Author Topic: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum (Read 32981 times)

Pastor Sean Brizendine · « **Reply #80 on:** April 25, 2022, 05:00:21 AM »

Let us choose to have Christ rule in our hearts by His word through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit! As we do, all of the fruits of the Spirit will be present in the character that is in constant union and communion with God by a living faiths surrender! There is no greater joy than to be in God's will!

"Every man is free to choose what power he will have to rule over him. None have fallen so low, none are so vile, but that they can find deliverance in Christ. The demoniac, in place of prayer, could utter only the words of Satan; yet the heart's unspoken appeal was heard. No cry from a soul in need, though it fail of utterance in words, will be unheeded. Those who will consent to enter into covenant relation with the God of heaven are not left to the power of Satan or to the infirmity of their own nature. They are invited by the Saviour, 'Let him take hold of My strength, that he may make peace with Me; and he shall make peace with Me.' Isaiah 27:5. The spirits of darkness will battle for the soul once under their dominion, but angels of God will contend for that soul with prevailing power. The Lord says, 'Shall the prey be taken from the mighty, or the lawful captive delivered? . . . Thus saith the Lord, Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered: for I will contend with him that contendeth with thee, and I will save thy children.' Isaiah 49:24, 25." {The Desire of Ages, page 258, paragraph 6}

May we learn continually how much we need Jesus and how His power can lift us above the clamors of our fallen nature, no matter how strong the temptations may seem, for Christ has defeated the devil and taken our fallen humanity to Calvary to let us know that self can be subdued through continual submission of the will to God! Then in death to self in Christ we can rejoice in the resurrection power of His endless life!

Dorine · « **Reply #81 on:** April 25, 2022, 06:48:20 AM »

"...Quietly and gently the daylight breaks upon the earth, dispelling the shadow of darkness, and waking the world to life. So did the Sun of Righteousness arise, "with healing in His wings." Malachi 4:2.

The world is wound up tight, depleting their physical and mental reserves.

We read in the book, Ministry Of Healing, "The Saviour in His miracles revealed the power that is continually at work in man's behalf, to sustain and to heal him. Through the agencies of nature, God is working, day by day, hour by hour, moment by moment, to keep us alive, to build up and restore us. When any part of the body sustains injury, a healing process is at once begun; nature's agencies are set at work to restore soundness. But the power working through these agencies is the power of God. All life-giving power is from Him. When one recovers from disease, it is God who restores him. {MH 112.1}

Richard Myers · « **Reply #82 on:** April 25, 2022, 08:08:10 AM »

Quote from: Beacon on April 24, 2022, 08:06:45 PM

"When once the restraints of God's word and His Spirit are rejected, no man knows to what depths of degradation he may sink."

Secret sin or master passion may hold him a captive as helpless as was the demoniac of Capernaum."

"Yet his condition is not hopeless."

Amen Brother Beacon!! When we those like Saul the Persecutor in the church, we ought judge him hopeless. If God has power transform Saul and the demoniac, and He does, then how can we judge any man hopeless. Every man is free to choose what power he will have to rule over him. None have fallen so low, none are so vile, but that they can find deliverance in Christ.

Quote from: Pastor Sean Brizendine on April 25, 2022, 05:00:21 AM

May we learn continually how much we need Jesus and how His power can lift us above the clamors of our fallen nature, no matter how strong the temptations may seem, for Christ has defeated the devil and taken our fallen humanity to Calvary to let us know that self can be subdued through continual submission of the will to God! Then in death to self in Christ we can rejoice in the resurrection power of His endless life!

Amen Pastor Sean!!

Quote from: Dorine on April 25, 2022, 06:48:20 AM

Through the agencies of nature, God is working, day by day, hour by hour, moment by moment, to keep us alive, to build up and restore us.

Amen Sister Dorine!! He keeps us alive that we might have time to learn of Him, that by beholding His glory (character) we be transformed into His image (character). See 2 Cor. 3:18.

I found an important statement this morning that ought to help us as we labor for others:

The rabbis spoke with doubt and hesitancy, as if the Scriptures might be interpreted to mean one thing or exactly the opposite. The hearers were daily involved in greater uncertainty. But Jesus taught the Scriptures as of unquestionable authority. Whatever His subject, it was presented with power, as if His words could not be controverted.
Yet He was earnest, rather than vehement. He spoke as one who had a definite purpose to fulfill. He was bringing to view the realities of the eternal world. In every theme God was revealed. Jesus sought to break the spell of infatuation which keeps men absorbed in earthly things. He placed the things of this life in their true relation, as subordinate to those of eternal interest; but He did not ignore their importance. He taught that heaven and earth are linked together, and that a knowledge of divine truth prepares men better to perform the duties of everyday life. He spoke as one familiar with heaven, conscious of His relationship to God, yet recognizing His unity with every member of the human family.

Yes, we know we ought to teach with the authority of Scripture as did Jesus, but that was not what I saw this morning. It was what happens when we share the truth. It works for us in our daily devotions, and with others as we share the truth. "....that a knowledge of divine truth prepares men better to perform the duties of everyday life."

We make an example of our lives when we spend a thoughtful hour with Jesus obtaining a knowledge of divine truth daily. And, by so doing we are being transformed into His character daily, we are dying to self daily, and we are being prepared to perform the duties of everyday life this one day.

May God bless our work today that in some way we can hasten the soon coming of Jesus!

Beacon · « **Reply #83 on:** July 20, 2022, 08:00:59 PM »

"In every theme Jesus talked about God was revealed."

"Jesus sought to break the spell of infatuation which keeps men absorbed in earthly things."

"He placed the things of this life in their true relation, as subordinate to those of eternal interest.

"He did not ignore their importance."

"He taught that heaven and earth are linked together, and that a knowledge of divine truth prepares men better to perform the duties of everyday life."

"None have fallen so low, none are so vile, but that they can find deliverance in Christ."

What a wonderful promise in included in the above statement. Let "US" claim it "TODAY ".

==============================
1
Not I, but Christ be honored, loved, exalted,
Not I, but Christ be seen, be known and heard;
Not I, but Christ in every look and action,
Not I, but Christ in every thought and word.
Oh, to be saved from myself, dear Lord,
Oh, to be lost in Thee,
Oh, that it may be no more I,
But Christ that lives in me.
2
Not I, but Christ to gently soothe in sorrow,
Not I, but Christ to wipe the falling tear;
Not I, but Christ to lift the weary burden,
Not I, but Christ to hush away all fear.
3
Christ, only Christ, no idle word e’er falling,
Christ, only Christ, no needless bustling sound;
Christ, only Christ, no self-important bearing,
Christ, only Christ, no trace of I be found.
4
Not I, but Christ my every need supplying,
Not I, but Christ my strength and health to be;
Christ, only Christ, for spirit, soul, and body,
Christ, only Christ, live then Thy life in me.
5
Christ, only Christ, ere long will fill my vision,
Glory excelling soon, full soon I’ll see;
Christ, only Christ, my every wish fulfilling,
Christ, only Christ, my all in all to be.

Lyrics:Mrs. Ada A. Whiddington (1891)
Music:Albert Benjamin Simpson (1843-1919)

Pastor Sean Brizendine · « **Reply #84 on:** July 21, 2022, 04:32:11 AM »

Amen, Brother Beacon!!

Freedom is what we need. And freedom from sin can only be found in Christ. Through a complete surrender of the heart, mind and will to Him, all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing will be manifest in the life that is centered in Him. Christ living in the soul then constrains us out of love to obey Him up to the light He has revealed to us! Let us walk in this glorious freedom!!

"Every man is free to choose what power he will have to rule over him. None have fallen so low, none are so vile, but that they can find deliverance in Christ. The demoniac, in place of prayer, could utter only the words of Satan; yet the heart's unspoken appeal was heard. No cry from a soul in need, though it fail of utterance in words, will be unheeded. Those who will consent to enter into covenant relation with the God of heaven are not left to the power of Satan or to the infirmity of their own nature. They are invited by the Saviour, 'Let him take hold of My strength, that he may make peace with Me; and he shall make peace with Me.' Isaiah 27:5. The spirits of darkness will battle for the soul once under their dominion, but angels of God will contend for that soul with prevailing power. The Lord says, 'Shall the prey be taken from the mighty, or the lawful captive delivered? . . . Thus saith the Lord, Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered: for I will contend with him that contendeth with thee, and I will save thy children.' Isaiah 49:24, 25." {The Desire of Ages, page 258, paragraph 6}

What promises God offers us! Let us keep our eyes of faith fixed on Christ and overcome even as He did--by the power of the word of God!!

Dorine · « **Reply #85 on:** July 21, 2022, 04:47:25 AM »

"The means by which we can overcome the wicked one is that by which Christ overcame,--the power of the word. God does not control our minds without our consent; but if we desire to know and to do His will, His promises are ours: "Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." "If any man willeth to do His will, he shall know of the teaching." John 8:32; 7:17, R. V. Through faith in these promises, every man may be delivered from the snares of error and the control of sin."

To be an overcomer we must commit quality time to God's word everyday. It's doesn't come from just the act of reading but from surrendering our will to God and digesting the truths that are there. He then transforms our characters and gives us power to resist temptation. We may need to go to Him many times through out the day to maintain that saving relationship. There is such joy and happiness in obedience to His word and others will be blessed by our company for Jesus will be revealed in our words and actions through the abundance of fruit given through the Holy spirit.

Richard Myers · « **Reply #86 on:** July 21, 2022, 09:41:03 AM »

Amen my brothers and sister! The world unseen is what Jesus wants us to see. It would be well if we were to spend a thoughtful hour each contemplating the life of Jesus. We testify that it is well when we spend this time with Jesus.

"If we desire to know and do His will...." If we do not want to do His will then why would He reveal His truth? The leaders of Israel were not interested in knowing or doing the will of God, thus they fell under the control of Satan. So it is today with many leaders and teachers who profess to love and serve God.

In the days of Christ the leaders and teachers of Israel were powerless to resist the work of Satan. They were neglecting the only means by which they could have withstood evil spirits. It was by the word of God that Christ overcame the wicked one. The leaders of Israel professed to be the expositors of God's word, but they had studied it only to sustain their traditions, and enforce their man-made observances. By their interpretation they made it express sentiments that God had never given. Their mystical construction made indistinct that which He had made plain. They disputed over insignificant technicalities, and practically denied the most essential truths. Thus infidelity was sown broadcast. God's word was robbed of its power, and evil spirits worked their will.
History is repeating. With the open Bible before them, and professing to reverence its teachings, many of the religious leaders of our time are destroying faith in it as the word of God. They busy themselves with dissecting the word, and set their own opinions above its plainest statements. In their hands God's word loses its regenerating power. This is why infidelity runs riot, and iniquity is rife.

Beacon · « **Reply #87 on:** October 15, 2022, 08:32:38 PM »

"No cry from a soul in need, though it fail of utterance in words, will be unheeded."

"Those who will consent to enter into covenant relation with the God of heaven are not left to the power of Satan or to the infirmity of their own nature".

"They are invited by the Saviour, 'Let him take hold of My strength, that he may make peace with Me; and he shall make peace with Me." Isaiah 27:5.

"The spirits of darkness will battle for the soul once under their dominion."

"However the angels of God will contend for that soul with prevailing power."

"The Lord says, 'Shall the prey be taken from the mighty, or the lawful captive delivered? . . . Thus saith the Lord, Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered: for I will contend with him that contendeth with thee, and I will save thy children.' Isaiah 49:24, 25."

What awesome promises are given by Jesus. My prayer today is that " All of Us may have the Courage and Faith to take Him at His Word. I think this would be a good time for all of us to re-read Ps.23 again.

===============================
1
Standing on the promises of Christ my King,
Through eternal ages let His praises ring,
Glory in the highest, I will shout and sing,
Standing on the promises of God.
Standing, standing,
Standing on the promises of God my Savior;
Standing, standing,
I’m standing on the promises of God.
2
Standing on the promises that cannot fail,
When the howling storms of doubt and fear assail,
By the living Word of God I shall prevail,
Standing on the promises of God.
3
Standing on the promises I now can see
Perfect, present cleansing in the blood for me;
Standing in the liberty where Christ makes free,
Standing on the promises of God.
4
Standing on the promises of Christ the Lord,
Bound to Him eternally by love’s strong cord,
Overcoming daily with the Spirit’s sword,
Standing on the promises of God.
5
Standing on the promises I shall not fall,
List’ning every moment to the Spirit’s call.
Resting in my Savior as my All in all,
Standing on the promises of God.

Lyrics & Music : Russell Kelso Carter (1849-1928)

Dorine · « **Reply #88 on:** October 16, 2022, 05:59:57 AM »

"Not until the last sufferer had been relieved did Jesus cease His work. It was far into the night when the multitude departed, and silence settled down upon the home of Simon. The long, exciting day was past, and Jesus sought rest. But while the city was still wrapped in slumber, the Saviour, "rising up a great while before day, . . . went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed."

Could this be the key to receiving victory in our daily lives? Early morning appointments with Jesus is a very special sacred time spent in His presence. We have a personal audience with God. In those quiet moments we may pour out our hearts to Him and through His word hear Him speak to us. Then throughout the day the Holy Spirit will bring to our memory that sweet, divinely intimate occasion. There is power in prayer and time spent with God first thing each day that protects us from the enemy and infuses us with the fruits of the Spirit. What joy it is to walk with Jesus.

Philip T · « **Reply #89 on:** October 16, 2022, 08:20:03 AM »

Jesus met the people on their own ground, as one who was acquainted with their perplexities. He made truth beautiful by presenting it in the most direct and simple way. His language was pure, refined, and clear as a running stream. His voice was as music to those who had listened to the monotonous tones of the rabbis. But while His teaching was simple, He spoke as one having authority. This characteristic set His teaching in contrast with that of all others. The rabbis spoke with doubt and hesitancy, as if the Scriptures might be interpreted to mean one thing or exactly the opposite. The hearers were daily involved in greater uncertainty. But Jesus taught the Scriptures as of unquestionable authority. Whatever His subject, it was presented with power, as if His words could not be controverted.

Just as Jesus presented the word of God, as our example, we should present his word to others in the same way. using simple direct words, presenting the truth with love and kindness in our voices, speaking with authority keeping the message simple on a level that the listener can understand.

Pastor Sean Brizendine · « **Reply #90 on:** October 16, 2022, 11:05:15 AM »

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

What a joy it is to let Christ by His word transform our character experience into that which is victorious in Him! He offers us His presence in His word and by yielding fully to His divine nature in His word we are imbued with all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing, empowered simultaneously to obey God gladly up to the light He has revealed on our pathway!

"The means by which we can overcome the wicked one is that by which Christ overcame,—the power of the word. God does not control our minds without our consent; but if we desire to know and to do His will, His promises are ours: 'Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.' 'If any man willeth to do His will, he shall know of the teaching.' John 8:32; 7:17, R. V. Through faith in these promises, every man may be delivered from the snares of error and the control of sin." {The Desire of Ages, page 258, paragraph 5}

Jesus will not fail us; He is able to keep us from falling, and by His grace we are strengthened for the daily tests and trials to reflect Him and not the weakness of self. Praise the Lord for such a Savior who is now interceding in heaven for us and soon to return to take us to the home He has prepared for us! It is all promised in His word!!

Richard Myers · « **Reply #91 on:** October 18, 2022, 08:45:19 PM »

Love, joy, and peace is ours for the taking. One of the great joys we experience is when seeking we find one who is looking for truth.....and as we share it, the countenance reveals they understand and appreciate it. Every day are we seeking for the lost? If not, we are forgoing much joy!

Jesus watched with deep earnestness the changing countenances of His hearers. The faces that expressed interest and pleasure gave Him great satisfaction. As the arrows of truth pierced to the soul, breaking through the barriers of selfishness, and working contrition, and finally gratitude, the Saviour was made glad. When His eye swept over the throng of listeners, and He recognized among them the faces He had before seen, His countenance lighted up with joy. He saw in them hopeful subjects for His kingdom. When the truth, plainly spoken, touched some cherished idol, He marked the change of countenance, the cold, forbidding look, which told that the light was unwelcome. When He saw men refuse the message of peace, His heart was pierced to the very depths.

Not only was Jesus lighted up with joy then, so it is today when you and I thank Him for revealing truth to us each and every day!! Let us not forget how much we please Him when we walk in His path!

Beacon · « **Reply #92 on:** January 10, 2023, 08:24:20 PM »

"It was by the word of God that Christ overcame the wicked one."

"The leaders of Israel professed to be the expositors of God's word, but they had studied it only to sustain their traditions, and enforce their man-made observances."

""By their interpretation they made it express sentiments that God had never given."

"Their mystical construction made indistinct that which He had made plain."

"They disputed over insignificant technicalities, and practically denied the most essential truths."

"Thus infidelity was sown broadcast."

"God's word was robbed of its power, and evil spirits worked their will."

"History is repeating."

"With the open Bible before them, and professing to reverence its teachings, many of the religious leaders of our time are destroying faith in it as the word of God. They busy themselves with dissecting the word, and set their own opinions above its plainest statements. In their hands God's word loses its regenerating power."

"This is why infidelity runs riot, and iniquity is rife."

I pray that each one of "US" will "Take Time to be Holy and Speak Oft with Our Lord." Thus placing our feet and mind on and in the right path so that "WE" will correctly and lovingly truly represent our Jesus in the manner and thereby draw others to " HIM".

=======================
1
Open my eyes that I may see
Glimpses of truth Thou hast for me;
Place in my hands the wonderful key
That shall unclasp and set me free.
Silently now I wait for Thee,
Ready, my God, Thy will to see;
Open my eyes, illumine me,
Spirit Divine!
2
Open my ears that I may hear
Voices of truth Thou sendest clear;
And while the wave notes fall on my ear,
Everything false will disappear.
3
Open my mouth and let me bear
Tidings of mercy everywhere;
Open my heart and let me prepare
Love with Thy children thus to share.
4
Open my mind that I may read
More of Thy love in word and deed;
What shall I fear while yet Thou dost lead?
Only for light from Thee I plead.

Lyrics:Clara H. Scott
Music:Clara H. Scott

Pastor Sean Brizendine · « **Reply #93 on:** January 11, 2023, 05:55:16 AM »

Amen, Brother Beacon!!

What a wonderful Savior we have in Jesus! Look to Him and be saved, yield the whole heart to Him to have Him convert it from selfishness to unselfish, holy love that delights to obey God! Allow Him to lead you into all truth by the Holy Spirit, and expect God to do great things!

"His tender compassion fell with a touch of healing upon weary and troubled hearts. Even amid the turbulence of angry enemies He was surrounded with an atmosphere of peace. The beauty of His countenance, the loveliness of His character, above all, the love expressed in look and tone, drew to Him all who were not hardened in unbelief. Had it not been for the sweet, sympathetic spirit that shone out in every look and word, He would not have attracted the large congregations that He did. The afflicted ones who came to Him felt that He linked His interest with theirs as a faithful and tender friend, and they desired to know more of the truths He taught. Heaven was brought near. They longed to abide in His presence, that the comfort of His love might be with them continually." {The Desire of Ages, page 254, paragraph 4}

All of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing come into the life of one who surrenders fully to Jesus and follows in true obedience all the light shining on the pathway to heaven! Let's look up to Jesus and remember how He lived His life on earth--for His experience may be ours!

Dorine · « **Reply #94 on:** January 12, 2023, 07:26:40 AM »

"His tender compassion fell with a touch of healing upon weary and troubled hearts. Even amid the turbulence of angry enemies He was surrounded with an atmosphere of peace. The beauty of His countenance, the loveliness of His character, above all, the love expressed in look and tone, drew to Him all who were not hardened in unbelief. Had it not been for the sweet, sympathetic spirit that shone out in every look and word, He would not have attracted the large congregations that He did. The afflicted ones who came to Him felt that He linked His interest with theirs as a faithful and tender friend, and they desired to know more of the truths He taught. Heaven was brought near. They longed to abide in His presence, that the comfort of His love might be with them continually.

May we abide in the presence of Jesus every day so that what others see in us is a people that know Jesus and have been transformed by Him into His character.

Beacon · « **Reply #95 on:** April 06, 2023, 08:14:20 PM »

"Even amid the turbulence of angry enemies, Jesus was surrounded with an atmosphere of peace. "

"The beauty of His countenance, the loveliness of His character, above all, the love expressed in look and tone, drew to Him all who were not hardened in unbelief."

"Had it not been for the sweet, sympathetic spirit that shone out in every look and word, He would not have attracted the large congregations that He did.

"The afflicted ones who came to Him felt that He linked His interest with theirs as a faithful and tender friend, and they desired to know more of the truths He taught."

"Heaven was brought near."

"They longed to abide in His presence, that the comfort of His love might be with them continually."

"The faces that expressed interest and pleasure gave Him great satisfaction."

'As the arrows of truth pierced to the soul, breaking through the barriers of selfishness, and working contrition, and finally gratitude, the Saviour was made glad."

"He saw in them hopeful subjects for His kingdom."

" But when the truth, plainly spoken, touched some cherished idol, He marked the change of countenance, the cold, forbidding look, which told that the light was unwelcome."

"When He saw men refuse the message of peace, His heart was pierced to the very depths."

Jesus said, " You are either for me or against me." I chose to Surrender All To Jesus how about "YOU"?

=======================
1
All to Jesus I surrender,
All to Him I freely give;
I will ever love and trust Him,
In His presence daily live.
I surrender all,
I surrender all.
All to Thee, my blessed Savior,
I surrender all.
2
All to Jesus I surrender,
Humbly at His feet I bow,
Worldly pleasures all forsaken;
Take me, Jesus, take me now.
3
All to Jesus I surrender,
Make me, Savior, wholly Thine;
Let me feel Thy Holy Spirit,
Truly know that Thou art mine.
4
All to Jesus I surrender,
Lord, I give myself to Thee;
Fill me with Thy love and power,
Let Thy blessing fall on me.
5
All to Jesus I surrender,
Now I feel the sacred flame.
Oh, the joy of full salvation!
Glory, glory to His name!

Lyrics:Judson W. Van de Venter (1855-1939)
Music:Winfield Scott Weeden (1847-1908)

Richard Myers · « **Reply #96 on:** April 07, 2023, 08:11:16 AM »

Amen Brother Beacon!! It is also our great joy to find those who appreciate truth! All who desire to know truth that we might walk in it will be given the truth and set free from sin.

The means by which we can overcome the wicked one is that by which Christ overcame,--the power of the word. God does not control our minds without our consent; but if we desire to know and to do His will, His promises are ours: "Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." "If any man willeth to do His will, he shall know of the teaching." John 8:32; 7:17, R. V. Through faith in these promises, every man may be delivered from the snares of error and the control of sin.

Pastor Sean Brizendine · « **Reply #97 on:** April 07, 2023, 09:42:11 AM »

Amen, Brother Beacon and Brother Richard!!!

As we remember Jesus this Good Friday, let's remember that His salvation is accessible to ALL of us! Let's choose to accept His grace and power to deliver us from Satan and set us free from all sin! By surrendering fully to Christ, all of the fruits of the Spirit will be manifest in our lives without one missing!

"Every man is free to choose what power he will have to rule over him. None have fallen so low, none are so vile, but that they can find deliverance in Christ. The demoniac, in place of prayer, could utter only the words of Satan; yet the heart's unspoken appeal was heard. No cry from a soul in need, though it fail of utterance in words, will be unheeded. Those who will consent to enter into covenant relation with the God of heaven are not left to the power of Satan or to the infirmity of their own nature. They are invited by the Saviour, 'Let him take hold of My strength, that he may make peace with Me; and he shall make peace with Me.' Isaiah 27:5. The spirits of darkness will battle for the soul once under their dominion, but angels of God will contend for that soul with prevailing power. The Lord says, 'Shall the prey be taken from the mighty, or the lawful captive delivered? ... Thus saith the Lord, Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered: for I will contend with him that contendeth with thee, and I will save thy children.' Isaiah 49:24, 25." {The Desire Ages, page 258, paragraph 6}

Richard Myers · « **Reply #98 on:** July 03, 2023, 06:23:43 AM »

Amen Pastor Sean! That promise is so very precious to all who have children! Another precious promise is revealed in today's reading. "If any man willeth to do His will, he shall know of the teaching." John 7:17.

Side by side with the preaching of the gospel, agencies are at work which are but the medium of lying spirits. Many a man tampers with these merely from curiosity, but seeing evidence of the working of a more than human power, he is lured on and on, until he is controlled by a will stronger than his own. He cannot escape from its mysterious power.
The defenses of the soul are broken down. He has no barrier against sin. When once the restraints of God's word and His Spirit are rejected, no man knows to what depths of degradation he may sink. Secret sin or master passion may hold him a captive as helpless as was the demoniac of Capernaum. Yet his condition is not hopeless.
The means by which we can overcome the wicked one is that by which Christ overcame,--the power of the word. God does not control our minds without our consent; but if we desire to know and to do His will, His promises are ours: "Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." "If any man willeth to do His will, he shall know of the teaching." John 8:32; 7:17, R. V. Through faith in these promises, every man may be delivered from the snares of error and the control of sin.

Pastor Sean Brizendine · « **Reply #99 on:** July 03, 2023, 06:42:59 AM »

Amen, Brother Richard!

Let us follow Jesus and remember why He came to this earth! He did a lot of ministry in Capernaum, but He yearned to turn people's attention to what was spiritual and eternal, away from the sensational and popular errors of his time. So it is today. Rather than getting caught up in the confusion of society, let us seek to implant eternal principles by sharing the word of God that helps people to see God's love and trust Him no matter what their circumstances may be. When we fully surrender to Jesus, because of His sacrifice of Himself on the cross in shedding His blood to save and cleanse us, we can experience a new heart and mind imbued with all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing! Christ living in the soul, the hope of glory, makes true obedience to God's commandments a joyful reality!

"In the excitement which then pervaded Capernaum, there was danger that the object of His mission would be lost sight of. Jesus was not satisfied to attract attention to Himself merely as a wonder worker or a healer of physical diseases. He was seeking to draw men to Him as their Saviour. While the people were eager to believe that He had come as a king, to establish an earthly reign, He desired to turn their minds away from the earthly to the spiritual. Mere worldly success would interfere with His work." {The Desire of Ages, page 260, paragraph 2}

Praise God that Jesus came in the manner that He did to help guide our priorities and focus if we will but trust and follow Him based on His word. Each day presents new opportunities for implanting truth in the minds of those around us. May we do so because we rely on Jesus working in and through us by the Holy Spirit to the glory of our Father in heaven!