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Biblical Foundations
God's Purpose for His Church
“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.” (AA, 9)
The Great Commission
“Go ye therefore, and make disciples of all nations,
baptizing them…
Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have
commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the
end of the world.” Mathew 28:19-20
“To each of us have been given the commission, as it is
given to every disciple of Christ. In accepting Christ, we
accepted this commission.” (Letter 262, 1903)
“The Saviour's commission to the disciples included all
the believers. It includes all believers in Christ to the end
of time. It is a fatal mistake to suppose that the work of
saving souls depends alone on the ordained minister.” (DA,
822)
“The gospel is to be presented, not as a lifeless theory,
but as a living force to change the life. God desires that the
receivers of His grace shall be witnesses to its power.”
(DA, 826)
“The first disciples went forth preaching the word. They
revealed Christ in their lives. And the Lord worked with them…
These disciples prepared themselves for their work. Before the
day of Pentecost they met together, and put away all
differences. They were of one accord. They believed Christ's
promise that the blessing would be given, and they prayed in
faith. They did not ask for a blessing for themselves merely;
they were weighted with the burden for the salvation of souls.
The gospel was to be carried to the uttermost parts of the
earth, and they claimed the endowment of power that Christ had
promised. Then it was that the Holy Spirit was poured out, and
thousands were converted in a day.” (DA, 827)
“So it may be now. Instead of man's speculations, let the
word of God be preached. Let Christians put away their
dissension, and give themselves to God for the saving of the
lost. Let them in faith ask for the blessing, and it will
come. The outpouring of the Spirit in apostolic days was the
"former rain," and glorious was the result. But the
"latter rain" will be more abundant.” (DA, 827)
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