Author Topic: The Desire of Ages--15--At the Marriage Feast (Read 56987 times)

Beacon · « **Reply #80 on:** November 08, 2020, 06:39:18 AM »

"We should never give sanction to sin by our words or our deeds, our silence or our presence. Wherever we go, we are to carry Jesus with us, and to reveal to others the preciousness of our Saviour.

But those who try to preserve their religion by hiding it within stone walls lose precious opportunities of doing good.

Through the social relations, Christianity comes in contact with the world. Everyone who has received the divine illumination is to brighten the pathway of those who know not the Light of life."

The Jewish nation was practicing a policy of "Isolationism " but Jesus made it clear that it was His policy to take His message of Salvation to ALL THE WORLD. In His Word it says in Matthew 24:14"And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come."

We should be praying every day that God will lead us and guide us to people who need to know our Wonderful Jesus and the Great Plan that has been executed so that " Whosoever " may come and find the Joy of Our Salvation.

Dorine · « **Reply #81 on:** November 08, 2020, 06:46:40 AM »

"We should never give to the world the false impression that Christians are a gloomy, unhappy people. If our eyes are fixed on Jesus, we shall see a compassionate Redeemer, and shall catch light from His countenance. Wherever His Spirit reigns, there peace abides. And there will be joy also, for there is a calm, holy trust in God."

When we have truly given our all to Jesus and continually fix our gaze on Him the condition of Christian behavior is met. Our lives are filled with His Spirit and our hearts rejoice in His peace and love. What a blessing to be anchored in Christ with a trust that can not be moved. The grace of God extends an invitation to all to trust and obey Him while time remains.

Pastor Sean Brizendine · « **Reply #82 on:** November 08, 2020, 04:19:25 PM »

Amen, Brother Beacon and Sister Dorine!

How did Jesus do it?

"It was by personal contact and association that Jesus trained His disciples. Sometimes He taught them, sitting among them on the mountainside; sometimes beside the sea, or walking with them by the way, He revealed the mysteries of the kingdom of God. He did not sermonize as men do today. Wherever hearts were open to receive the divine message, He unfolded the truths of the way of salvation. He did not command His disciples to do this or that, but said, "Follow Me." On His journeys through country and cities He took them with Him, that they might see how He taught the people. He linked their interest with His, and they united with Him in the work." {The Desire of Ages, page 152, paragraph 1}

As we learn of Christ, we shall walk, even as He walked. His life will flow out from our lives that are experiencing genuine union and communion with Him. And such lives will ever more fully express all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing!

Dorine · « **Reply #83 on:** February 03, 2021, 04:43:08 AM »

" Jesus saw in every soul one to whom must be given the call to His kingdom. He reached the hearts of the people by going among them as one who desired their good. He sought them in the public streets, in private houses, on the boats, in the synagogue, by the shores of the lake, and at the marriage feast. He met them at their daily vocations, and manifested an interest in their secular affairs. He carried His instruction into the household, bringing families in their own homes under the influence of His divine presence. His strong personal sympathy helped to win hearts. He often repaired to the mountains for solitary prayer, but this was a preparation for His labor among men in active life. From these seasons He came forth to relieve the sick, to instruct the ignorant, and to break the chains from the captives of Satan."

Here is instruction so plain and clear as we seek to bless others and bring them to a knowledge of Christ. Jesus knew the scriptures thoroughly. He spent many hours in prayer so that He could go forth refreshed and ready to bless others. A perfect example for us to follow.
Through Prayer, Bible study, and Witnessing we too will be prepared to share the most precious truth of Jesus to all who will listen.

Pastor Sean Brizendine · « **Reply #84 on:** February 03, 2021, 05:47:21 AM »

Amen, Sister Dorine! Each of us has infinite value to God based upon the price paid for us at Calvary. We may not see or feel our true value, but thankfully we will have an eternity to more fully appreciate what God did for us in Christ in sending His only begotten Son to this dark speck of a planet to redeem His fallen sons and daughters and reclaim us into an infinite fellowship with Him that is better than we can ask or think. As we look to Jesus as our perfect Savior and Example, we can enjoy the blessing of fellowship with Him in being trained for soul-winning service! As we follow His example, others will be blessed!

"It was by personal contact and association that Jesus trained His disciples. Sometimes He taught them, sitting among them on the mountainside; sometimes beside the sea, or walking with them by the way, He revealed the mysteries of the kingdom of God. He did not sermonize as men do today. Wherever hearts were open to receive the divine message, He unfolded the truths of the way of salvation. He did not command His disciples to do this or that, but said, 'Follow Me.' On His journeys through country and cities He took them with Him, that they might see how He taught the people. He linked their interest with His, and they united with Him in the work." {The Desire of Ages, page 152, paragraph 1}

To unite with Jesus in His work means to be "all in" for what His will is for our lives. As we yield the whole heart to Christ so He can abide in us by grace through faith, all of the fruits of the Spirit will be seen our lives without one missing! We may go forth on missions of mercy to extend the triumphs of the cross!!

Beacon · « **Reply #85 on:** February 03, 2021, 06:27:57 AM »

"We should never give to the world the false impression that Christians are a gloomy, unhappy people. If our eyes are fixed on Jesus, we shall see a compassionate Redeemer, and shall catch light from His countenance. Wherever His Spirit reigns, there peace abides. And there will be joy also, for there is a calm, holy trust in God."

"Christ is pleased with His followers when they show that, though human, they are partakers of the divine nature. They are not statues, but living men and women. Their hearts, refreshed by the dews of divine grace, open and expand to the Sun of Righteousness.

The light that shines upon them they reflect upon others in works that are luminous with the love of Christ."

Do you feel inadequate to be a true witness for Jesus? If so read this wonderful promise and claim it's transforming power.

Matthew 7:7-8 says..."Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened."

May God's enabling power be in our lives everyday so that everything we do or say at home, at work, and in the community where we live bring hope, joy and courage to those around us.

Philip T · « **Reply #86 on:** February 03, 2021, 08:24:29 AM »

There was danger that Mary would regard her relationship to Jesus as giving her a special claim upon Him, and the right, in some degree, to direct Him in His mission. For thirty years He had been to her a loving and obedient son, and His love was unchanged; but He must now go about His Father's work. As Son of the Most High, and Saviour of the world, no earthly ties must hold Him from His mission, or influence His conduct. He must stand free to do the will of God. This lesson is also for us. The claims of God are paramount even to the ties of human relationship. No earthly attraction should turn our feet from the path in which He bids us walk.
The only hope of redemption for our fallen race is in Christ; Mary could find salvation only through the Lamb of God. In herself she possessed no merit. Her connection with Jesus placed her in no different spiritual relation to Him from that of any other human soul. This is indicated in the Saviour's words. He makes clear the distinction between His relation to her as the Son of man and as the Son of God. The tie of kinship between them in no way placed her on an equality with Him.T

This lesson is one we all need to take to heart, the only way to redemption is through Jesus, we cannot find redempthttps://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/central/ion through ourselves, or family, it is only through Jesus.
Mary was in danger of thinking as his mother it put her on equality with Him. She needed to look upon Him as her Saviour to find salvation, and so it is with us, total surrender to Jesus, the only way to salvation is faith in Jesus life and crucifixion for our sins not His sins, and resection, I pray that you and I are in this state at this time.

Richard Myers · « **Reply #87 on:** February 03, 2021, 02:51:58 PM »

Amen Sister Dorine, Pastor Sean, Brother Beacon, and Brother Philip!! The grace of God is all that can transform us through receiving the Holy Spirit and becoming a partaker of God's divine nature. In and of ourselves we are no different than Mary the mother of Jesus, we need to born again of the Spirit and maintain that experience.

Some when they come into church membership and are reading, they discover that they are to move out of the big cities into the country where they will be more in nature and grow a garden. So, they move into the wilderness thinking they are doing God's will. But, this is not so unless that still small voice has directed them to do so at the present time. We can read very good counsel and misunderstand God's will. It happens all the time in a Laodicean church that is not being led by the Holy Spirit. Where do they err in moving into the wilderness? When God is calling us, we are to stay just where we are until He directs us elsewhere. Some have moved to a very nice area thinking they are following God, others have moved far away with no way of being able to support themselves making life very hard. What do we read today in regards to God's will when we first begin to follow Him? John the Baptist was directed to live in the wilderness, but most of us are not. In order to not be influenced by false teachers, we need not move to the wilderness. In fact God says to stay where we are.......until He directs us.

God had directed John the Baptist to dwell in the wilderness, that he might be shielded from the influence of the priests and rabbis, and be prepared for a special mission. But the austerity and isolation of his life were not an example for the people. John himself had not directed his hearers to forsake their former duties. He bade them give evidence of their repentance by faithfulness to God in the place where He had called them.

Many will be spared great trials by walking in this light....and all of the light God has given to us. Thank you Jesus!

Pastor Sean Brizendine · « **Reply #88 on:** May 01, 2021, 03:49:17 AM »

Happy Sabbath!! The TRUE gospel is NOT bait and switch, but when you receive Jesus, He ALWAYS has infinitely more to give you of His self-sacrificing love! Only by love is love awakened, and Jesus provides His grace that converts the soul and by His blood cleanses us from sin as we surrender the WHOLE HEART to Him so He can fill us with all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing as we affectionately obey God's law of love--the definition of relational bliss with God and others!

"As men set forth the best wine first, then afterward that which is worse, so does the world with its gifts. That which it offers may please the eye and fascinate the senses, but it proves to be unsatisfying. The wine turns to bitterness, the gaiety to gloom. That which was begun with songs and mirth ends in weariness and disgust. But the gifts of Jesus are ever fresh and new. The feast that He provides for the soul never fails to give satisfaction and joy. Each new gift increases the capacity of the receiver to appreciate and enjoy the blessings of the Lord. He gives grace for grace. There can be no failure of supply. If you abide in Him, the fact that you receive a rich gift today insures the reception of a richer gift tomorrow. The words of Jesus to Nathanael express the law of God's dealing with the children of faith. With every fresh revelation of His love, He declares to the receptive heart, 'Believest thou? thou shalt see greater things than these.' John 1:50." {The Desire of Ages, page 148, paragraph 3}

Let us REALLY BELIEVE God loves us and go forward to bless others the way God blesses us!!

Beacon · « **Reply #89 on:** May 01, 2021, 04:45:47 AM »

"We should never give to the world the false impression that Christians are a gloomy, unhappy people..

If our eyes are fixed on Jesus, we shall see a compassionate Redeemer, and shall catch light from His countenance. Wherever His Spirit reigns, there peace abides. And there will be joy also, for there is a calm, holy trust in God."

"Christ is pleased with His followers when they show that, though human, they are partakers of the divine nature.

They are not statues, but living men and women. Their hearts, refreshed by the dews of divine grace, open and expand to the Son of Righteousness.

The light that shines upon them they reflect upon others in works that are luminous with the love of Christ.

Do you feel inadequate to be a true witness for Jesus? If so read this wonderful promise and claim it's transforming power.

Matthew 7:7-8 says..."Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened."

May God's enabling power be in our lives everyday so that everything we do or say at home, at work, and in the community where we live brings hope, joy and courage to those around us. Happy Sabbath.

Richard Myers · « **Reply #90 on:** May 01, 2021, 08:37:38 PM »

Amen Pastor Sean and Brother Beacon! God is so very good. Jesus gives grace for grace as He seeks to make us partakers of His divine nature....while living in vile evil flesh.

Christ is pleased with His followers when they show that, though human, they are partakers of the divine nature. They are not statues, but living men and women. Their hearts, refreshed by the dews of divine grace, open and expand to the Sun of Righteousness. The light that shines upon them they reflect upon others in works that are luminous with the love of Christ.

Beacon · « **Reply #91 on:** July 27, 2021, 06:36:42 AM »

This one sentence stood out to me again today, head and shoulders above all else and there was much to focus on, but sometimes my small mind can get more out of a single sentence when I stop to mediate on it. So I invite you to read this slowly and mediate on it.

"Everyone who has received the divine illumination is to brighten the pathway of those who know not the Light of life."

Let me make it absolutely clear....Some of us have been given 10 talents, some 5, and some just 1 and those talents come in a wide array of expression, but regardless of how many we have...It is our duty out of Love for Jesus and all He has done for us to "...

"To brighten the pathway of those who know not the Light of Life."

"Wherever hearts were open to receive the divine message, He unfolded the truths of the way of salvation. He did not command His disciples to do this or that, but said, 'Follow Me.' On His journeys through country and cities He took them with Him, that they might see how He taught the people. "

"He linked their interest with His, and they united with Him in the work."

There is an old saying that goes like this ---" No one cares how much you know until they know how much you care. " May love and grace that we have received from Jesus be abundantly clear in our words and actions as we mingle with others both in the church and in the world.

Dorine · « **Reply #92 on:** July 27, 2021, 06:50:10 AM »

"We should all become witnesses for Jesus. Social power, sanctified by the grace of Christ, must be improved in winning souls to the Saviour. Let the world see that we are not selfishly absorbed in our own interests, but that we desire others to share our blessings and privileges. Let them see that our religion does not make us unsympathetic or exacting. Let all who profess to have found Christ, minister as He did for the benefit of men."

May our hearts be so united with Jesus that our words and actions will be a duplicate of His. By beholding Him moment by moment He will live His life through us. It takes time and effort to live for God. It's not a rocking chair experience that He has given to us. To abide in Christ takes agonizing discipline by prayer and self-sacrifice. Time is running out and it's time for God's people to wake up. When we humbly and genuinely submit to the will of God He will daily lead us in the paths He wants us to travel. As we listen to the news and see the horrific pictures of the terrible calamities and chaos that is happening in our world today we can not deny that Jesus is coming very soon. We should be the happiest and most excited people alive to know that we are about to be rescued along with all those who have accepted Jesus through our witness for Him.

Philip T · « **Reply #93 on:** July 27, 2021, 08:10:41 AM »

The gift of Christ to the marriage feast was a symbol. The water represented baptism into His death; the wine, the shedding of His blood for the sins of the world. The water to fill the jars was brought by human hands, but the word of Christ alone could impart to it life-giving virtue. So with the rites which point to the Saviour's death. It is only by the power of Christ, working through faith, that they have efficacy to nourish the soul.
The word of Christ supplied ample provision for the feast. So abundant is the provision of His grace to blot out the iniquities of men, and to renew and sustain the soul.
At the first feast He attended with His disciples, Jesus gave them the cup that symbolized His work for their salvation. At the last supper He gave it again, in the institution of that sacred rite by which His death was to be shown forth "till He come." 1 Corinthians 11:26. And the sorrow of the disciples at parting from their Lord was comforted with the promise of reunion, as He said, "I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father's kingdom." Matthew 26:29.
The wine which Christ provided for the feast, and that which He gave to the disciples as a symbol of His own blood, was the pure juice of the grape. To this the prophet Isaiah refers when he speaks of the new wine "in the cluster," and says, "Destroy it not; for a blessing is in it." Isaiah 65:8.

I have read this chapter many times and these paragraphs never jumped out at me before. As you contemplate on them you see Jesus love, at the start of His ministry he was showing the plan of Salvation to those around Him. It is only through His blood that salvation comes. Faith in Jesus blood spilt for us on carvery. His free gift of grace. Jesus is the center of everything as we see here in this miracle, Jesus needs to be the center of our teaching, the center of our lives. Only than can true transformation take place in our lives and the lives of those whom we come in contact with

Pastor Sean Brizendine · « **Reply #94 on:** July 27, 2021, 10:23:12 AM »

Praise the Lord for all the sharing!

"As men set forth the best wine first, then afterward that which is worse, so does the world with its gifts. That which it offers may please the eye and fascinate the senses, but it proves to be unsatisfying. The wine turns to bitterness, the gaiety to gloom. That which was begun with songs and mirth ends in weariness and disgust. But the gifts of Jesus are ever fresh and new. The feast that He provides for the soul never fails to give satisfaction and joy. Each new gift increases the capacity of the receiver to appreciate and enjoy the blessings of the Lord. He gives grace for grace. There can be no failure of supply. If you abide in Him, the fact that you receive a rich gift today insures the reception of a richer gift tomorrow. The words of Jesus to Nathanael express the law of God's dealing with the children of faith. With every fresh revelation of His love, He declares to the receptive heart, 'Believest thou? thou shalt see greater things than these.' John 1:50." {The Desire of Ages, page 148, paragraph 3}

Let us choose Jesus today and allow Him to give us a richer gift than what we experienced yesterday! By abiding in Jesus, we can overcome and experience all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing in our lives. Growth in grace is a result of beholding, surrendering, and abiding in Jesus.

Richard Myers · « **Reply #95 on:** July 27, 2021, 10:20:34 PM »

Amen dear brothers and sister. Yes, we are to be His witnesses in a world soon to perish. This is why Jesus leaves us here instead of letting us sleep until He comes.

As disciples of Christ we shall not mingle with the world from a mere love of pleasure, to unite with them in folly. Such associations can result only in harm. We should never give sanction to sin by our words or our deeds, our silence or our presence. Wherever we go, we are to carry Jesus with us, and to reveal to others the preciousness of our Saviour. But those who try to preserve their religion by hiding it within stone walls lose precious opportunities of doing good. Through the social relations, Christianity comes in contact with the world. Everyone who has received the divine illumination is to brighten the pathway of those who know not the Light of life.

Even those who are opposing God can be blessed by our ministry if we will seek wisdom and grace from God. He will help us to see what we can do if we will ask.

Beacon · « **Reply #96 on:** October 21, 2021, 09:02:47 PM »

"Jesus saw in every soul one to whom must be given the call to His kingdom."

"He reached the hearts of the people by going among them as one who desired their good. He sought them in the public streets, in private houses, on the boats, in the synagogue, by the shores of the lake, and at the marriage feast."

"He met them at their daily vocations, and manifested an interest in their secular affairs."

"He carried His instruction into the household, bringing families in their own homes under the influence of His divine presence. His strong personal sympathy helped to win hearts.."

"Oh how I want to be like Jesus. I need to remember the words of this description of His mission here on earth and to realize everyday that it applies to me also. As we daily connect to Christ He will give us that same selfless genuine love and empathy for all His children. We will see each one as a potential citizen of the Kingdom of heaven that God has brought into our path to lead them to Him."

Dorine · « **Reply #97 on:** October 22, 2021, 06:20:14 AM »

"Jesus did not begin His ministry by some great work before the Sanhedrin at Jerusalem. At a household gathering in a little Galilean village His power was put forth to add to the joy of a wedding feast. Thus He showed His sympathy with men, and His desire to minister to their happiness. In the wilderness of temptation He Himself had drunk the cup of woe. He came forth to give to men the cup of blessing, by His benediction to hallow the relations of human life."

This brief opening to this chapter caused me to stop and reflect on what is being said. We may not be called upon to do great things as humans consider 'great'. But our influence where ever our path takes us will be used of God to do great things in His sight. No matter how difficult our circumstances He will open ways to minister to others and be a witness for Him. As we call upon Him to open doors for us to help others in need we will have opportunities to share with them the wonderful plan of salvation for them.

I have not worked with young people for many years. It was always a joy to do so. In fact I felt more comfortable around young people than I did the adults. Over the years I have lost touch with them and do not relate to them. My grandchildren have grown up and there are no children or youth left. They are now in their late 20's and early 30's. However I belong to an internet group that ministers to young teenagers and even younger. Most of them are not of our faith. I've had the privilege recently (I'm filling in while the moderator is down with covid at the moment) of answering their questions and encouraging them to follow Jesus. It has been such a blessing to me to read the concerns and desire to do as God wants them to. When I first joined I had no idea that we were interacting with children. I'm glad I didn't because I wouldn't have stayed and I would have missed out on a wonderful blessing. So my point is...we can be used in so many ways no matter what obstacles are in our way. We just need to make ourselves available and say 'here I am Lord, use me'.

Pastor Sean Brizendine · « **Reply #98 on:** October 22, 2021, 07:12:44 AM »

Praise the Lord, Brother Beacon and Sister Dorine! What a joy comes to our hearts as we surrender fully to Jesus and abide in His love! His love in the soul brings all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing, enabling Spirit-filled obedience to Him out of an intelligent appreciation for His loveliness of character! Whatever gift He has given us thus far, He has a greater gift to bestow today and tomorrow! Let us keep walking with Jesus moment-by-moment!

"As men set forth the best wine first, then afterward that which is worse, so does the world with its gifts. That which it offers may please the eye and fascinate the senses, but it proves to be unsatisfying. The wine turns to bitterness, the gaiety to gloom. That which was begun with songs and mirth ends in weariness and disgust. But the gifts of Jesus are ever fresh and new. The feast that He provides for the soul never fails to give satisfaction and joy. Each new gift increases the capacity of the receiver to appreciate and enjoy the blessings of the Lord. He gives grace for grace. There can be no failure of supply. If you abide in Him, the fact that you receive a rich gift today insures the reception of a richer gift tomorrow. The words of Jesus to Nathanael express the law of God's dealing with the children of faith. With every fresh revelation of His love, He declares to the receptive heart, 'Believest thou? thou shalt see greater things than these.' John 1:50." {The Desire of Ages, page 148, paragraph 3}

Looking unto Jesus we find that God is the true Giver, and in union and communion with Him, we also shall delight to give and bless others as Jesus has first blessed (loved) us!

Richard Myers · « **Reply #99 on:** October 22, 2021, 10:57:42 PM »

Amen Pastor Sean! The wedding was an illustration of what we need to do.

We should never give to the world the false impression that Christians are a gloomy, unhappy people. If our eyes are fixed on Jesus, we shall see a compassionate Redeemer, and shall catch light from His countenance. Wherever His Spirit reigns, there peace abides. And there will be joy also, for there is a calm, holy trust in God.
Christ is pleased with His followers when they show that, though human, they are partakers of the divine nature. They are not statues, but living men and women. Their hearts, refreshed by the dews of divine grace, open and expand to the Sun of Righteousness. The light that shines upon them they reflect upon others in works that are luminous with the love of Christ.

When in the world taking an interest in others, we are to witness the power of grace as we reveal to the world that we are partakers of God's divine nature! What a miracle!!