PDF file - Seventh Day Adventist Reform Movement

November 10 Inspired Communication Skills
Ready to Give an Answer
“Sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give
an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in
you with meekness and fear: having a good conscience; that, whereas
they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely
accuse your good conversation in Christ” (1 Peter 3:15, 16).
We are not to conceal the fact that we are Seventh-day Adventists.
The truth may be ashamed of us because our course of action is not in
harmony with its pure principles, but we need never be ashamed of
the truth. As you have opportunity, confess your faith. 24
Everyone should seek to understand the great truths of the plan
of salvation, that he may be ready to give an answer to everyone who
asks the reason of his hope. You should know what caused the fall of
Adam, so that you may not commit the same error and lose heaven as
he lost paradise. You should study the lives of patriarchs and
prophets, and the history of God’s dealing with men in the past; for
these things were “written for our admonition, upon whom the ends
of the world are come” (1 Corinthians 10:11). We should study the
divine precepts and seek to comprehend their depth. We should meditate
upon them until we discern their importance and immutability.
We should study the life of our Redeemer, for He is the only perfect
example for men. We should contemplate the infinite sacrifice of
Calvary, and behold the exceeding sinfulness of sin and the righteousness
of the law. You will come from a concentrated study of the theme
of redemption strengthened and ennobled. Your comprehension of
the character of God will be deepened; and with the whole plan of salvation
clearly defined in your mind, you will be better able to fulfill
your divine commission. From a sense of thorough conviction, you
can then testify to men of the immutable character of the law manifested
by the death of Christ on the cross, the malignant nature of sin,
and the righteousness of God in justifying the believer in Jesus, on
condition of his future obedience to the statutes of God’s government
in heaven and earth. Thousands more might have been saved if men
had preached the word, instead of the maxims, philosophies, and
doctrines of men. 25
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