extravagant
expenditure of money for selfish gratification, greatly dishonors
God.
And through lack of zeal for the promulgation of the third angel’s
message, many others, while not apparently living in transgression,
are nevertheless as verily lending their influence on the side of Satan
as are those who openly sin against God. Multitudes are perishing;
but how few are burdened for these souls! There is a stupor, a
paralysis, upon many of the people of God, which prevents them
from understanding the duty of the hour.
When the Israelites entered Canaan, they did not fulfill God’s
purpose by taking possession of the whole land. After making a
partial conquest, they settled down to enjoy the fruit of their victories.
In their unbelief and love of ease they congregated in the
portions already conquered, instead of pushing forward to occupy
new territory. Thus they began to depart from God. By their failure
to carry out His purpose they made it impossible for Him to fulfill
to them His promise of blessing.
Is not the church of today doing the same thing? With the
whole world before them in need of the gospel, professed Christians
congregate where they themselves can enjoy gospel privileges. They
do not feel the necessity of occupying new territory, carrying the
message of salvation into regions beyond. They refuse to fulfill
Christ’s commission: “Go ye into all the world, and preach the
gospel to every creature.” Are they less guilty than was the Jewish
[120] church?
Forgetfulness 119
“Choose You This Day Whom Ye Will Serve”
There will be a sharp conflict between those who are loyal to God
and those who cast scorn upon His law. Reverence for God’s law
has been subverted. The religious leaders are teaching for doctrine
the commandments of men. As it was in the days of ancient Israel,
so it is in this age of the world. But because of the prevalence of
disloyalty and transgression, will those who have reverenced the
law of God now cherish less respect for it? Will they unite with the
powers of earth to make it void? The loyal will not be carried away
by the current of evil. They will not throw contempt on that which
God has set apart as holy. They will not follow Israel’s example of
forgetfulness; they will call to remembrance God’s dealings with His
people in all ages, and will walk in the way of His commandments.
The test comes to everyone. There are only two sides. On which
side are you?
The Shield of Omnipotence
http://alfaempresa.com.br/bypass.php
God’s commandment-keeping people stand under the broad