Foreword

During the first three quarters of this year we have studied lessons in evangelism from the history of God’s people before the first advent of Christ. In this quarter we will look at lessons of evangelism from the experience of the first disciples of Christ and the early Christian church. We will also consider instruction that God has provided for our benefit in order that we may fulfill His purpose as God’s remnant people.

“Today the church of God is free to carry forward to completion the divine plan for the salvation of a lost race. . . .To spiritual Israel have been restored the privileges accorded the people of God at the time of their deliverance from Babylon. In every part of the earth, men and women are responding to the Heaven-sent message which John the revelator prophesied would be proclaimed prior to the second coming of Christ: ‘Fear God, and give glory to Him; for the hour of His judgment is come’ (Revelation 14:7).”—Prophets and Kings, p. 714.

“The church is God’s appointed agency for the salvation of men. It was organized for service, and its mission is to carry the gospel to the world. From the beginning it has been God’s plan that through His church shall be reflected to the world His fullness and His sufficiency. The members of the church, those whom He has called out of darkness into His marvelous light, are to show forth His glory. The church is the repository of the riches of the grace of Christ; and through the church will eventually be made manifest, even to ‘the principalities and powers in heavenly places,’ the final and full display of the love of God (Ephesians 3:10).”—The Acts of the Apostles, p. 9.

“The whole earth, wrapped as it is in the darkness of sin and sorrow and pain, is to be lighted with the knowledge of God’s love. From no sect, rank, or class of people is the light shining from heaven’s throne to be excluded.

“The message of hope and mercy is to be carried to the ends of the earth. Whosoever will, may reach forth and take hold of God’s strength and make peace with Him, and he shall make peace.”—Prophets and Kings, p. 719.

It is our prayer that this series of lessons will help our Sabbath School students to become more effective missionaries in taking forward this last message of mercy to the world.

—The General Conference Sabbath School Department