Testimonies for the Church Vol 1 - Lansing SDA Church

382 Testimonies for the Church Volume 1[407][408]know it not. The light shines, but they do not comprehend it. Nostronger delusion can deceive the human mind than that which makesthem believe that they are right, and that God accepts their works, whenthey are sinning against Him. They mistake the form of godliness forthe spirit and power thereof. They suppose that they are rich, and haveneed of nothing, when they are poor, wretched, blind, and naked, andneed all things.There are some who profess to be Christ’s followers, yet put forthno effort in spiritual things. In any worldly enterprise they put fortheffort, and manifest ambition to accomplish their object, and bringabout the desired end; but in the enterprise of everlasting life, whereall is at stake, and their eternal happiness depends upon their success,they act as indifferent as though they were not moral agents, as thoughanother were playing the game of life for them, and they had nothingto do but wait the result. Oh, what folly! what madness! If all will onlymanifest that degree of ambition, zeal, and earnestness for everlastinglife that they manifest in their worldly pursuits, they will be victoriousovercomers. Everyone, I saw, must obtain an experience for himself,each must act well and faithfully his part in the game of life. Satanwatches his opportunity to seize the precious graces when we areunguarded, and we shall have a severe conflict with the powers ofdarkness to retain them, or to regain a heavenly grace if through lackof watchfulness we lose it.But I was shown that it is the privilege of Christians to obtainstrength from God to hold every precious gift. Fervent and effectualprayer will be regarded in heaven. When the servants of Christ takethe shield of faith for their defense, and the sword of the Spirit for war,there is danger in the enemy’s camp, and something must be done.Persecution and reproach only wait for those who are endowed withpower from on high to call them into action. When the truth in itssimplicity and strength prevails among believers, and is brought tobear against the spirit of the world, it will be evident that there is noconcord between Christ and Belial. The disciples of Christ must beliving examples of the life and spirit of their Master.Young and old have a conflict, a warfare, before them. They shouldnot sleep for a moment. A wily foe is constantly on the alert to leadthem astray and overcome them. Believers in present truth must be aswatchful as their enemy and manifest wisdom in resisting Satan. Will