Testimony Treasures, Volume 2 - Ellen G. White

The church has received warning after warning. The duties and dangers
of God's people have been plainly revealed. But the worldly element has
proved too strong for them. Customs, practices, and fashions which lead the
soul away from God have been for years gaining ground in defiance of the
warnings and entreaties of the Holy Spirit, until at last their ways have
become right in their own eyes, and the Spirit's voice is scarcely heard. No
man can tell how far he may go in sin when once he yields himself to the
power of the great deceiver. Satan entered into Judas Iscariot and induced
him to betray his Lord. Satan led Ananias and Sapphira to lie to the Holy
Ghost. Those who are not wholly consecrated to God may be led to do the
work of Satan, while yet they flatter themselves that they are in the service of
Christ.
Brethren and sisters, I entreat you to "examine yourselves, whether ye be
in the faith; prove your own selves." To maintain the warmth and purity of
Christian love requires a constant supply of the grace of Christ. Have you
employed every means that your "love may abound yet more and more,"
"that ye may approve things that are excellent," and be filled with the fruits
of righteousness "which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of
God"? Philippians 1:9-11.
Many who should stand firm for righteousness and truth have
manifested weakness and indecision that have encouraged the assaults of
Satan. Those who fail to grow in grace, not seeking to reach the highest
standard in divine attainments, will be overcome.
What the Church Needs
This world is to the Christian a land of strangers and enemies. Unless he
shall take for his defense the divine panoply and wield the sword of the Spirit
he will become the prey of the powers of darkness. The faith of all will be
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