Sunday
August 6
1. IT DOESN’T ARGUE
a. What works very well even while you are sleeping, doesn’t argue, and will accomplish God’s purpose? Isaiah 55:11.
“One of the principal agencies [the Lord] has ordained for our use is the printed page. . . . With patient diligence chosen workers must instruct our people how to approach unbelievers in a kindly, winning way and how to place in their hands literature in which the truth for this time is presented with clearness and power.”–Testimonies, vol. 9, p. 87.
b. Why is there such power in the Scriptures? 2 Timothy 3:16; Psalm 119:130.
“The word of God, spoken to the heart, has an animating power.” –Counsels on Sabbath School Work, p. 17.
c. What is special about using the printed page to share the truth? Ecclesiastes 11:1.
“The silent messengers that are placed in the homes of the people through the work of the canvasser will strengthen the gospel ministry in every way; for the Holy Spirit will impress minds as they read the books, just as He impresses the minds of those who listen to the preaching of the word. The same ministry of angels attends the books that contain the truth as attends the work of the minister.”–Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 316.
Monday
August 7
2. AS THE LEAVES OF AUTUMN
a. What methods should be used in sharing the printed page? Ecclesiastes 11:6, 4.
“Let the leaflets and tracts, the papers and books, go in every direction. Carry with you, wherever you go, a package of select tracts, which you can hand out as you have opportunity. Sell what you can, and lend or give them away as the case may seem to require. Important results will follow.”–The Review and Herald, June 10, 1880.
b. Who can do the scattering? Ephesians 4:7.
“Let every Seventh-day Adventist ask himself, ‘What can I do to proclaim the third angel’s message?’ Christ came to this world to give this message to His servant to give to the churches. It is to be proclaimed to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people. How are we to give it? The distribution of our literature is one means by which the message is to be proclaimed. Let every believer scatter broadcast tracts and leaflets and books containing the message for this time. Colporteurs are needed who will go forth to circulate our publications everywhere.”–The Southern Watchman, January 5, 1904.
“Our publications are now sowing the gospel seed, and are instrumental in bringing as many souls to Christ as the preached word. Whole churches have been raised up as the result of their circulation. In this work every disciple of Christ can act a part.”–The Review and Herald, June 10, 1880.
c. What type of “leaves” should be used? Jeremiah 15:16.
d. What work does God call some individuals to enter full time? 1 Corinthians 9:13, 14; 2 Corinthians 5:18–20.
“May the Lord move upon many of our young men to enter the canvassing field as canvassing evangelists. By the canvassing work the truth is presented to thousands that otherwise would not hear it. Our time for work is short.”–Colporteur Ministry, pp. 19, 20.
Tuesday
August 8
3. INTO THE HOMES
a. Why is canvassing such a special work? Luke 8:5 (first part), 11.
“There are many places in which the voice of the minister cannot be heard, places which can be reached only by publications–the books, papers, and tracts that are filled with the Bible truths that the people need. Our literature is to be distributed everywhere. The truth is to be sown beside all waters; for we know not which will prosper, this, or that. In our erring judgment we may think it unwise to give literature to the very ones who would accept the truth the most readily. We know not what may be the good results of giving away a leaflet containing present truth.”–The Southern Watchman, January 5, 1904.
“Canvassers must go out into various parts of the country. The importance of this work is fully equal to that of the ministry. The living preacher and the silent messenger are both required for the accomplishment of the great work before us.”–The Review and Herald, April 1, 1880.
b. What examples did Christ give for individual ministry–witnessing to a single soul? John 3:2, 3; 4:7; Luke 19:5.
c. What will canvassing lead to? 2 Timothy 4:2.
“Our work has been marked out for us by our heavenly Father. We are to take our Bibles and go forth to warn the world. We are to be God’s helping hands in saving souls–channels through which His love is day by day to flow to the perishing.”–Testimonies, vol. 9, p. 150.
“The Bible is brought into families, and its sacred truths come home to the conscience. Men are entreated to read, examine, and judge for themselves, and they must abide the responsibility of receiving or rejecting the divine enlightenment. God will not permit this precious work for Him to go unrewarded. He will crown with success every humble effort made in His name.”–Gospel Workers, p. 192.
Wednesday
August 9
4. IT NEEDS PEOPLE
a. What is our great lack at this time of Earth’s history? Luke 10:2.
“The lost sheep of God’s fold are scattered in every place, and the work that should be done for them is being neglected. From the light given me I know that where there is one canvasser in the field, there should be one hundred.”–Testimonies, vol. 6. p. 315.
b. What type of people are needed and where will they be called from? Luke 10:3, 9.
“In this closing work of the gospel there is a vast field to be occupied; and, more than ever before, the work is to enlist helpers from the common people. Both the youth and those older in years will be called from the field, from the vineyard, and from the workshop, and sent forth by the Master to give His message. Many of these have had little opportunity for education; but Christ sees in them qualifications that will enable them to fulfill His purpose. If they put their hearts into the work, and continue to be learners, He will fit them to labor for Him.”–Education, pp. 269, 270.
“Everyone is not fitted for this [missionary] work. Those of the best talent and ability, who will take hold of the work understandingly and systematically, and carry it forward with persevering energy, are the ones who should be selected. There should be a most thoroughly organized plan; and this should be faithfully carried out. Churches in every place should feel the deepest interest in the tract and missionary work.”–Testimonies, vol. 4, p. 390.
c. What do missionaries need to be successful? Psalm 25:4.
“We have a work to do. Educate, educate, educate young men to give themselves to the ministry of the word. Educate them to become canvassers, to sell those books which the Lord by His Holy Spirit has stirred minds to write. This reading matter will thus be given to a large class of people who would never hear the truth unless it was brought to their doors. This is the work of the evangelist.”–Colporteur Ministry, p. 19.
Thursday
August 10
5. WHO WILL GO?
a. How many workers does God desire to see willing to reach the world? Matthew 20:6, 7.
“Hundreds and thousands were seen visiting families and opening before them the Word of God. Hearts were convicted by the power of the Holy Spirit, and a spirit of genuine conversion was manifest.”–Testimonies, vol. 9, p. 126.
b. How can anyone be qualified to do this work? Luke 18:27.
“The Lord imparts a fitness for the work to every man and woman who will cooperate with divine power. All the requisite talent, courage, perseverance, faith, and tact will come as they put the armor on. A great work is to be done in our world, and human agencies will surely respond to the demand.”–Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 333.
c. Of what must the canvasser be careful? Luke 9:62.
“Careless spectators may not appreciate your work or see its importance. They may think it a losing business, a life of thankless labor and self-sacrifice. But the servant of Jesus sees it in the light shining from the cross. His sacrifices appear small in comparison with those of the blessed Master, and he is glad to follow in His steps. The success of his labor affords him the purest joy and is the richest recompense for a life of patient toil.”–Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 340.
d. How should you and I respond to this call? Isaiah 6:8; Luke 18:28–30.
“The canvassing work should no longer be neglected. Many times I have been shown that there should be a more general interest in our canvassing work.”–Colporteur Ministry, p. 16.
Friday
August 11
PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS
1. Why is the printed page so high on God’s list of missionary methods?
2. How can I be involved with scattering these precious leaves in my community?
3. What should we remember about sharing the truth for this time?
4. What should I remember as I see others working in Christ’s lines and how can I encourage their training?
5. Am I willing to let the Lord guide me into His work at this time?
The Appeal of Scripture. “The Scriptures appeal to man as having power to choose between right and wrong; they speak to him in warning, in reproof, in entreaty, in encouragement.”–The Review and Herald, March 4, 1884.
Scattering the Leaves of Autumn. “As one brother was carrying away an armful of books, a canvasser laid his hand upon his arm and said: ‘My brother, what are you doing with so many books?’ Then I heard the voice of our Counselor saying: ‘Forbid them not. This is a work that should be done. The end is near. Already much time has been lost, when these books should have been in circulation. Sell them far and near. Scatter them like the leaves of autumn. This work is to continue without the forbiddings of anyone. Souls are perishing out of Christ. Let them be warned of His soon appearing in the clouds of heaven.’”–Testimonies, vol. 9, p. 72.
The Missionary Canvasser. “Since canvassing for our literature is a missionary work, it should be conducted from a missionary standpoint. Those selected as canvassers should be men and women who feel the burden of service, whose object is not to get gain, but to give light to the people. All our service is to be done to the glory of God, to give the light of truth to those who are in darkness. Selfish principles, love of gain, dignity, or position, should not be once named among us.”–Ibid., vol. 6, p. 317.
Everyone Has Value. “Some are better adapted than others for doing a certain work; therefore it is not correct to think that everyone can be a canvasser. Some have no special adaptability for this work; but they are not, because of this, to be regarded as faithless or unwilling. The Lord is not unreasonable in His requirements. The church is as a garden in which is a variety of flowers, each with its own peculiarities. Though in many respects all may differ, yet each has a value of its own.”–Colporteur Ministry, p. 27.