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Study 01 of 8

A Passion for Souls

Every member is called to the same urgent, Christ-kindled passion for souls that marked John's disciples, Moses, and Paul.

Hands-free narration of this study — good for the car.

Synopsis

The booklet opens with John the Baptist pointing two disciples to 'the Lamb of God,' and the two immediately leaving to bring others to Jesus. That single scene sets the pattern: a real encounter with Christ cannot be kept private. Ellen White's picture of Niagara Falls declares that a soul possessing Christ can no more be stopped from confessing Him than the Falls can be stopped from flowing. This is not a call reserved for pastors or the naturally outgoing; it is the plain calling of 'every member.' The introduction contrasts this fire with the Laodicean 'lukewarm business-as-usual' spirit, insisting the times demand urgency, not routine. It marshals Moses, Paul, Jesus weeping over Jerusalem, and later witnesses like John Knox and Henry Martyn to show what holy desperation for souls looks like. The conclusion is a promise: God's remnant church exists for this very purpose, and the work will only be finished when members are motivated and involved.

Key points

  • A genuine encounter with Christ compels immediate, unforced witness, as with John's two disciples.
  • Ellen White's Niagara illustration teaches that love for Christ cannot be bottled up.
  • The Laodicean lukewarm spirit, not lack of ability, is the real obstacle to witnessing.
  • Witnessing to save souls is the solemn priority of God's remnant church, and finishing the work depends on every member's involvement.

Key texts

  • John 1:29
  • Exodus 32:32
  • 1 Corinthians 9:16
  • Matthew 23:37

From the course book

Introduction · pp. 5-6 · Open the reader

  • “No more could a soul who possesses Christ be hindered from confessing Him than could the waters of Niagara be stopped from flowing over the falls.” (p. 5)
  • “The same intensity of desire to save sinners that marked the life of the Saviour marks the life of His true followers.” (p. 5)
  • “In a special sense Seventh-day Adventists have been set in the world as watchmen and light bearers.” (p. 6)
  • “Were every one of you a living missionary, the message for this time would speedily be proclaimed in all countries.” (p. 6)

Put it into practice

  • Read John 1:29-42 and notice how quickly the disciples moved from meeting Jesus to sharing Him.
  • Memorize and pray over the Niagara quote until it describes your own experience with Christ.
  • Identify one area where lukewarm 'business-as-usual' has replaced urgency in your own witness.
  • Ask God daily for the same passion for souls shown by Moses and Paul.
  1. Comprehension

    1. What happened immediately after John the Baptist pointed his two disciples to Jesus?

  2. Scripture

    2. Read Exodus 32:32. What did Moses ask God rather than see Israel destroyed?

  3. Doctrinal Clarity

    3. Why does the booklet use the Niagara Falls illustration to describe genuine faith?

  4. Contrast

    4. Contrast the 'Laodicean lukewarm business-as-usual approach' with the passion described in the introduction.

  5. Comprehension

    5. According to the booklet, for what purpose was the church established?

  6. Scripture

    6. Read 1 Corinthians 9:16. What compelled Paul to preach?

  7. Doctrinal Clarity

    7. What condition does Ellen White say must be met before God's work in the earth can be finished?

  8. Application

    8. Where in your life has routine replaced urgency in sharing Christ, and what would recovering that urgency look like this week?