The Week of Prayer
In today’s Information Age, it’s relatively easy to get to know something about people by searching online to see who their friends are.
In Scripture, our Lord Jesus Christ declares, “Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you. Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit” (John 15:14–16).
As His friends, Christ trusts us to introduce Him properly to those who do not know Him. Are we taking this responsibility seriously? Have we appreciated this grand privilege as we should? Another year is drawing to a close and our Best Friend has showered many blessings upon every one of us. Is it not time to share more freely with others who have never met Him—or have perhaps forgotten about Him? In Matthew 28:19, 20, the Lord bids us: “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.”
This year’s readings, Ambassadors for Christ, are to inspire and motivate us to deeper zeal in rightly representing the sublime government and unselfish policies of the third heaven—the sanctuary above, where our Master reigns. It is to equip us with essential tools to carry out our Lord’s commission more effectively.
Let us each prayerfully tend to our spiritual need in this regard, sharing these readings also with others who may be isolated or homebound, and keeping in mind the following dates:
- Prayer with fasting: Sabbath, December 15
- Offering for missions: Sunday, December 16
It is our prayer that the Spirit of Christ may energize our hearts to take hold of this opportunity wholeheartedly—in eager anticipation to be more fervently about our Father’s business (Luke 2:49).
[one_half][/one_half][one_half_last]Ambassadors for Christ
By Christlike behavior, true Christians represent the heavenly government before the world. This great privilege involves tremendous responsibility—and is possible through the power of God. [/one_half_last]
[one_half] [/one_half][one_half_last] Lights in the World
The call of the hour is to be coworkers with Christ, led by His Spirit. The Lord does not promise this work is easy, but it surely is a task worthy of our best energies and full dedication, that the light of Heaven may shine forth to a world in darkness. [/one_half_last]
[one_half] [/one_half][one_half_last] Organized for Service
Just as the human body has many parts all functioning as a team, so does the body of Christ. The church is organized for service and is most effective when its members work together harmoniously to proclaim the present truth. [/one_half_last]
[one_half] [/one_half][one_half_last] Like the Leaves of Autumn
The vivid illustration of autumn leaves gives a beautiful picture of how gracefully our Creator longs to provide truth-filled literature to a planet lost in confusion. Both old and young are to scatter publications everywhere and will see rich rewards. [/one_half_last]
[one_half] [/one_half][one_half_last] The Pioneer Work of the Gospel
Health is a blessing we value more when we don’t have it. The poignant hope of full restoration of body, mind, and spirit is an entering wedge to win souls from all walks of life—all of whom need the gospel message. [/one_half_last]
[one_half] [/one_half][one_half_last] Preaching the Gospel to Every Creature
There are so many ways to preach—medical missionary work, personal home visits, music ministry, canvassing, public conferences, camp meetings, using printed and audiovisual materials—to name just a few. Let’s tap into the possibilities! [/one_half_last]
[one_half] [/one_half][one_half_last] “In Season, out of Season”
Is it always convenient to serve? Not necessarily, but service is God’s instrument in our own salvation as we minister to others and earnestly seek the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in fullness while probation lingers. [/one_half_last]
[one_half] [/one_half][one_half_last] “I Will Be With You Alway”
God’s promises to our spiritual forefathers are to be treasured today by God’s remnant as we bravely and cheerfully seek to follow in the footsteps of the greatest Missionary ever known—the Lord who gave His life that we might live. [/one_half_last]
[one_half] [/one_half][one_half_last] Revealing Christ to Others
What a sacred duty and wonderful privilege it is to reveal Christ to our family members, friends, neighbors, and coworkers who don’t know Him. This poem reveals the truly glorious opportunity that is before us! [/one_half_last]