soul. This would often erect a formidable barrier between you
and those you wish to reach. Speak to them, as you have opportunity, upon points of
doctrine on which you can agree. Dwell on the necessity of practical godliness. Give them
evidence that you are a Christian, desiring peace, and that you love their souls. Let them
see that you are conscientious. Thus you will gain their confidence; and there will be
time enough for doctrines. Let the heart be won, the soil prepared, and then sow the seed,
presenting in love the truth as it is in Jesus. EV 200 (GW 119F [1915])
Those who have been educated in the truth by precept and example should make great
allowance for others who have had no knowledge of the Scriptures except through the
interpretations given by ministers and church members, and who have received traditions
and fables as Bible truth. They are surprised by the presentation of truth; it is as a new
revelation to them, and they cannot bear to have all the truth, in its most striking
character, presented to them at the outset. All is new and strange and wholly unlike that
which they have heard from their ministers, and they are inclined to believe what the
ministers have told them, that Seventh-day Adventists are infidels and do not believe the
Bible. Let the truth be presented as it is in Jesus, line upon line, precept upon precept,
here a little, and there a little.--Undated Manuscript 79. EV 201
But such subjects as the sanctuary, in connection with the 2300 days, the commandments
of God and the faith of Jesus, are perfectly calculated to explain the past Advent
movement and show what our present position is, establish the faith of the doubting, and
give certainty to the glorious future. These, I have frequently seen, were the principal
subjects on which the messengers should dwell. EW 063
I then saw the third angel. Said my accompanying angel, "Fearful is his work.
Awful is his mission. He is the angel that is to select the wheat from the tares, and
seal, or bind, the wheat for the heavenly garner. These things should engross the whole
mind, the whole attention." EW 118
Men of faith and prayer will be constrained to go forth with holy zeal, declaring the
words which God gives them. The sins of Babylon will be laid open. The fearful results of
enforcing the observances of the church by civil authority, the inroads of Spiritualism,
the stealthy but rapid progress of the papal power,--all will be unmasked. By these solemn
warnings the people will be stirred. Thousands upon thousands will listen who have never
heard words like these. In amazement they hear the testimony that Babylon is the church,
fallen because of her errors and sins, because of her rejection of the truth sent to her
from heaven. GC 606
Evangelistic work, opening the Scriptures to others, warning men and women of what is
coming upon the world, is to occupy more and still more of the time of God's servants. RH
AUG. 2,1906
The Lord has said, [Gen. 9:13, 15 quoted]. In the rainbow above the throne is an
everlasting testimony that [Jn 3:16 quoted]. Whenever the law is presented before the
people, let the teacher of truth point to the throne arched with the rainbow of promise,
the righteousness of Christ. The glory of the law is Christ; he came to magnify the law
and to make it honourable. Make it appear distinct that mercy and peace have met together
in Christ, and righteousness and truth have embraced each other....
Temptations will come in like a flood; but we need not fail nor be discouraged while we
know that the bow of promise is above the throne of God. RH DEC.13,1892
As I consider the conditions in the cities that are so manifestly under the power of
Satan, I ask myself the question, What will be the end of these things? The wickedness in
many cities is increasing. Crime and iniquity are at work on every hand. New species of
idolatry are continually being introduced into society. In every nation the minds of men
are turning to the invention of some new thing. Rashness of deed and confusion of mind are
everywhere increasing. Surely the cities of the earth are becoming like Sodom and
Gomorrah.
As a people we need to hasten the work in the cities, which has been hindered for lack
of workers and means and a spirit of consecration. At this time, the people of God need to
turn their hearts fully to Him; for the end of all things is at hand. They need to humble
their minds, and to be attentive to the will of the Lord, working with earnest desire to
do that which God has shown must be done to warn the cities of their impending doom. RH
JAN.25,1912
We are now living in the closing scenes of this world's history. Let men tremble with
the sense of the responsibility of knowing the truth. The ends of the world are come.
Proper consideration of these things will lead all to make an entire consecration of all
that they have and are to their God. . . .
The weighty obligation of warning a world of its coming doom is upon us. From every
direction, far and near, calls are coming to us for help. The church, devotedly
consecrated to the work, is to carry the message to the world: Come to the gospel feast;
the supper is prepared, come. . . . Crowns, immortal crowns, are to be won. The kingdom of
heaven is to be gained. A world, perishing in sin, is to be enlightened. The lost pearl is
to be found. The lost sheep is to be brought back in safety to the fold. Who will join in
the search? Who will bear the light to those who are wandering in the darkness of error?
RH JUL.23,1895
Jesus said: "This is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God,
and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent." All that was done and said had this one
object in view,--to rivet truth in their minds that they might attain unto everlasting
life. Jesus did not come to astonish men with some great announcement of some special time
when some great event would occur, but he came to instruct and save the lost. He did not
come to arouse and gratify curiosity; for he knew that this would but increase the
appetite for the curious and the marvellous. It was his aim to impart knowledge whereby
men might increase in spiritual strength, and advance in the way of obedience and true
holiness. He gave only such instruction as could be appropriated to the needs of their
daily life, only such truth as could be given to others for the same appropriation. He did
not make new revelations to men, but opened to their understanding truths that had long
been obscured or misplaced through the false teaching of the priests and teachers. Jesus
replaced the gems of divine truth in their proper setting, in the order in which they had
been given to patriarchs and prophets. And after giving them this precious instruction, he
promised to give them the Holy Spirit whereby all things that he had said unto them should
be brought to their remembrance. RH MAR.22,1892
There is great need that our weakening faith should be quickened, and that we should
ever keep before the mind the evidences that our Lord is soon coming, that we may ever be
found not only waiting, but watching and working. We are not to be found in idle
expectancy; for this leads to carelessness of life, and deficiency of character. We are to
realise that the judgements of God are about to fall upon the earth, and we should most
earnestly present before the people the warning that the Lord has commissioned us to give:
"For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the
world to this time, no, nor ever shall be." "Men's hearts failing them for fear,
and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven
shall be shaken. And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and
great glory. And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your
heads; for your redemption draweth nigh." RH NOV.22,1892
When I think of the many cities yet unwarned, I cannot rest. It is distressing to think
that they have been neglected so long. For many, many years the cities of America,
including the cities in the South, have been set before our people as places needing
special attention. A few have borne the burden of working in these cities; but, in
comparison with the great needs and the many opportunities, but little has been done.
Where is your faith, my brethren? Where are the workmen? . . .
Shall we not plan to send messengers all through these fields, and support them
liberally? Shall not the ministers of God go into these crowded centres, and there lift up
their voices in warning to multitudes? At such a time as this, every hand is to be
employed. RH NOV.25,1909
The Lord wishes all to understand his providential dealings now, just now, in the time
in which we live. There must be no long discussions, no presenting of new theories in
regard to prophecies that God has already made plain. The great work from which the mind
should not be diverted is the consideration of our personal standing in the sight of God.
Are our feet on the Rock of Ages? Are we hiding ourselves in the only Refuge? The storm is
coming, relentless in its fury. Are we prepared to meet it? Are we one with Christ as he
is one with the Father? Are we heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ? Are we working in
co-partnership with the Saviour? RH NOV.27,1900
But there is a day that God hath appointed for the close of this world's history:
"This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all
nations; and then shall the end come." Prophecy is fast fulfilling. More, much more,
should be said about these tremendously important subjects. The day is at hand when the
destiny of every soul will be fixed forever. This day of the Lord hastens on apace. The
false watchmen are raising the cry, "All is well;" but the day of God is rapidly
approaching. Its footsteps are so muffled that it does not arouse the world from the
death-like slumber into which it has fallen. While the watchmen cry, "Peace and
safety," "sudden destruction" cometh upon them, and they shall not escape;
"for as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole
earth." It overtakes the pleasure-lover and the sinful man as a thief in the night.
When all is apparently secure, and men retire to contented rest, then the prowling,
stealthy, midnight thief steals upon his prey. When it is too late to prevent the evil, it
is discovered that some door or window was not secured. "Be ye also ready: for in
such an hour as ye think not the Son of Man cometh." People are now settling to rest,
imagining themselves secure under the popular churches; but let all beware, lest there is
a place left open for the enemy to gain an entrance. Great pains should be taken to keep
this subject before the people. The solemn fact is to be kept not only before the people
of the world, but before our own churches also, that the day of the Lord will come
suddenly, unexpectedly. The fearful warning of the prophecy is addressed to every soul.
Let no one feel that he is secure from the danger of being surprised. Let no one's
interpretation of prophecy rob you of the conviction of the knowledge of events which show
that this great event is near at hand. SPTED 107
The world today is in crying need of a revelation of Christ Jesus in the person of His
saints. God desires that His people shall stand before the world a holy people. Why?
-because there is a world to be saved by the light of gospel truth; and as the message of
truth that is to call men out of darkness into God's marvellous light is given by the
Church, the lives of its members, sanctified by the Spirit of truth, are to bear witness
to the verity of the massage proclaimed. TM 458
The science of salvation is to be the burden of every sermon, the theme of every song.
Let it be poured forth in every supplication. Let nothing be brought into the preaching of
the Word to supplement Christ, the Word and power of God. Let His name, the only name
given under heaven whereby we may be saved, be exalted in every discourse, and from
sabbath to sabbath let the trumpet of the watchmen give a certain sound. Christ is the
science and eloquence of the gospel, and His ministers are to hold forth the Word of life,
presenting hope to the penitent, peace to the troubled and desponding, and grace and
completeness and strength to the believing. --Ms 107,1898 (The Voice in Speech and Song,
337) VSS 337