Author Topic: The Desire of Ages--4--Unto You a Saviour (Read 23265 times)

Beacon · « **Reply #80 on:** January 22, 2021, 06:46:22 AM »

"Satan in heaven had hated Christ for His position in the courts of God. He hated Him the more when he himself was dethroned.

He hated Him who pledged Himself to redeem a race of sinners.

Yet into the world where Satan claimed dominion God permitted His Son to come, a helpless babe, subject to the weakness of humanity. He permitted Him to meet life's peril in common with every human soul, to fight the battle as every child of humanity must fight it, at the risk of failure and eternal loss."

I can't help but ask myself and you also....Should we not spend at least a thoughtful hour a day meditating on the selfless Love of Jesus who was willing to risk everything to secure our rescue from the grasp of Satan thereby guaranteeing the future happiness not only of planet Earth but THE WHOLE UNIVERSE! Giving us also a promise that " SIN WILL NEVER ARISE AGAIN!!

Or are we TO BUSY ( BEING UNDER SATAN'S YOKE )??

Richard Myers · « **Reply #81 on:** January 22, 2021, 08:17:56 AM »

Amen Brother Beacon!! It is truly sorrowful that so many miss the blessings of beholding such a God!! Who could not come away transformed after reading of His great love for us while we were yet sinners!!!

Quote from: Dorine on January 22, 2021, 04:53:05 AM

This truly is a chapter of love and sacrifice beyond anything human minds can comprehend. While meditating on the incredible condescension of God to come to this sin sick world to rescue fallen man, the heart swells with such gratitude and awe that human words seem so inadequate. May our hearts be touched with the 'joy that filled all heaven' as we carry Jesus in our hearts and minds to a world that is dying without Him.

Amen dear sister!! Some things need to be repeated over and over. This is the most amazing and beautiful truth I have ever known!

The story of Bethlehem is an exhaustless theme. In it is hidden "the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God." Romans 11:33. We marvel at the Saviour's sacrifice in exchanging the throne of heaven for the manger, and the companionship of adoring angels for the beasts of the stall. Human pride and self-sufficiency stand rebuked in His presence. Yet this was but the beginning of His wonderful condescension. It would have been an almost infinite humiliation for the Son of God to take man's nature, even when Adam stood in his innocence in Eden. But Jesus accepted humanity when the race had been weakened by four thousand years of sin. Like every child of Adam He accepted the results of the working of the great law of heredity. What these results were is shown in the history of His earthly ancestors. He came with such a heredity to share our sorrows and temptations, and to give us the example of a sinless life.
Satan in heaven had hated Christ for His position in the courts of God. He hated Him the more when he himself was dethroned. He hated Him who pledged Himself to redeem a race of sinners. Yet into the world where Satan claimed dominion God permitted His Son to come, a helpless babe, subject to the weakness of humanity. He permitted Him to meet life's peril in common with every human soul, to fight the battle as every child of humanity must fight it, at the risk of failure and eternal loss.
The heart of the human father yearns over his son. He looks into the face of his little child, and trembles at the thought of life's peril. He longs to shield his dear one from Satan's power, to hold him back from temptation and conflict. To meet a bitterer conflict and a more fearful risk, God gave His only-begotten Son, that the path of life might be made sure for our little ones. "Herein is love." Wonder, O heavens! and be astonished, O earth!

Pastor Sean Brizendine · « **Reply #82 on:** January 23, 2021, 04:03:31 AM »

Amen, Sister Dorine, Brother Beacon and Brother Richard!!

Happy Sabbath!! Our genetics are fully known by God. And Jesus fully experienced how heredity affects the life. He battled in faith and love and overcame! There is hope for ALL of us!! As we look to Jesus in simple, humble faith, we may have victory and overcome through the merits of Christ!! When the whole heart is yielded to Christ, all of the fruits of the Spirit will be seen in the life without one missing!!

"The story of Bethlehem is an exhaustless theme. In it is hidden "the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God." Romans 11:33. We marvel at the Saviour's sacrifice in exchanging the throne of heaven for the manger, and the companionship of adoring angels for the beasts of the stall. Human pride and self-sufficiency stand rebuked in His presence. Yet this was but the beginning of His wonderful condescension. It would have been an almost infinite humiliation for the Son of God to take man's nature, even when Adam stood in his innocence in Eden. But Jesus accepted humanity when the race had been weakened by four thousand years of sin. Like every child of Adam He accepted the results of the working of the great law of heredity. What these results were is shown in the history of His earthly ancestors. He came with such a heredity to share our sorrows and temptations, and to give us the example of a sinless life." {The Desire of Ages, page 48, paragraph 6}

May the sinless life of Jesus be an encouragement that no matter how sinful our life may have been, His imputed righteousness is available to us by His cleansing blood, and His imparted righteousness is available to us as we allow the whole heart to be united with Christ!!

Beacon · « **Reply #83 on:** April 19, 2021, 08:08:31 PM »

"The heart of the human father yearns over his son. He looks into the face of his little child, and trembles at the thought of life's peril. He longs to shield his dear one from Satan's power, to hold him back from temptation and conflict."

"To meet a bitterer conflict and a more fearful risk, God gave His only-begotten Son,
that the path of life might be made sure for our little ones. "Herein is love." Wonder, O heavens! and be astonished, O earth!

I find it interesting, but Very Sad, that the announcement of the birth of Jesus was not made to the Leadership of Israel because of their Spiritual Lethargy., The announcement was made to the humble shepherds, who, as they sat around the fire keeping watch over their flocks of sheep, were discussing and talking about, yeah yearning for the coming Messiah. It was they that the Angelic Choir sang to and made the annoucment that Jesus had been born.

What a lesson this is for us individually and the corporate church of our day!! Will "WE" be Ready & Waiting for His Second Coming?

Dorine · « **Reply #84 on:** April 20, 2021, 04:54:15 AM »

"Satan in heaven had hated Christ for His position in the courts of God. He hated Him the more when he himself was dethroned. He hated Him who pledged Himself to redeem a race of sinners. Yet into the world where Satan claimed dominion God permitted His Son to come, a helpless babe, subject to the weakness of humanity. He permitted Him to meet life's peril in common with every human soul, to fight the battle as every child of humanity must fight it, at the risk of failure and eternal loss."

God's church is no more ready today for the biggest event of all time than when He came into this wicked world as an innocent baby. May our eyes be fixed on Him today so that our thoughts, words and deeds are not ours but His because He dwells in us.

Pastor Sean Brizendine · « **Reply #85 on:** April 20, 2021, 05:02:55 AM »

Praise the Lord, Brother Beacon and Sister Dorine!

The story of Bethlehem is an exhaustless theme. In it is hidden "the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God." Romans 11:33. We marvel at the Saviour's sacrifice in exchanging the throne of heaven for the manger, and the companionship of adoring angels for the beasts of the stall. Human pride and self-sufficiency stand rebuked in His presence. Yet this was but the beginning of His wonderful condescension. It would have been an almost infinite humiliation for the Son of God to take man's nature, even when Adam stood in his innocence in Eden. But Jesus accepted humanity when the race had been weakened by four thousand years of sin. Like every child of Adam He accepted the results of the working of the great law of heredity. What these results were is shown in the history of His earthly ancestors. He came with such a heredity to share our sorrows and temptations, and to give us the example of a sinless life.

Let us keep our eyes on Jesus and realize the sacrifice He made for us--as well as the depth of the Father's sacrifice in sending His Son to be our Savior! "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). Let us yield fully to the power of God's grace and let it make us eternally grateful for all He has done for us and will do in us as we surrender all to Him, thus becoming partakers of the divine nature so that Christ by the Holy Spirit can manifest through us all of the fruits of the Sprit without one missing!

Richard Myers · « **Reply #86 on:** April 20, 2021, 06:29:56 AM »

The story of Bethlehem is an exhaustless theme. In it is hidden "the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God." Romans 11:33. We marvel at the Saviour's sacrifice in exchanging the throne of heaven for the manger, and the companionship of adoring angels for the beasts of the stall. Human pride and self-sufficiency stand rebuked in His presence. Yet this was but the beginning of His wonderful condescension. It would have been an almost infinite humiliation for the Son of God to take man's nature, even when Adam stood in his innocence in Eden. But Jesus accepted humanity when the race had been weakened by four thousand years of sin. Like every child of Adam He accepted the results of the working of the great law of heredity. What these results were is shown in the history of His earthly ancestors. He came with such a heredity to share our sorrows and temptations, and to give us the example of a sinless life.
Satan in heaven had hated Christ for His position in the courts of God. He hated Him the more when he himself was dethroned. He hated Him who pledged Himself to redeem a race of sinners. Yet into the world where Satan claimed dominion God permitted His Son to come, a helpless babe, subject to the weakness of humanity. He permitted Him to meet life's peril in common with every human soul, to fight the battle as every child of humanity must fight it, at the risk of failure and eternal loss.
The heart of the human father yearns over his son. He looks into the face of his little child, and trembles at the thought of life's peril. He longs to shield his dear one from Satan's power, to hold him back from temptation and conflict. To meet a bitterer conflict and a more fearful risk, God gave His only-begotten Son, that the path of life might be made sure for our little ones. "Herein is love." Wonder, O heavens! and be astonished, O earth!

Philip T · « **Reply #87 on:** April 20, 2021, 07:38:44 AM »

As the angels disappeared, the light faded away, and the shadows of night once more fell on the hills of Bethlehem. But the brightest picture ever beheld by human eyes remained in the memory of the shepherds. "And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger."
Departing with great joy, they made known the things they had seen and heard. "And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God."

The effect Jesus should have on our hearts is exhibited by the shepherds as they behold the baby Jesus, they go forth giving witness of all they had heard and seen of Jesus, and gave witness to those they came in contact with, and those who heard wondered and pondered the words told them by the Shepherds. We should be affected the same way by Jesus, we should be telling all we know with love and joy in our hearts to those we come in contact with daily. Our focus on Jesus should be brining joy and happiness to our hearts.

Richard Myers · « **Reply #88 on:** April 20, 2021, 08:17:37 AM »

Amen Brother Philip! Yet, even though many are called, but few pay any attention to the prophecies that foretell the coming of Jesus. But, the wise will understand as did Zacharias.

With amazement the heavenly messengers beheld the indifference of that people whom God had called to communicate to the world the light of sacred truth. The Jewish nation had been preserved as a witness that Christ was to be born of the seed of Abraham and of David's line; yet they knew not that His coming was now at hand. In the temple the morning and the evening sacrifice daily pointed to the Lamb of God; yet even here was no preparation to receive Him. The priests and teachers of the nation knew not that the greatest event of the ages was about to take place. They rehearsed their meaningless prayers, and performed the rites of worship to be seen by men, but in their strife for riches and worldly honor they were not prepared for the revelation of the Messiah. The same indifference pervaded the land of Israel. Hearts selfish and world-engrossed were untouched by the joy that thrilled all heaven. Only a few were longing to behold the Unseen. To these heaven's embassy was sent.

Are we not a blessed people to have the knowledge that has been entrusted to us? Jesus is coming so very soon!!

Dorine · « **Reply #89 on:** July 16, 2021, 07:02:56 AM »

"Heaven and earth are no wider apart today than when shepherds listened to the angels' song. Humanity is still as much the object of heaven's solicitude as when common men of common occupations met angels at noonday, and talked with the heavenly messengers in the vineyards and the fields. To us in the common walks of life, heaven may be very near. Angels from the courts above will attend the steps of those who come and go at God's command."

This brings such sweet peace to my needy soul this morning. If you are facing trials and challenges you have no answers for take courage because God has the answers for every situation. Do we trust Him completely to do for us what is best for our happiness and His glory? That is what He requires and He will never let us down.

Beacon · « **Reply #90 on:** July 16, 2021, 07:30:55 AM »

"Satan in heaven had hated Christ for His position in the courts of God. He hated Him the more when he himself was dethroned. He hated Him who pledged Himself to redeem a race of sinners. Yet into the world where Satan claimed dominion God permitted His Son to come, a helpless babe, subject to the weakness of humanity."

"He permitted Him to meet life's peril in common with every human soul, to fight the battle as every child of humanity must fight it, at the risk of failure and eternal loss."

"The heart of the human father yearns over his son. He looks into the face of his little child, and trembles at the thought of life's peril. He longs to shield his dear one from Satan's power, to hold him back from temptation and conflict. To meet a bitterer conflict and a more fearful risk, God gave His only-begotten Son, that the path of life might be made sure for our little ones.

"Herein is love." Wonder, O heavens! and be astonished, O earth!"

Are "WE" preparing to meet the ONE who made our salvation possible?? Are "WE" telling others of His 2nd Coming and how to be ready? Are "WE" spending a thought hour in prayer and reading or are "WE"also too BUSY? Will "WE" hear the words " Well Done " or the most horrible words to reach human ears..." Depart from Me I never knew you."? There is no middle ground.

Jesus said, " You are either for Me or Against Me." Mathew 6:24

Our eternal destiny is decided by the choices we make day by day. What will your choice be today??

Richard Myers · « **Reply #91 on:** July 16, 2021, 08:10:55 PM »

Amen!

There are some thing worth repeating, more than once. Nothing is more important than this:

The story of Bethlehem is an exhaustless theme. In it is hidden "the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God." Romans 11:33. We marvel at the Saviour's sacrifice in exchanging the throne of heaven for the manger, and the companionship of adoring angels for the beasts of the stall. Human pride and self-sufficiency stand rebuked in His presence. Yet this was but the beginning of His wonderful condescension. It would have been an almost infinite humiliation for the Son of God to take man's nature, even when Adam stood in his innocence in Eden. But Jesus accepted humanity when the race had been weakened by four thousand years of sin. Like every child of Adam He accepted the results of the working of the great law of heredity. What these results were is shown in the history of His earthly ancestors. He came with such a heredity to share our sorrows and temptations, and to give us the example of a sinless life.
Satan in heaven had hated Christ for His position in the courts of God. He hated Him the more when he himself was dethroned. He hated Him who pledged Himself to redeem a race of sinners. Yet into the world where Satan claimed dominion God permitted His Son to come, a helpless babe, subject to the weakness of humanity. He permitted Him to meet life's peril in common with every human soul, to fight the battle as every child of humanity must fight it, at the risk of failure and eternal loss.
The heart of the human father yearns over his son. He looks into the face of his little child, and trembles at the thought of life's peril. He longs to shield his dear one from Satan's power, to hold him back from temptation and conflict. To meet a bitterer conflict and a more fearful risk, God gave His only-begotten Son, that the path of life might be made sure for our little ones. "Herein is love." Wonder, O heavens! and be astonished, O earth!

Pastor Sean Brizendine · « **Reply #92 on:** July 17, 2021, 03:51:14 AM »

Praise the Lord for all the blessed posts here!! Amen, Sister Dorine, Brother Beacon, and Brother Richard!!

You are so deeply loved. God sent His Son into our world at such an infinite cost--for Christ would yield up His omnipresence (the ability to be everywhere at the same time) in becoming a human being! Love takes risks and thinks and acts selflessly. Let us look up to Jesus constantly, and appreciate how our Heavenly Father felt about His Son coming to our world! As you yield unreservedly to Jesus, all of the fruits of the Spirit will be manifest in your life as long as you remain connected to Him in constant union and communion with Him!

"The heart of the human father yearns over his son. He looks into the face of his little child, and trembles at the thought of life's peril. He longs to shield his dear one from Satan's power, to hold him back from temptation and conflict. To meet a bitterer conflict and a more fearful risk, God gave His only-begotten Son, that the path of life might be made sure for our little ones. 'Herein is love.' Wonder, O heavens! and be astonished, O earth!" {The Desire of Ages, page 49, paragraph 2}

What a joy we have to be able to enjoy the love of God toward us! Let us reveal that love to others each day!

Beacon · « **Reply #93 on:** October 10, 2021, 08:28:30 PM »

"Jesus accepted humanity when the race had been weakened by four thousand years of sin. Like every child of Adam He accepted the results of the working of the great law of heredity. What these results were is shown in the history of His earthly ancestors."

"He came with such a heredity to share our sorrows and temptations, and to give us the example of a sinless life. Satan in heaven had hated Christ for His position in the courts of God. He hated Him the more when he himself was dethroned. He hated Him who pledged Himself to redeem a race of sinners."

"Yet into the world where Satan claimed dominion God permitted His Son to come, a helpless babe, subject to the weakness of humanity. He permitted Him to meet life's peril in common with every human soul, to fight the battle as every child of humanity must fight it, at the risk of failure and eternal loss."

"The heart of the human father yearns over his son. He looks into the face of his little child, and trembles at the thought of life's peril. He longs to shield his dear one from Satan's power, to hold him back from temptation and conflict. To meet a bitterer conflict and a more fearful risk, God gave His only-begotten Son, that the path of life might be made sure for our little ones."
"
1 John 4:10 says.."Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins."

God has made provision for aspect of our Salvation. "BUT" It's up to us to open the door and invite Him to come into our lives and tell Him we Want & Need Him to be "King of Kings and Lord of Lords"

"Revelation 17:14 says..."These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful."

Pastor Sean Brizendine · « **Reply #94 on:** October 11, 2021, 07:30:26 AM »

Praise the Lord, Brother Beacon, for the infinite gift of Jesus to us!

When we contemplate the unfathomable, unchangeable love of God and realize what the Father risked in sending His Son to our world as a helpless babe, we can truly trust Him to guide and bless us in the way that He knows is best! Let us surrender our whole heart unreservedly to God so He can impute and impart to us His righteousness manifest in all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing in humble, affectionate obedience to God's law of love!

"Satan in heaven had hated Christ for His position in the courts of God. He hated Him the more when he himself was dethroned. He hated Him who pledged Himself to redeem a race of sinners. Yet into the world where Satan claimed dominion God permitted His Son to come, a helpless babe, subject to the weakness of humanity. He permitted Him to meet life's peril in common with every human soul, to fight the battle as every child of humanity must fight it, at the risk of failure and eternal loss." {The Desire of Ages, page 49, paragraph 1}
"The heart of the human father yearns over his son. He looks into the face of his little child, and trembles at the thought of life's peril. He longs to shield his dear one from Satan's power, to hold him back from temptation and conflict. To meet a bitterer conflict and a more fearful risk, God gave His only-begotten Son, that the path of life might be made sure for our little ones. 'Herein is love.' Wonder, O heavens! and be astonished, O earth!" {The Desire of Ages, page 49, paragraph 1}

The plan of salvation is an infinite theme! The more we contemplate God's love and let it change our characters, the more we will appreciate what He has given us in His Son! What a thought--we are loved by the God who made all things and yet became one of us to redeem us from sin! Hallelujah!

Richard Myers · « **Reply #95 on:** October 11, 2021, 10:11:08 AM »

Amen my dear brothers!! Some things are worth repeating, nothing more important than what you have shared today!

The story of Bethlehem is an exhaustless theme. In it is hidden "the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God." Romans 11:33. We marvel at the Saviour's sacrifice in exchanging the throne of heaven for the manger, and the companionship of adoring angels for the beasts of the stall. Human pride and self-sufficiency stand rebuked in His presence. Yet this was but the beginning of His wonderful condescension. It would have been an almost infinite humiliation for the Son of God to take man's nature, even when Adam stood in his innocence in Eden. But Jesus accepted humanity when the race had been weakened by four thousand years of sin. Like every child of Adam He accepted the results of the working of the great law of heredity. What these results were is shown in the history of His earthly ancestors. He came with such a heredity to share our sorrows and temptations, and to give us the example of a sinless life.
Satan in heaven had hated Christ for His position in the courts of God. He hated Him the more when he himself was dethroned. He hated Him who pledged Himself to redeem a race of sinners. Yet into the world where Satan claimed dominion God permitted His Son to come, a helpless babe, subject to the weakness of humanity. He permitted Him to meet life's peril in common with every human soul, to fight the battle as every child of humanity must fight it, at the risk of failure and eternal loss.
The heart of the human father yearns over his son. He looks into the face of his little child, and trembles at the thought of life's peril. He longs to shield his dear one from Satan's power, to hold him back from temptation and conflict. To meet a bitterer conflict and a more fearful risk, God gave His only-begotten Son, that the path of life might be made sure for our little ones. "Herein is love." Wonder, O heavens! and be astonished, O earth!

Lena · « **Reply #96 on:** December 25, 2021, 12:15:50 AM »

The King of glory stooped low to take humanity. Rude and forbidding were His earthly surroundings. His glory was veiled, that the majesty of His outward form might not become an object of attraction. He shunned all outward display. Riches, worldly honor, and human greatness can never save a soul from death; Jesus purposed that no attraction of an earthly nature should call men to His side. Only the beauty of heavenly truth must draw those who would follow Him. The character of the Messiah had long been foretold in prophecy, and He desired men to accept Him upon the testimony of the word of God. { DA 43.1}
Men know it not, but the tidings fill heaven with rejoicing. With a deeper and more tender interest the holy beings from the world of light are drawn to the earth. The whole world is brighter for His presence. Above the hills of Bethlehem are gathered an innumerable throng of angels. They wait the signal to declare the glad news to the world. Had the leaders in Israel been true to their trust, they might have shared the joy of heralding the birth of Jesus. But now they are passed by. { DA 47.1}
God declares, “I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground.” “Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness.” Isaiah 44:3; Psalm 112:4. To those who are seeking for light, and who accept it with gladness, the bright rays from the throne of God will shine. { DA 47.2}
In the fields where the boy David had led his flock, shepherds were still keeping watch by night. Through the silent hours they talked together of the promised Saviour, and prayed for the coming of the King to David’s throne. “And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” { DA 47.3}
At these words, visions of glory fill the minds of the listening shepherds. The Deliverer has come to Israel! Power, exaltation, triumph, are associated with His coming. But the angel must prepare them to recognize their Saviour in poverty and humiliation. “This shall be a sign unto you,” he says; “Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.” { DA 47.4}
The heavenly messenger had quieted their fears. He had told them how to find Jesus. With tender regard for their human weakness, he had
given them time to become accustomed to the divine radiance. Then the joy and glory could no longer be hidden. The whole plain was lighted up with the bright shining of the hosts of God. Earth was hushed, and heaven stooped to listen to the song,— { DA 47.5}
“Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace, good will toward men.” { DA 48.1}
Oh that today the human family could recognize that song! The declaration then made, the note then struck, will swell to the close of time, and resound to the ends of the earth. When the Sun of Righteousness shall arise, with healing in His wings, that song will be re-echoed by the voice of a great multitude, as the voice of many waters, saying, “Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.” Revelation 19:6. { DA 48.2}

Pastor Sean Brizendine · « **Reply #97 on:** December 25, 2021, 05:11:52 AM »

Praise the Lord, Lena, for your post! What a beautiful gift we receive in Jesus! May you have a very blessed Sabbath and a merry Christmas! I want to warmly invite you to read with us and post daily in The Desire of Ages forum! We are sharing chapter 79 today and chapter 80 tomorrow! Would you please join us? The more fellowship we share in the present truth, the stronger our characters become in the heavenward way! God bless you!!

Richard Myers · « **Reply #98 on:** December 25, 2021, 09:24:29 AM »

Amen!! God has given us a message to take to the world. It begins with the gospel and takes us to Jesus at the cross.

Beacon · « **Reply #99 on:** January 05, 2022, 08:25:48 PM »

"In the temple the morning and the evening sacrifice daily pointed to the Lamb of God."

"Yet even here was no preparation to receive Him."

"The priests and teachers of the nation knew not that the greatest event of the ages was about to take place. They rehearsed their meaningless prayers, and performed the rites of worship to be seen by men, but in their strife for riches and worldly honor they were not prepared for the revelation of the Messiah.

"The same indifference pervaded the land of Israel"

"Hearts selfish and world-engrossed were untouched by the joy that thrilled all heaven."

"Only a few were longing to behold the Unseen. To these heaven's embassy was sent."

Are "WE" preparing to meet the ONE who made our salvation possible?? Are "WE" telling others of His 2nd Coming and how to be ready? Are "WE" spending a thought hour in prayer and reading or are "WE"also too BUSY? Will "WE" hear the words " Well Done " or the most horrible words to reach human ears..." Depart from Me I never knew you."? There is no middle ground...Jesus said, " You are either for Me or Against Me. What will your choice, my choice, be today??

Come, every soul by sin oppressed,
There’s mercy with the Lord;
And He will surely give you rest
By trusting in His Word.
Only trust Him! Only trust Him!
Only trust Him now!
He will save you! He will save you!
He will save you now!
2
For Jesus shed His precious blood
Rich blessings to bestow;
Plunge now into the crimson flood
That washeth white as snow.
3
Yes, Jesus is the Truth, the Way,
That leads you into rest;
Believe in Him without delay,
And you are fully blest.
4
Come then, and join the holy band,
And on to glory go;
In Christ’s redemption take your stand,
And all His goodness know.

Lyrics & Music by John Hart Stockton (1813-1877)