Author Topic: The Desire of Ages--14--We Have Found the Messias  (Read 27977 times)

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Richard Myers

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Re: The Desire of Ages--14--We Have Found the Messias
« Reply #40 on: January 01, 2018, 10:09:50 PM »
Amen, Pastor Sean.  We have a promise that His character will be wrought in us if we continue to behold His glory (2 Cor. 3:18).  And, there is "present truth" in our reading today that will encourage all who love Jesus supremely. The rulers in Israel were losing their power with the people. In answer to their question as to who John was, He replied:

     "Who art thou? that we may give an answer to them that sent us. What sayest thou of thyself?"

     "I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias."

     The scripture to which John referred is that beautiful prophecy of Isaiah: "Comfort ye, comfort ye My people, saith your God. Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her appointed time is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned. . . . The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain: and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together." Isaiah 40:1-5, margin.

     Anciently, when a king journeyed through the less frequented parts of his dominion, a company of men was sent ahead of the royal chariot to level the steep places and to fill up the hollows, that the king might travel in safety and without hindrance. This custom is employed by the prophet to illustrate the work of the gospel. "Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low." When the Spirit of God, with its marvelous awakening power, touches the soul, it abases human pride. Worldly pleasure and position and power are seen to be worthless. "Imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God" are cast down; every thought is brought into captivity "to the obedience of Christ." 2 Corinthians 10:5. Then humility and self-sacrificing love, so little valued among men, are exalted as alone of worth. This is the work of the gospel, of which John's message was a part. 


What we read of John the Baptist, is what we are to be today. He came to prepare a people to receive Jesus at His first coming. He was an example of what we are to be in preparing a people for the second coming of Christ. The proclamation of the gospel has power to transform lives!

John was to go forth as Jehovah’s messenger, to bring to men the light of God. He must give a new direction to their thoughts. He must impress them with the holiness of God’s requirements, and their need of His perfect righteousness. Such a messenger must be holy. He must be a temple for the indwelling Spirit of God. In order to fulfill his mission, he must have a sound physical constitution, and mental and spiritual strength. Therefore it would be necessary for him to control the appetites and passions. He must be able so to control all his powers that he could stand among men as unmoved by surrounding circumstances as the rocks and mountains of the wilderness.
 
In the time of John the Baptist, greed for riches, and the love of luxury and display had become widespread. Sensuous pleasures, feasting and drinking, were causing physical disease and degeneracy, benumbing the spiritual perceptions, and lessening the sensibility to sin. John was to stand as a reformer. By his abstemious life and plain dress he was to rebuke the excesses of his time. Hence the directions given to the parents of John,—a lesson of temperance by an angel from the throne of heaven.  DA 100.

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--14--We Have Found the Messias
« Reply #41 on: March 29, 2018, 02:20:56 AM »
Jesus values what the world does not. Jesus values character--a character formed after His own image of self-sacrificing love and humility. A character like Christ's is the only treasure that we can take from this world to the next. We cannot take this world with us. This is our "fitting up" place to prepare us for heaven. Jesus desires us to make one more day's journey to heaven, helping smooth the path of others in the upward way. Jesus is coming soon, and we can learn in type from how John the Baptist was to prepare the way for the first coming of Jesus as to how we are to prepare others (and our own lives) for the second coming of Jesus.

John was one man. The 144,000 are a corporate witness, united, perfectly holy and happy, that reveal in character and life the experience of John the Baptist such that Christ's character is truly seen in them, and the things that were hindrances and oddities in their characters are refined by the winning loveliness of Jesus, who alone can unite His people through His word. This preparation for translation is even now taking place. May we each make it our prayer to overcome every defect in our characters, for this is the work for this time. This is the time to prepare for heaven, and we can praise God that nothing can hinder us from victory but our own choice to refuse, as Jesus continually invites us higher, to "look and live"! Let us, by beholding Jesus in His purity, experience the work God desires to do in us today. It is not our work, unaided by Him. It is our work to behold the Lamb of God, and by beholding, cooperate with the constant change that God is bringing into our lives in elevating us from "glory to glory" (2 Corinthians 3:18), even from character to character by the power and indwelling of the Holy Spirit. All of the fruits of the Spirit will be seen in the entire experience of walking by faith in Christ, for He lives upon the throne of the heart! The King is a resident there!!

     "Anciently, when a king journeyed through the less frequented parts of his dominion, a company of men was sent ahead of the royal chariot to level the steep places and to fill up the hollows, that the king might travel in safety and without hindrance. This custom is employed by the prophet to illustrate the work of the gospel. 'Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low.' When the Spirit of God, with its marvelous awakening power, touches the soul, it abases human pride. Worldly pleasure and position and power are seen to be worthless. 'Imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God" are cast down; every thought is brought into captivity 'to the obedience of Christ.' 2 Corinthians 10:5. Then humility and self-sacrificing love, so little valued among men, are exalted as alone of worth. This is the work of the gospel, of which John's message was a part." {The Desire of Ages, page 135, paragraph 1}
 
"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}

JimB

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Re: The Desire of Ages--14--We Have Found the Messias
« Reply #42 on: March 29, 2018, 05:36:18 AM »
Amen pastor Sean! The by submitting to the master Potter, He only can form us into a vessel of honor with a character that will be fit for Heaven.

Philip entered into no controversy. He said, "Come and see. Jesus saw Nathanael coming to Him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!" In surprise Nathanael exclaimed, "Whence knowest Thou me? Jesus answered and said unto him, Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee."
     It was enough. The divine Spirit that had borne witness to Nathanael in his solitary prayer under the fig tree now spoke to him in the words of Jesus. Though in doubt, and yielding somewhat to prejudice, Nathanael had come to Christ with an honest desire for truth, and now his desire was met. His faith went beyond that of the one who had brought him to Jesus. He answered and said, "Rabbi, Thou art the Son of God; Thou art the King of Israel."


Notice the difference in how these new disciples recognized and followed Christ. They were honestly desiring and looking for truth and when it was presented to them they accepted. This was a much different than the religious leaders experience in John's ministry nor at Christ's baptism. This for me is a lesson in why we should our Bibles. When we approach Bible study do we do it so we can know God better or are we looking for evidence to prove someone is wrong or placate our conscience. The motive behind Bible study will make a big difference in what kind of blessing one receives.
By communion with God in nature, the mind is uplifted, and the heart finds rest.  {DA 291.1}

Dorine

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Re: The Desire of Ages--14--We Have Found the Messias
« Reply #43 on: March 29, 2018, 06:58:09 AM »
"Philip said to Nathanael, "Come and see." He did not ask him to accept another's testimony, but to behold Christ for himself. Now that Jesus has ascended to heaven, His disciples are His representatives among men, and one of the most effective ways of winning souls to Him is in exemplifying His character in our daily life. Our influence upon others depends not so much upon what we say as upon what we are. Men may combat and defy our logic, they may resist our appeals; but a life of disinterested love is an argument they cannot gainsay. A consistent life, characterized by the meekness of Christ, is a power in the world."

This is my deepest desire. Fill me with your Spirit today Lord that I may be a reflection of your character. Not because I am checking off a list, but because of You; it is who I am. As we listen to Jesus and watch His interaction with others we will  learn heavenly principles to guide us to those who are looking for truth.  We plant the seed and the Spirit harvests what has been sown.
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--14--We Have Found the Messias
« Reply #44 on: March 29, 2018, 08:50:08 AM »
Amen, amen, and amen!!  Jesus' work is to recreate us in His image, and this He will do if we will spend a thoughtful hour a day contemplating His life (character), for by beholding His grace, our hearts are surrendered and we are transformed into His image (character). "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 Cor. 3:18.

I was greatly impressed that what happened in Jesus' day, will also happen in our day. Was John called by the Sanhedron? No. How was he received by the leaders in Israel? Was the priesthood established by God? Yes, it was. But, man has no power over other men, to direct their actions. God calls man, the church does not. The church is to recognize God's calling. Often it has not done a very good job. We see this today when the news reveals a crime has been done by a church leader, or the truth has been rejected by church leaders.

God has an organized church. That does not mean the organized church is walking in the light of God's love and grace. The church remains in a Laodicean condition, as such, their is much wrong in the church. All can see this no matter what side they stand on. Thus, it may be that the Holy Spirit will move upon honest souls that are not in the organized church ministry (denominational workers). How are church leaders to respond? How are church members to look upon those called of God, but not in church employment?

     John had not recognized the authority of the Sanhedrin by seeking their sanction for his work; and he had reproved rulers and people, Pharisees and Sadducees alike. Yet the people followed him eagerly. The interest in his work seemed to be continually increasing. Though he had not deferred to them, the Sanhedrin accounted that, as a public teacher, he was under their jurisdiction. 


Why the battle then, and today? 

    ".....their power over the people was waning. It was becoming a serious question how to maintain their position."


And, there is another battle soon to come. We live in the very last days of this Earth's history. Soon, very soon, there will be angry men who think themselves the protector of Christianity, the true religion. They teach the wrong commandment, and when they are faced with a small group who are unwilling to accept their false commandment, and cannot sustain their teaching from Scripture, they too will lose their authority with all who put their faith in Scripture and the author of Scripture. Will they just sit back and accept their loss of authority? No, they will turn to the state to enforce their apostate teaching. Thus Babylon will attempt to force the conscience of all to follow national Sunday laws all around the world.


Some of our leading men are inclined to indulge the spirit manifested by the apostle John when he said: “Master, we saw one casting out devils in Thy name; and we forbade him, because he followeth not with us.” Organization and discipline are essential, but there is now very great danger of a departure from the simplicity of the gospel of Christ. What we need is less dependence upon mere form and ceremony, and far more of the power of true godliness. If their life and character are exemplary, let all work who will, in any capacity. Although they may not conform exactly to your methods, not a word should be spoken to condemn or discourage them. When the Pharisees desired Jesus to silence the children who sang His praise, the Saviour said: “If these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.” Prophecy must be fulfilled. So in these days, the work must be done. There are many departments of labor; let everyone act a part as best he can. The man with one talent is not to bury that in the earth. God has given to every man his work according to his ability. Those to whom larger trusts and capabilities have been committed should not endeavor to silence others who are less able or experienced. Men with one talent may reach a class that those with two or five talents cannot approach. Great and small alike are chosen vessels to bear the water of life to thirsting souls. Let not those who preach the word lay their hands upon the humblest worker and say: “You must labor in this channel or not work at all.” Hands off, brethren. Let everyone work in his own sphere, with his own armor on, doing whatever he can do in his humble way. Strengthen his hands in the work. This is no time for pharisaism to control. Let God work through whom He will. The message must go.

All are to show their fidelity to God by the wise use of His entrusted capital, not in means alone, but in any endowment that will tend to the upbuilding of His kingdom. Satan will employ every possible device to prevent the truth from reaching those who are buried in error; but the voice of warning and entreaty must come to them. And while only a few are engaged in this work, thousands ought to be as much interested as they. God never designed that the lay members of the church should be excused from labor in His cause. “Go, labor in My vineyard,” is the Master’s command to each of His followers. As long as there are unconverted souls in the world, there should be the most active, earnest, zealous, determined effort for their salvation. Those who have received the light should seek to enlighten those who have it not. If the church members do not individually take hold of this work, then they show that they have no living connection with God. Their names are registered as slothful servants. Can you not discern the reason why there is no more spirituality in our churches? It is because you are not colaborers with Christ.
 
God has given to every man his work. Let us each wait on God, and He will teach us how to work and what work we are best adapted to perform. Yet none are to start out in an independent spirit to promulgate new theories. The workers should be in harmony with the truth and with their brethren. There should be counsel and co-operation. But they are not to feel that at every step they must wait to ask some higher officer if they may do this or that. Look not to man for guidance, but to the God of Israel.

The work which the church has failed to do in a time of peace and prosperity she will have to do in a terrible crisis under most discouraging, forbidding circumstances. The warnings that worldly conformity has silenced or withheld must be given under the fiercest opposition from enemies of the faith. And at that time the superficial, conservative class, whose influence has steadily retarded the progress of the work, will renounce the faith and take their stand with its avowed enemies, toward whom their sympathies have long been tending. These apostates will then manifest the most bitter enmity, doing all in their power to oppress and malign their former brethren and to excite indignation against them. This day is just before us. 5T 462

Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.

Richard Myers

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Re: The Desire of Ages--14--We Have Found the Messias
« Reply #45 on: June 24, 2018, 06:03:38 AM »
What is it that causes us to spend a thoughtful hour each day studying the Words and life of Jesus? What is it that brings great joy to our lives? It is the truth, heavenly sent truth. It is the love of God for us.

It is contrition and faith and love that enable the soul to receive wisdom from heaven. Faith working by love is the key of knowledge, and everyone that loveth "knoweth God." 1 John 4:7.   


The solution to the Laodicean condition is grace, the love of Jesus for us while we were yet sinners, "gold tried in the fire," faith that works by love! If we would behold the loveliness of Jesus we would be converted, transformed into His image by the Spirit. Such a wonderful truth!!
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--14--We Have Found the Messias
« Reply #46 on: June 24, 2018, 06:20:56 AM »
Amen! And being connected to Jesus allows Him to work through us to bless others!!

All who are consecrated to God will be channels of light. God makes them His agents to communicate to others the riches of His grace. His promise is, “I will make them and the places round about My hill a blessing; and I will cause the shower to come down in his season; there shall be showers of blessing.” Ezekiel 34:26. – {DA 141.4}
"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}

JimB

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Re: The Desire of Ages--14--We Have Found the Messias
« Reply #47 on: September 19, 2018, 05:19:27 AM »
But as the people looked upon Him, they saw a face where divine compassion was blended with conscious power. Every glance of the eye, every feature of the countenance, was marked with humility, and expressive of unutterable love. He seemed to be surrounded by an atmosphere of spiritual influence. While His manners were gentle and unassuming, He impressed men with a sense of power that was hidden, yet could not be wholly concealed. Was this the One for whom Israel had so long waited?

I just love this description of Christ. No wonder He drew such large crowds that made the leaders concerned. People looking for something better saw it and wanted it also.
By communion with God in nature, the mind is uplifted, and the heart finds rest.  {DA 291.1}

Pastor Sean Brizendine

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Re: The Desire of Ages--14--We Have Found the Messias
« Reply #48 on: September 19, 2018, 05:27:40 AM »
Amen, Jim! I also was drawn to that same paragraph, but I will also reflect on another:

"The teaching of Christ was the expression of an inwrought conviction and experience, and those who learn of Him become teachers after the divine order. The word of God, spoken by one who is himself sanctified through it, has a life-giving power that makes it attractive to the hearers, and convicts them that it is a living reality. When one has received the truth in the love of it, he will make this manifest in the persuasion of his manner and the tones of his voice. He makes known that which he himself has heard, seen, and handled of the word of life, that others may have fellowship with him through the knowledge of Christ. His testimony, from lips touched with a live coal from off the altar, is truth to the receptive heart, and works sanctification upon the character." {The Desire of Ages, page 142, paragraph 1}

What this tells me is that Christ's character and manner of teaching are to be reduplicated in our lives as we experience His transforming grace. Grace is more than a word, it is the active agency whereby we are drawn to God and experience conversion, so that when we reflect Christ, His character is manifest and others are drawn to Him if their hearts are open to receive the heavenly illumination. May we go about our day exerting a sanctifying influence on others as Christ abides within the soul through continual union and communion with Him!
"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--14--We Have Found the Messias
« Reply #49 on: September 19, 2018, 05:38:40 AM »
  "The teaching of Christ was the expression of an inwrought conviction and experience, and those who learn of Him become teachers after the divine order. The word of God, spoken by one who is himself sanctified through it, has a life-giving power that makes it attractive to the hearers, and convicts them that it is a living reality. When one has received the truth in the love of it, he will make this manifest in the persuasion of his manner and the tones of his voice. He makes known that which he himself has heard, seen, and handled of the word of life, that others may have fellowship with him through the knowledge of Christ. His testimony, from lips touched with a live coal from off the altar, is truth to the receptive heart, and works sanctification upon the character."

The miracle of conversion I can not understand or explain but I do know that it is true. I do not need to understand; I just need to trust and believe. As I submit to the Holy Spirit He then changes my old nature into a nature that operates under the full control of God. My motives, my thinking, my hopes and dreams change. I become a new person. What a thrilling proof of the power of God in the life of a surrendered individual.

Pastor Sean your post came through just seconds before I am ready to send mine. The Holy Spirit has impressed us with the same message this morning. I love how He works.
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--14--We Have Found the Messias
« Reply #50 on: September 19, 2018, 09:22:58 PM »
I love that paragraph, Sister Dorine. I often have to pinch myself and say that what we have seen and heard is the truth right from God. When we love the truth as it is in Jesus, how can we remain quiet? We cannot! We would  burst if we tried to keep it in. We read of this in Job: "I said, I will answer also my part, I also will shew mine opinion. For I am full of matter, the Spirit within me constraineth me. Behold, my belly is as wine which hath no vent; it is ready to burst like new bottles. I will speak, that I may be refreshed: I will open my lips and answer."

And when others listen to us, how do they react? "Testimony, from lips touched with a live coal from off the altar, is truth to the receptive heart, and works sanctification upon the character." This truth about God "has a life-giving power that makes it attractive to the hearers, and convicts them that it is a living reality."  What a privilege is ours to be used by God to share His love and grace!!
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--14--We Have Found the Messias
« Reply #51 on: December 15, 2018, 08:09:30 AM »
"While they trust to the guidance of human authority, none will come to a saving knowledge of the truth. Like Nathanael, we need to study God's word for ourselves, and pray for the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit. He who saw Nathanael under the fig tree will see us in the secret place of prayer. Angels from the world of light are near to those who in humility seek for divine guidance."

It is such a precious privilege today to once again walk with Jesus through the towns and villages, mountainsides and valleys, in the thoroughfares of life and in the secluded places of prayer.

So many are following the counsel of many voices but here we see the example of Nathanael who Jesus saw studying the scriptures for himself as he searched for truth. Is this where Jesus see us? There are many that rely on DVD's, TV evangelists, pastors, teachers etc. for their knowledge in spiritual matters. How dangerous. May we all have our eyes wide open and with humble teachable hearts be found studying the scriptures for ourselves.
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

Pastor Sean Brizendine

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Re: The Desire of Ages--14--We Have Found the Messias
« Reply #52 on: December 15, 2018, 01:07:15 PM »
Amen, Sister Dorine! I just had a conversation with a dear sister in Christ today and encouraged her to rely upon the Bible and Spirit of Prophecy for herself. She does read her Bible, but she stumbled across a certain book (I will not mention which) that was from a Seventh-day Adventist, and she was intrigued to read it. I had some experience knowing that the theology of the author was not correct, and just cautioned her away from it, and pointed her afresh to the inspired sources of truth--the Bible and the Spirit of Prophecy. She was thankful that God had opened our conversation in that direction, was open to the caution, and God blessed!

I also love the idea of how much can be experienced as we come close to people who are near us--as we approach them with love and point them to Jesus!

"There are many who need the ministration of loving Christian hearts. Many have gone down to ruin who might have been saved if their neighbors, common men and women, had put forth personal effort for them. Many are waiting to be personally addressed. In the very family, the neighborhood, the town, where we live, there is work for us to do as missionaries for Christ. If we are Christians, this work will be our delight. No sooner is one converted than there is born within him a desire to make known to others what a precious friend he has found in Jesus. The saving and sanctifying truth cannot be shut up in his heart."  {The Desire of Ages, page 141, paragraph 3}

May we let the light of Jesus' love flow into our hearts, so it may flow out in loving compassion to others! God is so generous and kind, and the more we share of Him, the more we experience His blessing, because our appreciation and comprehension of Him increases!
"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}

Beacon

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Re: The Desire of Ages--14--We Have Found the Messias
« Reply #53 on: March 11, 2019, 08:09:24 PM »
"When the Spirit of God, with its marvelous awakening power, touches the soul, it abases human pride. Worldly pleasure and position and power are seen to be worthless.Imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God” are cast down; every thought is brought into captivity “to the obedience of Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:5. Then humility and self-sacrificing love, so little valued among men, are exalted as alone of worth. This is the work of the gospel, of which John's message was a part."

Jesus has told us..."That ( "without Him we can do nothing" ) We need His spirit of humility and self-sacrificing love. This requires a total trust and surrender of our lives to Him. Do we really mean it when we sing the words..."All to Jesus I surrender - All to Him I freely give?  If we are to be effective vessels for His use...I believe we need to experience this type of conversion. Then and only then will we experience the true joy and satisfaction in sharing His love with others before it's too late.    [/b]

"Many of those gathered at the Jordan had been present at the baptism of Jesus; but the sign then given had been manifest to but few among them. During the preceding months of the Baptist's ministry, many had refused to heed the call to repentance. Thus they had hardened their hearts and darkened their understanding. When Heaven bore testimony to Jesus at His baptism, they perceived it not. Eyes that had never been turned in faith to Him that is invisible beheld not the revelation of the glory of God; ears that had never listened to His voice heard not the words of witness. So it is now." 
Look up and listen for the shout.

Pastor Sean Brizendine

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Re: The Desire of Ages--14--We Have Found the Messias
« Reply #54 on: March 12, 2019, 05:28:50 AM »
Amen, Beacon!

When Jesus reigns on the throne of our hearts, He fills us with the fruits of His character: love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance. Not one of His divine attributes will be missing as long as Christ has His rightful place in our hearts as we are surrendered fully to Him! What a joy to spend time with Jesus and then be able to encourage others to see His loveliness of character, too!

"It is contrition and faith and love that enable the soul to receive wisdom from heaven. Faith working by love is the key of knowledge, and everyone that loveth 'knoweth God.' 1 John 4:7." {The Desire of Ages, page 139, paragraph 3}
"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--14--We Have Found the Messias
« Reply #55 on: March 12, 2019, 10:46:11 AM »
"And he who seeks to give light to others will himself be blessed. "There shall be showers of blessing." "He that watereth shall be watered also himself." Proverbs 11:25. God could have reached His object in saving sinners without our aid; but in order for us to develop a character like Christ's, we must share in His work. In order to enter into His joy,--the joy of seeing souls redeemed by His sacrifice,--we must participate in His labors for their redemption."

This portrays such an intimate relationship that Jesus wants with us. He wants us to work side by side with Him through the ups and downs of such a journey. Not because He can't do the work without us but because He wants us to experience the joy that comes when we are united with Him. The rewards are limitless but many only see the trials and hardships. We need to lift our eyes above the darkness of this life and enter into His presence by spending that thoughtful hour each day. Just me and God.

"If Nathanael had trusted to the rabbis for guidance, he would never have found Jesus. It was by seeing and judging for himself that he became a disciple. So in the case of many today when prejudice withholds from good. How different would be the result if they would "come and see".
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--14--We Have Found the Messias
« Reply #56 on: March 12, 2019, 09:45:16 PM »

Amen, Sister Dorine. What a powerful truth we see here. It is true that seeing His grace we experience great joy, but in the reading we see something else Jesus wants us to do that we might have great joy. Let's look a little closer at your quote.

"And he who seeks to give light to others will himself be blessed. "There shall be showers of blessing." "He that watereth shall be watered also himself." Proverbs 11:25. God could have reached His object in saving sinners without our aid; but in order for us to develop a character like Christ's, we must share in His work. In order to enter into His joy,--the joy of seeing souls redeemed by His sacrifice,--we must participate in His labors for their redemption."

If we want to experience the joy that Christ did, then we need to work as Christ worked. Why? Because His great joy was seeing souls saved. It was His great joy to know that a multitude would be saved because of His great sacrifice. So it will be with all who are truly converted and work as Christ worked. When we do we will understand what is written, for it will be our experience to know this great joy of seeing souls transformed by His grace. These are the two great joys in life. Seeing hearts moved by the grace we witness and share, and the joy we receive when we receive a baptism of the spirit, that we may receive daily by beholding Jesus.
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--14--We Have Found the Messias
« Reply #57 on: March 12, 2019, 09:50:01 PM »
Amen Richard. A very important point that I left out.
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--14--We Have Found the Messias
« Reply #58 on: March 13, 2019, 08:46:59 AM »
Dear Sister Dorine, the Holy Spirit impresses us with different things, so I don't believe you left it out, but rather was impressed with something that God knew would bless you and others. He reminded me of the great joy I have when I see a precious soul moved to tears when they see Jesus as Savior from the ruin in their lives. It is so very sad that so many in the church seldom if ever experience this great joy. I just wanted to point this out that some might catch a glimpse of what can change their lives forever.
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--14--We Have Found the Messias
« Reply #59 on: June 06, 2019, 10:13:10 AM »
"Philip said to Nathanael, "Come and see." He did not ask him to accept another's testimony, but to behold Christ for himself. Now that Jesus has ascended to heaven, His disciples are His representatives among men, and one of the most effective ways of winning souls to Him is in exemplifying His character in our daily life. Our influence upon others depends not so much upon what we say as upon what we are. Men may combat and defy our logic, they may resist our appeals; but a life of disinterested love is an argument they cannot gainsay. A consistent life, characterized by the meekness of Christ, is a power in the world."

In John 15:5 Jesus says to all His disciples..."I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. This implies a daily living connection with Jesus in order to receive through the Holy Spirit all the gifts which Jesus offers for our empowerment "to be and to do His will " and without these attributes given by the Spirit we cannot be effect witnesses. We must be connected to the Vine, the source of all power, wisdom and saving grace.

"The teaching of Christ was the expression of an inwrought conviction and experience, and those who learn of Him become teachers after the divine order. The word of God, spoken by one who is himself sanctified through it, has a life-giving power that makes it attractive to the hearers, and convicts them that it is a living reality. When one has received the truth in the love of it, he will make this manifest in the persuasion of his manner and the tones of his voice. He makes known that which he himself has heard, seen, and handled of the word of life, that others may have fellowship with him through the knowledge of Christ. His testimony, from lips touched with a live coal from off the altar, is truth to the receptive heart, and works sanctification upon the character. "
Look up and listen for the shout.