Great Themes—Up-to-Date Message—Those who stand before the people as teachers of truth are to grapple with great themes. They are not to occupy precious time in talking of trivial subjects. Let them study the Word, and preach the Word. Let the Word be in their hands as a sharp, two-edged sword. Let it testify to past truths and show what is to be in the future. (Ev 151.1) MC VC

Christ came from heaven to give to John the great, wonderful truths that are to shape our lives and that by us are to be proclaimed to the world. We are to keep abreast of the times, bearing a clear, intelligent testimony, guided by the unction of the Holy Spirit.—The Review and Herald, April 19, 1906. (Ev 151.2) MC VC

Inquiry and Question Meetings VC

Call Interested to an Aftermeeting—The testing truth for this time is to be made known, and the explanation given. All classes, the higher as well as the most lowly, come to these meetings, and we are to work for all. After the warning message has been given, let those who are specially interested be called to the tent by themselves, and there labor for their conversion. This kind of labor is missionary work of the highest order.—Letter 86, 1900. (Ev 151.3) MC VC

Teach How to Become Christians—I wish you to distinctly understand this point, that souls are kept from obeying the truth by a confusion of ideas, and also because they do not know how to surrender their wills and their minds to Jesus. They want special instruction how to become Christians. The work done for Christ in the world is not made of great deeds and wonderful achievements. These will come in as needed. But the most successful work is that which keeps self as much as possible out of sight. It is the work of giving line “upon line and precept upon precept, here a little and there a little;”(Isaiah 28:10, 13) coming close in sympathy with human hearts. This is the service done to Jesus Christ that will be recognized at the last day.—Letter 48, 1886. (Ev 152.1) MC VC

Come Close to the People in the Afterinterview—There is danger of passing too rapidly from point to point. Give short lessons, and often.... After you have opened to the people the precious mines of truth, there is yet a great work to be done for those who have become interested in the subjects presented. (Ev 152.2) MC VC

After a short discourse, change the order of the exercises, and give opportunity for all who desire it, to remain for an afterinterview, or Bible class, where they can ask questions upon subjects that trouble them. You will find great success in coming close to the people in these Bible lessons. The workers who labor in connection with the minister should make special efforts patiently and kindly to lead inquirers to an understanding of the truth. (Ev 152.3) MC VC

If you have not more than one to instruct, that one, thoroughly convinced, will communicate the light to others. These testing truths are of so great importance that they may be presented again and again, and impressed upon the minds of the hearers.—Special Testimonies, Series A, No. 7, p. 7. (1874). (Ev 152.4) MC VC