"Bible truth must be preached and practiced. Every ray of light given is to shine forth with clear, distinct brightness. The truth is to go forth as a lamp that burneth. There are hundreds of God's servants who must respond to this call and take the field as earnest, soul-saving workers , coming up to the help of the Lord, to the help of the Lord against the mighty. God calls for live men , men who are filled with the vivifying influence of His Spirit, men who see God as the Supreme Ruler and receive from Him abundant proof of the fulfillment of His promises, men who are not lukewarm, but hot and fervent with His love. 9T 140.1"
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."
The EGW passage directly echoes the sentiment of Matthew 5:16, emphasizing the importance of letting one's light shine through preaching and practicing Bible truth. The imagery of light and brightness is prominent in both passages.
"Curse ye Meroz, said the angel of the Lord, curse ye bitterly the inhabitants thereof; because they came not to the help of the Lord, to the help of the Lord against the mighty."
The EGW passage explicitly quotes the phrase 'to the help of the Lord, to the help of the Lord against the mighty,' which is a direct allusion to Judges 5:23. This is not merely a thematic parallel but a direct reference.
Should all the labor that has been expended on the churches during the past twenty years be again expended upon them, it would fail, as it has failed in the past, of making the members self-denying, cross-bearing followers of Christ. Many have been overfed with spiritual food, while in the world thousands are perishing for the bread of life. Church members must work ; they must educate themselves, striving to reach the high standard set before them. This the Lord will help them to reach if they will co-operate with Him. If they keep their own souls in the love of the truth they will not hold the ministers back from presenting the truth in new fields. 9T 140.2 The large cities should have been worked just as soon as the churches received the light, but many have carried no burden for souls, and Satan, finding them susceptible to his temptations, has spoiled their experience. God asks His people to repent, to be converted, and to return to their first love, which they have lost by their …
"Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me."
The EGW passage uses the phrase 'cross-bearing followers of Christ,' which is a clear reference to the concept presented in Matthew 16:24 of denying oneself and taking up one's cross to follow Jesus. The context of self-denial and discipleship further strengthens the connection.
"Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few;"
The EGW passage speaks of 'thousands are perishing for the bread of life' and the need for 'church members must work'. This aligns with the sentiment of Matthew 9:37, where Jesus notes the plentiful harvest but the few laborers. Both passages highlight the urgent need for more workers to address the spiritual needs of the world.