The Importance of Medical Missionary Work

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1 GOD IS WAITING FOR IT TO BE TAKEN UP

NO CHANGE IN THE MESSAGES There is no change in the messages that God has sent in the past. The work in the cities is the essential work for this time. When the cities are worked as God would have them, the result will be the setting in operation of a mighty movement such as we have not yet witnessed. Medical Ministry, 304.

EVERY TRUE REFORM HAS ITS PLACE Every true reform has its place in the work of the third angels message. Especially does the temperance reform demand our attention and support. Counsels on Health,  433.

LOOKING FOR HIS SOON APPEARING Sabbathkeepers who are looking for the soon appearing of their Saviour should be the last to manifest a lack of interest in this great work of (health) reform. Men and women must be instructed, and ministers and people should feel that the burden of the work rests upon them to agitate the subject and urge it home upon others.1 Testimonies, 489.

THE LONG NEGLECTED WORK--THE LAST CALL TO THE SUPPER Again and again the Lord has pointed out the work which the church in Battle Creek and those all through America are to do. They are to reach a much higher standard in spiritual advancement than they have yet reached. They are to awake out of sleep, and go without the camp, working for souls that are ready to perish. The medical missionary workers are doing the long-neglected work which God gave to the church. 8 Testimonies, 70-71.

THE ONLY WORK THAT WILL SOON BE DONE My heart is made sad as I look at our churches, which ought to be connected in heart and soul and practice with the medical missionary work . . I wish to tell you that soon there will be no work done in ministerial lines but medical missionary work. Counsels on Health, 533.

WHY IT IS YET IN ITS INFANCY Medical missionary work is yet in its infancy. The meaning of genuine medical missionary work is known by but few. Why? Because the Saviours plan of work has not been followed. Gods money has been misapplied. A Call to Medical Evangelism 10.

THE NEW ELEMENT THAT IS NEEDED A new element needs to be brought into the work. Gods people must receive the warning, and work for souls right where they are . . As He (Christ) went from place to place He blessed and comforted the suffering and healed the sick. This is our work. God would have us relieve the necessities of the destitute. The reason that the Lord does not manifest His power more decidedly is because there is so little spirituality among those who claim to believe the truth. Medical Ministry, 319.

THE WORK TO BE DONE There is a work to be done by our churches that few have any idea of. I was an hungered, Christ says, and ye gave Me meat; I was thirsty, and ye gave Me drink; I was a stranger, and ye took Me in; naked, and ye clothed Me; I was sick, and ye visited Me . .  There is a work, as yet untouched, that must be done. The mission of Christ was to heal the sick, encourage the hopeless, bind up the brokenhearted. This work of restoration is to be carried on.A Call to Medical Evangelism, 22-23.

MANY WILL BE WAITING I was shown Gods people waiting for some change to take place,a compelling power to take hold of them. But they will be disappointed, for they are wrong. They must act; they must take hold of the work themselves, and earnestly cry to God for a true knowledge of themselves. The scenes which are passing before us are of sufficient magnitude to cause us to arouse and urge the truth home to the hearts of all who will listen. The harvest of the earth is nearly ripe. 1 Testimonies, 261.

SOMEONE MUST FULFILL THE COMMISSION Why has it not been understood from the Word of God that the work being done in medical missionary lines is a fulfillment of the Scripture. [So that servant came and shewed his lord these things. Then the master of the house being angry said to his servant] Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind . . The servant said, Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room. And the Lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. This is a work that the churches in every locality, north and south and east and west, should do. The churches have been given the opportunity of answering this work. Why have they not done it? Someone must fulfill the commission. Review and Herald, May 25, 1897.

NOW IS THE TIME FOR IT TO BE DONE We have come to a time when every member of the church should take hold of medical missionary work. The world is a lazar house filled with victims of both physical and spiritual disease . . The members of the church are in need of an awakening, that they may realize their responsibility to impart these truths. 7 Testimonies, 62.

IT WILL BE DONE We should feel deeply over these things, for they are true. We should have a high estimate of truth and of the value of souls. Time is short, and there is a great work to be done. If you feel no interest in the work that is going forward, if you will not encourage medical missionary work in the churches, it will be done without your consent; for it is the work of God, and it must be done. My brethren and sisters, take your position on the Lords side and be earnest, active, courageous co-workers with Christ, laboring with Him to seek and save the lost. 8 Testimonies, 75.

AGENTS AND INSTITUTIONS WILL BE RAISED UP Thus saith the Lord: Buildings will give character to My work only when those who erect them follow My instruction in regard to the establishment of institutions. Had those who have managed and sustained the work in the past always been controlled by pure, unselfish principles, there never would have been the selfish gathering of a large share of My means into one or two places. Institutions would have been established in many localities. The seeds of truth, sown in many more fields, would have sprung up and borne fruit to My glory. Places that have been neglected are now to receive attention. My people are to do a sharp, quick work. Those who with purity of purpose fully consecrate themselves to Me, body, soul, and spirit shall work in My way and in My name. Everyone shall stand in his lot, looking to Me, his Guide and Counselor. I will instruct the ignorant and anoint with heavenly eyesalve the eyes of many who are now in spiritual darkness. I will raise up agents who will carry out My will to prepare a people to stand before Me in the time of the end. In many places that before this ought to have been provided with sanitariums and schools, I will establish My institutions, and these institutions will become educational centers for the training of workers. Counsels on Health, 226-227.

A CHARACTER TO FORM Let no one think that he can do as he pleases in the matter of diet. But before all who sit at the table with you, let it appear that you follow principle in the matter of eating--as in all matters--that the glory of God may be revealed. You cannot afford to do otherwise; for you have a character to form for the future immortal life. Counsels on Diet and Foods, 34.

CLOSER AND MORE TRYING  Said the angel, Abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul. You have stumbled at the health reform. It appears to you to be a needless appendix to the truth. It is not so; it is a part of the truth. Here is a work before you which will come closer and be more trying than anything which has yet been brought to bear upon you. While you hesitate and stand back, failing to lay hold upon the blessing which it is your privilege to receive, you suffer loss. You are stumbling over the very blessing which heaven has placed in your path to make progress less difficult. Counsels on Diet and Foods, 39.

HE CANNOT SUSTAIN HIS SERVANTS IN SIN The Lord has given His people a message in regard to health reform. This light has been shining upon their pathway for thirty years; and the Lord cannot sustain His servants in a course which will counteract it. He is displeased when His servants act in opposition to the message upon this point, which He has given them to give to others. Can He be pleased when half the workers laboring in a place, teach that the principles of health reform are as closely allied with the third angels message as the arm is to the body, while their co-workers, by their practice, teach principles that are entirely opposite? This is regarded as a sin in the sight of God. Counsels on Diet and Foods, 38.

UNFITTED TO ACCOMPLISH THE WORK The misuse of our physical powers shortens the period of time in which our lives can be used for the glory of God. And it unfits us to accomplish the work God has given us to do. Counsels on Diet and Foods, 49.

NOT POSSIBLE TO GLORIFY GOD It is not possible for us to glorify God while living in violation of the laws of life. The heart cannot possibly maintain consecration to God while lustful appetite is indulged. Counsels on Diet and Foods, 44.

SANCTIFICATION AND PERFECTION IMPOSSIBLE A diseased body and disordered intellect, because of continual indulgence in hurtful lust, make sanctification of the body and spirit impossible. The apostle understood the importance of the healthful conditions of the body for the successful perfection of Christian character. Counsels on Diet and Foods, 44.

2 IT WILL SHAKE AND PURIFY THE CHURCH

FOR OUR SALVATION--THE SALVATION OF THE WORLD The light God has given on health reform is for our salvation and the salvation of the world. Men and women should be informed in regard to the human habitation, fitted up by our Creator as His dwelling place, and over which He desires us to be faithful stewards. For ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. Welfare Ministry, 130-131.

TO LESSEN SUFFERING AND PURIFY HIS PEOPLE We have been given the work of advancing health reform. The Lord desires His people to be in harmony with one another. As you must know, we shall not leave the position in which, for the last thirty-five years, the Lord has been bidding us stand. Beware how you place yourself in opposition to the work of health reform. It will go forward; for it is the Lords means of lessening the suffering in our world and of purifying His people. Medical Ministry, 279.

TO LESSEN SUFFERING AND PURIFY HIS CHURCH The work of health reform is the Lords means for lessening suffering in our world and for purifying His church. Teach the people that they can act as Gods helping hand by cooperating with the Master Worker in restoring physical and spiritual health. 9 Testimonies, 112-113.

BACKSLIDING HAS BROUGHT GREAT LACK The failure to follow sound principles has marred the history of Gods people. There has been a continual backsliding in health reform; and, as a result, God is dishonored by a great lack of spirituality. Barriers have been erected which would never have been seen had Gods people walked in the light. Counsels on Diet and Foods, 33.

REGAINING EDEN As our first parents lost Eden through the indulgence of appetite, our only hope of regaining Eden is through the firm denial of appetite and passion. Counsels on Diet and Foods, 59.

IF THEY HAD CONQUERED ON THIS POINT The controlling power of appetite will prove the ruin of thousands, when, if they had conquered on this point, they would have had moral power to gain the victory over every other temptation of Satan. But those who are slaves to appetite will fail in perfecting Christian character. The continual transgression of man for six thousand years has brought sickness, pain, and death as its fruits. And as we near the close of time, Satan's temptation to indulge appetite will be more powerful and more difficult to overcome. Counsels on Diet and Foods, 59.

IT IS IMPOSSIBLE It is impossible for those who give the reins to appetite to attain to Christian perfection. Counsels on Diet and Foods, 236.

IN ORDER TO BE FITTED FOR TRANSLATION In order to be fitted for translation, the people of God must know themselves. They must understand in regard to their own physical frames, that they may be able with the psalmist to exclaim, I will praise Thee, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. They should ever have the appetite in subjection to the moral and intellectual organs. The body should be servant to the mind, and not the mind to the body. Counsels on Diet and Foods, 33.

FITTED FOR IMMORTALITY Men, then, can make their bodies unholy by sinful indulgences. If unholy, they are unfitted to be spiritual worshipers, and are not worthy of heaven. If man will cherish the light that God in mercy gives him upon health reform, he may be sanctified through the truth, and fitted for immortality. Counsels on Diet and Foods, 70.

CLEANSING--A FITNESS TO ENGAGE IN THE LOUD CRY God requires His people to cleanse themselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of the Lord . . I was shown that if Gods people make no efforts on their part, but wait for the refreshing to come upon them and remove their wrongs and correct their errors; if they depend upon that to cleanse them from filthiness of the flesh and spirit, and fit them to engage in the loud cry of the third angel, they will be found wanting. The refreshing or power of God comes only on those who have prepared themselves for it by doing the work which God bids them, namely, cleansing themselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. Counsels on Diet and Foods, 33.

PREPARATION FOR THE LOUD CRYI was shown that the work of health reform has scarcely been entered upon yet. While some feel deeply, and act out their faith in the work, others remain indifferent and have scarcely taken the first step in reform. There seems to be in them a heart of unbelief; and as this reform restricts the lustful appetite, many shrink back. They have other gods before the Lord. Their taste, their appetite, is their god . . [Gods people] They have a work to do for themselves which they should not leave for God to do for them. He has left this work for them to do. It is an individual work; one cannot do it for another.Counsels on Health, 453.

THE LAST GREAT TESTThe truth for this time, the third angels message, is to be proclaimed with a loud voice . . as we approach the great final test. This test must come to the churches in connection with true medical missionary work, a work that has the Great Physician to dictate and preside in all that it comprehends.10 Manuscript Releases, 314 (August 13, 1900).

THE VERY LAST DECEPTION OF SATANAs the end draws near and the work of giving the last warning to the world extends, it becomes more important for those who accept present truth to have a clear understanding of the nature and influence of the Testimonies, which God in His providence has linked with the work of the third angels message from its very rise.5 Testimonies, 654.

If you lose confidence in the testimonies you will drift away from Bible truth . . As you now hold the testimonies, should one be given crossing your track, correcting your errors, would you feel at perfect liberty to accept or reject any part, or the whole? That which you will be least inclined to receive is the very part most needed.5 Testimonies, 98.

Satan is . . constantly pressing in the spuriousto lead away from the truth. The very last deception of Satan will be to make of none effect the testimony of the Spirit of God. Where there is no vision, the people perish (Prov. 29:18). Satan will work ingeniously, in different ways and through different agencies, to unsettle the confidence of Gods remnant people in the true testimony.2 Selected Messages, 78.

OPEN TO WORLD, SHUT TO THOSE WHO WOULD NOT ENTEROh, that the people might know the time of their visitation! There are many who have not yet heard the testing truth for this time. There are many with whom the Spirit of God is striving. The time of Gods destructive judgments is the time of mercy for those who have had no opportunity to learn what is truth. Tenderly will the Lord look upon them. His heart of mercy is touched; His hand is still stretched out to save, while the door is closed to those who would not enter.9 Testimonies, 97.

THE DOOR WILL BE SHUTBrethren, be careful, very careful. There is a work being done by the medical missionaries which answers to the description given in Matthew 24:48-51. The Lord is working to reach the most depraved. Many will know what it means to be drawn to Christ, but will not have moral courage to war against appetite and passion. But the workers must not be discouraged at this; for it is written, In the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils. 1 Timothy 4:1.

Is it only those rescued from the lowest depths that backslide? There are those in the ministry who have had light and a knowledge of the truth, who will not be overcomers. They do not restrict their appetites and passions, or deny themselves for Christs sake. Many poor outcasts, even publicans and sinners, will grasp the hope set before them in the gospel, and will go into the kingdom of heaven before the ones who have had great opportunities and great light, but who have walked in darkness. In the last great day, many will say: Lord, Lord, open unto us. But the door will be shut, and their knock will be in vain.8 Testimonies, 75.

BOUND UP WITH THE LAW AND SABBATHGenuine medical missionary work is bound up inseparably with the keeping of Gods commandments, of which the Sabbath is especially mentioned, since it is the great memorial of Gods creative work. Its observance is bound up with the work of restoring the moral image of God in man. This is the ministry which Gods people are to carry forward at this time. This ministry, rightly performed, will bring rich blessings to the church.6 Testimonies, 266.

THE SIGN OF THOSE WHO LOVE GOD AND OBEY HIS LAWTrue sympathy between man and his fellowman is to be the sign distinguishing those who love and fear God from those who are unmindful of His law. How great the sympathy that Christ expressed in coming to this world to give His life a sacrifice for a dying world! His religion led to the doing of genuine medical missionary work.Medical Ministry, 251.

ANSWERING SATANS CHARGESOUR REPRESENTATION BEFORE THE WORLDThe Lord desires, through His people, to answer Satans charges by showing the result of obedience to right principles. He desires our health institutions to stand as witnesses for truth. They are to give character to the work which must be carried forward in these last days in restoring man through a reformation of the habits, appetite, and passions. Seventh-day Adventists are to be represented to the world by the advance principles of health reform which God has given us.Medical Ministry, 187 (Manuscript, Gods Design in Establishing Sanitariums, December 22, 1899).

SEALED WITH THE SEAL OF GODThe fifty-eighth chapter of Isaiah contains present truth for the people of God. Here we see how medical missionary work and the gospel ministry are to be bound together as the message is given to the world. Upon those who keep the Sabbath of the Lord is laid the responsibility of doing a work of mercy and benevolence. Medical missionary work is to be bound up with the message, and sealed with the seal of God.Welfare Ministry, 121.

3 IT WILL SWELL THE THIRD ANGELS MESSAGE INTO A LOUD CRY

A CLEARER PERCEPTION, A WONDERFUL CHANGEGod calls upon every church member to dedicate his life unreservedly to the Lords service. He calls for decided reformation. All creation is groaning under the curse. Gods people should place themselves where they will grow in grace, being sanctifiedbody, soul, and spiritby the truth. When they break away from all health-destroying indulgences, they will have a clearer perception of what constitutes true godliness. A wonderful change will be seen in the religious experience.Counsels on Diet and Foods, 34.

IF WORKERS HUMBLE THEIR HEARTSA WONDERFUL REVIVAL WILL COMEIf the workers will humble their hearts before God, the blessing will come. They will all the while be receiving fresh, new ideas, and there will be a wonderful revival of gospel medical missionary work.Medical Ministry, 257.

A GREAT REFORMATORY MOVEMENTIn visions of the night representations passed before me of a great reformatory movement among Gods people. Many were praising God. The sick were healed and other miracles were wrought. A spirit of intercession was seen, even as was manifested before the great day of Pentecost. Hundreds and thousands were seen visiting families, and opening before them the Word of God. Hearts were convicted by the power of the Holy Spirit, and a spirit of genuine conversion was manifest. On every side doors were thrown open to the proclamation of truth. The world seemed to be lightened with the heavenly influence. Great blessings were received by the true and humble people of God. I heard voices of thanksgiving and praise, and there seemed to be a reformation such as we witnessed in 1844. Yet some refused to be converted. They were not willing to walk in Gods way; and when, in order that the work of God might be advanced, calls were made for freewill offerings, some clung selfishly to their earthly possessions. These covetous ones became separated from the company of believers.Counsels on Health, 580.

AS RELIGIOUS AGGRESSION SUBVERTS LIBERTIESA FIELD OF LABORAs religious aggression subverts the liberties of our nation, those who would stand for freedom of conscience will be placed in unfavorable positions. For their own sake, they should, while they have opportunity, become intelligent in regard to disease, its causes, prevention, and cure. And those who do this will find a field of labor anywhere. There will be suffering ones, plenty of them, who will need help, not only among those of our own faith, but largely among those who know not the truth. The shortness of time demands an energy that has not been aroused among those who claim to believe the present truth.Counsels on Health, 506.

SOUND PHILOSOPHY AND GENUINE EXPERIENCE TO STIR THE PUBLIC MINDAll are bound by the most sacred obligations to God to heed the sound philosophy and genuine experience which He is now giving them in reference to health reform. He designs that the great subject of health reform shall be agitated, and the public mind deeply stirred to investigate; for it is impossible for men and women, with all their sinful, health-destroying, brain-enervating habits, to discern sacred truth, through which they are to be sanctified, refined, elevated, and made fit for the society of heavenly angels in the kingdom of glory.Counsels on Diet and Foods, 70.

AGITATIONThe great subject of reform is to be agitated, and the public mind is to be stirred. Temperance in all things is to be connected with the message, to turn the people of God from their idolatry, their gluttony, and their extravagance in dress and other things.Counsels on Diet and Foods, 71.

AN ENTERING WEDGE TO THE HEARTWhen properly conducted, the health work is an entering wedge, making a way for other truths to reach the heart. When the third angels message is received in its fullness, health reform will be given its place in the councils of the conference, in the work of the church, in the home, at the table, and in all the household arrangements. Then the right arm will serve and protect the body.Counsels on Diet and Foods, 73.

THE RIGHT HAND TO OPEN DOORSMedical missionary work is the right hand of the gospel. It is necessary to the advancement of the cause of God . . Every city is to be entered by workers trained to do medical missionary work. As the right hand of the third angels message, Gods methods of treating disease will open doors for the entrance of present truth.7 Testimonies, 59.

RECEIVED BY ALL WHO WANT LIGHTThe influences that are associated with health reform will commend it to the judgment of all who want light; and they will advance step by step to receive the special truths for this time.6 Testimonies, 379.

HENCEFORTHHenceforth medical missionary work is to be carried forward with an earnestness with which it has never yet been carried. This work is the door through which the truth is to find entrance to the large cities.9 Testimonies, 167.

UNTIL THE WHOLE EARTH IS COVEREDWe shall see the medical missionary work broadening and deepening at every point of its progress, because of the inflowing of hundreds and thousands of streams, until the whole earth is covered as the waters cover the sea.Medical Ministry, 317.

4 IT WILL BE THE PRACTICAL BASIS OF JUDGMENT IN THE GREAT DAY OF GOD

TWO CLASSES When the Son of Man shall come in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then shall He sit upon the throne of His glory; and before Him shall be gathered all nations: and He shall separate them one from another. Thus Christ on the Mount of Olives pictured to His disciples the scene of the great judgment day. And He represented its decision as turning upon one point. When the nations are gathered before Him, there will be but two classes; and their eternal destiny will be determined by what they have done or have neglected to do for Him in the person of the poor and the suffering.

In that day Christ does not present before men the great work He has done for them in giving His life for their redemption. He presents the faithful work they have done for Him. To those whom He sets upon His right hand He will say, Come, ye blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: for I was an hungered, and ye gave Me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave Me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took Me in: naked, and ye clothed Me: I was sick, and ye visited Me: I was in prison, and ye came unto Me. Desire of Ages, 637.

TWO PARTIESIn the last days there are to be only two parties, the one on the right hand and the other on the left. And Christ says unto one, Come, ye blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: for I was an hungered, and ye gave Me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave Me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took Me in: naked, and ye clothed Me: I was sick, and ye visited Me: I was in prison, and ye came unto Me. And they answer, When saw we thus and ministered unto Thee? And Christ says, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these My brethren, ye have done it unto Me. But to those on the left, He says, Depart from Me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and His angels . .

Well, now we want to bring Christ into our everyday life. Those who had not fed the hungry, or clothed the naked, or visited the sick were not conscious of it, and why? Because they had educated and trained themselves in the school of self-indulgence, and the result was they lost heaven and the eternity of bliss which they might have had, had they devoted their powers to God.Medical Ministry, 133-134.

PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING, FOR SOULS HAVE BEEN SAVEDThere will be a blessed commendation, a holy benediction, on the faithful winners of souls. They will join the rejoicing ones in heaven, who shout the harvest home. How great will be the joy when the redeemed of the Lord shall all meet,gathered into the mansions prepared for them! Oh, what rejoicing for all who have been impartial, unselfish laborers together with God in carrying forward His work in the earth! What satisfaction will every reaper have when the clear, musical voice of Jesus shall be heard, saying, Come, ye blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world! . .

The Redeemer is glorified because He has not died in vain. With glad rejoicing hearts, those who have been co-laborers with God see of the travail of their soul for perishing, dying sinners, and are satisfied. The anxious hours they have spent, the perplexing circumstances they have had to meet, the sorrow of heart because some refused to see and receive the things which make for their peace, are forgotten. The self-denial they have practiced in order to support the work is remembered no more. As they look upon the souls they sought to win to Jesus, and see them saved, eternally saved,monuments of Gods mercy and of a Redeemers love,there ring through the arches of heaven shouts of praise and thanksgiving.Medical Ministry, 134-135.