Unto You a Saviour
Unto You a Saviour is chapter 4 of The Desire of Ages, based on Luke 2:1-20.
Unto You a Saviour is chapter 4 of The Desire of Ages, based on Luke 2:1-20.
Many people have claimed to have communicated with their dead loved ones. Let’s see what the Bible teaches about the dead speaking to the living.
“Few figures in history have so impressed their personalities upon a nation as did Patrick on Ireland.”
So says David Marshall, author of the booklet The Celtic Connection. What was it about Patrick that enabled him to make such a strong impression? More importantly, what was that original impression and is it still the same today as it was in his time? The author, as an historian, is not interested in legends. He is concerned with the truths and evidences that reveal a particular story of faith.
Have you ever noticed the common theme that runs through many movies and books? The struggle between good and evil, light and darkness, truth and lies, life and death? Well, it’s not fiction!
– John Bradshaw, speaker/director of It Is Written
I began my career in radio, and it really was quite successful, but I had to do what all young New Zealanders seemed to do – I left my home, following in the footsteps of my older sister, and travelled to London, England. All the while I’m looking for meaning in my faith.
I went to Midnight Mass at the Stoke Newington church near where I was living. Nothing! It was flat, and I actually saw the priest smack one of the altar boys for doing something wrong, and I thought: Never! I’m done with these guys!
Compiled by: Diane Lewis
Version date: 20 January 2023
Contributors: Adam Keough, Boris Drjlaca, Christian Salcianu, Clare Dunne, Jeason Kanagaraj, Joan Burch, Praveen Vasimalla, Shane Mulvihill, Theda Pienaar, Tomasz Obtulowicz
And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come. (Matthew 24:14)
Seventh-day Adventists have been blessed with an understanding and appreciation of Bible truth as found in the person of Jesus. As a community of faith, we have been called to lead people to Jesus through the sharing of The Everlasting Gospel, the Three Angels’ Message and Bible prophecies, so that they will be ready to meet Him when He returns. That is our ultimate purpose for being on the streets distributing literature and Bibles.
“There are many who are seeking for light in the darkness. If our papers, tracts, and books, expressing the truth in plain Bible language, could be widely circulated, many would find that they are just what they want.” (Publishing Ministry, p. 369)
See Addendum A for encouragement from the Spirit of Prophecy regarding Literature Evangelism.
For information on the Role of the Local Church in the Publishing Ministry read this 8-page document: Philosophical and Historical Foundation (adventist.org)
“We must prepare ourselves for most solemn duties. A world is to be saved. The work is advancing in a most marvelous manner in foreign lands; and even within the shadows of our doors there are many, many opportunities for communicating to others the saving truths of the third angel’s message. Publications are to be distributed like the leaves of autumn.“ (Publishing Ministry, p. 368)
We are all in different stages of our spiritual growth and knowledge, yet, we are all capable of sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ when we have experienced that Good News ourselves.
We cannot share Jesus without knowing him personally. We can share “bible truths” by knowing them. But our calling goes beyond sharing “bible truths”. Bible truth is nothing without knowing the person behind those truths. Jesus first called his disciples into a relationship with him before he called them to share him with others (Mathew 4:19). We cannot engage effectively in street ministry without being with Jesus in our every-day lives.
But in your hearts honour Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect. (1 Peter 3:15)
It is good to have a basic understanding and knowledge of the entire Bible, its truth, and what Seventh-day Adventists believe. If you can’t remember everything, or discover something that you can’t answer, that’s okay. You will experience growth as you interact with people about your faith. And you will see that you begin to identify areas in which you need further study, thus establishing your knowledge.
The sdabelieve website will provide you with Bible studies to deepen your knowledge and understanding of specific Bible topics.
Here is a summary of the 28 Fundamental beliefs that you can print out and refer to: 28Beliefs
Always pray for the Holy Spirit to lead and guide you when preparing to share with others.
Pray for the thoughts and words that you need, pray for the Lord to direct people to you and pray for their hearts to be prepared to receive the Jesus, the way, the truth and the life (John 14:6).
It is important that you are familiar with the material that you are distributing. You need to be able to explain the content of the book or flyer and what can be gained from reading it.
Before you hand out a specific book, you should have read it yourself. While you are reading, mark 2 or 3 paragraphs and memorise the page numbers. Then, when you are introducing the book, you can open it up and share a suitable section right there and then. This will make the book more desirable.
While you are gaining specific book knowledge, you can still begin working at the book stand by handing out flyers and directing people to the table for more information.
You will be blessed by reading the rich literature resources that are available in our church!
It is also helpful to have some idea what people from other Christian denominations believe. Then when we interact with them, we can have an idea of common ground to start on.
See section 6.3 Interaction with Non-SDA Believers for more information.
If someone wants to give a donation, that’s acceptable. However, we never sell or solicit money from anyone on the street.
It is good to create your own local prayer group to pray for those involved in the outreach and for those who will receive literature on the street. You are also welcome to join Discover Truth’s dedicated prayer group. For the Zoom link and meeting time, see the dedicated page for Prayer.
The person:
A local risk assessment should be completed by the person responsible for this in your church. If there is no-one in this position then please contact one of the Discover Truth leaders to request assistance with this.
Having a script and being trained in the use thereof can be very helpful and important in the success of this work. Especially for people who are inexperienced in street evangelism and dealing with strangers.
Often we are so delighted to have somebody stop and accept a book that we unintentionally overload them with information that they aren’t ready to receive yet. The danger in this is that people can instantly close themselves off to further information, books are wasted, and seeds are not properly planted.
See Addendum C for an example of a script, with explanations, provided by Shane Mulvihill. It has been used successfully in his team. Try it as it is or adapt it to suit your team and area of distribution.
__________
Books placed – Will be used by God later as per individual circumstances.
It is true that some who buy the books will lay them on the shelf or place them on the parlor table and seldom look at them. Still God has a care for His truth, and the time will come when these books will be sought for and read. Sickness or misfortune may enter the home, and through the truth contained in the books God sends to troubled hearts peace and hope and rest. His love is revealed to them, and they understand the preciousness of the forgiveness of their sins. Thus the Lord co-operates with His self-denying workers. (6T, p. 313.3)
Books placed – Will be more relevant as worldwide events unfold.
The results of the circulation of this book [The Great Controversy] are not to be judged by what now appears. By reading it, some souls will be aroused, and will have courage to unite themselves at once with those who keep the commandments of God. But a much larger number who read it will not take their position until they see the very events taking place that are foretold in it. The fulfilment of some of the predictions will inspire faith that others also will come to pass, and when the earth is lightened with the glory of the Lord, in the closing work, many souls will take their position on the commandments of God as the result of this agency. (Manuscript 31, 1890)
What to say? What not to say?
You need not feel that all the truth is to be spoken to unbelievers on any and every occasion. You should plan carefully what to say and what to leave unsaid. This is not practicing deception; it is to work as Paul worked. He says, “Being crafty, I caught you with guile.” You must vary your labor, and not have one way which you think must be followed at all times and in all places. Your ways may seem to you a success, but if you used more tact, more of the wisdom of the serpent, you would have seen much more real results of your work. (Letter 12, 1887)
How to handle the Sabbath topic.
You should not feel it your duty to introduce arguments upon the Sabbath question as you meet the people. If persons mention the subject, tell them that this is not your burden now. But when they surrender heart and mind and will to God, they are then prepared candidly to weigh evidence in regard to these solemn, testing truths. (Letter 77, 1895; Ev 228.3)
Avoid getting into controversies.
It is not the best policy to be so very explicit, and say all upon a point that can be said, when a few arguments will cover the ground, and be sufficient for all practical purposes to convince or silence opponents. You may remove every prop today, and close the mouths of objectors so that they can say nothing, and tomorrow they will go over the same ground again. Thus it will be, over and over, because they do not love the light, and will not come to the light lest their darkness and error should be removed from them. It is a better plan to keep a reserve of arguments than to pour out a depth of knowledge upon a subject which would be taken for granted without labored argument. Christ’s ministry lasted only three years, and a great work was done in that short period. In these last days, there is a great work to be done in a short time. While many are getting ready to do something, souls will perish for the light and knowledge. (CW 56.2)
Avoid pushing a personal view.
The Lord does not move upon His workers to make them take a course which will bring on the time of trouble before the time. Let them not build up a wall of separation between themselves and the world, by advancing their own ideas and notions. There is now altogether too much of this throughout our borders. (Special Testimonies to Ministers and Workers, Series A 3:33, 34; Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 202)
Read this article for the story illustrated by the banner and get acquainted with the historical facts: The Final Countdown
Boris has compiled a script that you can adapt for yourself:
This is a true story. It happened 2600 years ago. A Babylonian king had a dream, and this is the image that he saw. The head was made from gold, and represents Babylon where gold was abundant. After Babylon came Medo-Persia, represented by silver. They paid tax in silver. After Medo-Persia came Greece, represented by brass. They had armour made of brass. After Greece came Rome, represented by iron. They had iron armour and iron discipline.
Out of the Roman empire came 10 nations represented by the 10 toes. They formed the modern European Union. They are represented as iron and clay to demonstrate that they will not unite because iron can’t combine with clay.
The stone carved without hands represents God’s kingdom which is coming. Only God can solve the problems of this planet such as poverty, pollution, and war. God offers eternal life to everyone. Our lives don’t have to only last for 60, 70 years and then end forever.
This book (The Great Controversy) talks about events that have happened, that are happening, and that will happen. It covers different topics such as: the origin of evil, facing life’s record, can our dead speak to us, and liberty of conscience being threatened. Some topics are easy ones, and others are tough ones. This book is not meant to go against anyone but is only telling the truth. We have a web site too, where you can find other interesting books and videos.
Notes:
1. Stand in a prominent position to passers-by armed with a flyer, book in hand and a script to use…
It gives you a script to follow, like a track to run on. Once you are repeating this over, you are doing the right job, somebody will stop.
It sounds good, positive, and polite, so the energy is good and representative of the Lord’s wish for the person and street.
It helps you as the evangelist on the street to handle rejection and deflect negative energy directed toward you at times from the street.
An adage to remember in this game is “Some will, some won’t, so what? Next please…” It is simply a numbers game and the secret for the evangelist here is staying positive. Not taking it personally. For this reason, a script, training, and practice is important. The primary reason folks don’t stay the pace in this game is rejection, the toughness they experience. However, with a simple script, simple training and remembering that rule, anyone can do this consistently.
2. Stand in a prominent position to passers-by armed with a flyer, book in hand and a script to use…
3. Stand in a prominent position to passers-by armed with a flyer, book in hand and a script to use… (Repeating this process over and over is the order of the day on the street. Trying for eye contact, maybe changing the line to suit yourself or others.)
“As Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.” (Matthew 12:40) On which day did Jesus die to be resurrected on a Sunday?
[This question arose during a follow-up discussion in a breakout room after the presentation on the Resurrection of Jesus, lesson #24 of the Light of the World Bible Seminar.]
I suppose when we ask such a question as ‘is it worth praying for something?’ we are really saying, ‘if I pray for a particular thing, will my prayer make a difference?’ That’s the real crux of the matter, right? Will the fact that I pray for the world, the environment, those involved in politics, and social issues, really make a difference? Will God listen to my prayer, hear my prayer, and act in some way, because of my prayer?
“Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them… and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:19-20)
Jesus gave this Great Commission to all His disciples. At Discover Truth Ministry, we’ve been inspired to follow in the footsteps of Christ’s first disciples, aligning our efforts with the guidelines of the current missionary approach of the General Conference of SDA entitled “I Will Go”. (https://iwillgo2020.org/about/)
Pastor Ted Wilson and other world-wide church leaders emphasize that
“The best mission field is right where you are, right now.”
Our best mission field was chosen to be worked by members of the Dublin church about five years ago. Discover Truth was formally organised in 2020 and is supported by the Irish Mission. It has since grown to include volunteers from other counties within the Mission.
We aim to engage Seventh-day Adventist members in spreading the Gospel and the Three Angels Message in Ireland and Northern Ireland. These Adventist missionaries – adults, youth, and children alike – are finding joy in distributing literature and engaging in conversation with people.
In return, these people, who are hungering for truth and hope, discover a better way to live. Our volunteers report to us on a weekly basis about literature distributed in their hundreds, prayers with and for people, and of passers-by who ask to join our Zoom Bible studies or later enrol in the online Bible studies.
We now take this opportunity to inform you of our progress and to ask for your assistance and support in developing this ministry further so its reach can be expanded.
A modern and user-friendly website created to reach people online. It offers free resources such as Bibles, books, video series and podcasts. It is also a one-stop, go-to place for Adventist television and radio stations. Additionally, it has a Q&A section and provides a Prayer Request service. Our Facebook page www.facebook.com/discovertruth.ie refers people to our latest resources and events.
Creating a branch Discovery Centre Bible School, offering Voice of Prophecy lessons, was an invaluable addition. We currently have 3 teachers and 28 students. We offer the following courses: “Discover” (Bible teachings), “Focus on Prophecy” (Daniel and Revelation), and “The Light of the World” (Life of Jesus). One student’s testimony:
“An excellent interpretation of the last days on earth simplified in easy understandable text. A must for anyone wishing to understand Bible prophecies.” (Camillus Nolan, Focus on Prophecy course graduate, March 2021)
In March 2021 we started the “Light of the World” series on Zoom. This series of 25 lessons is presented live (later uploaded on YouTube) every Thursday night by two of the Dublin pastors. The presentations are followed by small group discussions which deepen the value of the lesson’s message. Participants are non-Adventists, Discover Truth team members, and regular church members.
Book stands are professionally set up with banners and tables, and volunteers wearing hi-vis branded vests. Seven locations are currently covered, each set up with team leaders and regular volunteers: Dublin, Cork, Tralee, Galway, Killarney, Dingle, and Monaghan.
Books distributed to date: 26,754. This includes 5,000+ Great Controversy, 1,400+ Desire of Ages, 1,200+ Steps to Christ, 10,000+ The Great Hope.
Requests for Free Bibles are received on a weekly basis, making the Scripture our most requested book. People of all ages and walks of life are wanting to own a Bible, from 14-year-olds to 80-year-olds.
The Bibles, along with free gifts like “Steps to Christ” or “Desire of Ages”, are delivered in person by the Discover Truth team members whenever possible. This facilitates discussion and creates a personal contact.
A series of 4 flyers has been designed and printed to date. More than 20,000 copies of the first 3 flyers have been distributed thus far at the book stands and via post boxes:
We have just recently printed 10,000 copies of the Daniel 2 flyers for distribution:
Revised edition of “The Celtic Connection” in collaboration with Stanborough Press. Our aim is to distribute it to every home in Ireland. (see St Patrick and the Celtic Connection)
The work is being blessed by the Lord and is growing in leaps and bounds. Volunteers are needed to assist with the work. If you feel that you are being called to work in one of its many areas of ministry then contact us and begin working in the best mission field: right where you are, right now!
Know also that our budgeted funds for 2021 have just been exhausted. We praise God for that, for abundant blessings beyond our little faith expectations.
There is a great window of opportunity to work within the Irish Mission. We are still living in a time of freedom and of spiritual hunger. It’s a unique and golden moment to invest yourself in God’s mission field in your area.
We are now calling on you to please help us continue this important work on this island. More Bibles, more books, more flyers, along with banners, vests, and promotional materials are needed. Please prayerfully consider donating so that other people can also Discover Truth. The truth that brought you and us to this knowledge of God. Donate now
(If you need this article in PDF /printable version, please click here.)
Thanking you, in Christ’s name,
The Discover Truth Team
Christian Salcianu and Diane Lewis
The alarm startled all the king’s noblemen that night. The mighty counsellors of the empire were being rounded up for execution. All because of a mysterious dream…
Come back in time with us to the 6th century BC. The king of the great Babylonian empire, Nebuchadnezzar, has had a dream (see Daniel, chapter 2). Perceived as a token from the gods, the message was surely one of life and death.
The truth will make you free.