We ask for your faith and prayers today . . . for each of the men and women who are faced with this issue in the Light of God’s Word of Truth.
“This is a true saying . . . If a man desire the office of a bishop (elder – a superintendent, an overseer, one who goes to see and bring relief), he desireth a good thing. For a bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife . . . vigilant, sober, of good behavior, given to hospitality, apt to teach . . . and one that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity (honesty) !” I Timothy 3:1-7
“There is a decided work to be done in our churches. Those chosen as elders of the churches are to be men of experience, who have a knowledge of the Truth (Verity of God’s Word) and are sound in the faith. In his letter to Titus, Paul points out the qualifications which should be possessed by those placed in charge of the flock of God. ref: Titus chapters 1 and 2
The qualifications of an elder are plainly stated by the apostle Paul: “If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly. For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God, not self-willed, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre (desiring monetary gain); but a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate; holding fast the faithful Word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.” Titus 1:5-9
If a man does not show wisdom in the management of the church in his own house, how can he show wisdom in the management of the larger church outside? How can he bear the responsibilities which mean so much, if he cannot govern his own children? Wise discrimination is not shown in this matter. God’s blessing will not rest upon the minister who neglects the education and training of his children . . .” 5 Manuscript Releases, p.449
“A great work can be done by presenting to the people the Bible just as it reads. Carry the Word of God to every man’s door, urge its plain statements upon every man’s conscience, repeat to all the Saviour’s command: “Search the Scriptures.” Admonish them to take the Bible as it is, to implore Divine enlightenment, and then, when the Light shines, to gladly accept each precious ray and fearlessly abide the consequences.
The downtrodden Law of God (His instructions in righteousness) is to be exalted before the people; as soon as they turn with earnestness and reverence to the Holy Scriptures, Light from heaven will reveal to them wondrous things out of God’s Law !
Great Truths that have long been obscured (ref: Ezra and Nehemiah) by superstition and false doctrine will blaze forth from the illuminated pages of the Sacred Word. The Living Oracles pour forth their treasures new and old, bringing light and joy to all who will receive them. Many are roused from their slumber. They rise as it were from the dead and receive the Light and Life (Psalm 119:105 & John 6:63) which Christ alone can give.
Truths which have proved an overmatch for giant intellects are understood by babes in Christ. To these is plainly revealed that which has clouded the spiritual perception of the most learned expositors of the Word, because, like the Sadducees of old, they were ignorant of the Scriptures and of the power of God !”
5 Testimonies, p.388-389