Video Ministries

The Head of the Church

He is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the first born
from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. Col. 1:18.

Since His ascension Christ has carried forward His work on the earth by
chosen ambassadors, through whom He speaks to the children of men and
ministers to their needs. The great Head of the church superintends His work
through the instrumentality of men ordained by God to act as His
representatives.

The position of those who have been called of God to labor in word and
doctrine for the upbuilding of His church is one of grave responsibility. In
Christ's stead they are to beseech men and women to be reconciled to God,
and they can fulfill their mission only as they receive wisdom and power
from above.

Christ's ministers are the spiritual guardians of the people entrusted to
their care. Their work has been likened to that of watchmen. In ancient
times sentinels were often stationed on the walls of cities, where, from
points of vantage, they could overlook important posts to be guarded, and
give warning of the approach of an enemy. Upon their faithfulness depended
the safety of all within. At stated intervals they were required to call to
one another, to make sure that all were awake and that no harm had befallen
any. The cry of good cheer or of warning was borne from one to another, each
repeating the call till it echoed round the city. . . .

It is the privilege of the watchmen on the walls of Zion to live so near to
God, and to be so susceptible to the impressions of His Spirit, that He can
work through them to tell men and women of their peril and point them to the
place of safety. Faithfully are they to warn them of the sure result of
transgression, and faithfully are they to safeguard the interests of the
church. At no time may they relax their vigilance. . . . In trumpet tones
their voices are to be lifted, and never are they to sound one wavering,
uncertain note. . . . }

He who serves under the bloodstained banner of Immanuel will have that to do
which will call for heroic effort and patient endurance. But the soldier of
the cross stands unshrinkingly in the forefront of the battle. . . . He
realizes his need of strength from above. The victories that he gains . . .
cause him to lean more and more heavily on the Mighty One. Relying upon that
Power, he is enabled to present the message of salvation so forcibly that it
vibrates in other minds. . . .

It is by seeing Him who is invisible that strength and vigor of soul are
gained and the power of earth over mind and character is broken (The Acts of
the Apostles, pp. 360-363).

>From Lift Him Up - Page 288

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