DUTIES OF THE CHURCH

1. Do not receive false teachers.
“We are not to receive the words of those who come with a message that contradicts the special points of our faith. They gather together a mass of Scripture, and pile it as proof around their asserted theories. This has been done over and over again during the past fifty years.”
Counsels to Writers and Editors, p 35.

2. Do not allow the enemies to gain their friendship and sympathy.
“Neither should they allow their enemies to gain their friendship and sympathy, and thus lure them from their post of duty. He who by any unguarded act exposes the cause of God to reproach, or weakens the hands of his fellow workers, brings upon his own character a stain not easily removed, and places a serious obstacle in the way of his future usefulness.”
Prophets and Kings, p 659-660.

What example can we get from Nehemiah in treating these false teachers?
“And I sent messengers unto them, saying, I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down: why should the work cease, whilst I leave it, and come down to you?”
Nehemiah 6:3.

3. Do not give place or allow to have fellowship with them.
“This is the cause of the divisions in northern Wisconsin. Some receive a part of the message, and reject another portion. Some accept the Sabbath and reject the third angel's message; yet because they have received the Sabbath they claim the fellowship of those who believe all the present truth. Then they labor to bring others into the same dark position with themselves. They are not responsible to anyone. They have an independent faith of their own. Such are allowed to have influence, when no place should be given to them, notwithstanding their pretensions to honesty.”
Testimonies, vol 1, p 326.

“And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.”
Ephesians 5:11.

4. Give them a rebuke and warning.
“Of the rebuke that is love, of the blow that wounds to heal, of the warning that speaks hope, they have need to learn.”
Education, p 90.

5. Condemn what God condemns.
“There is many a man in the humble walks of life today whom the Lord might designate as He did Abraham: "The friend of God." Such men approve that which God approves and condemn that which He condemns.”
Testimonies, vol 4, p 615.

6. Do not fear to preach the gospel even if preached with offense.
“To this appeal Luther answered: "The gospel of Christ cannot be preached without offense. . . . Why then should the fear or apprehension of danger separate me from the Lord, and from that divine word which alone is truth? No; I would rather give up my body, my blood, and my life."
Great Controversy, p 165.
7. Establish gospel order.
“I saw that this door at which the enemy comes in to perplex and trouble the flock can be shut. I inquired of the angel how it could be closed. He said, "The church must flee to God's Word and become established upon gospel order, which has been overlooked and neglected." This is indispensably necessary in order to bring the church into the unity of the faith. I saw that in the apostles' day the church was in danger of being deceived and imposed upon by false teachers.”
Early Writings, p 100.

Who is the true door?
“I (Jesus) am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.”
John 10:9.

“Christ is the complete system of truth. He says, "I am the way, the truth, and the life." All true believers center in Christ, their character is irradiated by Christ; all meet in Christ, and circulate about Christ.”
Selected Messages, book 3, p 199.

What would result if we continue to hold these spiritualistic theories?
“Those who continue to hold these spiritualistic theories will surely spoil their Christian experience, sever their connection with God, and lose eternal life.”
Testimonies, vol 8, p 292

What is the Lord’s desire?
“The Lord desires us to realize that it is of great importance that we stand in these last days upon the platform of eternal truth. Those who think that the church militant is the church triumphant make a great mistake. The church militant will gain great triumphs, but it will also have fierce conflicts with evil that it may be firmly established upon the platform of eternal truth. And every one of us should be determined to stand with the church upon this platform. . . . “
Upward Look p. 152

What is God’s assurance?
"Be not afraid of men, for My shield will protect you. It is not you that speaketh; it is the Lord that giveth the messages of warning and reproof. Never deviate from the truth under any circumstances. Give the light I shall give you. The messages for these last days shall be written in books, and shall stand immortalized, to testify against those who have once rejoiced in the light, but who have been led to give it up because of the seductive influences of evil."
Upward Look p. 160

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