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The apostle Matthew summarized Jesus’ ministry in the following three lines: “And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.” Matt. 9:35.
These three things are of force to this day, to be followed by the messengers of Jesus, before the night comes. Those who follow his instruction to go and bring the glad tidings to all nations, are acting in the same three lines: 1) teaching; 2) preaching; and 3) taking care of the sick and needy.
The need for practical Christianity
The healing of the sick is the best method of introducing the gospel to those who might otherwise be uninterested in hearing about it. This is the exact same method Jesus followed. By uniting his interest with theirs, he showed that he cared for them and that he desired their well-being, and thus they opened their hearts to receive the more important lessons he had come to teach them.
He who works for the Kingdom of God is willing to go to the furthest and most dangerous parts of the world, to bring to those nations the message of salvation. As the Teacher, so is a man filled with compassion, knowing that even today, despite the enormous outward advance, for them it might be said that “they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.” Matt. 9:36.
Even though they may be encompassed with difficulties on every side, they have the assuring promise of God:
“So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” Isa. 55:11.
We can look to the future in perfect hope, knowing that “the harvest is great”. Today, while the doors are still open, we have an opportunity to fulfill our duty, and bring the gospel to all nations, “and then shall the end come” (Matthew 24:14). Let us make use of these opportunities “while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work” (John 9:4).
We must be prepared, to help others prepare
Then we must ask ourselves: are we making ourselves ready for this great day? Are we ready to welcome the coming King? Why are we still tarrying? We have no time to lose. Soon the last plea of mercy will be heard, the time of probation will end and the door of mercy will be closed. Then what?
After the Third Angel’s Message is proclaimed, the day of salvation will end, and the seven last plagues will fall. When this is done, the Coming of our Lord Jesus Christ will take place. The apostle admonishes us:
“And take heed to yourselves… For as a snare shall it [the Day of the Lord] come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.” Luke 21:34-36.
No time to lose
We have no time to lose. We do not know how soon our trial will be ended. The life that we are going to have here is short and we do not know when probation (the hour of salvation) will close. Eternity is just before us. The veil will soon be lifted up and for everyone who is now among the living, the commandment will go out:
“He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.” Rev. 22:11.
Are we ready? Do we know God, the heavenly Ruler and Lawgiver, and Jesus Christ whom he sent to this world to be his representative? When our work in this life is finished, are we in this state as to say, as did Christ, our Pattern, “I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do… I have manifested thy name” (John 17:4-6)?
Souls that have engaged in base thoughts, must be transformed.
“Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; as obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man’s work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear…” 1 Peter 1:13-17.
Our thoughts must center on God. We must put forth great efforts to overcome the evil tendencies of our carnal hearts. Our efforts, self-denial, and perseverance must be in accordance with the priceless value of the aim that we are striving for. Only through victory, as Christ overcame, we will gain the crown of life.
Our mission
Time is fast running out. The world is filled with sickness and sorrow. We can be sure that the future will bring us even greater hardships and that great changes will be made in our lives. Many of those who follow world events ask the question: Which is going to be the next great world event? When will the long-expected peace among men come to pass?
These important questions that are connected to the future, can be answered only by the inspired Word of the true God. This Word is like a powerful lighthouse that enlightens today’s dark world and enlightens with its bright rays those who desire to know the truth.
This same Word contains also a lesson for the present time and the future. This is why our mission is to bring to those who are in darkness the precious treasures of the Scriptures that are vital for their walking on the right path. We also need to point to them the divine prophecies that describe the great world events that are going to transpire just before the Second Coming of Christ.