Page 365 - In Heavenly Places (1967)

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A Work of Preparation, December 6
Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good
work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.
Philippians 1:6
.
There is an earnest work of preparation to be done by Seventh-day
Adventists if they would stand firm in the trying experiences just before
them. If they remain true to God in the confusion and temptation of the
last days, they must seek the Lord in humility of heart for wisdom to resist
the deceptions of the enemy....
Ever are we to keep in mind the solemn thought of the Lord’s soon
return, and in view of this to recognize the individual work to be done.
Through the aid of the Holy Spirit we are to resist natural inclinations
and tendencies to wrong, and weed out of the life every un-Christlike
element. Thus we shall prepare our hearts for the reception of God’s
blessing, which will impart to us grace and bring us into harmony with
the faith of Jesus. For this work of preparation great advantages have
been granted to this people in light bestowed, in messages of warning and
instruction, sent through the agency of the Spirit of God.
Because of the increasing power of Satan’s temptations, the times
in which we live are full of peril for the children of God, and we need
to learn constantly of the Great Teacher, that we may take every step in
surety and righteousness. Wonderful scenes are opening before us, and at
this time a living testimony is to be borne in the lives of God’s professing
people, so that the world may see that in this age when evil reigns on
every side, there is yet a people who are laying aside their will and are
seeking to do God’s will—a people in whose hearts and lives the law of
God is written. There are strong temptations before us, sharp tests. The
commandment-keeping people of God are to prepare for this time of trial
by obtaining a deeper experience in the things of God and a practical
knowledge of the righteousness of Christ.... Not to unbelievers only, but
to church members the words are spoken, “Seek ye the Lord while he may
be found, call ye upon him while he is near” (
Isaiah 55:6
)....
Let your daily lives witness to the faith you profess.
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