2 Corinthians 5:20 “Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.”

ABSTRACT

In today’s moral darkness, we urgently need to share God’s message directly and powerfully, calling sinners to repentance with the Spirit’s strength. This article explores our responsibility to proclaim the gospel with conviction, sacrifice for others’ salvation, and prioritize the spiritual well-being of our families, especially our children, as part of God’s redemptive plan.

CALL TO DIRECT APPEALS

We face an urgent call to make direct appeals to those who do not yet know Christ. Christ Himself declared, “I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance” (Matthew 9:13, KJV). This mission remains vital as the world’s moral and spiritual challenges demand a message that pierces the darkness with divine light. Sr. White emphasizes, “Direct appeals are to be made to the unconverted” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 7, p. 18, 1902). The community must follow Christ’s example, delivering His message with clarity and power, not hesitation. Supporting this, Scripture states, “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9, KJV). Additionally, “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine” (2 Timothy 4:2, KJV). Sr. White further notes, “The work of God in this earth can never be finished until the men and women comprising our church membership rally to the work, and unite their efforts with those of ministers and church officers” (Gospel Workers, p. 352, 1915). She also writes, “The followers of Christ are to be the light of the world; but God does not bid them make an effort to shine. He bids them let their light shine” (Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, p. 41, 1896). This calling compels us to act decisively, ensuring our message reaches those in need. How can we embody the sacrificial spirit required to fulfill this mission?

SACRIFICE IN SERVICE

Every true servant of God must willingly give everything, even their life, for others’ salvation. Sr. White articulates, “He may lose his life in service; but when Christ comes to gather his jewels to himself, he will find it again” (Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, December 8, 1910). This underscores the eternal value of a life dedicated to God’s work, showing that sacrifice is an investment in eternity. Scripture affirms, “For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it” (Matthew 16:25, KJV). Likewise, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13, KJV). Sr. White adds, “Those who make any sacrifice for God will find it a blessing rather than a loss” (The Ministry of Healing, p. 473, 1905). She also states, “In the service of God there is no middle ground; either we are wholly for Him or we are wholly against Him” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 556, 1890). This sacrificial spirit forms the foundation of effective ministry, reflecting genuine love for God and commitment to others’ salvation. How can we ensure our message is delivered with the conviction needed to transform lives?

PREACHING WITH CONVICTION

Ministers must deliver the gospel with authenticity and power to move souls. Sr. White advises, “Preach as if they believe what they say” (Gospel Workers, p. 151, 1915). The message must carry life and power, causing sinners to tremble and the convicted to declare their allegiance to God. Scripture supports this, stating, “For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance” (1 Thessalonians 1:5, KJV). Also, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another” (Colossians 3:16, KJV). Sr. White further clarifies, “The object of preaching is not to entertain. It is not merely to convey information, nor to convince the intellect” (Gospel Workers, p. 152, 1915). She also writes, “The minister who is filled with the Spirit of God will speak with a power that will convict and convert souls” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 254, 1882). This dynamic approach distinguishes true servants of God from those who merely inform, emphasizing transformation over entertainment. What obstacles prevent us from acting with the faith and urgency this work demands?

FAITH AND ACTION

Failure to act with faith hinders the gospel’s progress. Sr. White points out, “Failure comes because many who could put their means into circulation for the advancement of God’s work are lacking in faith” (The Signs of the Times, August 24, 1904). Withholding resources from God’s work weakens faith and obstructs the message. Scripture confirms, “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him” (Hebrews 11:6, KJV). Similarly, “Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7, KJV). Sr. White adds, “God’s work needs our means, and He calls for it in gifts and offerings” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 3, p. 408, 1875). She also states, “Faith in God’s promises leads to obedience and cooperation with His plans” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 145, 1900). Giving time, resources, or efforts expresses faith, trusting in God’s promises to bring His work to fruition. How can we extend our evangelistic efforts to ensure the salvation of our own families?

SAVING OUR CHILDREN

Parents bear a significant responsibility to save their children from the enemy’s power. Sr. White states, “On fathers and mothers, God has placed the responsibility of saving their children from the power of the enemy” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 7, p. 10-11, 1902). This duty is central to our mission as Christian parents, requiring relentless effort and prayer. Scripture supports this, declaring, “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6, KJV). Also, “And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4, KJV). Sr. White further writes, “Parents should make it their first business to understand the principles of truth, that they may teach them to their children” (Child Guidance, p. 23, 1954). She also notes, “The salvation of our children should be the burden of our souls” (The Adventist Home, p. 320, 1952). Those with a living connection with Christ will prioritize their children’s salvation, ensuring they are secure in Christ’s fold.

“Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15, KJV).

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SELF-REFLECTION

How can we deepen our understanding of God’s redemptive plan through personal devotion, allowing it to shape our character and priorities?

How can we present the urgency of the gospel clearly to diverse audiences, maintaining theological accuracy while engaging both new and seasoned members?

What misunderstandings about evangelism exist in our community, and how can we correct them using Scripture and Sr. White’s writings?

How can we, as individuals and congregations, live out the gospel’s urgency, becoming vibrant witnesses of Christ’s soon return?