THE LIVING CHURCH. 081

When God’s people are truly converted, when they realize the obligation resting on them to labor for those within their reach, when they leave no means untried to rescue sinners from the power of the enemy, the reproach will be removed from our churches. {7T 11.3}

When, they, leave, no, means untried. Mercy.

How do I measure up to that?

How do we as a church measure up to that?

How much of what we do is routine, and how much is born of a burning desire to see people accept Jesus because He's the best thing that ever happened to us?

Am I converted to Christ or the church? You see I think being converted to the church means being devoted to doing a whole bunch of churchy things.

If you know you know.

Going to the conferences, the events, doing a little here and there in church, get involved a little bit, and et cetera.

Being converted to Christ though, means being devoted to seeing souls, the worst of them, of us, that Jesus died for saved.

It seems like a paradox, how could one be heavily involved in "church" and not genuinely care about seeing souls saved?

Lord help us. I grew up for nearly 20 years in the church with no desire to really see my friends and family saved. I did not genuinely believe that Jesus had solutions to the deep problems that people face, these thoughts barely, if even, crossed my mind.

God’s servants are to make use of every resource for enlarging His kingdom. The apostle Paul declares that it is “good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth,” that “supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men.” 1 Timothy 2:3, 4, 1. And James says: “Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.” James 5:20. Every believer is pledged to unite with his brethren in giving the invitation, “Come; for all things are now ready.” Luke 14:17. Each is to encourage the others in doing wholehearted work. Earnest invitations will be given by a living church. Thirsty souls will be led to the water of life. {7T 14.3}

The living church, gives life.

Jesus is the way the truth and the life.

The living church doesn't just have, but it -gives- Jesus,

to the neighbour, the stranger, the friend and the enemy.

We are nearing the close of this earth’s history; soon we shall stand before the great white throne. Soon your time for work will be forever past. Watch for opportunities to speak a word in season to those with whom you come in contact. Do not wait to become acquainted before you offer them the priceless treasures of truth. Go to work, and ways will open before you. {7T 15.3}

God give us a heart like Yours, so we may feel like you do,

a mind like Yours, that we may think the way you do,

Eyes like Yours that we may see and perceive like You,

Feet like Yours that we may go where you go

and hands like yours that we may do what You do,

please,

IJN,

amen

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