Author Topic: The Desire of Ages--3--"The Fullness of the Time"  (Read 17733 times)

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Beacon

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Re: The Desire of Ages--3--"The Fullness of the Time"
« Reply #60 on: August 01, 2020, 08:58:56 AM »
"The message of salvation is communicated to men through human agencies. But the Jews had sought to make a monopoly of the truth which is eternal life. They had hoarded the living manna, and it had turned to corruption. The religion which they tried to shut up to themselves became an offense. They robbed God of His glory, and defrauded the world by a counterfeit of the gospel...

They had refused to surrender themselves to God for the salvation of the world, and they became agents of Satan for its destruction."



Jesus said in Matthew 6:24  "No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon."

"From the Book Mount of Blessings Pg. 101 we read this counsel which I feel is very relevant...." If you will seek the Lord and be converted every day; if you will of your own spiritual choice be free and joyous in God; if with gladsome consent of heart to His gracious call you come wearing the yoke of Christ,—the yoke of obedience and service,—all your murmurings will be stilled, all your difficulties will be removed, all the perplexing problems that now confront you will be solved. " {MB 101.3}
Look up and listen for the shout.

Dorine

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Re: The Desire of Ages--3--"The Fullness of the Time"
« Reply #61 on: August 01, 2020, 10:32:15 AM »
   "Satan was exulting that he had succeeded in debasing the image of God in humanity. Then Jesus came to restore in man the image of his Maker. None but Christ can fashion anew the character that has been ruined by sin. He came to expel the demons that had controlled the will. He came to lift us up from the dust, to reshape the marred character after the pattern of His divine character, and to make it beautiful with His own glory."

This is love, this is grace, that is extended to everyone who believes on Jesus and accepts Him as their Saviour.
But this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press  toward the mark. Phil. 3:13,14

Richard Myers

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Re: The Desire of Ages--3--"The Fullness of the Time"
« Reply #62 on: August 01, 2020, 02:13:37 PM »
Amen Sister Dorine! And at what cost? And at what risk? He could have failed and would have been forever separated from His Father!! Such love!!!

"The message of salvation is communicated to men through human agencies. But the Jews had sought to make a monopoly of the truth which is eternal life. They had hoarded the living manna, and it had turned to corruption. The religion which they tried to shut up to themselves became an offense. They robbed God of His glory, and defrauded the world by a counterfeit of the gospel...

Amen Brother Beacon! They indeed had tried to keep the truth from the gentiles, but failed. There were some such as the wise men who understood that the Messiah would come, and they understood the timing. And some hoped He would come "as a deliverer from sin."

   For hundreds of years the Scriptures had been translated into the Greek language, then widely spoken throughout the Roman Empire. The Jews were scattered everywhere, and their expectation of the Messiah's coming was to some extent shared by the Gentiles. Among those whom the Jews styled heathen were men who had a better understanding of the Scripture prophecies concerning the Messiah than had the teachers in Israel. There were some who hoped for His coming as a deliverer from sin. Philosophers endeavored to study into the mystery of the Hebrew economy. But the bigotry of the Jews hindered the spread of the light. Intent on maintaining the separation between themselves and other nations, they were unwilling to impart the knowledge they still possessed concerning the symbolic service. The true Interpreter must come. The One whom all these types prefigured must explain their significance. 
Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.

Pastor Sean Brizendine

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Re: The Desire of Ages--3--"The Fullness of the Time"
« Reply #63 on: August 01, 2020, 05:35:03 PM »
Amen, Brother Beacon, Sister Dorine, and Brother Richard! Happy Sabbath!!

What a blessing it is to let Christ transform our character. Only Christ has the wisdom and the grace to restore what sin has ruined. Let us look away from self to Christ and allow Him to transform us fully into His image!!

"Satan was exulting that he had succeeded in debasing the image of God in humanity. Then Jesus came to restore in man the image of his Maker. None but Christ can fashion anew the character that has been ruined by sin. He came to expel the demons that had controlled the will. He came to lift us up from the dust, to reshape the marred character after the pattern of His divine character, and to make it beautiful with His own glory." {The Desire of Ages, page 37, paragraph 3}

Beauty of character is the effect of union and communion with God by a complete surrender of the will to Christ. As Christ lives in us by faith, He heals the disorders of our sin-sick souls and imparts to us a heavenly freshness of His life--all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing as we turn away from the vain works of the flesh! What joy!!
"When we live by faith on the Son of God, the fruits of the Spirit will be seen in our lives; not one will be missing." {The Desire of Ages, 676.4}

Dorine

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Re: The Desire of Ages--3--"The Fullness of the Time"
« Reply #64 on: October 27, 2020, 05:00:17 AM »
The deception of sin had reached its height. All the agencies for depraving the souls of men had been put in operation. The Son of God, looking upon the world, beheld suffering and misery. With pity He saw how men had become victims of satanic cruelty. He looked with compassion upon those who were being corrupted, murdered, and lost. They had chosen a ruler who chained them to his car as captives. Bewildered and deceived, they were moving on in gloomy procession toward eternal ruin,--to death in which is no hope of life, toward night to which comes no morning. Satanic agencies were incorporated with men. The bodies of human beings, made for the dwelling place of God, had become the habitation of demons. The senses, the nerves, the passions, the organs of men, were worked by supernatural agencies in the indulgence of the vilest lust. The very stamp of demons was impressed upon the countenances of men. Human faces reflected the expression of the legions of evil with which they were possessed. Such was the prospect upon which the world's Redeemer looked. What a spectacle for Infinite Purity to behold!

When we read of the corruption and degradation of the human race at the time Jesus came to this earth we see the great contrast between the devils plan for mankind and God's plan to redeem all who would believe on Him and repent. Satan's plan comes through force and hate. God's plan comes by seeking to win man's hearts through love and sacrifice. The contrast is huge yet man prefers to serve darkness rather than the light that brings joy and peace and salvation. The love that Satan proclaims is a selfish, degraded, evil condition that destroys the dignity and integrity of individuals and unfits them for eternal life. God's love is pure and sweet, self sacrificing, and uplifting fitting the repentant child for heaven. Many souls do not know or understand the war that is going on behind the scenes. Will we tell them? If we don't who will? May we be ready to bring the good news of the gospel to those God brings across our path today.
But this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press  toward the mark. Phil. 3:13,14

Beacon

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Re: The Desire of Ages--3--"The Fullness of the Time"
« Reply #65 on: October 27, 2020, 06:21:07 AM »
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Quote from Richard Meyers:
Do we believe "Christ can fashion anew the character that has been ruined by sin"? Do we believe "He came to expel the demons that had controlled the will"? Did He indeed come "to lift us up from the dust, to reshape the marred character after the pattern of His divine character"? If you believe these truths, then this is evidence that the Holy Spirit is moving upon His church with divine grace, and the latter rain will soon fall upon all who have received the former rain.
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Satan was exulting that he had succeeded in debasing the image of God in humanity. Then Jesus came to restore in man the image of his Maker.

None but Christ can fashion anew the character that has been ruined by sin.

He came to expel the demons that had controlled the will. He came to lift us up from the dust, to reshape the marred character after the pattern of His divine character, and to make it beautiful with His own glory.


Sometimes I find myself feeling restless with a strong desire for Jesus to come quickly but in reality might it not be a "selfish desire"  thinking only of self?? In reference to the time when Jesus came the first time the Bible says that when the "fullness of time had come"...God sent forth His son into the world" Should not my focus be to help as many " others " as I can to be ready for when He comes again?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k8-ixOyO0TM
Look up and listen for the shout.

Pastor Sean Brizendine

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Re: The Desire of Ages--3--"The Fullness of the Time"
« Reply #66 on: October 27, 2020, 11:10:25 AM »
Amen, Sister Dorine and Brother Beacon!

When we realize that things are shaping up in this planet for a final display of God's character, let us learn to moment-by-moment cooperate with Jesus in being made like Him. He has power stronger than Satan to renew our hearts and minds and give us love, joy and peace with all of the fruits of the Spirit so not one is missing! The witness of God's character, "Christ in you, the hope of glory" (Colossians 1:27) will bless those who behold Jesus' loveliness revealed in and through us!

"Satan was exulting that he had succeeded in debasing the image of God in humanity. Then Jesus came to restore in man the image of his Maker. None but Christ can fashion anew the character that has been ruined by sin. He came to expel the demons that had controlled the will. He came to lift us up from the dust, to reshape the marred character after the pattern of His divine character, and to make it beautiful with His own glory." {The Desire of Ages, page 37, paragraph 3} 

What a joy to abide in Christ and let Him make us new--what He has planned for us!
"When we live by faith on the Son of God, the fruits of the Spirit will be seen in our lives; not one will be missing." {The Desire of Ages, 676.4}

Richard Myers

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Re: The Desire of Ages--3--"The Fullness of the Time"
« Reply #67 on: October 27, 2020, 09:49:57 PM »
Amen!! It is the greatest of all miracles!!!
Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.

Dorine

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Re: The Desire of Ages--3--"The Fullness of the Time"
« Reply #68 on: January 21, 2021, 06:49:31 AM »
  At this time the systems of heathenism were losing their hold upon the people. Men were weary of pageant and fable. They longed for a religion that could satisfy the heart. While the light of truth seemed to have departed from among men, there were souls who were looking for light, and who were filled with perplexity and sorrow. They were thirsting for a knowledge of the living God, for some assurance of a life beyond the grave.

This stood out to me this morning because of events that have been happening to our family and friends. We have witnessed miracles of different kinds, hearts changing from living just for self to giving God the glory for what He is doing in their lives, and unusual opportunities to witness for Jesus. The state of things in the world are causing many to take a good look at their lives and realize how empty they really are. It tells me that we are soon to see the great revival and reformation that is to take place. Yes, much sorrow and hardship will accompany this as some of our loved ones and friends may choose to walk away from truth but we must keep our eyes on Jesus living for Him moment by moment by faith. What an awesome time to be living.
But this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press  toward the mark. Phil. 3:13,14

Beacon

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Re: The Desire of Ages--3--"The Fullness of the Time"
« Reply #69 on: January 21, 2021, 08:23:05 AM »
"Satan was exulting that he had succeeded in debasing the image of God in humanity. Then Jesus came to restore in man the image of his Maker."

None but Christ can fashion anew the character that has been ruined by sin.

He came to expel the demons that had controlled the will. He came to lift us up from the dust, to reshape the marred character after the pattern of His divine character, and to make it beautiful with His own glory.

]Sometimes I find myself feeling restless with a strong desire for Jesus to come quickly but in reality might it not be a "selfish desire"  thinking[ only of self?? In reference to the time when Jesus came the first time the Bible says that when the "fullness of time had come"...God sent forth His son into the world" Should not our focus be to help as many " others " as I can to be ready for when He comes again?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k8-ixOyO0TM
Look up and listen for the shout.

Richard Myers

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Re: The Desire of Ages--3--"The Fullness of the Time"
« Reply #70 on: January 21, 2021, 09:16:50 PM »
Amen Sister Dorine and Brother Beacon!!  The prophets look forward to our day. Jesus is coming so very soon! What was important to Israel is important to us today. Jesus came to remove the deceptions which had corrupted their religion. So it is today. What is so very important?

   Through nature, through types and symbols, through patriarchs and prophets, God had spoken to the world. Lessons must be given to humanity in the language of humanity. The Messenger of the covenant must speak. His voice must be heard in His own temple. Christ must come to utter words which should be clearly and definitely understood. He, the author of truth, must separate truth from the chaff of man's utterance, which had made it of no effect. The principles of God's government and the plan of redemption must be clearly defined. The lessons of the Old Testament must be fully set before men.   


Notice that it is the principles of God's government and the plan of redemption that Satan had successfully perverted to the point the disciples did not know Jesus had to die if they were to be saved. Such a deception. So it is today, the plan of redemption has been so perverted that many church members have been buried alive and believe they have salvation even when sinning a known sin.

How many today believe that Jesus will make their character beautiful with His own glory? Very few, thus Satan is exulting that he has so perverted God's church today.

Satan was exulting that he had succeeded in debasing the image of God in humanity. Then Jesus came to restore in man the image of his Maker. None but Christ can fashion anew the character that has been ruined by sin. He came to expel the demons that had controlled the will. He came to lift us up from the dust, to reshape the marred character after the pattern of His divine character, and to make it beautiful with His own glory.
Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.

Philip T

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Re: The Desire of Ages--3--"The Fullness of the Time"
« Reply #71 on: January 22, 2021, 07:29:40 AM »
   Outside of the Jewish nation there were men who foretold the appearance of a divine instructor. These men were seeking for truth, and to them the Spirit of Inspiration was imparted. One after another, like stars in the darkened heavens, such teachers had arisen. Their words of prophecy had kindled hope in the hearts of thousands of the Gentile world.
     For hundreds of years the Scriptures had been translated into the Greek language, then widely spoken throughout the Roman Empire. The Jews were scattered everywhere, and their expectation of the Messiah's coming was to some extent shared by the Gentiles. Among those whom the Jews styled heathen were men who had a better understanding of the Scripture prophecies concerning the Messiah than had the teachers in Israel.


As I read this mornings readings I was struck by this statement. Was this not what happened during the reformation. People in and outside of the church became more aware of Jesus and His plan of redemption. Just as those outside of of the Israelite nation were more aware of Jesus return than Israel. We know from the Three Angels Message "Come out of her my people" that God has his people outside of the church who will be called in just before his 2nd Advent which grows close as we behold the signs being fulfilled before our very eyes. "Watch and be ready". Are we watching, are we ready for the 2nd Advent, we should be working to perfect our characters every day of the time left before His return in the clouds of glory.

Richard Myers

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Re: The Desire of Ages--3--"The Fullness of the Time"
« Reply #72 on: January 22, 2021, 08:22:42 AM »
Amen Brother Philip!  So it is today. Many are called, but few choose to spend time getting to know God. So, they do not love Him more than sin. But, a multitude will want to know Him and it is our joy to tell them about Jesus!!   Who is coming so very soon to put and end to sin, sorrow, sickness and death!
Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.

Pastor Sean Brizendine

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Re: The Desire of Ages--3--"The Fullness of the Time"
« Reply #73 on: January 23, 2021, 03:52:00 AM »
Amen, Brother Philip and Brother Richard!!

Timing is important. God's timing is perfect. We can trust that as surely as there was an appointed time for Christ to come the first time, that God is working out all things together for good to them that love Him in His time and way. We can trust Him implicitly remember that when we behold the loveliness of Jesus and yield our whole heart to Him, then we will have a renewed heart and mind imbued with all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing!

"But like the stars in the vast circuit of their appointed path, God's purposes know no haste and no delay. Through the symbols of the great darkness and the smoking furnace, God had revealed to Abraham the bondage of Israel in Egypt, and had declared that the time of their sojourning should be four hundred years. 'Afterward,' He said, 'shall they come out with great substance.' Genesis 15:14. Against that word, all the power of Pharaoh's proud empire battled in vain. On 'the self-same day' appointed in the divine promise, 'it came to pass, that all the hosts of the Lord went out from the land of Egypt.' Exodus 12:41. So in heaven's council the hour for the coming of Christ had been determined. When the great clock of time pointed to that hour, Jesus was born in Bethlehem." {The Desire of Ages, page 32, paragraph 1}

God Himself knows just what is needed. Look to Him today in humble, confiding faith and remember that God is faithful!
"When we live by faith on the Son of God, the fruits of the Spirit will be seen in our lives; not one will be missing." {The Desire of Ages, 676.4}

Philip T

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Re: The Desire of Ages--3--"The Fullness of the Time"
« Reply #74 on: April 19, 2021, 04:43:54 AM »
 Satan was exulting that he had succeeded in debasing the image of God in humanity. Then Jesus came to restore in man the image of his Maker. None but Christ can fashion anew the character that has been ruined by sin. He came to expel the demons that had controlled the will. He came to lift us up from the dust, to reshape the marred character after the pattern of His divine character, and to make it beautiful with His own glory.


Satan debases the character of Jesus in man through sin, Jesus came to restore Gods Character in men through the plan of Salvation. The only way to repair the rupture of God's character through sin in our lives Is to turn to Jesus believing He can transform us into His character through the free gift of his grace. We need to reach out and claim it, then God can finish the work he has begun in us.

Dorine

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Re: The Desire of Ages--3--"The Fullness of the Time"
« Reply #75 on: April 19, 2021, 05:52:59 AM »
"At the very crisis, when Satan seemed about to triumph, the Son of God came with the embassage of divine grace. Through every age, through every hour, the love of God had been exercised toward the fallen race. Notwithstanding the perversity of men, the signals of mercy had been continually exhibited. And when the fullness of the time had come, the Deity was glorified by pouring upon the world a flood of healing grace that was never to be obstructed or withdrawn till the plan of salvation should be fulfilled."

The truth of God's grace and love WOW's me continually. Satan doesn't want us to ponder the wondrous gift of God to save humanity. If we would deliberately keep these scenes in our mind the temptations of Satan would have no power over us. You can not be in the presence of God and fall into sin. If God's people would only take the time and energy to prayerfully spend with Him Satan's power would be broken. It's a beautiful loving and united relationship that the bible speaks of. Jesus the vine and we the branches. May our branch be securely rooted in the vine for Jesus has a great work for us to do. It takes total surrender to Jesus to accomplish His mission of saving all who will come to Him.
But this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press  toward the mark. Phil. 3:13,14

Richard Myers

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Re: The Desire of Ages--3--"The Fullness of the Time"
« Reply #76 on: April 19, 2021, 06:09:09 AM »
Amen Sister Dorine! Grace is more than a word, it is the power that transforms the character. By beholding His glory (character) we shall be transformed into His image (character). 2 Cor. 3:18. I too was impressed with this statement you have shared. Brother Philip has zeroed in on this also.

"...a flood of healing grace that was never to be obstructed or withdrawn till the plan of salvation should be fulfilled."      "...to reshape the marred character after the pattern of His divine character, and to make it beautiful with His own glory."



A "flood" of healing grace!  That means today we are surrounded by His grace. It is a thick around us as the air we breathe!
Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.

Beacon

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Re: The Desire of Ages--3--"The Fullness of the Time"
« Reply #77 on: April 19, 2021, 06:21:38 AM »
"With intense interest the unfallen worlds had watched to see Jehovah arise, and sweep away the inhabitants of the earth. And if God should do this, Satan was ready to carry out his plan for securing to himself the allegiance of heavenly beings. He had declared that the principles of God's government make forgiveness impossible. Had the world been destroyed, he would have claimed that his accusations were proved true. He was ready to cast blame upon God, and to spread his rebellion to the worlds above."

"But instead of destroying the world, God sent His Son to save it."

"Though corruption and defiance might be seen in every part of the alien province, a way for its recovery was provided. At the very crisis, when Satan seemed about to triumph, the Son of God came with the embassage of divine grace."

"Through every age, through every hour, the love of God had been exercised toward the fallen race."

"Notwithstanding the perversity of men, the signals of mercy had been continually exhibited. And when the fullness of the time had come, the Deity was glorified by pouring upon the world a flood of healing grace that was never to be obstructed or withdrawn till the plan of salvation should be fulfilled."

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life" John 3:16

God has done His part and shown such tremendous Love - Are we willing do our part and glorify His Holy Name??
Look up and listen for the shout.

Pastor Sean Brizendine

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Re: The Desire of Ages--3--"The Fullness of the Time"
« Reply #78 on: April 19, 2021, 07:47:18 AM »
It was true then, and it is true now. When Jesus first came to the earth, Satan was doing everything possible to try to destroy God's image in humanity. In these closing moments before Christ returns the second time in power and great glory, Satan is again setting in operation every agency to destroy souls. But God is more powerful than Satan, and we can abide in Jesus as we behold Him in His infinite loveliness, yield fully to Him and let Him fill us with all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing. Christ is able to fully restore His image in us and bring our lives into harmony with His law of love. We need to realize our continual need of Jesus to do any good thing and to rely completely upon His promises in every experience of life.

Satan was exulting that he had succeeded in debasing the image of God in humanity. Then Jesus came to restore in man the image of his Maker. None but Christ can fashion anew the character that has been ruined by sin. He came to expel the demons that had controlled the will. He came to lift us up from the dust, to reshape the marred character after the pattern of His divine character, and to make it beautiful with His own glory.

"But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord" (2 Corinthians 3:18).


When our will is swallowed up in the will of God, we find true happiness to be the result of holiness. Look to Jesus and let Him shape you after the pattern of His character. God is faithful to finish what He started in your life!
"When we live by faith on the Son of God, the fruits of the Spirit will be seen in our lives; not one will be missing." {The Desire of Ages, 676.4}

Dorine

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Re: The Desire of Ages--3--"The Fullness of the Time"
« Reply #79 on: July 15, 2021, 05:34:17 AM »
"For hundreds of years the Scriptures had been translated into the Greek language, then widely spoken throughout the Roman Empire. The Jews were scattered everywhere, and their expectation of the Messiah's coming was to some extent shared by the Gentiles. Among those whom the Jews styled heathen were men who had a better understanding of the Scripture prophecies concerning the Messiah than had the teachers in Israel. There were some who hoped for His coming as a deliverer from sin. Philosophers endeavored to study into the mystery of the Hebrew economy. But the bigotry of the Jews hindered the spread of the light. Intent on maintaining the separation between themselves and other nations, they were unwilling to impart the knowledge they still possessed concerning the symbolic service. The true Interpreter must come. The One whom all these types prefigured must explain their significance."

What a difference between those who study to prove their own points and those who are hungering for truth. Sadly in the church today there are many who are not able to explain the simple gospel message. They do not know how they are saved. Many theories abound and people accept the ones that sound most acceptable to them. There is no excuse for ignorance for knowledge is available now more than ever. To that knowledge will be added a humble surrendered heart to Christ and the fruit of Spirit will be seen in the life with not one missing. Then we will see true unity in the life and in the church.
But this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press  toward the mark. Phil. 3:13,14