Prayer and Promises

THE PROMISE 

My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power.

— 1 Corinthians 2:4,5 NIV 

THE TESTIMONY

It is not flowery discourses that are needed, not a flood of words without meaning. Our ministers are to preach in a way that will help people to grasp vital truth... Teach the simple lessons given by Christ. 

Present Christ, the way, the truth, and the life, and tell of His power to save all who come to Him. The Captain of our salvation is interceding for His people, not as a petitioner to move the Father to compassion, but as a conqueror, who claims the trophies of His victory. He is able to save to the uttermost all who come to God by Him. 

Those who teach others should plead with God to imbue them with His Spirit, and enable them to lift up Christ as the sinner’s only hope.  

The message that the sinner should hear is, “God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”  The reception of the gospel does not depend on learned testimonies, eloquent speeches, or deep arguments, but upon its simplicity, and its adaptation to those who are hungering for the bread of life.

It is the efficiency of the Holy Spirit that makes the ministry of the word effective. When Christ speaks through the minister, the Holy Spirit prepares the hearts of the listeners to receive the word. The Holy Spirit is not a servant, but a controlling power. He causes the truth to shine into minds, and speaks through every discourse where the minister surrenders himself to the divine working.

It is the Spirit that surrounds the soul with a holy atmosphere, and speaks to the impenitent through words of warning, pointing them to Him who takes away the sin of the world. 

— Gospel Workers, p.154,155 

THE RESPONSE 

Those who teach others should plead with God to imbue them with His Spirit and enable them to lift up Christ as the sinner’s only hope.

With every discourse surrender self to the divine working, seek the efficiency of the Holy Spirit to make the ministry of the word effective.

Pray for the Holy Spirit to prepare the hearts of the listeners to receive the word, that He will cause the truth to shine into their minds.  

Present Christ, the way, the truth and the life, and tell of His power to save all who come to Him.