Second Coming of Christ should be the keynote of every message

The return of Christ to our world will not be long delayed. Let
this be the keynote of every message.

The blessed hope of the second appearing of Christ, with its
solemn realities, needs to be often presented to the people. Looking
for the soon appearing of our Lord will lead us to regard earthly
things as emptiness and nothingness.

The battle of Armageddon is soon to be fought. He on whose
vesture is written the name, King of kings, and Lord of lords, is soon
to lead forth the armies of heaven. {6T 406.3}

It cannot now be said by the Lord’s servants, as it was by the
prophet Daniel: “The time appointed was long.” Daniel 10:1. It is now
but a short time till the witnesses for God will have done their work
in preparing the way of the Lord.

We are to throw aside our narrow, selfish plans, remembering that
we have a work of the largest magnitude and highest importance. In
doing this work we are sounding the first, second, and third angel’s
messages, and are thus being prepared for the coming of that other
angel from heaven who is to lighten the earth with his glory.

The day of the Lord is approaching with stealthy tread; but the
supposed great and wise men know not the signs of Christ’s coming or
of the end of the world. Iniquity abounds, and the love of many has
waxed cold. {6T 406.6}

There are thousands upon thousands, millions upon millions, who
are now making their decision for eternal life or eternal death. The
man who is wholly absorbed 
in his counting room, the man who finds
pleasure at the gaming table, the man who loves to indulge perverted
appetite, the amusement lover, the frequenters of the theater and the
ballroom, put eternity out of their reckoning. The whole burden of
their life is: What shall we eat? what shall we drink? and wherewithal
shall we be clothed? They are not in the procession that is moving
heavenward. They are led by the great apostate, and with him will be
destroyed.

Unless we understand the importance of the moments that are
swiftly passing into eternity, and make ready to stand in the great
day of God, we shall be unfaithful stewards. The watchman is to know
the time of night. Every thing is now clothed with a solemnity that
all who believe the truth for this time should realize. They should
act in reference to the day of God. The judgments of God are about to
fall upon the world, and we need to be preparing for that great day.
{6T 407.1}

Our time is precious. We have but few, very few days of probation
in which to make ready for the future, immortal life. We have no time
to spend in haphazard movements. We should fear to skim the surface of
the word of God.

It is as true now as when Christ was upon the earth, that every inroad
made by the gospel upon the enemy’s dominion is met by fierce
opposition from his vast armies. The conflict that is right upon us
will be the most terrible ever witnessed. But though Satan is
represented as being as strong as the strong man armed, his overthrow
will be complete, and everyone who unites with him in choosing
apostasy rather than loyalty will perish with him.

The restraining Spirit of God is even now being withdrawn from
the world. Hurricanes, storms, tempests, fire and flood, disasters by
sea and land, follow each other in quick succession. Science seeks to
explain all these. The signs thickening around us, telling of the near
approach of the Son of God, are attributed to any other than the true
cause. Men cannot discern the sentinel angels restraining the four
winds that they shall not blow until the servants of God are sealed;
but when God shall bid His angels loose the winds, there will be such
a scene of strife as no pen can picture.

To those who are indifferent at this time Christ’s warning is:
“Because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew thee
out of My mouth.” Revelation 3:16. The figure of spewing out of His
mouth means that He cannot offer up your prayers or your expressions
of love to God. He cannot endorse your teaching of His word or your
spiritual work in anywise. He cannot present your religious exercises
with the request that grace be given you.

Could the curtain be rolled back, could you discern the purposes
of God and the judgments that are about to fall upon a doomed world,
could you see your own attitude, you would fear and tremble for your
own souls and for the souls of your fellow men. Earnest prayers of
heart-rending anguish would go up to heaven. You would weep between
the porch and the altar, confessing your spiritual blindness and
backsliding. {6T 408.3}

Warning, admonition, promise, all are for us, upon whom the ends of
the world are come. “Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let
us watch and be sober.” 1 Thessalonians 5:6.

“Take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be
overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life,
and so that day come upon you unawares.” Luke 21:34.

“Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation.” Mark 14:38.
Watch against the stealthy approach of the enemy, watch against old
habits and natural inclinations, lest they assert themselves; force
them back, and watch. Watch the thoughts, watch the plans, lest they
become self-centered. Watch over the souls whom Christ has purchased
with His own blood. Watch for opportunities to do them good.

Watch, “lest coming suddenly He find you sleeping.” Mark 13:36.
{6T 410.4}