1. PREPARING GOD’S HOUSEHOLD Sun, Dec 21

a. Describe the spiritual preparation necessary for fruitful missionary effort. Proverbs 16:1; Acts 1:14 (first part); 2:1. “The first disciples went forth preaching the word. They revealed Christ in their lives. And the Lord worked with them, ‘confirming the word with signs following.’ Mark 16:20. These disciples prepared themselves for their work. Before the day of Pentecost they met together, and put away all differences. They were of one accord. They believed Christ’s promise that the blessing would be given, and they prayed in faith. They did not ask for a blessing for themselves merely; they were weighted with the burden for the salvation of souls. The gospel was to be carried to the uttermost parts of the earth, and they claimed the endowment of power that Christ had promised. Then it was that the Holy Spirit was poured out, and thousands were converted in a day.“So it may be now. Instead of man’s speculations, let the word of God be preached. Let Christians put away their dissensions, and give themselves to God for the saving of the lost. Let them in faith ask for the blessing, and it will come. The outpouring of the Spirit in apostolic days was the ‘former rain,’ and glorious was the result. But the ‘latter rain’ will be more abundant. Joel 2:23.”—The Desire of Ages, p. 827.

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2. PREPARING FOR THE HARVEST Mon, Dec 22

a. Describe the spiritual maladies which the church must fully overcome before droves of new converts can safely enter her ranks. Luke 21:34; Matthew 24:48–50; 25:42–45. “How many churches are tended like sick lambs by those who ought to be seeking for the lost sheep! And all the time millions upon millions without Christ are perishing.“Divine love has been stirred to its unfathomable depths for the sake of men, and angels marvel to behold in the recipients of so great love a mere surface gratitude. Angels marvel at man’s shallow appreciation of the love of God. Heaven stands indignant at the neglect shown to the souls of men. Would we know how Christ regards it? How would a father and mother feel, did they know that their child, lost in the cold and the snow, had been passed by, and left to perish, by those who might have saved it? Would they not be terribly grieved, wildly indignant? Would they not denounce those murderers with wrath hot as their tears, intense as their love? The sufferings of every man are the sufferings of God’s child, and those who reach out no helping hand to their perishing fellow beings provoke His righteous anger.”—The Desire of Ages, p. 825. b. Who is to be included in the reception of God’s grace? Luke 14:23; 2 Chronicles 6:32, 33. “To His disciples Christ said, You have been witnesses of My life of self-sacrifice in behalf of the world. You have witnessed My labors for Israel. Although they would not come unto Me that they might have life, although priests and rulers have done to Me as they listed, although they have rejected Me as the Scriptures foretold, they shall have still another opportunity of accepting the Son of God. You have seen that all who come to Me, confessing their sins, I freely receive. Him that cometh to Me I will in nowise cast out. All who will, may be reconciled to God, and receive everlasting life. To you, My disciples, I commit this message of mercy. It is to be given to Israel first, and then to all nations, tongues, and peoples. It is to be given to Jews and Gentiles. All who believe are to be gathered into one church.”—Ibid., p. 821.

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3. REACHING OUT TO THE LOST Tue, Dec 23

a. Describe God’s plan for honest-hearted nonbelievers—heathens, pagans—who deep-down are actually seeking Him. Hebrews 11:6; Isaiah 56:3–8. “Among earth’s inhabitants, scattered in every land, there are those who have not bowed the knee to Baal. Like the stars of heaven, which appear only at night, these faithful ones will shine forth when darkness covers the earth and gross darkness the people. In heathen Africa, in the Catholic lands of Europe and of South America, in China, in India, in the islands of the sea, and in all the dark corners of the earth, God has in reserve a firmament of chosen ones that will yet shine forth amidst the darkness, revealing clearly to an apostate world the transforming power of obedience to His law.”—Prophets and Kings, pp. 188, 189.“All over the world men and women are looking wistfully to heaven. Prayers and tears and inquiries go up from souls longing for light, for grace, for the Holy Spirit. Many are on the verge of the kingdom, waiting only to be gathered in.”—The Acts of the Apostles, p. 109. b. What promise does God give to all who believe? Romans 10:8–11. What does belief mean—in contrast to presumption? Deuteronomy 6:6–9. “Satan can, through a species of deceptions, perform wonders that will appear to be genuine miracles. It was this he hoped to make a test question with the Israelites at the time of their deliverance from Egypt. The instruction given to Moses for Israel is timely instruction for us: [Deuteronomy 6:6–9 quoted.]“When we bring our lives to complete obedience to the law of God, regarding God as our supreme Guide, and clinging to Christ as our hope of righteousness, God will work in our behalf. This is a righteousness of faith, a righteousness hidden in a mystery of which the worldling knows nothing, and which he cannot understand. Sophistry and strife follow in the train of the serpent; but the commandments of God diligently studied and practiced, open to us communication with heaven, and distinguish for us the true from the false. This obedience works out for us the divine will, bringing into our lives the righteousness and perfection that was seen in the life of Christ.”—Manuscript Releases, vol. 7, p. 357.

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4. GENUINE FAITH Wed, Dec 24

a. How does true faith stand in contrast to false faith? James 2:19, 20; Galatians 5:6. “Genuine faith always works by love. When you look to Calvary it is not to quiet your soul in the nonperformance of duty, not to compose yourself to sleep, but to create faith in Jesus, faith that will work, purifying the soul from the slime of selfishness. When we lay hold of Christ by faith, our work has just begun. Every man has corrupt and sinful habits that must be overcome by vigorous warfare. Every soul is required to fight the fight of faith. If one is a follower of Christ, he cannot be sharp in deal, he cannot be hardhearted, devoid of sympathy. He cannot be coarse in his speech. He cannot be full of pomposity and self-esteem. He cannot be overbearing, nor can he use harsh words, and censure and condemn.“The labor of love springs from the work of faith. Bible religion means constant work. ‘Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven’ (Matthew 5:16). Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God that worketh in you, both to will and to do of His good pleasure. We are to be zealous of good works, be careful to maintain good works. And the true Witness says: ‘I know thy works’ (Revelation 2:2).“While it is true that our busy activities will not in themselves ensure salvation, it is also true that faith which unites us to Christ will stir the soul to activity.”—Selected Messages, bk. 2, p. 20. b. Explain the real significance of what baptism actually means. Mark 1:4; 1 Peter 3:21; Romans 6:4–9. “Christ has made baptism the sign of entrance to His spiritual kingdom. He has made this a positive condition with which all must comply who wish to be acknowledged as under the authority of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Before man can find a home in the church, before passing the threshold of God’s spiritual kingdom, he is to receive the impress of the divine name, ‘The Lord our Righteousness.’ Jeremiah 23:6.”—Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6, p. 91.

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5. REAPING THE HARVEST OF SOULS Thu, Dec 25

a. What should be evident in the life of a believer before baptism? Acts 2:38; 8:36, 37; Ephesians 4:22, 23. “Baptism is a most solemn renunciation of the world. Those who are baptized in the threefold name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, at the very entrance of their Christian life declare publicly that they have forsaken the service of Satan and have become members of the royal family, children of the heavenly King.”—Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6, p. 91.“When [the baptismal candidates] give evidence that they fully understand their position, they are to be accepted.”—Testimonies to Ministers, p. 128. b. What promise is given to the genuine believers, and on what condition? Matthew 1:21; 24:13; John 10:27–29. “The enemy can never take out of the hand of Christ the one who is simply trusting in His promises. If the soul is trusting and working obediently, the mind is susceptible to divine impressions, and the light of God shines in, enlightening the understanding. What privileges we have in Christ Jesus!“We are to watch vigilantly for the coming of the Lord. . . . Every moment is to be faithfully employed. ‘He that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.’ ”—Sons and Daughters of God, p. 351.

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS Fri, Dec 26

1. How am I to prepare to do my part in fulfilling the great commission? 2. How can I cultivate true faith? 3. What does salvation, as referred to in Matthew 1:21, mean to me? 4. Define the difference between true and false faith. 5. What does baptism signify? Sabbath, October 4 The Lesotho Mission in South Africa Education, evangelism, and literature coming to Lesotho. Let’s help make it happen! (see p. 4). Sabbath, November 1 Literature for Poor Countries Publications with the truth for today are precious. We must share them with the needy! (see p. 25). Sabbath, December 6 21M Media Studio Renovations Nowadays, so much missionary work depends on electronic media. Let’s make it the best it can be. (see p. 51).