Elder Minchin's Teachings
Introduction
On this page, you will find information from a variety of sources that provide Pastor Minchin's understandings and teachings on various topics. He was an earnest believer in the writings of Ellen White, and I am told he would bring a stack of cards of her quotes with him wherever he went. The information on this page may accordingly include some of the Scriptures he quoted on various subjects, quotations from Mrs. White's writings, his own thoughts, important sermons of his on the topic, books and other authors referenced, etc. There is much to learn from him. This page presents information topically.
You will find a chronological listing of his writings, relevant, more significant reports, of his itinerations, and the results of his meetings, on the "Writings" page.
You will learn more about his revival work in Youth Congresses and Weeks of Prayer, and the methods he followed—preparation, favored topics, friendship teams, music, seasons of prayer, etc, on the "Youth Work" page.
Topical Listing of Subjects
Table of Contents
Click on a topic that is listed below to quickly go to that section of this page. Click on "Back to the Table of Contents" to return to this directory.
Elder Minchin's Teachings
Baptism
ELM Quote
Challenges Following Baptism
"I was baptized when I was a lad about your age. At first I thought that baptism would almost remove me from temptation, but I found that temptation was even stronger after my baptism than it was before. But, remember, S., that you may have principles so firm that the most powerful temptation of Satan will not draw you away from your allegiance to your God and to your better self. Take time every day to talk to the Lord, and to let Him come into your life. When you make mistakes, seek forgiveness and press on again. A Christian experience is maintained only through conflict, through disappointment, and severe discipline of self. This is one of our hardest battles — to discipline ourselves, to follow duty, S., even when we don't feel inclined to do it, but do the right and shun the wrong. Now, dear boy, I don't want you to feel that I am preaching a little sermon here, but I just wanted you to know that I am thinking of you and praying that the Lord will give you strength to be an overcomer and to become the man that I know deep down in your heart you want to be. Maybe sometime, S., you would like to write to me, tell me of your hopes and of your plans for the future. I shall count it a privilege to be a friend to you."—Written to academy student.
Books Recommended
"Dear friend, if you want to know Jesus as a personal friend get that little book Steps to Christ. When I have a baptismal class of young people I have every one of those young people read that little book right through before they are baptized."—"When I Find it Hard to Pray."
Children
Scriptures
Isaiah 49:25 (NKJV) "But thus says the LORD:
“Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away,
And the prey of the terrible be delivered;
For I will contend with him who contends with you,
And I will save your children."
Elder Minchin's Quotes (ELM Quotes)
"A mother and father in one of our conferences bemoan the fact that, although they have reared their large family in the church, as soon as the children reach their teens, one by one they leave the truth. A short stay in that home revealed the cause. Criticism of God's work and His workers had undermined the faith of those children. Concerning all, from the conference president down to the humblest worker and church member, there was nothing but biting criticism. The faults and failings of church members were freely discussed around the family table. It is no wonder when a family lives on the husks of other people's failures, and where faith in God's message and His messengers is thus undermined, that happiness flees and children lose their confidence in the work of God and drift out of the church. In the day of reckoning who must be responsible for the loss of these youth?" Australasian Record, March 1, 1937
"The Christian parent occupies the most important place in God's work. It is said of Noah that he "prepared an ark to the saving of his house.'' Although his words of warning were rejected by the multitudes, his own children listened and were saved. Surely this speaks volumes for Noah's home life. Ah, yes, Noah's home life was more powerful than his preaching. May God grant that our home life may tell as powerfully." Australasian Record, March 1, 1937
"Unless I am a Christian at home, I am not a Christian anywhere." Australasian Union Conference Record, March 1, 1937.
"When fathers and mothers rise to their God-given privileges, when our homes become havens to the tempted ones, and places of joy and blessing, then we may claim the fulfilment of the promise, 'I will contend with him that contendeth with thee, and I will save thy children." Isa. 49:25. Australasian Union Conference Record, March 1, 1937.
"Surely it is time that we worked as if we were working for our lives to save our children from being drowned in the polluting, corrupting influences of the world. What we do must be done quickly. How many among us are educating ourselves for the sacred duty of training our children for this life and for the life to come? Shall we not plead with God for an endowment of power? How greatly we need heavenly wisdom to know how to win and hold the confidence and love of our children!" Australasian Union Conference Record, July 6, 1937.
Ellen G. White Quotes (EGW Quotes)
"Manifest a kindly, forbearing spirit; and encourage the same in your children, cultivating all the graces that will brighten the home-life." Ministry of Healing, pp. 393.
"Happy are the parents whose lives are a true reflection of the divine, so that the promises and commands of God awaken in the child gratitude and reverence; the parents whose tenderness and justice and longsuffering interpret to the child the love and justice and long-suffering of God; and who, by teaching the child to love and trust and obey them, are teaching him to love and trust and obey his Father in heaven. Parents who impart to a child such a gift have endowed him with a treasure more precious than the wealth of all the ages, — a treasure as enduring as eternity." Ministry of Healing, pp. 386.
"The mother should cultivate a cheerful, contented, happy disposition. Every effort in this direction will be abundantly repaid in both the physical well-being and the moral character of her children. A cheerful spirit will promote the happiness of her family, and in a very great degree improves her own health. Ministry of Healing, pp. 393, 376.
"Let the husband aid his wife by his sympathy and unfailing affection. If he wishes to keep her fresh and gladsome, so that she will be as sunshine in the home, let him help her bear her burdens. His kindness and loving courtesy will be to her a precious encouragement, and the happiness he imparts will bring joy and peace to his own heart. The husband and father who is morose, selfish, and overbearing, is not only unhappy himself, but he casts gloom upon all the inmates of his home. He will reap the result in seeing his wife dispirited and sickly, and his children marred with his own unlovely temper." Ministry of Healing, pp. 374.
''There is a God above, and the light of glory from His throne rests upon the faithful mother as she tries to educate her children to resist the influence of evil. NO OTHER WORK CAN EQUAL HERS IN IMPORTANCE. She has not, like the artist, to paint a form of beauty upon canvas, nor, like the sculptor, to chisel it from marble. She has not, like the author, to embody a noble thought in words of power, nor, like the musician, to express a beautiful sentiment in melody. It is hers, with the help of God, to develop in a human soul the likeness of the divine." Ministry of Healing, pp. 377.
''The home should be to the children the most attractive place in the world, and the mother's presence should be its greatest attraction. Children have sensitive, loving natures. They are easily pleased, and easily made happy. By gentle discipline, in loving words and acts, mothers may bind their children to their hearts." Ministry of Healing, p. 388.
''There is no more important field of effort than that committed to the founders and guardians of the home. No work entrusted to human beings involves greater or more far reaching results, than does the work of fathers and mothers." Ministry of Healing, p. 350.
"The restoration and uplifting of humanity begins in the home. The work of parents underlies every other. Society is composed of families, and is what the heads of families make it. Out of the heart are “the issues of life” (Proverbs 4:23); and the heart of the community, of the church, and of the nation is the household. The well-being of society, the success of the church, the prosperity of the nation, depend upon home influences." Ministry of Healing, p. 349.
"One great reason why there is so much evil in the world today is that parents occupy their minds with other things to the exclusion of the work that is all-important—the task of patiently and kindly teaching their children the way of the Lord. Parents should allow nothing to prevent them from giving to their children all the time that is necessary to snake them understand what it means to obey and trust the Lord fully. Before visitors, before every other consideration, your children should come first. The time spent in needless sewing, God would have you spend in educating them in essential things. That unnecessary garment you are making, that extra dish you think you will prepare — let it be neglected rather than the education of your children. The labour due your child during its early years will admit of no neglect. There is no time in its life when the rule should be forgotten, Line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little, and there a little. Deny your children anything rather than the instruction which, if faithfully followed, will make them good and useful members of society, and will prepare them for citizenship in the kingdom of heaven. ... Seventh-day Adventist parents should more fully realise their responsibilities as character-builders. God places before them the privilege of strengthening His cause through the consecration and labours of their children. He desires to see gathered out from the homes of our people a large company of youth who, because of the godly influences of their homes, have surrendered their hearts to Him, and go forth to give Him the highest service of their lives. Directed and trained by the godly instruction of the home, the influence of the morning and evening worship, and the consistent example of parents who love and fear God, they have learned to submit to God as their teacher, and are prepared to render Him acceptable service as loyal sons and daughters. Such youth are prepared to represent to the world the power and grace of Christ." Counsels to Teachers, pp. 129, 131.
"The best test of the Christianity of a home is the type of character begotten by its influence. Actions speak louder than the most positive profession of godliness." Adventist Home, p. 32.
Other Authors
“The most important work in the world is the work of parents. The home is the foundation of society, the bulwark of the state, the citadel of the church. Where the home has flourished in the purity and grace of Christian love, there has the welfare of society been made secure; and where the home has been betrayed and degraded, there has society crumbled. What parents are, that, in the great majority of cases, will their children be.” A. W. Spalding, Through Early Childhood, p. 5. [This is one of a five-book-series published on the family. They are still available.}
"The gentle grace of the mother lives in the daughter long after her head is pillowed in the dust of death, and the fatherly kindness finds its echo in the nobility and courtesy of sons who come to wear his mantle and to fill his place." Author unknown, Advocate of Peace.
Sermons
March 1, 1937 Is Yours a Happy Home, (AAR).
July 6, 1937, Call to Parents to Seek Salvation of Children, (AAR).
Conversion
Sermons
March 1, 1946, What is Conversion, Church Officers' Gazette, (COG).
This is one of the best articles I have read on the subject of conversion. Though this article seemed like the first of a series, it is the only one I find of the series.
Article PDF 8x11 PDF *****
Devotions Daily
ELM Quotes
Encouragement For Daily Time With Jesus
"Let me encourage you, G., to hold on to the practice of spending a little time first thing in the morning with Him. Even ten or fifteen minutes in quiet reading, meditation and prayer will work wonders for us if we truly open our hearts to Him and seek to do His will."—Written to an academy student.
"You show me the young man or the young woman who gives God some time every morning without fail, I'll show you a young person who is going on to a glorious victory and a usefulness and fruitfulness of God. We don't have to worry about young people who do that, friends. Everything else is put in its rightful place."—When I Find It Hard to Pray."
Dress & Adornment
Scriptures
1 Peter 3:3-4 (NKJV) "Do not let your adornment be merely outward—arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel— 4 rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God."
ELM Quotes
"A person's manner of dress is an index to his character. If the heart is worldly, the dress will show it. If the heart is right, the dress will be right. "If the heart is right, your words, your dress, your acts will all be right."—Messages to Young People, p. 131. When our hearts are possessed by the meek and lowly Saviour we shall long to bear His image and to reveal the beauty of His character. By their habits of simplicity and modesty Seventh-day Adventists are to stand in contrast with the ostentation, pride, and artificialities of this world. Of their Master we are told: "The educators of the time sought to command respect by display and ostentation. To all this the life of Jesus presented a marked contrast."—Education, p. 77. So the simplicity and power of the Advent message in our hearts will set us in marked contrast with the worldly display of our day."
"A Christian's conception of beauty is different from that of the worldling. A pure, clean heart, sweetened daily by the presence and love of Jesus, will radiate through the eyes, the face, and the whole being a sweetness and beauty that all the cosmetics in the world can never give. Christ gives a charm to the personality, and as J. M. Barrie said of charm, "it's a sort of bloom" on a person. "If you have it, you don't need to have anything else; if you don't have it, it doesn't much matter what else you have."
"The sincere follower of the Master will be sensitive to any practice that obscures God's presence and favor, and that ministers to pride of heart. Some whose dress may not be immodest or unhealthful give the impression of worldliness, and reveal a pride of heart that focuses attention upon themselves." —Australasian Union Conference Record, September 10, 1959.
EGW Quotes
"The pure religion of Jesus requires of its followers the simplicity of natural beauty and the polish of natural refinement and elevated purity, rather than the artificial and false. There is an ornament that will never perish, that will promote the happiness of all around us in this life, and will shine with undimmed luster in the immortal future. It is the adorning of a meek and lowly spirit. . . . Of how little value are gold or pearls or costly array in comparison with the loveliness of Christ. Natural loveliness consists in symmetry, or the harmonious proportion of parts, each with the other; but spiritual loveliness consists in the harmony or likeness of our souls to Jesus. This will make its possessor more precious than fine gold, even the golden wedge of Ophir. The grace of Christ is indeed a priceless adornment. It elevates and ennobles its possessor and reflects beams of glory upon others, attracting them also to the Source of light and blessing."—Sons and Daughters of God, p. 184.
ELM Sermons
• September 10, 1959, Dress and Marriage - by E.L. Minchin, (RH)
Faithfulness
EGW Quote
"It is not the length of time we labor but our willingness and fidelity in the work that makes it acceptable to God. In all our service a full surrender of self is demanded. The smallest duty done in sincerity and self-forgetfulness is more pleasing to God than the greatest work when marred with self-seeking. . . . He regards more the love and faithfulness with which we work than the amount we do."—Christ's Object Lessons, p. 402.
ELM Sermons
November 21, 1957, Milking Cows and Faithfulness - Minchin, (YI).
Guidance (Knowing God's Will)
ELM Correspondance
• Life Work - Discovering God's Plan
"Be assured, B., that I have not forgotten you. I think, if I remember rightly, you were not too sure what your plans were for the future. I mentioned the ministry to you. You may have other gifts, but I do know that the Lord has a plan for your life, B. I know it is your great desire to discover what that plan is, and to follow it. If you do your best in the work that lies nearest, watch for the leadings of God's providence, seek counsel with those who know you, and especially study your own interests and aptitudes, I know that the Lord will guide you into the very service that He would have you give."—From letter to academy student.
• Life Work - Balancing Vocation and Marriage
"D, I do know that some women are definitely called to give themselves to become lady doctors. Their gifts, their interests, and their whole concern qualify them. Of course, it is true, that some lady doctors get married and do not continue their practice. I think much depends, D., upon whether you really feel a call to give yourself in service as a doctor or physician. We do have some lady doctors who have married doctors and they have both gone out to do a wonderful work for the Lord. Some of our lady doctors, however, have continued their service alone. On the other hand, D., marriage is God’s plan for us. It is a normal and a natural thing for a girl to want to have a home of her own. However, it is not God's only plan, as I have already mentioned. I think you should talk with your pastors and teachers and your Godly parents. They would know you better than I, and would be able to advise you better. I do not know your gifts and attitudes as well as they would. Then, too, as you say, you do need good grades to be a doctor. The Lord will guide you in this, D., if you seek to do His will only."—Written to an academy student.
Articles
November 22, 1960, Steps to Knowing God's Will, (YI).
This excerpt of an article written by Loren Dickenson, in which he quotes Pastor Minchin, lists ten steps in the path of determining God's will. The information was drawn from a question-and-answer period during the Festival of the Holy Scriptures discussion groups, in this case group eleven: "Spiritual Problems," at the North American Festival of the Holy Spirit held in Atlantic City, NJ. Pastor Minchin was sharing a list found in E. E. Shelhamer's Heart Talks To Converts.
Article PDF 8x11 PDF The Full Article PDF
Holiness
ELM Quotes
"Holiness is a science far deeper, greater, and more profound than any other. Those who truly belong to the Lord and are preparing for translation will make it their supreme study. Many need an experience much higher, deeper, broader, than they have ever thought of. They seem satisfied with their present standing before God, and know little of what it means to behold His glory. To such He calls, 'Come up higher. Be holy, holier still.'—The Ministry of Healing, p. 503.
"Real holiness is winsome. Therefore, far from repelling us, it fascinates, awes, and subdues. There is something within us that recognizes and responds to the holy even though we cannot define it.
What is a saint? A saint is one who has been made holy by the regenerating, cleansing presence of the Holy Spirit. Holiness is the life of God begotten in us by the Holy Spirit. It brings us into entire conformity to His will and reproduces His own perfect character within us. It is the imparted and imputed righteousness of Jesus Christ our Saviour. It is the glorious provision whereby the guilty sinner may find pardon, reconciliation, and restoration, full and complete. "Holiness is wholeness for God; it is the entire surrender of heart and life to the indwelling of the principles of heaven."—The Desire of
Ages, p. 556—"The Sabbath a Sign of Holiness," Australasian Union Conference Record, September 17, 1959.
EGW Quotes
"The ethics inculcated by the gospel acknowledge no standard but the perfection of God's mind, God's will. All righteous attributes of character dwell in God as a perfect, harmonious whole. Everyone who receives Christ as his personal Saviour is privileged to possess these attributes. This is the science of holiness." —Testimonies, Vol. 7, p. 276.
Sermons
Separation, The Price of Holiness - Five-part Series (RH).
This series on the necessity of separation to achieve God's character standard, is excellent, and is a welcome restating of the standards that bring holiness and blessing. The series also appeared in the Australasian Union Conference Record.
August 27, 1959, Lessons From the Past, (RH).
September 3, 1959, The Peril of Worldliness, (RH).
September 24, 1959, The Fragrance of Christ, (RH).
Holy Spirit
ELM Quotes
"The price of Spirit-filling, — absolute abandonment to the will of God, and the unreserved surrender of every sinful habit and cherished idol. Nothing is clearer than that a Christian receives power in proportion to the completeness of his consecration. How many there are, like Ananias and Sapphira, who keep back part of the price. God’s displeasure is just as surely upon those who do this today." "The Coming Revival," Australasian Union Conference Record, July 6, 1936.
"The reason that so many wonder why their experience is powerless and disappointing is that they, have taken the first step of surrender, but have failed to make the next, and by a definite act of faith RECEIVE the Holy Spirit into the empty heart. The Holy Spirit is “the personal presence of Christ to the soul.” He makes Jesus real to us. We receive power when we receive Him. “As many as received Him, to them gave He power.” John 1:12. 'When we have renounced our idols, the vacuum must be supplied. ... As you empty the heart of self, you must accept the righteousness of Christ.... If you open the door of the heart, Jesus will supply the vacuum by the gift of His Spirit.'— Christ Our Righteousness, p. 145. Many have gone to Calvary for cleansing, but have never been to Jerusalem for the Pentecost, that they may live lives of holiness, boldness, and power." "The Coming Revival," Australasian Union Conference Record, July 6, 1936.
"We are praying for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in the latter rain. Our greatest and most urgent need is a revival of primitive godliness among us. Already there is evidence of a work of revival going forward, and many are experiencing a quickening of spiritual life and a renewal of their first love. However, the power of the Holy Spirit will not attend the proclamation of this message in its fullness until God completely purifies and cleanses those who proclaim it. "The power of the Holy Spirit awaits our demand and reception." "Ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you." The only way to obtain power to finish this work is by receiving the Holy Spirit. We are commanded to "be filled with the Spirit," but He cannot enter in all His fullness until carnality is removed. Therefore, to seek heart purity is the one and only way to receive the Holy Spirit." "The Coming Revival," Australasian Union Conference Record, July 6, 1936.
Illustrations
“At times, when Finney was speaking, the power of the Spirit seemed to descend like a cloud of glory upon him. Often a hallowed calm, noticeable even to the unsaved, seemed to settle down upon cities where he was holding meetings. Sinners wore often brought under conviction of sin almost as soon as they entered these cities. . . . When holding a meeting in Utica, New York, he visited a large factory there, and was looking at the machinery. At the sight of him one of the operatives, and then another, and then another, broke down and wept under the sense of their sins, and finally so many were sobbing and weeping that the machinery had to he stopped while Finney pointed them to Christ.” Another example of great spiritual power was D. L. Moody. D. L. Moody secured such a baptism of power that enabled him to stir the English-speaking world. We have the record also of the men and women of might and prayer who led in the great movement to which we belong." "The Coming Revival," Australasian Union Conference Record, July 6, 1936.
Sermons
July 6, 1936, The Coming Revival, (AAR).
October 11, 1960, Newly Edged With Power - by E.L. Minchin, (YI). ***
December 18, 1971, The Work of the Holy Spirit in Revival (RH).
Humility
ELM Quotes
Humility Regarding Spiritual Walk
"I do hope that those who are trying to please the Lord will not give any impression of being spiritually superior or hold themselves aloof from these other youth who need help. Walk humbly with the Saviour, D. Be friends to all, and let your life be a testimony to the happiness and the joy of the Christian life. I would not pay too much attention to the talk that goes around. Take time, every day, Debbie, to cultivate your own soul. Talk with the Lord Jesus about every problem, and He will help you to live a happy, radiant Christian life. In your little prayer groups, you can pray together and encourage one another, but, as I said, do not give any impression to the other young people that you are better than they are. We are all sinners. We all need Jesus. We all make mistakes, but if our hearts are set to do His will, we shall seek forgiveness for our mistakes and then forget ourselves in loving service for others."—Taken from letter to academy student
Laodicean Condition
EGW Quotes
"The love of God has been lost." "Self, self, self is cherished." Review and Herald, February 25, 1902, par. 2; "In many hearts there seems to be scarcely a breath of spiritual life. God brings against ministers and people a heavy charge of spiritual feebleness.” Review and Herald, February 25, 1902, par. 5; "God's people have lost their first love.'' Review and Herald, February 25, 1902, par. 15;—Mrs. E. G. White. [This article was drawn from Letter 55, 1901, written to A. G. Daniells.]
Leadership
ELM Quotes
Perils of Leadership:
- Failing to realize our supreme need for time with Jesus
- Being so busy that we fail to leave time for personal, daily, regular absorbing communion with God.
- Deadening familiarity with spiritual things.
- Worldliness brings a benumbing deadening influence to our service.
"Are we, as leaders, removing the stones from the path of our young people? Are we lifting up the standard for them to follow? or are we so friendly with the world that the standard is dragging in the dirt, and our influence is placing stumbling stones? Our homes, furniture, clothing, all influence others and reveal our true selves. God calls for simplicity in living. Man's position does not make him one jot or tittle greater in the sight of God. Character alone is what God values." "Perils of Leadership," Australasian Union Conference Record, May 17, 1937.
EGW Quotes
"As we approach the close of time, as the people of God stand upon the borders of the heavenly Canaan, Satan will, as of old, redouble his efforts to prevent them from entering the goodly land. It is not the ignorant and uncultured merely that need to be guarded; he will prepare his temptations for those in the highest positions, in the most holy office; if he can lead them to pollute their souls, he can through them destroy many.—Patriarchs and Prophets, pp. 443, 444.
Manhood
ELM Correspondance
"It is not easy for a youth these days when there is so much pressure from the world and from within our ownselves to go the way of least resistance, but God bless you as you seek to prepare for the work He has for you to do. Remember, D., that a religious experience is maintained only through conflict, through disappointment, through severe discipline of self and through earnest prayer. It takes both grace and grit to rise to the summit of a worthwhile and noble manhood."—Written to academy student.
Marriage
Scriptures
2 Corinthians 6:14 (NKJV) "Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness?"
ELM Quotes
"Our people are not ignorant concerning God's expressed will for His people in regard to marriage, and especially His attitude toward marriage with nonbelievers. His command is positive and unequivocal. "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers" (2 Cor. 6:14).
"Parents and leaders of youth have a solemn responsibility to impress upon their children as they become of age that God forbids marriage with unbelievers." —Australasian Union Conference Record, September 10, 1959.
EGW Quotes
"Great care should be taken by Christian youth in the formation of friendships and in the choice of companions. Take heed, lest what you now think to be pure gold turns out to be base metal. Worldly associations tend to place obstructions in the way of your service to God, and many souls are ruined by unhappy unions, either business or matrimonial, with those who can never elevate or ennoble. Never should God's people venture upon forbidden ground. Marriage between believers and unbelievers is forbidden by God, but too often the unconverted heart follows its own desires, and marriages unsanctioned by God are formed." —Messages to Young People, p. 436
"It is a dangerous thing to form a
worldly alliance. Satan well knows that the hour which witnesses the marriages of many young men and women closes the history of their religious experience and usefulness. For a time they may make an effort to live a Christian life, but all their strivings are made against a steady influence in the opposite direction. Once they felt it a privilege to speak of their joy and hope; but soon they become unwilling to make this a subject of conversation, knowing that the one with whom they have linked their destiny takes no interest in these things. Thus Satan insidiously weaves about them a web of skepticism, and faith in the precious truth dies out in the heart." —Ibid., pp. 453, 454.
ELM Sermons
• September 10, 1959, Dress and Marriage - by E.L. Minchin, (RH)
Pastoral Ministry
EGW Quotes
"The very trials that test our faith most severely, and make it seem that God has forsaken us, are designed to lead us nearer to Christ, that we may lay all our burdens at his feet, and receive the peace he will give us in exchange. . . . When you surrender yourself entirely to God, when you fall all broken upon Jesus, you will be rewarded by a victory, the joy of which you have never yet realized. As you review the past with a clear vision, you will see that at the very time when life seemed to you only a perplexity and a burden, Jesus himself was near you, seeking to lead you into the light. Your Father was by your side, bending over you with unutterable love, afflicting you for your good, as the refiner purifies the precious ore. When you have thought yourself forsaken, he has been near you to comfort and sustain. We seldom view Jesus as he is, and are never so ready to receive his help as he is to help us.” Gospel Workers 1992, p. 372.
"God bids you now to come to repentance. Let your hearts be broken before God; confess your sins and be converted. Let there be humility of heart in seeking the Lord, and sincerity of purpose in carrying out His works. Angels of God will rejoice when ministers and people take up this work of repentance before God." {AUCR October 7, 1907, par. 19}
ELM Quotes
"He said, "I am the bread of life" (John 6:35). He knew that the blessing of life through Him could come in only one way. He must be taken; He must be broken; He must be given. If His body, His heart, and His whole life had not been broken, His precious life could never have been given, and we would be without hope. The miracle of the loaves and fishes was symbolic of His own sacrifice for the redemption of the world. ... The ministry of God's men down through the ages reveals the same truth. And our own experience tells the same story. Note the expression "He took . . . and brake it." Before Christ was given, He was broken. What do we know about that? Unbroken bread can never be given. Perhaps here lies the secret of the failure of many a ministry.
"Do we want to be great preachers or God's messengers? A man can be a great preacher without being God's messenger. He can be God's messenger without being a great preacher. By God's grace he can be both.
"Our desperately inadequate and limited resources if placed in His hands may still be used in multiplied blessing to the people. If we too ardently long for transformation of character as our supreme equipment for effective ministry, there will surely come a day when He will, as He did with Jacob, bring us to our Jabbok. He will break up the evil in our nature, deliver us from our self-sufficiency, and give us gloriously to a lost world. But only broken bread can be given." —The Ministry, April, 1965.
Quotes From Others
"We can never heal the needs we do not feel. Tearless hearts can never be the heralds of the passion. We must pity if we would redeem. We must bleed if we would be the ministers of the saving blood."—J. H. Jewett, The Passion for Souls, p. 34.
Sermons
April 1, 1965, Broken to be Given - by E.L. Minchin, MIN).
This is a wonderful article on the need for pastors to be broken to be effective in their ministry.
Power
Illustrations
"When Moody was burnt out in Chicago, all of his earthly possessions were destroyed. He took a train for New York, a discouraged man. He felt his ministry had been a failure. During that journey in the train he wrestled with God in prayer. He prayed, ''O God, make me willing in the day of Thy power. Make me willing to be as strong for service as Thou dost want me to be." Arriving in New York, he engaged a room "in a hotel, closed the door, and continued in agonising prayer for blessing and power. A friend called on him, but after knocking upon his door he could hear Moody's voice coming from within, "O God, make me willing, make me willing to be as strong for service as Thou dost want me to be.'' Going away, he returned in the evening, and venturing to go in, he saw Moody in the corner of the room, his tear-stained face turned heavenward, as he cried, "O Lord, stay now Thine hand; it is enough; it is enough." He did not notice his visitor, and so great was the blessing that flooded his soul that he asked God to stay His hand. This experience marked the commencement of that mighty revival that spread throughout the United States." "The Way to Spiritual Power," Australasian Union Conference Record, June 29, 1936.
Sermons
October 11, 1960, Newly Edged With Power - Minchin, (YI).
Prayer
ELM Quotes
"I believe it may be possible for a person to be saved in the kingdom of God who has never been to a church. He may be where he could never go to church. I believe it could be possible for a man to get into the kingdom of God who never read this Book. He may be where he couldn't obtain the Book of God. He may not be able to have this Book, but I cannot conceive of any one ever getting to the kingdom of God who had never learned to pray."—When I Find it Hard to Pray
"So many of us are living like spiritual paupers when we might be spiritual millionaires. Is that true, friends? What a tragedy! The tragedy of God’s people today, friends, is that they are satisfied with little when they might have much." —When I Find it Hard to Pray
EGW Quotes
"Prayer is the opening of the heart to God as to a friend."—Steps to Christ, 93.2
"Prayer is the breath of the soul. It is the secret of spiritual power."—Messages to Young People, 249.3.
"Prayer is the key in the hand of faith to unlock heaven's storehouse wherein are treasured the boundless resources of omnipotence."—Steps to Christ, 94.2.
Other Quotes
"Satan dreads nothing but prayer. The church that lost its Christ was full of good works. Activities are multiplied so that meditation might be ousted and organizations are increased that prayer may have no chance. Souls may be lost in good work as surely as in evil ways."—Samuel Chadwick
Sermons, Manuscripts, Articles
Prayer
The three sermons that follow are wonderful. My favorite is the first, but they are all excellent.
When I Find It Hard to Pray
Obstacles to Prayer
Making Prayer Real
Revival
Scripture
Acts 2:17. “And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of My Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions.”
ELM Quotes
"When God finds truly humble and dedicated instruments who are willing to pay the price that a truly spiritual ministry demands, He has mighty weapons in His hand for the breaking down of strongholds and the establishing of His kingdom in the hearts of men. The greatest preparation for any revival must take place in the hearts of the instruments God will use. It is the preacher's inner life that matters most, and largely determines the success or failure of any revival. It is not his education, his culture, or his organizing ability, important as they may be. If he is a born-again servant of God, and has a passionate love for Christ; if he has a tender and understanding heart in his dealing with souls, and a growing love for and familiarity with the Word of God; if he is an unworldly man whom the people know comes to his task from the higher levels of fellowship and communion with God, a vitalizing power will attend his ministry. If he does not have this, his ministry becomes mediocre and ineffective."
EGW Quotes
''A revival and a reformation must take place under the administration of the Holy Spirit. Revival and reformation are two different things. Revival signifies a renewal of spiritual life, a quickening of the powers of mind and heart, a resurrection from spiritual death. Reformation signifies a reorganisation, a change in ideas and feelings, habits and practices. . . . Revival and reformation are to do their appointed work, and in doing this work they must blend." Christ Our Righteousness, p. 154.
“The great work of the gospel is not to close with less manifestation of the power of God than marked its opening. The prophecies which were fulfilled in the outpouring of the former rain, at the opening of the gospel, are again to be fulfilled in the latter rain at its close.” The Great Controversy, p. 611.
“In visions of the night, representations passed before me of a great reformatory movement among God’s people. ... I have been deeply impressed by scenes that have recently passed before me in the night season. There seemed to be a great movement, a work of revival, going forward in many places. Our people were moving into line, responding to God’s call.” Christ Our Righteousness, pp. 157, 158.
Sermons
March 3, 1959, Revival and the Responsibility of the Ministry, (MIN).
This may be the best article on revival by Pastor Minchin.
Article PDF 8x11 PDF Telephone-Friendly PDF
February 8, 1962, A Great Revival Foretold (RH)
December 18, 1971, The Work of the Holy Spirit in Revival (RH).
Sabbath, Seventh-day
Scriptures
Exodus 31:12-13 "And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, 13 “Speak also to the children of Israel, saying: Surely My Sabbaths you shall keep, for it is a sign between Me and you throughout your generations, that you may know that I am the LORD who sanctifies you."
ELM Quotes
"A holy God sanctified the Sabbath day and set it apart as a sign of His creative power and of His ability to create within us clean hearts and to make us His holy, separated people. Friend, do you see in the holy Sabbath this pledge and assurance of your heavenly Father, that He who by His divine power created the worlds is able to create in you a clean heart and enable you to live a life free from sin? But you cannot keep the Sabbath holy unless He who is holy is abiding in your heart, cleansing you from sin, and filling you with His power by filling you with His presence. This is true Sabbathkeeping.
"Abstinence from labor and attending to religious exercises on the Sabbath have little significance if we are not truly sanctified by the God of the Sabbath. How can a church member keep "holy" the Sabbath day and go to the house of worship and at the same time cherish hatred or feelings of hardness toward someone sitting in the next pew? The church where dissension exists and where unkind feelings are harbored is certainly not keeping God's Sabbath, whatever its profession. Yes, the Sabbath is a sign of that "holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord" (Heb. 12: 14).
" The Sabbath, we are told, will be the last great test of loyalty to God. His people will by their lives and by their reverence of His holy day make a clear distinction between the sacred and the common. The whole of God's day will be given to Him. They joyfully call His day a delight, and honor Him, not doing their own ways or finding their own pleasures, or speaking their own words (Isa. 58:13, 14).
"We deplore the fact that laxity in Sabbath observance is evident in many Seventh-day Adventist homes. Such laxity, where it occurs, indicates a decline in the spiritual life. The proper observance of the Sabbath is an evidence of our fidelity to our Creator and of our fellowship with our Redeemer. In this way only can we present the Sabbath truth to the world in all its beauty and sanctifying power. May this blessed day become the best of all the seven for ourselves and for our children, a veritable foretaste of the eternal rest of our heavenly home."
Sealing
ELM Quotes
"Those who are saved will be a sealed people. The finishing of the work on this earth involves the sealing of the servants of God. The sealing message found in Rev. 14: 6-14 is the most solemn work in all the earth. Those who respond to the call appear before the judgment bar of God having the Father's name written in their foreheads. Rev. 14: 1. The mind, the character, of God becomes the ruling influence in their lives. This message is being preached now. The sealing of the servants of God described in Revelation 7 comes in between the opening of the sixth and seventh seals. It takes place before the plagues are poured out, and is completed at the close of probation." based on Early Writings, pages 279, 280.
"Those who receive the seal of God have experienced the highest transformation of character the world has ever seen, and will stand 'without fault before the throne of God.' Our concern should not be about the number of the 144,000, but about the character we must possess to be among that company."
EGW Quotes
"My dear brethren and sisters, let the commandments of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ be in your minds continually, and let them crowd out worldly thoughts and cares. When you lie down and when you rise up, let them be your meditation. Live and act wholly in reference to the coming of the Son of man. The sealing time is very short, and will soon be over. Now is the time, while the four angels are holding the four winds, to make our calling and election sure." Early Writings, page 58.
"Those that overcome the world, the flesh, and the devil, will be the favoured ones who shall receive the seal of the living God. Those whose hands are not clean, whose hearts are not pure, will not have the seal of the living God. Those who are planning sin and acting it, will be passed by. Only those who, in their attitude before God, are filling the position of those who are repenting and confessing their sins in the great anti-typical day of atonement, will be recognized and marked as worthy of God's protection. The names of those who are steadfastly looking and waiting and watching for the appearing of their Saviour—more earnestly and wishfully than they who wait for the morning—will be numbered with those who are sealed." Testimonies to Ministers, page 445.
Sermons On Sealing
March 18, 1940, Will You Be Among Those Who Are Sealed? - Minchin, (AAR).
Self (dying to, and being emptied of, self)
Scriptures
Psalms 110: 3 "Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power."
ELM Quotes
"We often claim that we have made a full consecration, when God, who understands all hearts, knows that we are holding something in reserve. The Holy Spirit is sovereign. He will not sit on the throne with an idol. Here is where many fail, and the longing cry for victory and Spirit-filling goes unanswered. They set up in their hearts some idol, some pet sin, some darling indulgence, and then dare to invite the Spirit of God to come and sit enthroned by the side of this unclean thing. Is not this an insult to the Holy Spirit? I am more convinced than ever that the only way to revival and victory is the way of complete renunciation and confession of every known sin. The temple must be cleansed. Let us be honest with ourselves and with God. If we prize the victory, shall we not give God the right of way in our hearts? He comes only into empty hearts." Australasian Union Conference Record, June 29, 1936.
EGW Quotes
"There must be a painful work of detachment, as well as a work of attachment. The reason why many find the Christian life so deplorably hard, why they are so fickle, so variable is, they try to attach themselves to Christ without first detaching themselves from their cherished idols." Christ Our Righteousness, p. 48.
Other Quotes
The following quotation, mentioned in the sermon, "The Fragrance of Christ," was a favorite quotation that was often repeated.
"When you are forgotten or neglected or purposely set at naught, and you sting and hurt with the insult or the oversight, but your heart is happy, being counted worthy to suffer for Christ-that is dying to self. When your good is evil spoken of, when your wishes are crossed, your advice disregarded, your opinions ridiculed and you refuse to let anger rise in your heart, or even defend yourself, but take all in patient loving silence-that is dying to self. When you lovingly and patiently bear any disorder, any irregularity, or any annoyance, when you can stand face to face with waste, folly, extravagance, spiritual insensibility, and endure it as Jesus endured it-that is dying to self. When you are content with any food, any offering, any raiment, any climate, any society, any attitude, any interruption by the will of God-that is dying to self. When you never care to refer to yourself in conversation, or to record your own good works, or itch after commendation, when you can truly love to be unknown-that is dying to self. When you see your brother prosper and have his needs met and can honestly rejoice with him in spirit and feel no envy nor question God, while your own needs are far greater and in desperate circumstances-that is dying to self. When you can receive correction and reproof from one of less stature than yourself, can humbly submit inwardly as well as outwardly, finding no rebellion or resentment rising up within your heart-that is dying to self."
Service
ELM Quotes
"The work of the Lord is starving for young men and women who can lead out."
"Life holds no greater privilege for Christian young people than for them to give themselves to God in loving ministry to those around them. God is calling His youth today. From all over the world we are hearing reports of the new consecration that so many thousands of our youth are making to the Lord and to the finishing of the work."
The Shaking
ELM Quotes
"Why will so many be led into apostasy and oppose the work they once loved? Let us notice the reasons given in the last two statements:—
"Step by step yielded to worldly demands."
"Conformed to worldly customs."
"Not been sanctified through obedience to the truth."
"Uniting with the world and partaking of its spirit."
"Prepared to choose the easy, popular side."
"Will not find it a hard matter to yield to the powers that be."
"Few apostasies take place suddenly. Little by little these souls have become careless, indifferent, and worldly. For a time, apparently, there was no evidence of apostasy, but the barriers were let down gradually until there was open conformity to the world. If we are not true to the principles of this message in the privacy of our own living; if our hearts have not been sanctified by daily obedience to the truth; if there is a spirit of" compromise with the world, whether secret or open, when the supreme test comes the weakness of our characters will be mani-
fest, and we will choose the easy and popular side, and take our place among the enemies of God's people."
EGW Quotes
"I was shown the people of God, and saw them mightily shaken. Some, with strong faith and agonizing cries, were pleading with God. Their countenances were pale, and marked with deep anxiety, expressive of their internal struggle. Firmness and great earnestness were expressed in their countenances, while large drops of perspiration fell from their foreheads. Now and then their faces would light up with the marks of God's approbation, and again the same solemn. earnest, anxious look would settle upon them. . . .
"Some, I saw, did not participate in this work of agonizing and pleading. They seemed indifferent and careless. They were not resisting the darkness around them, and it shut them in like a thick cloud. The angels of God left these, and I saw them hastening to the assistance of those who were struggling with all their energies to resist the evil angels. . . . I asked the meaning of the shaking I had seen, and was shown that it would be caused by the straight testimony called forth by the counsel of the True Witness to the Laodiceans. This will have its effect upon the heart of the receiver, and will lead him to exalt the standard and pour forth the straight truth. Some will not bear this straight testimony. They will rise up against it, and this will cause a shaking among God's people. . . .
"My attention was then turned to the company I had seen who were mightily shaken. . . The numbers of this company had lessened. Some had been shaken out and left by the way. The careless and indifferent, who did not join with those who prized victory and salvation enough to perseveringly plead and agonize for it, did not obtain it, and they were left behind in darkness, but their numbers were immediately made up by others taking hold of the truth and coming into the ranks."—Testimonies, Vol. 1, pp. 179-182.
Sermons
March 25, 1940, Who Shall Be Able to Stand the Shaking Time - Minchin, (AAR).
Simplicity
ELM Quote
"Increase of show and display in the church always accompanies a corresponding decline in spiritual power. Missionary Volunteers must remember that their power to win souls and to advance God's kingdom is largely dependent upon their maintaining this great principle of simplicity in all their enterprises, whether they be MV programs, rallies, or weddings. ... Yes, that is our work: simplicity in portraying the love of Christ to the lost. "To invest the simplest truths with novelty and singularity, is to rob them of their power to win souls to Christ." Our business is to win people to Jesus Christ. There can be no substitute for this simple, spiritual, fervent approach to the hearts of others."—"Simplicity," Youth's Instructor, October 29, 1957.
EGW Quote
"The youth may be a power for Christ, if they will maintain their simplicity, and not seek to present something startling, something original, but teach the precepts of their Lord. But to invest the simplest truths with novelty and singularity, is to rob them of their power to win souls to Christ. . . . What you need is a living experience in the things of God, and simplicity in presenting the love of Christ to the lost. . . . When the heart is aglow with the love of Jesus, you will express it to others, and become witnesses for Christ."—The Youth's Instructor, May 4, 1893 .
ELM Sermon
October 29, 1957, Simplicity, (YI).
Sin & The Carnal Christian
ELM Quotes
"Oh, my dear friends, what a cry! What a bondage! Yet she [a young woman enslaved in sin] is only one. What a warning to those who are tempted to believe that the “pleasures of sin” are satisfying! Could ever deception be greater? Here is a girl from a good home, with an honoured ancestry, sunken to the very depths and crying for a liberty she does not possess. Let us not deceive ourselves, for the human heart is desperately wicked, and unless it is cleansed and possessed by the power of the living God, there is no limit to the depths to which it may take the best of us." "The Coming Revival," Australasian Union Conference Record, July 6, 1936.
"It is well for us to remember that within the Christian there are two natures, the spiritual and the carnal, the divine and the fleshly, and these are engaged in deadly warfare. Deliverance from the old sphere “in Adam” and entrance into the new sphere “in Christ” demand the complete dethronement of self." Australasian Union Conference Record, July 6, 1936.
"The carnal Christian enjoys spasmodic and momentary victory, but more often the flesh nature is in control. He lives in Romans 7, and has an “up and down” experience. Paul speaks of the carnal Christian as still being a babe in Christ. He never grows up. He lives in the realms of his feelings, and is sensitive and touchy. He absorbs attention and is happy if all goes well, but rebels if his will is crossed. He loves to be coaxed and humoured, and as a helpless babe is dependent upon others for his food. He does not feed on the Word for himself. He cannot help others. One great Christian has said, “Some Christians are monstrosities, they are no more like Christ twenty years after their conversion than they were the day they professed faith in Him,” The carnal Christian lives a life of protracted infancy." Australasian Union Conference Record, July 6, 1936.
"His influence is negative, and his life is inconsistent and barren. The carnal Christian hobnobs with the world; he loves its friendship, its music, and its pleasures. He commits spiritual adultery. James 4:4. He is a hypocrite, for he says one thing and does another. His life contradicts his preaching." "Are You a Carnal Christian," Australasian Union Conference Record, August 31, 1936.
Sermons
August 31, 1936, Are You a Carnal Christian (AAR).
Surrender
ELM Quotes
Consecration means "giving our hearts, our minds, our hands, our feet, our voices, our ears, and all that we have and saying, "Here Lord, take them all; they are Thine; do with them as Thou seest best." Report of sermon given at 19370517 and 19370419 Report of sermons given at the Australian Missionary College now Avondale) by A. Piez. "Inspiration for Leadership," Australasian Union Conference Record, April 19, 1937,
"At the commencement of the Christian life, there must be a complete renunciation of all self-will, the complete denial to the flesh of its every desire and pleasure, and complete separation from the world in all its ways of thinking and of acting. This renunciation and surrender must be a continual experience; nothing short of this can God accept. The trouble is that too many of us want to live His life without first of all dying His death. This is a death to self and to the world. We lose our experience because we do not know the meaning of surrender and self-denial. We sin because we want to.""How to Maintain A Good Christian Experience," Australasian Union Conference Record, June 22, 1936.
"Surrender: absolute abandonment to the will of God, and the unreserved surrender of every sinful habit and cherished idol. Nothing is clearer than that a Christian receives power in proportion to the completeness of his consecration. How many there are, like Ananias and Sapphira, who keep back part of the price. God’s displeasure is just as surely upon those who do this today." "The Coming Revival," Australasian Union Conference Record, July 6, 1936.
Sermons
How To Make Surrender Real
In this very helpful sermon, discussion is given on how to really surrender in giving God each part of our bodies, and then always remembering that they all belong to God!
How To Make Surrender Real MP3
Sermon PDF Telephone-Friendly PDF ePUB Document
September 2, 1954, The Great Secret, (RH).
This excellent article looks at how Paul focused on one thing in his life, as well as surrendered everything. We need to do the same!
"O Christian youth, we have been too halfhearted, we have never specialized. We have not been able to say with Paul, "This one thing I do." We have walked with one foot in the church and one in the world. There is no joy or power in such a life. This is the reason for the failure of so many Christians. They have not served God with a whole heart and a single eye. "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind." This is God's call for specialists."
Testimonies, The Power of Personal
By the Revivalist
EGW Quotes
Mike Stevenson was reminded of the following quotation as he was preparing for speaking after Elder Minchin at the revival that took place at Andrews University in 1970, and felt convicted to share his testimony about coming to Christ:
"Strive to arouse men and women from their spiritual insensibility. Tell them how you found Jesus, and how blessed you have been since you gained an experience in His service. Tell them what blessing comes to you as you sit at the feet of Jesus, and learn precious lessons from His Word. Tell them of the gladness and joy there is in the Christian life. Your warm, fervent words will convince them that you have found the pearl of great price. Let your cheerful, encouraging words show that you have certainly found the higher way. This is genuine missionary work, and as it is done, many will awake as from a dream.", Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 9, 38.
We find more of the same in Christ Object Lessons.
"Those who have put on Christ will relate their experience, tracing step by step the leadings of the Holy Spirit,—their hungering and thirsting for the knowledge of God and of Jesus Christ whom He has sent, the result of their searching of the Scriptures, their prayers, their soul-agony, and the words of Christ to them, “Thy sins be forgiven thee.” It is unnatural for any to keep these things secret, and those who are filled with the love of Christ will not do so. In proportion as the Lord has made them the depositaries of sacred truth will be their desire that others shall receive the same blessing. And as they make known the rich treasures of God’s grace, more and still more of the grace of Christ will be imparted to them." Christ’s Object Lessons, 125..
Value, True
ELM Letter
"This is just to let you know, D., that I have not forgotten you. I know that you do not forget the blessings received at the camp and the resolutions we all made at that time. Remember that statement, "It is purity of heart and singleness of purpose that constitutes the true value of a human being." God give you these great values, D., and make you a happy and radiant Christian lad."
Victory
ELM Quotes
"The constant, abiding presence of Jesus, our Mighty Keeper, keeps our evil nature, the flesh, down. This, indeed, is the secret of constant victory." Australasian Union Conference Record, June 22, 1936.
"Spiritual feebleness, lack of power, is the curse of the church. A life of conscious, daily victory, is gloriously possible to every believer. Yea, it is a positive necessity if we would “see Him as He is.” This personal holiness, personal victory over sin, is the greatest asset this denomination can possess for the finishing of the work in this generation. May it not be that in seeking after this experience we shall witness a revival of primitive godliness as is promised in the time of the latter rain?"—"How to Maintain A Good Christian Experience," Australasian Union Conference Record, June 22, 1936.
"The services commenced on Friday evening in the Hull church, when Pastor Minchin showed us how to live the victorious life. Temptations will come, in the nature of things, but, in God's providence, these are allowed in order that His people might develop characters fit for the kingdom. Our part is to refuse to consider, or dwell on, the temptations of the enemy, even as Joseph, who, when he was tempted, "got him up, and fled." On the other hand, we must "fill the life with all that is beautiful, and there -will be no room for the devil to enter."—British Adventist Messenger, April 23, 1948.
Overcoming in Specific Areas
Overcoming Temper
"Well do I remember you coming and talking to me. ... You told me of your problems. You mentioned that one of your problems was a quick temper. I do trust that you are still pressing on in the battle and not allowing your failures to discourage you. Remember, this is a battle and every true soldier is prepared for a battle. If you fail, get forgiveness and press on again. Those you have hurt in any way by your words will forgive you if you sincerely ask their forgiveness. Determine to be an overcomer. Take time every day to consecrate yourself to the Lord. Spend some time each day alone with God and the reading of His word, and I know that you will one day become a real example of what God can do in a person's life. ... We are looking to you young people to take up the burdens that some of us will have to lay down soon. How we long to see our youth rise up in the strength of a great dedication to finish the work of God."—Written to a young person.
EGW Quotes
"Do you ask, “How am I to abide in Christ?” In the same way as you received Him at first. “As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in Him.” “The just shall live by faith.” Colossians 2:6; Hebrews 10:38. You gave yourself to God, to be His wholly, to serve and obey Him, and you took Christ as your Saviour. You could not yourself atone for your sins or change your heart; but having given yourself to God, you believe that He for Christ’s sake did all this for you. By faith you became Christ’s, and by faith you are to grow up in Him—by giving and taking. You are to give all,—your heart, your will, your service,—give yourself to Him to obey all His requirements; and you must take all,—Christ, the fullness of all blessing, to abide in your heart, to be your strength, your righteousness, your everlasting helper,—to give you power to obey." Steps to Christ, 70.
“The only defence against evil is the indwelling of Christ in the heart through faith in His righteousness. Unless we become vitally connected with God, we can never resist the unhallowed effects of self-love, self-indulgence, and temptation to sin. . , . Without a vital connection with God, through the surrender of ourselves to Him, moment by moment, we shall be overcome.” — The Desire of Ages, p. 324.
“We shall often have to bow down and weep at the feet of Jesus because of our shortcomings and mistakes; but we are not to be discouraged. Even if we are overcome by the enemy, we are not cast off, not forsaken and rejected of God.” — Steps to Christ, p. 69.
"The religion of Christ in the heart will gain for its possessor a complete victory over those passions that are seeking for the mastery." — Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 4, p. 610.
Recommended Books
Steps to Christ by Ellen G. White
Elder Minchin frequently quoted from this book, as well as requiring all those that were preparing for baptism to read through it.
Sermons, Manuscripts, Articles
The Life of Victory
June 22, 1936, How to Maintain A Good Christian Experience, (AAR).
June 29, 1936, The Way to Spiritual Power (AAR).
September 9, 1943, Conquest of Self, (AAR). *****
This is a really excellent article on the subject. Take the time to read it!
Weakness
ELM Quotes
"Why is it that this condition exists? Is there a remedy? Why, do we not experience the fullness of the Holy Spirit, for God has not yet withdrawn Him? Why are there so many feeble, powerless Christians? There are two plain and simple reasons. First, only partial consecration, and secondly, holding on to sin. This is taught clearly in Paul's statement: "Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are His. And let ever y one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity." 2 Tim. 2:19. This means complete consecration and holiness. It is in this that we fail, and therefore fall short of receiving the fullness of the Holy Spirit." —"The Way to Spiritual Power," Australasian Union Conference Record, June 29, 1936.
[All the remaining paragraphs come from the same article.]
"It may be some sinful secret habit or impure thoughts. Perhaps your record is one of strong passion and weak will. There is nothing which sears the conscience like impurity; there is nothing so fatal to the fine instincts, and so debasing to the nobler impulses. Dear friend, let go, and let God. '' He shall save His people from their sins." Matt. 1:21. Was ever music half so sweet as that? "The religion of Christ in the heart will gain for its possessor a complete victory over those passions that are seeking for the mastery." — Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 4, p. 610.
"Perhaps the world, with its glitter and its tinsel, is rolled before the door of the heart. Perhaps worldly music, pleasures, and practices enthrall you. Or it may be that improper reading is grieving the gentle Spirit of God from the heart. This is why many backslide. Cheap novels and trashy literature excite and pervert the imagination, weaken the mind, and destroy the taste for God's Word and all substantial reading. Such literature gives false ideas of heroism, love, matrimony, sociability, and success in life. Surely the frown of God is upon this. May He give His people courage to cleanse, the camp from this canker.
"Perhaps an evil temper hinders you from enjoying victory in Christ. Or it may be that hatred of someone who has wronged you is destroying your spirituality. Oh, how many heartaches and church divisions there are because of hatred and criticism! There never will be a revival until strife and hatred are put away from us. Backbiters and tattlers are everywhere. Taking up a reproach against our neighbour is a dangerous business. There is scarcely anything that will more effectively grieve the Spirit from the heart than this work.
"Men may profess faith in the truth, but if it does not make them sincere, kind, patient, forbearing, heavenly-minded, it is a curse to its possessors, and through their influence it is a curse to the world."— The Desire of Ages, p. 310. What a solemn statement is this! We are plainly told here that our profession may become a curse.
"Many professed Christians are so given to telling jokes and funny stories that they have been robbed of the presence of the Spirit. I learned early in my experience that this kind of conversation and a deep Christian experience do not go together. It robs us of depth and sincerity, and leaves us barren. When we have victory over the tongue we shall have the key to complete victory.
"Again, the reason for our spiritual barrenness may be because of our prayerlessness. A prayerless life is a Spiritless life. One man has said, "Find a cold, lifeless backslider, and you find a prayerless life.'' All through whom the Spirit of God has worked in power have been men and women of prayer. A prayerless person is not a Christian. May God teach us how to pray. Let us not neglect our daily appointments with Him. May we seek the joy of fellowship with Him on the street, in the office, on the farm.
"Poor Sabbath-keeping may be robbing us of victory. Maybe we are robbing God in tithes and offerings. Perhaps it is unkindness and fretfulness in the home, harsh words to those we love, that hinder us. Or is it dishonesty in business deals, scheming, and sharp bargaining? All or any of these will rob us of victory. Let us cleanse the camp of its Achans, for then we may go on to victory. There is no other way. May our dear people, and especially our young men and young women upon whom rests so great a responsibility, put these things away by His grace, and invite the precious Saviour in to abide as the supreme Sovereign and Lord of their hearts. What a power will then attend the proclamation of this message! What a holy influence will emanate from every life!" —"The Way to Spiritual Power," Australasian Union Conference Record, June 29, 1936.
EGW Quotes
"Men may profess faith in the truth, but if it does not make them sincere, kind, patient, forbearing, heavenly-minded, it is a curse to its possessors, and through their influence it is a curse to the world."—The Desire of Ages, p. 310.
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