World Conditions Facing the Christian Worker
59
pestilence, raged everywhere. Other nations were engaged in this
war and confusion. War caused famine. Want and bloodshed caused
pestilence. And then men’s hearts failed them for fear, “and for looking
after those things which are coming on the earth.”—
Testimonies for
the Church 1:268
.
Spiritual Darkness
This is a time of spiritual darkness in the churches of the world.
Ignorance of divine things has hidden God and the truth from view. The
forces of evil are gathering in strength. Satan flatters his coworkers
that he will do a work that will captivate the world. While partial
inactivity has come upon the church, Satan and his hosts are intensely
active. The professed Christian churches are not converting the world;
for they are themselves corrupted with selfishness and pride, and need
to feel the converting power of God in their midst before they can
lead others to a purer or higher standard.—
Testimonies for the Church
9:65
.
In our day, as of old, the vital truths of God’s word are set aside
for human theories and speculations. Many professed ministers of
the gospel do not accept the whole Bible as the inspired word. One
wise man rejects one portion; another questions another part. They set
up their judgment as superior to the Word; and the Scripture which
they do teach rests upon their own authority. Its divine authenticity
is destroyed. Thus the seeds of infidelity are sown broadcast; for the
people become confused, and know not what to believe. There are
many beliefs that the mind has no right to entertain.—
Christ’s Object
Lessons, 39
.
Wickedness is reaching a height never before attained, and yet
many ministers of the gospel are crying, “Peace and safety.” But
[56]
God’s faithful messengers are to go steadily forward with their work.
Clothed with the panoply of heaven, they are to advance fearlessly and
victoriously, never ceasing their warfare until every soul within their
reach shall have received the message of truth for this time.—
The Acts
of the Apostles, 220
.
There is a cause for alarm in the condition of the religious world
today. God’s mercy has been trifled with. The multitude make void the
law of Jehovah, “teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.”