The Desire of Ages--18--"He Must Increase"

[Pastor Sean Brizendine]

Praise God for Jesus! By beholding Jesus, self can be crucified as we surrender fully to Him; the Holy Spirit can live out His life in us and give us all of the fruits of His character without one missing! God desires to give us His very fullness of character! Test every thought to God's word, and only depend on the ones that are in harmony with His word!!

"So with the followers of Christ. We can receive of heaven's light only as we are willing to be emptied of self. We cannot discern the character of God, or accept Christ by faith, unless we consent to the bringing into captivity of every thought to the obedience of Christ. To all who do this the Holy Spirit is given without measure. In Christ 'dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily, and in Him ye are made full.' Colossians 2:9, 10, R. V." {The Desire of Ages, page 181, paragraph 1}

There is no limit to what we can become in Christ. Letting Christ live out His will and purpose in us is so meaningful! We can become more like Christ day by day as we behold His loveliness of character!!

[JimB]

Amen pastor Sean! and to your point that is exactly what happened to John....

Looking in faith to the Redeemer, John had risen to the height of self-abnegation. He sought not to attract men to himself, but to lift their thoughts higher and still higher, until they should rest upon the Lamb of God. He himself had been only a voice, a cry in the wilderness. Now with joy he accepted silence and obscurity, that the eyes of all might be turned to the Light of life.

We too can with the help of Christ rise to the "height of self-abnegation" where we will not be concerned about whether or not others notice who we are but only that other see Christ in us.

[Dorine]

Amen to the harmony of thoughts. It helps bring strength and spiritual fortitude as we face the daily challenges that come to followers of Christ but most of all it brings joy and praise to our lives as we share the wonderful gospel story. The Holy Spirit helps us live above self.


"The soul of the prophet, emptied of self, was filled with the light of the divine. As he witnessed to the Saviour's glory, his words were almost a counterpart of those that Christ Himself had spoken in His interview with Nicodemus. John said, "He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: He that cometh from heaven is above all. . . . For He whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto Him." Christ could say, "I seek not Mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent Me." John 5:30. To Him it is declared, "Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even Thy God, hath anointed Thee with the oil of gladness above Thy fellows." Hebrews 1:9. The Father "giveth not the Spirit by measure unto Him."     
So with the followers of Christ. We can receive of heaven's light only as we are willing to be emptied of self. We cannot discern the character of God, or accept Christ by faith, unless we consent to the bringing into captivity of every thought to the obedience of Christ. To all who do this the Holy Spirit is given without measure. In Christ "dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily, and in Him ye are made full." Colossians 2:9, 10, R. V.

As we read these important truths may they not be just words to us but life giving truths that will reveal the genuine heart from the presumptuous.

[Richard Myers]

Amen my dear friends! We miss our Brother Beacon!  He is faithful to post every day just as the clock keeps perfect time. We pray he will be back soon!

    So with the followers of Christ. We can receive of heaven's light only as we are willing to be emptied of self. We cannot discern the character of God, or accept Christ by faith, unless we consent to the bringing into captivity of every thought to the obedience of Christ. To all who do this the Holy Spirit is given without measure. In Christ "dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily, and in Him ye are made full." Colossians 2:9, 10, R. V.   
     The disciples of John had declared that all men were coming to Christ; but with clearer insight, John said, "No man receiveth His witness;" so few were ready to accept Him as the Saviour from sin. But "he that hath received His witness hath set his seal to this, that God is true." John 3:33, R. V. "He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life." No need of disputation as to whether Christ's baptism or John's purified from sin. It is the grace of Christ that gives life to the soul. Apart from Christ, baptism, like any other service, is a worthless form. "He that believeth not the Son shall not see life." 

The road to heaven is steep and narrow, but all may succeed if we will daily behold the grace of God. 2 Cor. 3:18 assures us that we can be a reflection of His character.

[Beacon]

"The symbol of the uplifted serpent made plain the Saviour’s mission."

"When the people of Israel were dying from the sting of the fiery serpents, God directed Moses to make a serpent of brass, and place it on high in the midst of the congregation."

"Then the word was sounded throughout the encampment that all who would look upon the serpent should live." "

"The people well knew that in itself the serpent had no power to help them."

"It was a symbol of Christ."

"As the image made in the likeness of the destroying serpents was lifted up for their healing, so One made 'in the likeness of sinful flesh' was to be their Redeemer. Romans 8:3."

"Many of the Israelites regarded the sacrificial service as having in itself virtue to set them free from sin."

"God desired to teach them that it had no more value than that serpent of brass."

"It was to lead their minds to the Saviour."

"Whether for the healing of their wounds or the pardon of their sins, they could do nothing for themselves but show their faith in the Gift of God."

"They were to look and live."

How precious is it that "WE" serve a God who sends such clear messages of Redemption
=============================
1
Day by day, and with each passing moment,
Strength I find to meet my trials here;
Trusting in my Father’s wise bestowment,
I’ve no cause for worry or for fear.
He, whose heart is kind beyond all measure,
Gives unto each day what He deems best,
Lovingly its part of pain and pleasure,
Mingling toil with peace and rest.
2
Every day the Lord Himself is near me,
With a special mercy for each hour;
All my cares He fain would bear and cheer me,
He whose name is Counsellor and Pow’r.
The protection of His child and treasure
Is a charge that on Himself He laid;
“As thy days, thy strength shall be in measure,”
This the pledge to me He made.
3
Help me then, in every tribulation,
So to trust Thy promises, O Lord,
That I lose not faith’s sweet consolation,
Offered me within Thy holy Word.
Help me, Lord, when toil and trouble meeting,
E’er to take, as from a father’s hand,
One by one, the days, the moments fleeting,
Till with Christ the Lord I stand.

Lyrics:Lina Sandell; Translated by A. L. Skoog
Music:Oscar Ahnfeldt

[Dorine]

The soul of the prophet, emptied of self, was filled with the light of the divine. As he witnessed to the Saviour's glory, his words were almost a counterpart of those that Christ Himself had spoken in His interview with Nicodemus. John said, "He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: He that cometh from heaven is above all. . . . For He whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto Him." Christ could say, "I seek not Mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent Me." John 5:30. To Him it is declared, "Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even Thy God, hath anointed Thee with the oil of gladness above Thy fellows." Hebrews 1:9. The Father "giveth not the Spirit by measure unto Him."      
So with the followers of Christ. We can receive of heaven's light only as we are willing to be emptied of self. We cannot discern the character of God, or accept Christ by faith, unless we consent to the bringing into captivity of every thought to the obedience of Christ. To all who do this the Holy Spirit is given without measure. In Christ "dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily, and in Him ye are made full."
Colossians 2:9, 10, R. V.   

This is what I want my life to be at all times. I pray every day for this experience. It's a promise we do not want to miss. God in His mercy, lovingly and patiently works with us to perfect our character's as we humbly submit our hearts to Him. It's not a once in a lifetime experience. It is every day and throughout the day joyfully walking and talking with God and sharing His blessings with others.

[Pastor Sean Brizendine]

Amen, Brother Beacon and Sister Dorine!

Who are you looking to as your authority?

"The people are taught to rely on man for guidance, and thus they fall into error, and are led away from God." {The Desire of Ages, page 182, paragraph 1}

There is ever a temptation to trust what people say or teach, rather than to look to God. Yes, God does work through His church with its varied capabilities (see 1 Corinthians 12), but that does not somehow take away the fact that He is the One who is to lead, speak, and guide each according to His inspired counsel. Test EVERYTHING you think, feel, or hear by the inspired word of God!!

None of us should feel we "must" have a certain teacher, pastor, or leader in order for us to know what is right. God is calling us higher. If they have been led by God, praise the Lord! But they are still finite, and must depend on God moment by moment for guidance and grace in order to fulfill His will in true conversion manifesting the fruits of the Spirit without one missing. The lives of those who are in harmony with God's law, while they are a blessing, are but a reflection of the One to whom we are to look always for guidance in each situation. He clearly promises: "I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with Mine eye" (Psalm 32:. Are you willing to let God lead you? Be prepared for Him to equip you for mission service--where He knows is best!

[Richard Myers]

Amen my dear sister and brothers!!  We are worms and can do no good thing unless fully surrendered to Christ. Then with our effort to do good is added His power!

 Those who are true to their calling as messengers for God will not seek honor for themselves. Love for self will be swallowed up in love for Christ. No rivalry will mar the precious cause of the gospel. They will recognize that it is their work to proclaim, as did John the Baptist, "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." John 1:29. They will lift up Jesus, and with Him humanity will be lifted up. "Thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones." Isaiah 57:15. 

[Beacon]

"Love for self will be swallowed up in love for Christ."

"No rivalry will mar the precious cause of the gospel."

"They will recognize that it is their work to proclaim, as did John the Baptist, "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." John 1:29."

"They will lift up Jesus, and with Him humanity will be lifted up."

"Thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy;"

"I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones." Isaiah 57:15."

WE must NEVER let SELF become the main focus in our work for Jesus BECAUSE Jesus Paid it ALL!!

=======================

1
Christ our Redeemer died on the cross,
  Died for the sinner, paid all his due;
Sprinkle your soul with the blood of the Lamb,
  “And I will pass, will pass over you.”
 
“When I see the blood,
When I see the blood,
When I see the blood,
  I will pass, I will pass over you.”
2
Chiefest of sinners, Jesus will save;
  All He has promised, that will He do;
Wash in the fountain opened for sin,
  “And I will pass, will pass over you.”
3
Judgment is coming, all will be there,
  Each one receiving justly his due;
Hide in the saving, sin-cleansing blood,
  “And I will pass, will pass over you.”
4
O great compassion! O boundless love!
  O loving kindness, faithful and true!
Find peace and shelter under the blood,
  “And I will pass, will pass over you.”
 
The Lamb’s wondrous blood!
The Lamb’s glorious blood!
The Lamb’s precious blood!
Once God sees it, He’ll pass over you.

Lyrics:Adapted from John G. Foote; Translated from Chinese, second chorus
Music:John G. Foote

[Richard Myers]

Amen Brother Beacon!!  We must keep our eyes upon Jesus.

 Jesus knew that they would spare no effort to create a division between His own disciples and those of John. He knew that the storm was gathering which would sweep away one of the greatest prophets ever given to the world. Wishing to avoid all occasion for misunderstanding or dissension, He quietly ceased His labors, and withdrew to Galilee. We also, while loyal to truth, should try to avoid all that may lead to discord and misapprehension. For whenever these arise, they result in the loss of souls. Whenever circumstances occur that threaten to cause division, we should follow the example of Jesus and of John the Baptist. 

[JimB]

So with the followers of Christ. We can receive of heaven's light only as we are willing to be emptied of self. We cannot discern the character of God, or accept Christ by faith, unless we consent to the bringing into captivity of every thought to the obedience of Christ. To all who do this the Holy Spirit is given without measure. In Christ "dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily, and in Him ye are made full." Colossians 2:9, 10, R. V. 

What a promise! But it does come at a cost. We have to be willing to empty ourselves of ourselves. Then Christ can use us to His glory.