the name of the Lord Jesus.)
Then laid they their hands on them, *and they received the Holy Ghost*.
_Acts 8:14-17._
*He gives power for service*.
BUT ye shall *receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon
you*: and *ye* shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all
Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
_Acts 1:8._
*He guides us*.
AND the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go
toward the south, unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza,
which is desert. . . . Then the *Spirit said* unto Philip, *Go near*,
and join thyself to this chariot.
_Acts 8:26, 29._
THEN Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the
people, and elders of Israel, . . . Now when they saw the boldness of
Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men,
they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with
Jesus.
_Acts 4:8, 13._
*Conditions of receiving the Spirit.*
*Obeying.*
AND we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost,
whom God hath given to them that *obey him*.
_Acts 5:32._
*Asking*.
IF ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children:
how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them
that *ask him*.
_Luke 11:13_
*Receiving*.
THEREFORE I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray,
believe that ye *receive* them, and *ye shall have them*.
_Mark 11:24._
Hypocrites.
*Too many IN THE CHURCH.*
One usually finds that the person who sees the short comings in others,
before he sees his own, is the *real hypocrite*.
The word of God contains some very plain language addressed to *this
class* and they will do well to read it.
SO then every one of us shall give an account of *himself* to God.
_Romans 14:12._
THEREFORE *thou art inexcusable*, O man, whosoever thou art that
*judgest*: for wherein thou judgest another, *thou condemnest thyself*;
for thou that judgest *doest the same things*. . . . And *thinkest thou*
this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same,
that thou *shalt escape the judgment of God*?
_Romans 2:1, 3._
BUT why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy
brother? for we shall *all stand before the judgment seat of Christ*.
For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every *knee shall bow to
me, and every tongue shall confess to God*. So then everyone of us
*shall give account of himself to God*.
_Romans 14:10-12._
JUDGE *not, that ye be not judged*. For with what judgment *ye judge, ye
shall be judged*: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be *measured
to you again*. And why beholdest thou the mote that is *in thy brother’s
eye*, but considerest not the beam that is in *thine own eye*? Or how
wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote *out of thine
eye*; and behold, a beam is in *thine own eye*? *Thou hypocrite, first
cast out the beam out of thine own eye*; and then shalt thou see clearly
to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye.
_Matthew 7:1-5._
If you are hiding behind a hypocrite you must be smaller than the person
behind whom you hide.
Even though there may be hypocrites in the church, that does not excuse
you. There are hypocrites in every other profession, but this is no
argument against the profession; nor is it any argument against Christ,
because a hypocrite is discovered in the church. You will not have to
answer for the sins of the hypocrite at the judgment *but for your own*.
BUT woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the
kingdom of heaven against men: for ye *neither go in yourselves, neither
suffer ye them that are entering to go in*.
_Matthew 23:13._
YE serpents, ye generations of vipers, *how can ye escape* the damnation
of hell?
_Matthew 23:33._
Read the 23rd Chapter of Matthew, and see how Christ condemned the
self-righteous critical crowd who watched the people turning to Christ.
He gave them a story that shows how he judges the two classes. Here it
is, read it!
TWO men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the
other a publican. The *Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself*,
God, I *thank thee*, that I am not as other men are. . . . *I fast twice
in the week, I give tithes* of all that I possess. And the *publican,
standing afar off*, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven,
but smote upon his breast, saying, *God be merciful to me a sinner*. I
tell you, *this man* went down to his house justified rather than the
other.
_Luke 18:10-14._
Note— One thing is certain, though hypocrites may be in the church here
on earth, *they will not enter heaven*. If you do not want to spend
eternity in hell with them, you had better become a Christian now.
Illustration: John 21:19-23
Love.
*For your NEIGHBOR.*
A NEW commandment I give unto you, *that ye love one another; as I have
loved you*, that ye also love one another.
_John 13:34._
BY this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one
to another.
_John 13:35._
BUT as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye
yourselves are taught of God to *love one another*.
_I Thessalonians 4:9._
BE kindly *affectioned one to another with brotherly* love; in honor
preferring one another.
_Romans 12:10._
SEEING you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the
Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye *love one
another with a pure heart fervently*.
_I Peter 1:22._
HE that *loveth his brother* abideth in the light, and there is no
occasion of stumbling in him.
_I John 2:10._
BELOVED, let us *love one another: for love is of God*; and every one
that *loveth is born of God*, and knoweth God.
_I John 4:7._
HE that *loveth not knoweth not God*; for God is love.
_I John 4:8._
BELOVED, if God so loved us, we *ought* also to *love one another*.
_I John 4:11._
OWE no man any thing, but to *love one another*: for he that loveth
another hath fulfilled the law.
_Romans 13:8._
FOR all law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; thou shalt *love thy
neighbor as thyself*.
_Galatians 5:14._
LET *brotherly love continue*.
_Hebrews 13:1._
Moralist.
*Who trusts in his SELF RIGHTEOUSNESS.*
He who trusts in *his own* righteousness, trusts in a poor thing, God
compares it to “filthy rags.”
BUT we are all an *unclean thing*, and all our *righteousnesses are as
filthy rags*; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the
wind, have taken us away.
_Isaiah 64:6._
Because our righteousness in the sight of God, is no good. He has given
us a righteousness *in Christ*; but we, like the Jews, are trying to
establish our own, instead of finding it in Jesus.
FOR they being ignorant of God’s rightness, *and going about to
establish their own righteousness*, have not submitted themselves unto
the righteousness of God.
FOR Christ is the end of the law *for righteousness* to every one that
*believeth*.
_Romans 10:3-4._
Many say, “*I am doing the best I can,*” and yet they are not, for if
they were, *they would accept Christ*, for this righteousness is
obtained by faith in Him.
EVEN the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all
and *upon all them that believe*.
_Romans 3:22._
JESUS saith unto him, I am the way, and the truth, and the life: *no man
cometh unto the Father, but by me*.
_John 14:6._
We can approach God only in Christ.
NEITHER is there salvation *in any other*: for there is *none other
name* under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
_Acts 4:12._
Again, because our righteousness is of such a *poor brand*, Jesus
declared we must be “*born again*” so that we can have a nature that
will produce something better.
EXCEPT a man be *born again*, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
_John 3:3._
Moralist.
*Who trusts In his GOOD WORKS to save.*
If the Scriptures make any thing *plain*, it is that man *can not save
himself* but must accept his salvation as a *gift*.
FOR by grace are ye saved through faith; and *that not of yourselves*;
it is the gift of God: *Not of works*, lest any man should boast.
_Ephesians 2:8-9._
WHO hath saved us, and called us with a holy calling, *not according to
our works*, but according to His own purpose and grace.
_II Timothy 1:9._
*NOT by works of righteousness* which we have done, but according to his
mercy he saved us, by the *washing of regeneration*, and renewing of the
Holy Ghost.
_Titus 3:5._
VERILY, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth *not by the door into
the sheepfold*, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a *thief and
a robber*.
_John 10:1._
Jesus Christ is *the door* as the next verse shows and he who tries to
save himself in any other way is called a “*thief*” and a “*robber*.”
*I AM the door*: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall
go in and out, and find pasture.
_John 10:9._
JESUS said unto him, *Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy
heart*, and *with all thy soul*, and *with all thy mind*. This is the
first and great commandment.
_Matthew 22:37-38._
Are you loving God with *all your heart*! If you were, you would *trust
Him*.
AND he said unto them, *Ye are they which justify yourselves before men;
but God knoweth your hearts*: for that which is highly esteemed among
men is abomination in the sight of God.
_Luke 16:15._
Are you an abomination in the sight of God because of what you do *in
your effort to save yourself*!
See: Luke 18:10-14.
Personal Work.
*Its Great IMPORTANCE.*
THE importance of personal work we cannot over estimate. It is the
method used by Jesus in His dealing with Nicodemus (John 3rd. Chap.),
The Woman at the Well (John 4th chap.), The Man at the Pool (John 5th
Chap. 18-19.). It was the method used by the Apostles and the early
church. It is the work needed *now* if many souls are to be reached.
THIS is an age of heart-to-heart methods, woman to woman and man to man,
reaching people in every line. The vast army of traveling salesmen used
by business houses, illustrates this method while the wonderful agency
system developed by the life insurance companies is a splendid example
of success coming from *personal work* and *personal contact*.
THE *Holy Spirit* will convict men and women of sin, but he needs human
help in reaching human hearts and inducing them to *act* after they are
convicted. Most people whom you and I know are already convicted and
convinced that they should be Christians. The great difficulty is to get
them to *do it now* and this is *your part*.
IN this day of such great activity and “strenuous” living there are so
many new things, as well as old, continually coming up that prevent
people from desiring or even thinking of spiritual life. Never was it
more true that we must *go out* into the *highways and compel them* to
come in. In revivals too much is left to “general results,” until the
"old general” is sadly overworked. *The motto of* that wonderful and
effective organization of Christian business men, *the Gideons, is good
for all Christians*: “And they stood *every man* in *his place* round
about the camp."
IN a “general” way, you want to see your friends converted, why not help
the Lord answer your prayers by *aiding Him* in winning them one by one?
TRY to have some one *ready* to make *a public profession* when the
*evangelist gives the opportunity*.
Personal Work.
*QUALIFICATIONS needed.*
If we are going to lead souls to Christ, there are a few qualification
that we need.
*1st. A DEFINITE EXPERIENCE is needed. We must be able to say with
Paul.*
*I KNOW whom I have believed*, and am persuaded that *he is able to
keep* that which I have committed unto him against that day.
_II Timothy 1:12._
Or to exclaim with the blind man.
WHETHER he be a sinner or no, I know not: *one thing I know*, that,
whereas I was blind, *now I see*.
_John 9:25_
One who would have real success must he himself, or herself thoroughly
converted, and live a holy life. Just as the telegraph wire must be
insulated, before it can carry the electric message, so the Christian
must be insulated from his old life of sin, before he can carry the
gospel message to lost souls.
*2nd. A LOVE FOR SOULS needed.*
Paul’s heart yearned for his brethren.
I HAVE great heaviness and continued sorrow in my heart. For I could
wish that myself *were accursed from Christ* for my brethren.
_Romans 9:2-3._
*3rd. A realization that SOULS ARE LOST, AND WE MAY be held RESPONSIBLE
FOR THEM*.
FOR what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and
*lose his own soul*?
_Mark 8:36._
WHEN I say unto the wicked, O wicked man, thou shalt surely die; *if
thou dost not speak to warn the wicked* from his way, that wicked man
shall die in his iniquity; but *his blood will I require at thine hand*.
Nevertheless, if thou warn the wicked of his way to turn from it; if he
do not turn from his way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast
delivered thy soul.
_Ezekiel 33:8-9._
*4th. A WORKING KNOWLEDGE of the Bible is needed.*
It is God’s word that is used by the Spirit in the saving of a soul, and
*not man’s word*.
AND take the helmet of salvation, and the *sword of the Spirit*, which
is the word of God.
_Ephesians 6:17._
STUDY to *show thyself approved unto God, a workman* that needeth not to
be ashamed, *rightly dividing the word of truth*.
_II Timothy 2:15._
SO shall *my word* be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not
return unto me void, but *it shall accomplish* that which I please, and
it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.
_Isaiah 55:11._
Through the use of the *word of God*, you are to seek to accomplish the
following things.
1st. To show men their *need* of a Savior.
2nd. To show them *Jesus* as the Savior they need.
3rd. To show them *how to make* this Savior their own.
4th. To meet the *difficulties* in the way of their accepting Christ.
5th. The one who would have *real success* must live a *life of prayer*,
and be *baptized* with the Holy Ghost.
Notice what the Lord is saying to us, to *encourage us* in our efforts
to save souls.
HE that *winneth souls is wise*.
_Proverbs 11:30._
AND they that be *wise shall shine* as the *brightness* of the
*firmament*; and they that turn *many* to *righteousness* as the *stars*
for *ever* and *ever*.
_Daniel 12:3._
LET him know, that he which *converteth the sinner* from the error of
his way shall *save a soul from death*, and shall hide a multitude of
sins.
_James 5:20._
God help us to be faithful to our trust!
Personal Work.
*The “soul-winner’s" prayer.*
After having called attention to the qualifications required in personal
work there is a special need of emphasizing the fact that *faith in God*
and a constant waiting, *in prayer* on the Lord, are preeminently
necessary; in connection with the latter we suggest some of the things
*for which we need to pray*.
*1st. Pray*. “Lord give me "*getting up*” grace,” that is, courage to
confess Christ.
*AND your feet shod* with the preparation of the gospel of peace.
_Ephesians 6:15._
*2nd. Pray*. “Lord give me *walking grace*.”
IN *all* they ways *acknowledge Him*, and He shall *direct thy paths*.
_Proverbs 3:6._
*3rd. Pray*. “Lord *direct me* to the right person.”
WHEN thou goest, *it* (God’s word) *shall lead* thee. (First Clause.)
_Proverbs 6:22._
THEN the *Spirit* said unto Philip, *Go near and join* thyself to the
chariot.
_Acts 8:29._
*4th. Pray.* “Lord, show me *what to say*.”
IF any of you *lack wisdom*, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men
liberally.
_James 1:5._
THE Lord God hath given me the *tongue* of the learned, *that I should
know how to speak a word in season* to him that is weary: He wakeneth
morning by morning, He wakeneth mine *ear* to *hear* as the learned.
_Isaiah 50:4._
THOU therefore *gird up thy loins*, and *arise*, and *speak* unto *them*
all *that I command thee*: be not dismayed at their faces, lest I
confound thee before them.”
_Jeremiah 1:17._
*5th. Pray* that God will *give power to what is said*.
*Pray that God, will carry an the work after we are through.*
Personal work.
*Help in COTTAGE meetings.*
HELP work up the "Cottage Prayer Meetings” and endeavor to get some on
your list to attend with you.
When the campaign begins, personally invite those on your list and try
to get them to attend *every night*, always calling for and taking one
or more with you.
Study and pray about the best and most tactful ways to get the unsaved
to the meetings.
1. Give them a timely *tract*.
2. *Quote* to them a *beautiful promise*.
3. Write them a *letter* about salvation.
4. Introduce them to *someone* who will speak about Jesus.
5. When opportunity is given, *speak to them* about becoming a
Christian.
6. *Go with them* to the inquiry room, altar or anxious seat.
7. Ask them to your home and *pray with them there*.
8. Help make every meeting you attend a good one by *some part you
can take*.
9. In public always be *brief* both in prayer and remarks.
10. Have the mind and spirit of Christ with His words dwelling in you
richly, and ever be *ready to answer the Spirit’s call*.
11. *Be true* to your own conscience.
Be not faithless. Let me name some of Satan’s forces to defeat you at
this point; *Timidity, Distrust, False Pride, and Fear of Giving
Offense*.
Many souls perish because of these. Do they hinder you? Ask for grace
and *let God sink* all these with your other *sins* into the *depth at
the sea*.
Personal Work.
*Use of the "PRAYER LIST" Card.*
*Pray for your friends*!
THERE are few people who do not have a special influence on at least one
other person. Make a list of twelve of your acquaintances—very carefully
and prayerfully.
BE careful for nothing; but in *every thing by prayer* and supplication
with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
_Philippians 4:6._
By so doing you will receive a blessing and see your friends saved.
DON’T wait until the meeting is nearly over, hoping they may get in on
the “tidal wave,” or that the evangelist will “shake the tree" so hard
they can’t hold on longer. But *pitch in* and do your *best*.
(*Hand-picked fruit always keeps better*.) Get them started early so
*they* can *work* for *others* during the revival meetings, and also
have the help of the meeting to establish their faith.
SHOULD others seem to be working on your list, *say* nothing but
tactfully co-operate and work with them.
As a rule select those of your own age and sex. Head your list with
*your own name* and then begin with the unsaved person you know and love
best, and most desire seeing saved. If all are not converted during the
meetings *follow them up afterwards until they are*. Add new names to
replace those who become converted and work this plan all the year, “in
season and out of season.”
PRAY in private earnestly and aloud for each one by name at least twice
a day. *Study* how to bring the most helpful influence to bear on them.
Be very careful of your daily life before them and the world.
Keep your list confidential so that none but the Father and yourself
know the names you have. Don’t be satisfied unless you see them
converted and in the church of *their* choice. Ever afterwards look upon
them as your *spiritual children*, assuming *responsibility* for
*keeping them from falling*.
Personal Work.
*1st. WHERE to Find Them.*
EVERYWHERE; by our side, in the *home*, in the *school, shop* and
*mill*; behind the *counter*, where we stand; on the *street*, where we
walk; in the *pew* where we worship; in the *service*, where we sing in
the *prayer meeting* and *inquiry room*, at the *altar*, kneeling with
us at *family* devotion; yes, *everywhere*. Oh, reader, whatever way
your eye shall turn, there stand the lost ones whom Jesus came to save.
Find them *quick, quick*! for eternity is drawing nigh.
*2nd. HOW to Reach Them*.
*YOU CAN WIN THEM BY LOVE*.
SAY “God give us hearts big enough to let Jesus and all our neighbors
in. Ask the spirit of God to be your guide, for there is an open window
to every soul. In many instances, they await your coming, for they have
no peace, as God says there is none for the wicked. Go to them in love
as Jesus would have gone, take His manner, choose His words. Go and
delay not. Here is where courage plays so great a part.
*3rd. WHAT to Tell Them*.
Tell them Jesus loves them. Everybody likes to hear good news.
FOR God so loved the world, (me) that He gave His only begotten Son,
that whosoever *believeth in Him* should not perish, but have
*everlasting life*.
_John 3:16._
TELL them that, for the gospel means nothing less. Who ever ran away
from glad tidings or messages of great joy?
Tell them the whole Gospel, "To-wit, that God was in Christ reconciling
the world unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and
hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation . . . as though God
did beseech you by us; I pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to
God.”
_II Corinthians 5:19-20._
Personal Work.
*HINTS and SUGGESTIONS.*
WORKER’S life text: II Timothy 2:15.
Whatever your feeling of timidity in doing personal work, do not be
deterred by fear that you may give offense. Be *natural* and *courteous*
in asking the simple question as to personal salvation.
As far as possible converse only with *persons of your own age* or
younger, of *your own sex* and walk in life.
Always deal with the inquirer *alone* if you can and in quiet; if some
one intrudes, diverting his attention, kindly tell the intruder *to be
silent or withdraw*.
After a few words *to ascertain the state* of mind of the inquirer,
present the truth you think he needs from the Bible or this little book.
Depend not on your experience or ability to apply the *Word; “It is the
Spirit* that quickeneth.”
Do not be in a hurry, *take time to be thorough*; some times in our
eagerness to see souls saved, we do not make the way plain.
*Let the Holy Spirit Himself show him* that when he has *believed on the
Lord Jesus Christ* he is at once saved.
If persons refuse, and seem to repulse you, *do not be dismayed* or
think that you have made a mistake; God often uses such refusals to
convict of sin and lead to repentance.
If a person baffles you with difficult questions, hand him over *to a
more experienced worker*.
Never advise an inquirer to go home and read his Bible, or pray, or try
to do better; this is *losing the present opportunity* with no promise
of a future or better one.
Affectionately urge *immediate* decision. *Pray with the inquirer*.
Be cautious; that which is a help to one may not be to another,
therefore “*rightly divide the Word of Truth*” And hold them *to what
God says* and the acceptance of Christ.
Personal Work.
*Suggestive Scriptures.*
When you come to Christ, does He accept or reject you?
AND him that cometh to me; *I will in no wise cast out*.
_John 6:37._
If you confess your sin to Him, what does He say he does with them?
IF we confess our sins, he is faithful and just *to forgive us our
sins,* and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
_I John 1:9._
TO him give all the prophets witness, that through his name *whosoever
believeth in him shall receive* remission of sins.
_Acts 10:43._
Who is it that has everlasting life?
*HE that believeth* on the Son hath everlasting llfe.
_John 3:36._
Do you believe? If so, have you life? You say, “I don’t feel any
“different.” It is not a matter of *feeling*, but of *believing*, see
how God puts the order of things.
IN whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the
gospel of your salvation: *in whom also after that ye believed, ye were
sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise*.
_Ephesians 1:13._
After you *believe*, God *seals* you. After you *commit yourself for
Christ* confessing Him as your Saviour, the *feeling comes*. Don’t “get
the cart before the horse.”
AND this is the *confidence that we have in him*, that, if we ask any
thing according to his will, he heareth us. And if we know that he hear
us, whatsoever we ask, *we know that we have the petitions that we
desired of him*.
_I John 5:14, 15._
GOD is not a man, *that he should lie*; neither the son of man, *that he
should repent*: hath he said, and *shall he not do it*? Or hath he
spoken, and *shall he not make it good*.
_Numbers 23:19._
Personal Work.
*Fruit promised to faithful effort.*
God has chosen us and sent us forth in His service promising fruit as
the result of our work. Christ came to save souls.
FOR the Son of Man is come to *seek* and to *save* that *which was
lost*.
_Luke 19:10._