22/08/2023
An in-depth Presentation on 'Prayer and Worship'
~ By William Wol Adewun~
: Controversial teachings about the body position(sitting, standing & kneeling) while praying is rempant now adays, therefore, this serve as an educative piece as demanded by the situation. It's little bit lengthy but please endure to the end for your own good. In case you may be in need of it, then send me your email through [email protected] or WhatsApp me via +211928452715 and I'll send you a PDF copy.
PRAYER
Prayer is talking with God, a pouring out of one's heart to God. It has been called the breathing of the soul. Elements of prayer are adoration and praise, Thanksgiving, petitions, intercession, meditation, and silence (see 1 Timothy 2:1-2; Revelation 5:13-14; James 1:5; Zech. 2:13)
SECRETS FOR EFFECTIVE PRAYER
God always answer sincere prayers as He wills. But the guidelines listed below may show our sincerity and may also have impact on our prayers.
a) Praying to God the Father (Matthew 6:9-10; Luke 11:2,9-13; Psalms 50:15; 2 Corinth 1:3 Colossians 1:3)
b) Through the Holy Spirit ( Romans 8:26)
c) In the name of Jesus (John 14:13-14)
d) Separation from sin ( Psalms 66:18; Proverbs28:9)
e) Pray in faith (Matthew 21:22)
f) Abiding in Jesus by obeying Him( John 15:7,10)
g) Praying according to God's will ( 1 John 5:14-15)
1. Prayer and Worship
During the Worship time, the Congregational response in praise and adoration, expressed in song, prayer, and gifts, and the message from the Word of God are all part of worship. This means that prayer is just one of the parts of worship. In the Worship of God, members gather to unite in worshipping God in a spirit of praise and thanksgiving, to hear the Word of God, to gather strength and grace to fight the battles of life, and to learn God’s will for them in soul-winning service. Reverence, simplicity, and promptness should characterize the service. Therefore, because worship involves many things to be done, it is essential to be done orderly.
I). Worship should be done in order
God is a God of order as evidenced in His works of creation and redemption. Consequently, order belongs to the essence of His church. Order is achieved through principles and regulations that guide the Church in its internal operations and in the fulfillment of its mission to the world. In order for it to be a successful ecclesiastical organization at the service of the Lord and humanity, it needs order, rule, and discipline. Scripture affirms that “all things be done decently and in order” (1 Cor. 14:40). Therefore, order should be observed even in worship service and this is the chief reason we have programs every time we gather for worship.
This was the same reason Paul wrote to the church in Corinth to observe order in the worship of God because there was no uniformity in the worship because of lack of order for the program. Needless to say that, there was no systematic order of the program in the Corinthians church. It is essential that each time God's people gather for worship, the worship should be characterised by order in the manner of singing, giving, praying, and preaching. All things should be done decently and in order to avoid confusion as God is the author of peace. That means everything will move through the leading of the program, there may be time for congregational singing, giving, standing, sitting or even kneeling for public worship accordingly as per the program.
1 Corinthians 14:26-27, 29-31, 33, 40
26 How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying. 27 If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret. 29 Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge. 30 If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace. 31 For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted. 33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. 40 Let all things be done decently and in order.
Ellen White as well concurred with what Paul said above;
"Our Prayers Should Be Orderly—I have seen that confusion is displeasing to the Lord, and that there should be order in praying and also in singing.......When in the house of God, we should pray for a present blessing and should expect God to hear and answer our prayers. Such meetings will be lively and interesting.—(Testimonies for the Church 1:145, 146 Pr 204.4..." Prayer 204.4
“The house is the sanctuary for the family, and the closet or the grove the most retired place for individual worship; but the church is the sanctuary for the congregation. There should be rules in regard to the time, the place, and the manner of worshiping. Nothing that is sacred, nothing that pertains to the worship of God, should be treated with carelessness or indifference.”—Testimonies For the Church Volume 5 491. 116
"Prayer and Worship Are Essential to Spiritual Growth—every opportunity to go where prayer is wont to be made. Those who are really seeking for communion with God will be seen in the prayer meeting, faithful to do their duty and earnest and anxious to reap all the benefits they can gain. They will improve every opportunity of placing themselves where they can receive the rays of light from heaven."—(Steps to Christ, 98.) Prayer 198.1
"God's Presence Makes Times of Prayer and Public Worship Sacred—True reverence for God is inspired by a sense of His infinite greatness and a realization of His presence. With this sense of the Unseen the heart of every child should be deeply impressed. The hour and place of prayer and the services of public worship the child should be taught to regard as sacred because God is there. And as reverence is manifested in attitude and demeanor, the feeling that inspires it will be deepened."—(Education, 242, 243.) Prayer 199.3
II). Attitudes in prayer
First of all, God cares so much about the mind attitude more than the body posture or position while praying. Regardless of praying while kneeling, standing or sitting, God reads the mind attitude before considering the body posture of the praying person.
This is made clear in the parable Jesus related about the two men who went up to the temple to Pray. Both of them went down to the temple (the house of God), Both of them went to pray and worhsip God, both of them prayed while standing yet only one was heard and justified because of the attitude of his heart while the other one in contrast went back as he came without forgiveness.
The reason why his (Pharisee) prayers were not answered was not because he stood and prayed but because of his heart attitude because he prayed with self-sufficiency and pride as he want to impress God with his supposedly good deeds done with a selfish motive.
Luke 18:10-14 Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
Spirit of Prophecy remarks;
"True reverence for God is inspired by a sense of His infinite greatness and a realization of His presence. With this sense of the Unseen, every heart should be deeply impressed. The hour and place of prayer are sacred, because God is there; and as reverence is manifested in attitude and demeanor, the feeling that inspires it will be deepened. "Holy and reverend is His name," the psalmist declares. Angels, when they speak that name, veil their faces. With what reverence, then, should we, who are fallen and sinful, take it upon our lips!" Prayer 209.4
“The house is the sanctuary for the family, and the closet or the grove the most retired place for individual worship; but the church is the sanctuary for the congregation. There should be rules in regard to the time, the place, and the manner of worshiping. Nothing that is sacred, nothing that pertains to the worship of God, should be treated with carelessness or indifference.”—Testimonies For the Church Volume 5 491. 116
This is the same reason God rebuked Israel not to come before Him with just bowed heads without humbling themselves within their hearts.
Isaiah 58:5 Is it such a fast that I have chosen? a day for a man to afflict his soul? is it to bow down his head as a bulrush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? wilt thou call this a fast, and an acceptable day to the LORD?
III). POSITION OF BODY POSTURE WHEN PRAYING
While there are many body postures when praying, It is therefore, essential to know that Seventh-day Adventist Church embraces mostly three positions when Praying as all of them are biblical.
1. Praying while kneeling
Offering prayers while kneeling is very essential in private and public worship of God especially when offering petitions to God. This should be done at one own private communion with God and in public worship at church. This is the reason there is congregational kneeling as well as pulpit team kneeling as soon as they step into the pulpit for the public worship service.
Psalms 95:6 O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker.
Concurring Quotes from Spirit of Prophecy:
"It Is Our Privilege to Kneel When Praying Publicly—Both in public and private worship it is our duty to bow down upon our knees before God when we offer our petitions to Him. This act shows our dependence upon God."—(Selected Messages 2:312.) Prayer 205.2
"According to the light that has been given me, it would be pleasing to God for ministers to bow down as soon as they step into the pulpit, and solemnly ask help from God. What impression would that make? There would be solemnity and awe upon the people. Their minister is communing with God; he is committing himself to God before he dares to stand before the people. Solemnity rests upon the people, and angels of God are brought very near. Ministers should look to God the first thing as they come into the desk, thus saying to all: God is the source of my strength."—Prayer 205.3
Both in public and in private worship it is our privilege to bow on our knees before God when we offer our petitions to Him. Jesus, our example, "kneeled down, and prayed." Luke 22:41. Of His disciples it is recorded that they, too, "kneeled down, and prayed." Acts 9:40. Paul declared, "I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." Ephesians 3:14. In confessing before God the sins of Israel, Ezra knelt. See Ezra 9:5. Daniel "kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God." Daniel 6:10.—(Prophets and Kings, 48.) Pr 206.1
2. Praying while standing with bowed head
Mark 11:25 And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.
It is also made clear in the parable Jesus related about the two men who went up to the temple to Pray. Both of them went down to the temple (the house of God), Both of them went to pray and worhsip God, both of them prayed while standing yet only one was heard and justified because of the attitude of his heart while the other one in contrast went back as he came without forgiveness. The reason why his (Pharisee) prayers were not answered was not because he stood and prayed but because of his heart attitude because he prayed with self-sufficiency and pride as he want to impress God with his supposedly good deeds done with a selfish motive.
Luke 18:10-14 Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
Psalms 4:4 Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah.
Concurring Quotes from Spirit of Prophecy
"Kneeling Not Always Required While Praying—We cannot always be on our knees in prayer, but the way to the mercy seat is always open. While engaged in active labor, we may ask for help; and we are promised by One who will not deceive us, "Ye shall receive." The Christian can and will find time to pray......" Prayer 212.1
"We must pray constantly, with a humble mind and a meek and lowly spirit. We need not wait for an opportunity to kneel before God. We can pray and talk with the Lord wherever we may be."—(Selected Messages 3:266.) Prayer 215.1
"The way to the throne of God is always open. You cannot always be on your knees in prayer, but your silent petitions may constantly ascend to God for strength and guidance....." Prayer 213.3
"There is no time or place in which it is inappropriate to offer up a petition to God. There is nothing that can prevent us from lifting up our hearts in the spirit of earnest prayer. In the crowds of the street, in the midst of a business engagement, we may send up a petition to God and plead for divine guidance, as did Nehemiah when he made his request before King Artaxerxes. A closet of communion may be found wherever we are. We should have the door of the heart open continually and our invitation going up that Jesus may come and abide as a heavenly guest in the soul."—(Steps to Christ, 98, 99). Prayer 214.3
"Wherever we are, whatever our employment, our hearts are to be uplifted to God in prayer. This is being instant in prayer. We need not wait until we can bow upon our knees before we pray. On one occasion, when Nehemiah came in before the king, the king asked why he looked so sad, and what request he had to make. But Nehemiah dared not answer at once. Important interests were at stake. The fate of a nation hung upon the impression that should then be made upon the monarch's mind; and Nehemiah darted up a prayer to the God of Heaven, before he dared to answer the king. The result was that he obtained all that he asked or even desired."— Prayer 214.4
"Congregation Rises to Feet for Consecration Prayer—I invited all who wanted to give themselves to God in a sacred covenant, and to serve Him with their whole hearts, to rise to their feet. The house was full, and nearly all rose. Quite a number not of our faith were present, and some of these arose. I presented them to the Lord in earnest prayer, and we know that we had the manifestation of the Spirit of God. We felt that a victory had indeed been gained."—Manuscript 30a, 1896 3SM 268.1
Ellen White and Audience Standing for Consecration Prayer—Who now, I ask, will make a determined effort to obtain the higher education. Those who will, make it manifest by rising to your feet. The congregation rose. Here is the whole congregation. May God help you to keep your pledge. Let us pray. Praying Heavenly Father, I come to Thee at this time, just as I am, poor, weak, unworthy, and I ask Thee to impress the hearts of this people gathered here today. I have spoken to them Thy words, but, O Lord, Thou alone canst make the word effective, et cetera.—The Review and Herald, April 8, 1909 (Sermon at Oakland, California, February 8, 1909.) 3SM 269.3 - 3SM 269.4
3. Praying while sitting with bowed head
Psalms 63:6 When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches.
Psalms 4:4 Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah.
1 Thessalonians 5:17 Pray without ceasing.
After all, the spirit of Prophecy told us to pray without ceasing by making every breathe a prayer. You can breathe while sitting, standing or even lying down. This means that prayer can be offered anytime anywhere with any available body posture.
Concurring Quotes from Spirit of Prophecy;
It is not always necessary to bow upon your knees in order to pray. Cultivate the habit of talking with the Saviour when you are alone, when you are walking, and when you are busy with your daily labor. Let the heart be continually uplifted in silent petition for help, for light, for strength, for knowledge. Let every breath be a prayer.—(The Ministry of Healing, 510, 511.) Prayer 213.1
"Crowded Congregation in Europe Remained Seated—I invited those who desired the prayers of the servants of God to come forward. All who had been backslidden, all who wished to return to the Lord and seek Him diligently, could improve the opportunity. Several seats were quickly filled and the whole congregation was on the move. We told them the best they could do was to be seated right where they were and we would all seek the Lord together by confessing our sins, and the Lord had pledged His word, "if we confess our sins, he is faithful, and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9).—Diary, February 20, 1887. (Published in Selected Messages 1:147 Selected Messages Volume 3 267.3
Conclusion and summary:
It is important to know that all the three varying postures(kneeling, sitting and/or standing) while praying are all embraced by the scripture as well as the Spirit of Prophecy. Ellen White herself embraced and had practiced all these three different varying postures while offering up prayers. Therefore, the bottom line is that, you can pray anytime anywhere with any posture depending on the environment. So, it is inappropriate and inconsistent to think that only one posture is allowed in the Bible and Spirit of Prophecy.
It is and can be extremism to think, practice or teach that only one posture e.g kneeling is required everywhere everytime. All these three varying postures while praying should be embraced and practice according to the leading of the program and the situation whether at church or out of it. Some finatics teach that only kneeling prayer is appropriate everytime people pray but this is just but another fasle excitement based on human feelings that is not under the control of the Holy Spirit. We must be on guard against false teachings from extremists(off-shoots).
Let's read Selected Messages book 3 Chapter 30 as the Summary and conclusion of this presentation;
Chapter 30—The Propriety of Varying Postures in Prayer
Need Not Always Kneel when praying Selected Messages book 3 page 266
We must pray constantly, with a humble mind and a meek and lowly spirit. We need not wait for an opportunity to kneel before God. We can pray and talk with the Lord wherever we may be. Elder D. E. Robinson, one of Ellen White's secretaries from 1902 to 1915, reported:
"I have been present repeatedly at camp meetings and General Conference sessions in which Sister White herself has offered prayer with the congregation standing, and she herself standing."—D. E. Robinson letter, March 4, 1934.—Letter 342, 1906.
No Place Inappropriate for Prayer at Any Time or Place—There is no time or place in which it is inappropriate to offer up a petition to God.... In the crowds of the street, in the midst of a business engagement, we may send up a petition to God, and plead for divine guidance, as did Nehemiah when he made his request before King Artaxerxes.—Steps to Christ, 99.
Communing With God in Our Hearts as We Walk and Work—We may speak with Jesus as we walk by the way, and He says, I am at thy right hand. We may commune with God in our hearts; we may walk in companionship with Christ. When engaged in our daily labor, we may breathe out our heart's desire, inaudible to any human ear; but that word cannot die away into silence, nor can it be lost. Nothing can drown the soul's desire. It rises above the din of the street, above the noise of machinery. It is God to whom we are speaking, and our prayer is heard.—Gospel Workers, 258.
Not Always Necessary to Bow—It is not always necessary to bow upon your knees in order to pray. Cultivate the habit of talking with the Saviour when you are alone, when you are walking, and when you are busy with your daily labor.—The Ministry of Healing, 510, 511.
Congregation Kneels After Standing in Consecration—The Spirit of the Lord rested upon me, and was revealed in the words that were given me to speak. I asked those present who felt the urgency of the Spirit of God, and who were willing to pledge themselves to live the truth and to teach the truth to others, and to work for their salvation, to make it manifest by rising to their feet. I was surprised to see the whole congregation rise. I then asked all to kneel down, and I sent up my petition to heaven for that people. I was deeply impressed by this experience. I felt the deep moving of the Spirit of God upon me, and I know that the Lord gave me a special message for His people at this time.—The Review and Herald, March 11, 1909.
Crowded Congregation in Europe Remained Seated—I invited those who desired the prayers of the servants of God to come forward. All who had been backslidden, all who wished to return to the Lord and seek Him diligently, could improve the opportunity. Several seats were quickly filled and the whole congregation was on the move. We told them the best they could do was to be seated right where they were and we would all seek the Lord together by confessing our sins, and the Lord had pledged His word, "if we confess our sins, he is faithful, and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9).—Diary, February 20, 1887. (Published in Selected Messages 1:147.)
Congregation Rises to Feet for Consecration Prayer—I invited all who wanted to give themselves to God in a sacred covenant, and to serve Him with their whole hearts, to rise to their feet. The house was full, and nearly all rose. Quite a number not of our faith were present, and some of these arose. I presented them to the Lord in earnest prayer, and we know that we had the manifestation of the Spirit of God. We felt that a victory had indeed been gained.—Manuscript 30a, 1896 (Published in Selected Messages 1:150.)
Congregation Kneels for Consecration Prayer—At the close of my discourse, I felt impressed by the Spirit of God to extend an invitation for all those to come forward who desired to give themselves fully to the Lord. Those who felt the need of the prayers of the servants of God were invited to make it manifest. About thirty came forward....
At first I had hesitated, wondering if it were best to do so when my son and I were the only ones whom I could see who would give us any help on that occasion. But as though someone had spoken to me, the thought passed through my mind, "Cannot you trust in the Lord?" I said, "I will, Lord." Although my son was much surprised that I should make such a call on this occasion, he was equal to the emergency. I never heard him speak with greater power or deeper feeling than at that time....
We knelt in prayer. My son took the lead, and the Lord surely indited his petition; for he seemed to pray as though in the presence of God.—The Review and Herald, July 30, 1895 (Republished in Selected Messages 1:148, 149.)
At a Workers Institute in Oakland, California—Now we ask you to seek the Lord with all the heart. Will those who are determined to cut loose from every temptation of the enemy, and to seek for heaven above, signify such determination by rising to their feet. Nearly all of the congregation present responded.
We desire that every one of you shall be saved. We desire that for you the gates of the city of God shall swing back on their glittering hinges, and that you, with all the nations who have kept the truth, may enter in. There we shall give praise and thanksgiving and glory to Christ and to the Father evermore, even forever and ever. May God help us to be faithful in His service during the conflict, and overcome at last, and win the crown of life eternal.
Praying My heavenly Father, I come to Thee at this time, just as I am, poor and needy, and dependent upon Thee. I ask Thee to give me and give this people the grace that perfects Christian character, et cetera.—The Review and Herald, July 16, 1908.
Ellen White and Audience Standing for Consecration Prayer—Who now, I ask, will make a determined effort to obtain the higher education. Those who will, make it manifest by rising to your feet. The congregation rose. Here is the whole congregation. May God help you to keep your pledge. Let us pray.
Praying Heavenly Father, I come to Thee at this time, just as I am, poor, weak, unworthy, and I ask Thee to impress the hearts of this people gathered here today. I have spoken to them Thy words, but, O Lord, Thou alone canst make the word effective, et cetera.—The Review and Herald, April 8, 1909 (Sermon at Oakland, California, February 8, 1909.) 3SM 266 - 3SM 269.4
At the Close of a General Conference Sermon in Washington, D.C. The sincere Christian is often in prayer in public and in private. He prays while walking on the street, while engaged in his work, and in the wakeful hours of the night. Ellen White counseled in a statement appearing in Gospel Workers, 178, that "Both in public and in private worship, it is our privilege to bow on our knees before the Lord when we offer our petitions to Him." The following statement on this point, written in Australia and found in Selected Messages 2:312, is more emphatic: "Both in public and private worship it is our duty to bow down upon our knees before God when we offer our petitions to Him. This act shows our dependence upon God." It is also a sign of reverence: "There should be an intelligent knowledge of how to come to God in reverence and Godly fear with devotional love. There is a growing lack of reverence for our maker, a growing disregard of His greatness and His majesty."—Manuscript 84b, 1897 (Quoted in Selected Messages 2:312.) That Ellen White did not intend to teach that on every prayer occasion we must kneel is made clear both by her words and her example. To her there was no time or place where prayer was not appropriate. Her family testified that in her home those at the dining table bowed their heads and not their knees. She was not known to kneel for the benediction at the close of services she attended. The earnest counsel on kneeling would seem to have its principal application in the worship services in the house of God and in family and private devotions at home. In public ministry there were times when she stood for prayer.—Compilers.—May the Lord help you to take hold of this work as you have never yet taken hold of it. Will you do this? Will you here rise to your feet and testify that you will make God your trust and your helper? Congregation rises.
Praying I thank Thee, Lord God of Israel. Accept this pledge of this Thy people. Put Thy Spirit upon them. Let Thy glory be seen in them. As they shall speak the word of truth, let us see the salvation of God. Amen.— 3SM 269.5 - 3SM 270.1
Beware of Side Issues
God has not passed His people by and chosen one solitary man here and another there as the only ones worthy to be entrusted with His truth. He does not give one man new light contrary to the established faith of the body. In every reform men have arisen making this claim.... Let none be self-confident, as though God had given them special light above their brethren....
One accepts some new and original idea which does not seem to conflict with the truth. He ... dwells upon it until it seems to him to be clothed with beauty and importance, for Satan has power to give this false appearance. At last it becomes the all-absorbing theme, the one great point around which everything centers, and the truth is uprooted from the heart....
I warn you to beware of these side issues, whose tendency is to divert the mind from the truth. Error is never harmless. It never sanctifies, but always brings confusion and dissension.—Testimonies for the Church 5:291, 292 (1885).
Emphasize Unity, Not Differences
There are a thousand temptations in disguise prepared for those who have the light of truth, and the only safety for any of us is in receiving no new doctrine, no new interpretation of the Scriptures, without first submitting it to brethren of experience. Lay it before them in a humble, teachable spirit, with earnest prayer, and if they see no light in it, yield to their judgment, for "in the multitude of counselors there is safety"....
Men and women will arise professing to have some new light or some new revelation whose tendency is to unsettle faith in the old landmarks. Their doctrines will not bear the test of God's Word, yet souls will be deceived. False reports will be circulated, and some will be taken in this snare.... We cannot be too watchful against every form of error, for Satan is constantly seeking to draw men from the truth.—Testimonies for the Church 5:293, 295, 296 (1885).
We must make it appear essential to be united, not that we are to require others to come to our ideas, but if all are seeking the meekness and lowliness of Christ they will have the mind of Christ. Then there will be unity of spirit.—Letter 15, 1892.
I urge those who claim to believe the truth to walk in unity with their brethren. Do not seek to give to the world occasion to say that we are extremists, that we are disunited, that one teaches one thing, and one another. Avoid dissension.—Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 57 (1893).
How to Meet Critics
Those who have departed from the faith will come to our congregations to divert our attention from the work that God would have done. You cannot afford to turn your ears from the truth to fables. Do not stop to try to convert the one who is speaking words of reproach against your work, but let it be seen that you are inspired by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, and angels of God will put into your lips words that will reach the hearts of the opposers. If these men persist in pressing their way in, those who are of a sensible mind in the congregation will understand that yours is the higher standard. So speak that it will be known that Jesus Christ is speaking through you.—Testimonies for the Church 9:148, 149 (1909).
Exalt the Word of God
we work to create an excitement of feeling, we shall have all we want, and more than we can possibly know how to manage. Calmly and clearly "Preach the Word." We must not regard it as our work to create an excitement. The Holy Spirit of God alone can create a healthy enthusiasm. Let God work, and let the human agent walk softly before Him, watching, waiting, praying, looking unto Jesus every moment, led and controlled by the precious Spirit, which is light and life.—Selected Messages 2:16, 17 (1894).
We must go to the people with the solid Word of God, and when they receive that Word, the Holy Spirit may come, but it always comes, as I have stated before, in a way that commends itself to the judgment of the people. In our speaking, our singing, and in all our spiritual exercises, we are to reveal that calmness and dignity and godly fear that actuates every true child of God.—Selected Messages 2:43 (1908).
It is through the Word —not feeling, not excitement—that we want to influence the people to obey the truth. On the platform of God's Word we can stand with safety.—Selected Messages 3:375 (1908). LDE 90 - LDE 93.3
"God has a church upon the earth who are His chosen people, who keep His commandments. He is leading, not stray offshoots, not one here and one there, but a people. The truth is a sanctifying power; but the church militant is not the church triumphant. There are tares among the wheat. 'Wilt thou then that we ... gather them up?' was the question of the servant; but the master answered, 'Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them.' The gospel net draws not only good fish, but bad ones as well, and the Lord only knows who are His.
"It is our individual duty to walk humbly with God. We are not to seek any strange, new message. We are not to think that the chosen ones of God who are trying to walk in the light compose Babylon. The fallen denominational churches are Babylon. Babylon has been fostering poisonous doctrines, the wine of error. This wine of error is made up of false doctrines, such as the natural immortality of the soul, the eternal torment of the wicked, the denial of the pre-existence of Christ prior to His birth in Bethlehem, and advocating and exalting the first day of the week above God's holy and sanctified day. These and kindred errors are presented to the world by the various churches, and thus the Scriptures are fulfilled that say, 'For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.' It is a wrath which is created by false doctrines, and when kings and presidents drink this wine of the wrath of her fornication, they are stirred with anger against those who will not come into harmony with the false and satanic heresies which exalt the false sabbath, and lead men to trample underfoot God's memorial. Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers 61.
Thanks and be blessed!
Prepared by Pr. William Wol Adewun.
