All day long, in our minds and hearts is the want to be of some use in this world to help bring about positive change to try to help end the heartbreak and suffering. Our minds then think about the homeless and starving on the streets of our own towns. We want to be a part of those who do try to help by God’s leading and grace.

In all that happens around us is there a hope that is found in God? The question we find ourselves asking is, “Can we do something through His leading to help?” What if all these things – heartbreaking things – happening in the world are the fruit of something else other than just “the normal world” we live in? We think about these things, hoping for answers, and a meaning and purpose in life. What if what is going on for this world is also the pointing to the drawing near of a “Great Hope” amidst the darkness of this world, instead of gloom?

What if there truly is meaning behind life, and also a cause for the exhistance of such world-wide trouble and human suffering? Is there a God? Where is He? Why do we have such an exhistance of heartbreak and suffering? As tears roll down our cheeks, with a want for it all end, we look up to Jesus. The questions turn into a want for the answers and the truth.

Reader, I am here to put the question to you, and ask, “What if there is an answer to all our questions? And what if they can all be answered and found from the Bible? What if through God’s word He has given the world light and hope? What about Jesus? Where is He? What would He do if He were here now among our world still? Did He rise from the grave and return to heaven? Is He coming again? What was His purpose and mission? How can we know? Is the Bible trustworthy as the living Word of God? What if it truly does contain the answers?

The Bible gives us promises of hope. In Jeremiah 29:11 (KJV) the Bible says, “For I know the thoughts that I think towards you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace and evil.” And another in Psalms 139:17 (KJV), “How precious also are Thy thoughts unto me, O God! How great is the sum of them!” And Jesus, in John 10:10 (KJV) says, “I am  come that they might have life, and that they might have it abundantly.”

In Matthew 24 (KJV) Jesus describes the Second Coming of Himself to redeem His children, taking them home to heaven, and putting an end to all human woe and suffering, for ever.

Another time, Jesus said, “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions, if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you: And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you to Myself: that where I am, there may ye be also.” (John 14:1-3) (KJV)

May you be comforted by those words.

The post Neighbourly Love first appeared on New Life Projects.

While on earth He said, “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” John 10:10

The Bible reveals this about our condition and how we need Jesus, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in His blood, to declare His righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; To declare, I say, at this time His righteousness: that He might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.” Romans 3:23-26

Isaiah 53:4-5 describes what happened to Jesus for our sakes, “Surely He hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem Him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed.”

One Sabbath in the Synagogue, Jesus quoted this passage: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He hath anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.” Luke 4:18-19

The quote from Isaiah 61 continues to say, “and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that He might be glorified.” Isaiah 61:2-3

Jesus revealed this: “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me.” John 14:6

John 3:16 reveals to us that, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved.” John 3:16-17

John, one of Jesus’s disciples wrote, “In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” 1 John 4:9-10

This is what happened to Jesus for our sakes because of our sins. He was tried unjustly and the people who didn’t believe in Him said these words to Pilate, “But they cried out, Away with Him, away with Him, crucify Him. Pilate saith unto them, Shall I crucify your King? The chief priests answered, We have no king but Caesar. Then delivered he Him therefore unto them to be crucified. And they took Jesus, and led Him away. And He bearing His cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha:  Where they crucified Him, and two other with Him, on either side one, and Jesus in the midst. And Pilate wrote a title, and put it on the cross. And the writing was, JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS.” John 19:15-19

Yet the story doesn’t end there. Three days later God raised Him from the dead.

One of Jesus’s disciples writes about this event saying, “In the end of the Sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre. And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men. And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.” Matthew 28:1-7

The whole story of His resurrection from the dead can be read in the Bible Gospel passages in Mark 16; Luke 24; John 20. 

After He rose from the dead, He “said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.” Luke 24:46-47

Jesus said to His disciples, “Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:” John 20:21-22

After Jesus returned to heaven His disciples followed His words to teach “all nations” (Matthew 28:19) and “teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you.” Matthew 28:20

Following Jesus words, the disciple Peter said, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” Acts 2:38

While on earth, Jesus said to His disciples, “Then said Jesus unto his disciples, “If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for My sake shall find it. For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” Matthew 16:24-26

Jesus said, “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” John 14:1-3

Jesus’s promise to His followers is, “and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” Matthew 28:20

Paul, an apostle of Jesus wrote after his conversion to Jesus from persecuting the followers of Jesus, “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!” Romans 10:13-15

A follower of Jesus wrote these words: “To accept God’s salvation plan is also to accept God’s restoration plan. As followers of Jesus, we have been saved to serve.” (Christian Service2 9.2)

“To those who feed the hungry, quench the thirsty, welcome the stranger, clothe the naked, visit the sick, and seek out the imprisoned, He promises, “Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.” Matt. 25:40 (Christian Service2 9.2)

This refers to a passage in the Bible found in Matthew 25:43-40 that says, “Then shall the King say unto them on His right hand, Come, ye blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For I was an hungred, and ye gave Me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave Me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took Me in: Naked, and ye clothed Me: I was sick, and ye visited Me: I was in prison, and ye came unto Me. Then shall the righteous answer Him, saying, Lord, when saw we Thee an hungred, and fed Thee? or thirsty, and gave Thee a drink? When saw we Thee a stranger, and took Thee in? or naked, and clothed Thee? Or when saw we Thee sick, or in prison, and came unto Thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these My brethren, ye have done it unto Me.”

A Christian writer also wrote, “Our own souls must be firmly grounded in a knowledge of the truth, if we would win others from error to truth. We need now to search the Scriptures diligently, that, as we become acquainted with unbelievers, we may hold up before them Christ as the anointed, the crucified, the risen Saviour, witnessed to by prophets, testified of by believers, and through whose name we receive the forgiveness of our sins.” (Counsels on Stewardship 191.1)

The Bible also says, “Defend the poor and fatherless: do justice to the afflicted and needy. Deliver the poor and needy.” Psalm 82:3-4

In another passage of the Bible it says, “Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh? Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the LORD shall be thy rereward.” Isaiah 58:6-8

I encourage you to go to Jesus and ask Him to reveal Himself to your heart, mind and soul trusting that He hears your prayer.

The post Do You Know Jesus? first appeared on New Life Projects.

The purpose of New Life Projects is to share the Gospel of Jesus and share the vision of individual Gospel work or Gospel work projects based on Biblical and EGW counsel with the purpose to serve others as Jesus would. “For the Bible says, “For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow His steps.” 1 Peter 2:21

The Bible says, “Righteousness shall go before him; and shall set us in the way of His steps.” Psalm 85:13 And this Bible passage says, “And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.” Isaiah 30:21

Ministry Counsel

“As His representatives among men, God does not choose angels who have never fallen, but human beings, men of like passions with those they seek to save. Christ took humanity that He might reach humanity. A divine-human Saviour was needed to bring salvation to the world. And to men and women has been committed the sacred trust of making known “the unsearchable riches of Christ.” 1Christian Service 7.1)

“The church is God’s appointed agency for the salvation of men. It was organized for service, and its mission is to carry the gospel to the world. From the beginning it has been God’s plan that through His church shall be reflected to the world His fulness and His sufficiency. The members of the church, those whom He has called out of darkness into His marvelous light, are to show forth His glory.” The Acts of the Apostles, 9 (1Christian Service 15.1)

“The Lord looks upon souls as precious pearls, and through the merits of Christ we should esteem others as of great value, making every possible effort to cooperate with Christ in saving precious pearls for the glory of God. Satan is seeking to keep men in ignorance of the attributes of God, and is counterfeiting the angels of light in order that he may deceive souls, and thus cause their ruin. The Lord would have those who serve Him show forth the love of Jesus Christ, that men may be able to detect the difference between the character of Christ and the character of Satan. We should be constantly on guard lest Satan shall obtain an advantage over us, and cause us to have a spurious spirituality. Christ has valued us as precious pearls, but Satan is constantly working to make us of no value in moral worth. Though the Lord has made every provision that man shall be transformed in character and made like unto himself, because iniquity abounds, the love of many waxes cold. Satan engages the attention, and causes the mind to become so engrossed with earthly, that the knowledge of God is lost, and the soul is not inspired with the thought of the riches of Jesus Christ. The Lord does not propose to save us in companies. Individually we are to make our choice. One by one we are to appropriate the grace of God to the soul, and one cannot decide for another what course he shall take. The Lord says we are to “work out our own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.”  

Those who decide to receive Christ, enlist themselves to be co-workers with him in saving the souls of others. In presenting Christ to their fellow men, they themselves grow in the knowledge of God and of Christ. As they lift Christ up, their eyes are anointed so that they can distinguish the relationship of Christ to the human family. They become wise, and in meekness and lowliness, as opportunity opens, they present to tried and tempted souls the sublime reality of the saving grace of God.” Mrs. E. G. White (Youth’s Instructor October 17, 1895, par. 4-5)

The post Ministry Vision first appeared on New Life Projects.

“An angel guided Philip to the one who was seeking for light and who was ready to receive the gospel, and today angels will guide the footsteps of those workers who will allow the Holy Spirit to sanctify their tongues and refine and ennoble their hearts. The angel sent to Philip could himself have done the work for the Ethiopian, but this is not God’s way of working. It is His plan that men are to work for their fellow men.  

In the trust given to the first disciples, believers in every age have shared. Everyone who has received the gospel has been given sacred truth to impart to the world. God’s faithful people have always been aggressive missionaries, consecrating their resources to the honor of His name and wisely using their talents in His service.  

The unselfish labor of Christians in the past should be to us an object lesson and an inspiration. The members of God’s church are to be zealous of good works, separating from worldly ambition and walking in the footsteps of Him who went about doing good. With hearts filled with sympathy and compassion, they are to minister to those in need of help, bringing to sinners a knowledge of the Saviour’s love. Such work calls for laborious effort, but it brings a rich reward. Those who engage in it with sincerity of purpose will see souls won to the Saviour, for the influence that attends the practical carrying out of the divine commission is irresistible.  

Not upon the ordained minister only rests the responsibility of going forth to fulfill this commission. Everyone who has received Christ is called to work for the salvation of his fellow men. “The Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come.” Revelation 22:17. The charge to give this invitation includes the entire church. Everyone who has heard the invitation is to echo the message from hill and valley, saying, “Come.” (Acts of the Apostles 109.2-110.1)

“God’s servants do not all possess the same gifts, but they are all His workmen. Each is to learn of the Great Teacher, and is then to communicate what he has learned. God has given to each of His messengers an individual work. There is a diversity of gifts, but all the workers are to blend in harmony, controlled by the sanctifying influence of the Holy Spirit. As they make known the gospel of salvation, many will be convicted and converted by the power of God. The human instrumentality is hid with Christ in God, and Christ appears as the chiefest among ten thousand, the One altogether lovely.  

“Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labor. For we are laborers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” Verses 8, 9. In this scripture the apostle compares the church to a cultivated field, in which the husbandmen labor, caring for the vines of the Lord’s planting; and also to a building, which is to grow into a holy temple for the Lord. God is the Master Worker, and He has appointed to each man his work. All are to labor under His supervision, letting Him work for and through His workmen. He gives them tact and skill, and if they heed His instruction, crowns their efforts with success.  

God’s servants are to work together, blending in kindly, courteous order, “in honor preferring one another.” Romans 12:10. There is to be no unkind criticism, no pulling to pieces of another’s work; and there are to be no separate parties. Every man to whom the Lord has entrusted a message has his specific work. Each one has an individuality of his own, which he is not to sink in that of any other man. Yet each  is to work in harmony with his brethren. In their service God’s workers are to be essentially one. No one is to set himself up as a criterion, speaking disrespectfully of his fellow workers or treating them as inferior. Under God each is to do his appointed work, respected, loved, and encouraged by the other laborers. Together they are to carry the work forward to completion.” (Acts of the Apostles 274.2-275.2)

The post Gospel Work first appeared on New Life Projects.

We could also sell the books at Sunday Markets and in a Seventh-Day Adventist run Health Food Store.

If there are people who can’t go door to door yet who could letterbox or hand out flyers that can lead people to Jesus and advertise the books on this website that is a part of the vision too.

Counsel

“The faithful colporteur finds his way into many homes, where he leaves precious reading matter containing the truth for this time.” The Review and Herald, August 27, 1903 (Colporteur Ministry 31.1)

“We need to realize the importance of the canvassing work as one great means of finding out those who are in peril and bringing them to Christ. Canvassers should never be prohibited from speaking of the love of Christ, from telling their experience in their service for the Master. They should be free to speak or to pray with those who are awakened. The simple story of Christ’s love for man will open doors for them, even to the homes of unbelievers.” Testimonies for the Church 6:324 (1900) (Colporteur Ministry 36.1)

“The canvassing work, properly conducted, is missionary work of the highest order, and it is as good and successful a method as can be employed for placing before the people the important truths for this time. The importance of the work of the ministry is unmistakable; this is one of God’s means for enlightening the world. But He has other means also. He uses the power of the press in printing papers and books containing the messages of truth. These are essential in the carrying forward of the gospel. Many who are hungry for the bread of life have not the privilege of hearing the word from God’s delegated preachers. For this reason it is essential that our publications be widely circulated. The sheets that come from the groaning press to be prepared as tracts and bound up as books are to go forth to all parts of the earth. Thus the message will go where the living preacher can not go, and the attention of many will be called to the important events connected with the closing scenes of this world’s history.  

God has ordained the canvassing work as a means of presenting before the people the light contained in our books; and canvassers should be impressed with the importance of bringing before the world as fast as possible the books  necessary for their spiritual education and enlightenment. This is the very work the Lord desires His people to do at this time. All who consecrate themselves to God to work as canvassers are assisting to give the last message of warning to the world. We cannot too highly estimate this work; for were it not for the efforts of the canvasser, many would never hear the warning.” (Manual for the Canvasser 5.1-5.2)

The post Literature Evangelism  first appeared on New Life Projects.

The vision is to have both men and women Bible workers for the men to study with the men and the women with the women.

The vision also includes having pre-prepared Bible studies for those who are uncomfortable with having a Bible worker come into their home.

Counsel

“In every city that is entered, a solid foundation is to be laid for permanent work. The Lord’s methods are to be followed. By doing house-to-house work, by giving Bible readings in families, the worker may gain access to many who are seeking for truth. By opening the Scriptures, by prayer, by exercising faith, he is to teach the people the way of the Lord.” Testimonies For The Church 7:38 (1902)

“The Bible is unchained. It can be carried to every man’s door, and its truths may be presented to every man’s conscience. There are many who, like the noble Bereans, will search the Scriptures daily for themselves, when the truth is presented, to see whether or not these things are so. Christ has said, “Search the Scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life, and they are they which testify of Me.” Jesus, the world’s Redeemer, bids men not only to read but to “search the Scriptures.” This is a great and important work, and it is committed to us, and in doing this we shall be greatly benefited; for obedience to Christ’s command will not go unrewarded. He will crown with especial tokens of His favor this act of loyalty in following the light revealed in His Word.” (Counsels on Sabbath School Work, 84 (1889))

“Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.” [Ecclesiastes 9:10.] Some of our most successful laborers began by taking up their God-given work in a destitute field. Thus they have become diligent missionaries for God. Losing sight of self, they find happiness only in the faithful discharge of duty. This kind of labor must be done in all parts of our world.  

God desires His servants to select as their field of labor the barren portions of His vineyard. In places where the message has not been proclaimed, they should strive to establish and develop the work. The waste places of the earth are to be cultivated. In humble dependence upon God, families are to go forth and settle in the unworked portions of His vineyard. As the reward of their self-sacrifice in order to sow seeds of truth, they shall reap a harvest. As they visit family after family, giving Bible studies, and opening the Scriptures to the understanding of those in spiritual darkness, many hearts will be touched. Some will begin to inquire, “What shall I do to be saved?” Letters and Manuscripts Vol. 17 (March 4, 1902 par. 4-5)

“The waste places of the earth are to be cultivated. In humble dependence upon God, families are to go forth and settle in the unworked places of his vineyard. As the reward of their self-sacrifice in order to sow the seeds of truth, they will reap a rich harvest. As they visit family after family, giving Bible studies, opening the Scriptures to those in spiritual darkness, many hearts will be touched.  

Consecrated men and women are needed to stand as fruit-bearing trees of righteousness in the desert places of the earth. In fields where the conditions are so objectionable and disheartening that many workers refuse to go to them, most remarkable changes for the better may be brought about by the efforts of self-sacrificing lay members. These humble workers will accomplish much, because they put forth patient, persevering effort, relying upon no human power, but upon God, who gives them his favor. The amount of good that these workers accomplish will never be known in this world.” (Review and Herald August 26, 1902, par. 10-11)

The post Bible Work first appeared on New Life Projects.

Counsel

“True medical missionary work is of heavenly origin. It was not originated by any person who lives. But in connection with this work we see so much which dishonors God that I am instructed to say, The medical missionary work is of divine origin and has a most glorious mission to fulfill. In all its bearings it is to be in conformity with Christ’s work. Those who are workers together with God will just as surely represent the character of Christ as Christ represented the character of His Father while in this world.” (Medical Ministry, 24)

“Medical missionary work is the right hand of the gospel. It is necessary to the advancement of the cause of God. As through it men and women are led to see the importance of right habits of living, the saving power of the truth will be made known. Every city is to be entered by workers trained to do medical missionary work. As the right hand of the third angel’s message, God’s methods of treating disease will open doors for the entrance of present truth.” Testimonies for the Church 7:59 (A Call to Medical Evangelism 8-8.4)

“I can see in the Lord’s providences that the medical missionary work is to be a great entering wedge, whereby the diseased soul may be reached.” (Counsels on Health, 535)

The evangelization of the world is the work that God has given to those who go forth in His name. They are to be colaborers with Christ, revealing to those ready to perish His tender, pitying love. God calls for thousands to work for Him, not by preaching to those who know the truth, going over and over the same ground, but by warning those who have never heard the last message of mercy. Work with a heart filled with an earnest longing for souls. Do medical missionary work. Thus you will gain access to the hearts of the people. The way will be prepared for more decided proclamation of the truth. You will find that relieving their physical suffering gives an opportunity to minister to their spiritual needs.  

The Lord will give you success in this work, for the gospel is the power of God unto salvation, when it is interwoven with the practical life, when it is lived and practiced. The union of Christlike work for the body and Christlike work for the soul is the true interpretation of the gospel.” (An Appeal for the Medical Missionary College, pp. 14, 15)

“Medical missionaries can find a field in which to relieve the distress of those who are failing under bodily ailments. They should have means so that they may clothe the naked and feed the hungry. Christian help work will do more than the preaching of sermons.” (The Review and Herald, December 24, 1895)

The post Medical Missionary Work first appeared on New Life Projects.

Counsel 

“Camp meetings are one of the Lord’s means for the warning of the world. They are one of the most effective methods for reaching all classes with the gospel invitation. At these meetings are gathered high and low, rich and poor, sinners of all degrees, and all hear the message of mercy given by the Lord’s delegated servants. There is a variety of Bible subjects presented, and a variety of exercises during the meeting. Old and young are called, and the Lord impresses the hearts of the hearers. By this means the call to the supper, as presented in the parable, is given to all. Some who, according to their own confession, have not entered a church for twelve, fourteen, and even sixteen years, are convicted and converted. Church members are deeply stirred, and listen with astonishment to the sermons and Bible readings explaining the Scriptures. And in the social meetings there is found something appropriate for every case.  

The Lord has in a special manner honored these gatherings, which He has called holy convocations. These meetings should in every way be made as effective as possible. The Scriptures testifying of Jesus should be presented in the most simple manner. Every true doctrine makes Christ the center, every precept receives force from His work.  

The camp meetings should be regarded as special seasons for seeking the Lord and for working personally for souls. The Lord will work with all who will be worked upon by His Holy Spirit. Christ is to be presented both to those who know Him not and to those who have once known Him but have lost that knowledge through disregarding His Word.  

Every day, praise meetings should be held—simple services of thanksgiving to God—and opportunity should be given, that those who are troubled and want rest in spirit may find help. Those who hear the message of truth will certainly be impressed. During the camp meeting is the time to labor most earnestly for the salvation of souls.

All who believe the truth should realize that these are special seasons when all can work. They should make it their business to become acquainted with those who attend the meetings and to show a kind interest in all.  

The camp meetings afford the very best representation of the belief and principles of Seventh-day Adventists that can be given to the large numbers that come to the ground. Nothing can be equal to these meetings for making an impression upon the people. As they listen to the sermons and Bible studies, they see that a plain “Thus saith the Lord” is given for the faith and doctrines that we hold. And all the surroundings have their lesson. The family tents, so neat and orderly, giving a glimpse of home life, are a constant sermon as to the habits, customs, and practices of Seventh-day Adventists.  

How important that every impression should be just such as God would have it! Let there be no lightness, no jesting or joking. There should be manifest cheerfulness without foolishness, joy in Christ Jesus. Our words should be cheerful. Bible religion is not only to be enjoyed but to be expressed. And there can be no more appropriate place than the camp meeting for manifesting our true relation to God and to heavenly things.” Letters and Manuscripts Vol. 15 (January 15, 1900)

The post Camp Meetings first appeared on New Life Projects.

“The payment of the tithe was but a part of God’s plan for  the support of His service. Numerous gifts and offerings were divinely specified. Under the Jewish system the people were taught to cherish a spirit of liberality both in sustaining the cause of God and in supplying the wants of the needy. For special occasions there were freewill offerings. At the harvest and the vintage, the first fruits of the field—corn, wine, and oil—were consecrated as an offering to the Lord. The gleanings and the corners of the field were reserved for the poor. The first fruits of the wool when the sheep were shorn, of the grain when the wheat was threshed, were set apart for God. So also were the first-born of all animals, and a redemption price was paid for the first-born son. The first fruits were to be presented before the Lord at the sanctuary and were then devoted to the use of the priests.  

By this system of benevolence the Lord sought to teach Israel that in everything He must be first. Thus they were reminded that God was the proprietor of their fields, their flocks, and their herds; that it was He who sent them the sunshine and the rain that developed and ripened the harvest. Everything that they possessed was His; they were but the stewards of His goods.  

It is not God’s purpose that Christians, whose privileges far exceed those of the Jewish nation, shall give less freely than they gave. “Unto whomsoever much is given,” the Saviour declared, “of him shall be much required.” Luke 12:48. The liberality required of the Hebrews was largely to benefit their own nation; today the work of God extends  over all the earth. In the hands of His followers, Christ has placed the treasures of the gospel, and upon them He has laid the responsibility of giving the glad tidings of salvation to the world. Surely our obligations are much greater than were those of ancient Israel.  

As God’s work extends, calls for help will come more and more frequently. That these calls may be answered, Christians should heed the command, “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in Mine house.” Malachi 3:10. If professing Christians would faithfully bring to God their tithes and offerings, His treasury would be full.” (Acts of the Apostles 336.3-338.1)

The post Benevolent Work  first appeared on New Life Projects.

“A true Christian is the poor man’s friend. He deals with his perplexed and unfortunate brother as one would deal with a delicate, tender, sensitive plant. God wants His workers to move among the sick and suffering as messengers of His love and mercy. He is looking upon us, to see how we are treating one another, whether we are Christlike in our dealing with all, high or low, rich or poor, free or bond….  

When you meet those who are careworn and oppressed, who know not which way to turn to find relief, put your hearts into the work of helping them. It is not God’s purpose that His children shall shut themselves up to themselves, taking no interest in the welfare of those less fortunate than themselves. Remember that for them as well as for you Christ has died. Conciliation and kindness will open the way for you to help them, to win their confidence, to inspire them with hope and courage.” (Letter 30, 1887)

“In the sixth chapter of Acts we are shown how when men were to be selected to fill positions in the church, the matter was brought before the Lord, and most earnest prayer was offered for guidance. The widows and fatherless were to be supported by contributions from the church. Their wants were not to be relieved by the church but by special donations. The tithe was to be consecrated to the Lord, and was always to be used for the support of the ministry. Men must be chosen to oversee the work of caring for the poor, to look after the proper distribution of the means in hand, that none among the believers should suffer for the necessaries of life.” Letter 9, 1899. 

“There is nothing, after their recognition of the claims of God, that more distinguishes the laws given by Moses than the liberal, tender, and hospitable spirit enjoined toward the poor. Although God had promised greatly to bless His people, it was not His design that poverty should be wholly unknown among them. He  declared that the poor should never cease out of the land. There would ever be those among His people who would call into exercise their sympathy, tenderness, and benevolence. Then, as now, persons were subject to misfortune, sickness, and loss of property; yet so long as they followed the instruction given by God, there were no beggars among them, neither any who suffered for food.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 530, 531)

“It will be necessary that a fund shall be created so that the workers may have means with which to help those who are in poverty and distress, and this practical  ministry will open their hearts to respond to the truth.” (The Review and Herald, January 28, 1896)

“Men are appointed to proclaim the truth in new places. These men must have funds for their support. And they must have a fund to draw upon for the help of the poor and needy whom they meet in their work. The benevolence that they show toward the poor gives influence to their efforts to proclaim the truth. Their willingness to help those in need gains for them the gratitude of those they help and the approval of Heaven.” (Letter 32, 1903)

“Brethren in smaller churches, if God has left a work for you to do in caring for His poor, in comforting the desponding, in visiting the sick, in dispensing to the needy, do not be so liberal as to want the Battle Creek church to have all the blessings of this work. You will be justified in coveting the blessings God has promised to those who will care for the poor and sympathize with the suffering.” (4Testimonies for the Church 510.1)

“The minister should educate the various families and strengthen the church to care for its own sick and poor. He should set at work the God-given faculties of the people, and if one church is overtaxed in this line, other churches should come to its assistance. Let the church members exercise tact and ingenuity in caring for these, the Lord’s people. Let them deny themselves luxuries and needless ornaments, that they may make the suffering needy ones comfortable. In doing this they practice the instruction given in the fifty-eighth chapter of Isaiah, and the blessing there  pronounced will be theirs.”(Testimonies for the Church 6:272)

Further Reading

• Welfare Ministry Chapter 20: Ministry to the Poor 
• Christian Service Volume 2 Chapter 36: Specific Funds for Christian Service  

The post Caring for the Poor and Needy first appeared on New Life Projects.