appeals_and_altar_calls

The Holy Spirit convinces souls of their need for Christ. If the truth is not applied at the right moment, many pass on without identifying with Christ. Ministers should present the Word of God to lift up Christ and urge people to decide to be on the Lord's side. Elder Blank had success in convincing hearts of the truth by using scripture to explain scripture. After presenting the Sabbath, many responded and decided to obey the truth. In 1844, large numbers responded to the truth when it was presented clearly. Fresh displays of conviction are divine and should be directed to Jesus. Frequent public calls should be made to challenge people to receive or reject the truth. After meetings, personal investigations should be done with each individual. The Holy Spirit gives efficacy to appeals and efforts. The love of Jesus should be presented in every discourse to break down barriers and affect hearts. Heading, Appeals and Altar Calls Subheading, Urging Souls to Decide It is the work of the Holy Spirit to convince the soul of its need of Christ. Many are convicted of sin and feel the need of a sin-pardoning Savior, but they are merely dissatisfied with their pursuits and aims, and if there is not a decided application of the truth to their hearts, if words are not spoken at the right moment, calling for a decision from the weight of evidence already presented, the convicted ones pass on without identifying themselves with Christ. The golden opportunity passes, and they have not yielded, and they go farther and farther away from the truth, farther away from Jesus, and never take their stand on the Lord's side. Now the minister is not merely to present the Word of God in such a manner as to convince of sin in a general way, but he is to lift up Christ before his hearers. Christ's claims upon them are to be made plain. The people should be urged to decide just now to be on the Lord's side. Letter 29, 1890 Subheading, Securing Audience Response Elder Blank has had wonderful success in a series of meetings. His method has been to make scriptures explain scripture, and the Holy Spirit has convinced many hearts of the truth. The people can but accept a plain, thus saith the Lord. He has lectured only in the evening, when men are released from their work and can't come out to hear. After a few weeks of labor, he presented the Sabbath, again making the Bible prove every statement. The first meeting on Sabbath was held in the lodge tent. After Elder Blank had finished speaking, there was a social meeting, and then he asked all who were convinced of the truth and were determined to take their stand to obey the Word of God, to rise to their feet. Fifty responded. The names were taken, and a meeting appointed in which they should bear their testimony. Many had excellent words to speak. After several weeks had passed, another call was made for those who had decided to obey the truth. Between twenty-five and thirty responded. Several ministers were present at this meeting and bore excellent testimonies. Subheading, Audience Response to Truth in 1844 Movement. This is the manner in which it was proclaimed in 1842, 1843, and 1844. No unnecessary words were uttered by the speaker, but the scripture was clearly presented. Frequently a call would be made for those who believed the truths that were proved by the Word, to rise to their feet, and large numbers would respond. Prayers were offered on behalf of those who wished special help. Manuscript 105, 1906 Subheading, Recognizing Fresh Displays of Conviction To my ministering brethren, I would say, every fresh display of the conviction of the grace of God upon the souls of unbelievers is divine. There is nothing you can do to bring souls to a knowledge of the truth as a means of allowing the light to shine, the light of the glory of God, as it shines in the face of Jesus Christ. Direct the mind to Him who guides and controls all things. Christ will be the manna and the spiritual dew to these newly converted souls. In Him is no darkness at all. As men of spiritual understanding conduct Bible studies with them, telling them how to yield to the power of the Holy Spirit, that they may be fully and firmly established in the truth, the power of God will be revealed. Manuscript 105, 1906 Subheading, Frequent Public Calls Throw off all appearance of apathy, and lead the people to think that there is life or death in these solemn questions, according as they shall receive or reject them. As you present testing truth, ask often, who is now willing, as they have heard the words of God, pointing out their duty to consecrate their hearts and minds with all their affections to Christ Jesus. Letter 8, 1895 Subheading, Personally Speak to Inquirers After the meetings are through, there should be a personal investigation with each one on the ground. Each one should be asked how he is going to take these things, if he is going to make a personal application of them, and then you should watch and see if there is an interest in this one or that. Five words spoken to them privately will do more than the whole discourse has done. Manuscript 19B, 1890 Subheading, Holy Spirit Makes Appeals Effective If you will seek the Lord, putting away all evil speaking, and all selfishness, and continuing instant in prayer, the Lord will draw nigh to you. It is the power of the Holy Spirit that gives efficacy to your efforts and your appeals. Humble yourselves before God, that in His strength you may rise to a higher standard. Manuscript 20, 1905 Subheading, Love of Jesus Moves Hearts God and His beloved Son must be presented before the people in the wealth of the love they have evidenced for man. In order to break down the barriers of prejudice and impenitence, the love of Christ must have a part in every discourse. Make men to know how much Jesus loves them, and what evidence He has given them of His love. What love can equal that which God has manifested for man by the death of Christ on the cross? When the heart is filled with the love of Jesus, this can be presented to the people, and it will affect hearts. Letter 48, 1886