"Training for Service This object should ever be kept in view by Christian parents and teachers. We know not in what line our children may serve. They may spend their lives within the circle of the home; they may engage in life's common vocations, or go as teachers of the gospel to heathen lands; but all are alike called to be missionaries for God, ministers of mercy to the world. MH 395"
"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:"
Both passages emphasize the importance of service and spreading the gospel. Matthew 28:19 is the Great Commission, calling believers to teach all nations. The EGW passage broadens this concept, stating that all Christians, regardless of their vocation, are called to be missionaries for God. The connection is thematic, focusing on the call to service and spreading God's message.
"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 emphasizes being 'missionaries for God' and 'ministers of mercy,' which directly aligns with the principle of letting one's light shine through good works to glorify God, as stated in Matthew 5:16.
"As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God."
Both passages highlight the idea of using one's gifts to serve others. The EGW passage speaks of being 'ministers of mercy,' while 1 Peter 4:10 encourages using received gifts to minister to one another as stewards of God's grace.
"But as God hath distributed to every man, as the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk. And so ordain I in all churches."
Both passages discuss the idea of individuals fulfilling their God-given calling. However, the EGW passage focuses on training children for service, while the verse from 1 Corinthians emphasizes accepting one's current role. The connection is thematic, but not a direct principle.
"The children and youth, with their fresh talent, energy, and courage, their quick susceptibilities, are loved of God, and He desires to bring them into harmony with divine agencies. They are to obtain an education that will help them to stand by the side of Christ in unselfish service. MH 395.3"
"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them."
The EGW passage speaks of children obtaining an education to help them stand by Christ in unselfish service. This directly echoes Ephesians 2:10, which states that we are created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God has prepared for us to do. The connection is strong and represents a direct principle.
"Of all His children to the close of time, no less than of the first disciples, Christ said, “As Thou hast sent Me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world” ( John 17:18 ), to be representatives of God, to reveal His Spirit, to manifest His character, to do His work. MH 395.4"
"As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world."
Ellen White directly references John 17:18 in this passage.