Author Topic: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum  (Read 32959 times)

0 Members and 28 Guests are viewing this topic.

Pastor Sean Brizendine

  • Full Member
  • Posts: 3260
  • Following the Lamb
Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
« Reply #120 on: September 09, 2024, 05:18:43 AM »
Amen, Brother Beacon, Sister Dorine and Brother Jim!

Remember--angels are preparing the way!

"Notwithstanding the action of the Sanhedrin against Jesus, the people eagerly awaited the development of His mission. All heaven was astir with interest. Angels were preparing the way for His ministry, moving upon men's hearts, and drawing them to the Saviour." {The Desire of Ages, page 253, paragraph 1}

Just as Jesus' ministry was made effectual by the invisible work of the angels, we can be encouraged that God sends His angels ahead of us to prepare hearts to receive the gospel! All of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing come into the lives of those who fully surrender to Christ, empowering us to live obediently for His glory! Then the very angels that helped us receive the gospel will rejoice that we will get to repopulate heaven and join them in the heavenly family! Praise God!
"When we live by faith on the Son of God, the fruits of the Spirit will be seen in our lives; not one will be missing." {The Desire of Ages, 676.4}

Richard Myers

  • Servant
  • Posts: 46251
  • Grace, more than a word, it is transforming power
    • The Remnant Online
Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
« Reply #121 on: September 09, 2024, 06:21:46 AM »
Amen my dear brothers and sister! So much in today's reading! We read that which God made plain, the gospel has been made difficult to understand.

    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.
     When Satan has undermined faith in the Bible, he directs men to other sources for light and power. Thus he insinuates himself. Those who turn from the plain teaching of Scripture and the convicting power of God's Holy Spirit are inviting the control of demons. Criticism and speculation concerning the Scriptures have opened the way for spiritism and theosophy--those modernized forms of ancient heathenism--to gain a foothold even in the professed churches of our Lord Jesus Christ.


Many professed Christians teach a religion where sin is declared to not be sin, a form of pantheism. If man comes into the world not needing to be born again of the Spirit, then Christ must be in all. Is this not a form of pantheism? It is. Christ does not dwell in any who are not born again. This false religion says that if we do not know something, then we are not guilty of it. In other words, one may not have all of the fruits of the Spirit, but if they do not know this, they declare to be innocent. This is not true. There is nothing in Scripture that says this to be true. One may say, I did not know I had to be transformed in character in order to enter heaven. You may not, but this does not mean you abide in Christ and Christ is in you. This individual does not have eternal life and will not until he is born again of the Spirit. Christ is not in all things, which includes not being in all men.
Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.

Philip T

  • Full Member
  • Posts: 463
Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
« Reply #122 on: September 09, 2024, 10:56:50 AM »
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.


Excitement over Jesus healing of the sick, had caused a great excitement in Capernaum to the point that the work for the winning of souls from sin was at risk of being overlooked, this was not the attention which Jesus wished, He wanted to turn people's attention from this world to Spiritual things. This should be out desire also, to fulfill God's commission to us in Mathew. We need to remain humble realizing we plant the seed, and the Holy Spirit causes it to grow. 

Beacon

  • Full Member
  • Posts: 2315
Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
« Reply #123 on: December 04, 2024, 08:00:45 PM »
"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."

Might it not be similar to the Remnant Church of God in "Our" End Time Generation?? Let's make sure "WE" are not a part of that.!!

=======================
1
Jesus, keep me near the cross,
  There a precious fountain,
Free to all—a healing stream,
  Flows from Calv’ry’s mountain.
 
In the cross, in the cross,
  Be my glory ever;
From the cross my ransomed soul
    Nothing then shall sever.
2
Near the cross, a trembling soul,
  Love and mercy found me;
There the Bright and Morning Star
  Sheds its beams around me.
3
Near the cross! O Lamb of God,
  Bring its scenes before me;
Help me walk from day to day,
  With its shadow o’er me.
4
Near the cross I’ll watch and wait,
  Hoping, trusting ever,
Till I see my Savior’s face,
  Leave His presence never.


Lyrics:Fanny Jane Crosby (1820-1915)
Music:William Howard Doane (1832-1915)
Look up and listen for the shout.

Dorine

  • Full Member
  • Posts: 3145
Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
« Reply #124 on: December 05, 2024, 04:44:06 AM »
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.

We serve a most marvelous God. I kept reading these words over and over this morning. He truly is our fortress. As His character is revealed to us our hearts are calmed and assured that His promises are for each one of us who abide in Him. Never let the devil tell you that you are beyond hope. Take Jesus at His word, live by faith and you will know true freedom and happiness. Trials will come but God will use them to build character that prepares us for heaven.
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

JimB

  • Servant
  • Assistant Administrator
  • Posts: 7839
  • Pro 12:28 in the pathway thereof there is no death
Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
« Reply #125 on: December 05, 2024, 05:03:14 AM »
He often dismissed His disciples to visit their homes and rest; but He gently resisted their efforts to draw Him away from His labors. All day He toiled, teaching the ignorant, healing the sick, giving sight to the blind, feeding the multitude; and at the eventide or in the early morning, He went away to the sanctuary of the mountains for communion with His Father. Often He passed the entire night in prayer and meditation, returning at daybreak to His work among the people.

There is so much in that paragraph but the fact that He toiled all day shouldn't surprise us His love for the world lead Him to the cross so His love for the world would compel Him to help as many as He could while He was here. We are told that all of Heaven's energies are being spent on this planet. Almost as if His whole universe is waiting to bring this whole planet out of quarantine before  continuing with "normal life".  Although, brining us out of quarantine will also change things for ever for whole universe. Amazing!
By communion with God in nature, the mind is uplifted, and the heart finds rest.  {DA 291.1}

Richard Myers

  • Servant
  • Posts: 46251
  • Grace, more than a word, it is transforming power
    • The Remnant Online
Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
« Reply #126 on: December 05, 2024, 05:16:40 AM »
Amen my dear friends. Why does infidelity run riot, and iniquity is rife?

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

Beacon

  • Full Member
  • Posts: 2315
Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
« Reply #127 on: March 01, 2025, 08:02:54 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, 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."


What a wonderful promise from our  God "That He will contend on our behalf. Therefore "WE" can find peace in the storms however strong that our foes might try to send our way!!

=======================
1
All hail the pow’r of Jesus’ name!
  Before Him prostrate fall;
With one accord His praise proclaim,
  And crown Him Lord of all!
2
Ye saints redeemed from Adam’s race,
  Ye ransomed from the fall,
Hail Him who saves you by His grace,
  And crown Him Lord of all.
3
Tell forth the only Name that’s giv’n
  On which we now may call,
The Name adored by hosts in heav’n,
  And crown Him Lord of all.
4
In glory all the ransomed throng
  Soon at His feet shall fall;
Join in the blest eternal song,
  And crown Him Lord of all.

Lyrics:Edward Perronet (1726-1792)
Music:Oliver Holden (1765-1844)
Look up and listen for the shout.

Richard Myers

  • Servant
  • Posts: 46251
  • Grace, more than a word, it is transforming power
    • The Remnant Online
Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
« Reply #128 on: March 02, 2025, 08:33:28 AM »
Amen Brother Beacon! Today's reading reveals to us the battle between good and evil. It reveals the truth and the truth shall make us free. Satan does all he can to pervert the truth.

     So it will be in the great final conflict of the controversy between righteousness and sin. While new life and light and power are descending from on high upon the disciples of Christ, a new life is springing up from beneath, and energizing the agencies of Satan. Intensity is taking possession of every earthly element. With a subtlety gained through centuries of conflict, the prince of evil works under a disguise. He appears clothed as an angel of light, and multitudes are "giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils." 1 Timothy 4:1.
     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.
     When Satan has undermined faith in the Bible, he directs men to other sources for light and power. Thus he insinuates himself. Those who turn from the plain teaching of Scripture and the convicting power of God's Holy Spirit are inviting the control of demons. Criticism and speculation concerning the Scriptures have opened the way for spiritism and theosophy--those modernized forms of ancient heathenism--to gain a foothold even in the professed churches of our Lord Jesus Christ. 


Yes!! He does indeed direct men to other sources of for light and power. Why do so many instead of studying the Word, turn to man who have perverted the Word? Satan rejoices when we turn to others to tell us what the Bible says instead of asking the Holy Spirit to reveal to us what the Bible says. Quit going to man, go to God. Always ask for the Holy Spirit and He will give you love, joy, and peace as the truth is opened unto you. It would ve very good to spend a thoughtful hour a day contemplating the life of Jesus. You will be transformed into the image of God (2 Cor. 3:13).
Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.

Beacon

  • Full Member
  • Posts: 2315
Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
« Reply #129 on: May 27, 2025, 08:00:28 PM »
"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."

"Then Satan has undermined faith in the Bible, he directs men to other sources for light and power." "Thus he insinuates himself."


 "Those who turn from the plain teaching of Scripture and the convicting power of God's Holy Spirit are inviting the control of demons. Criticism and speculation concerning the Scriptures have opened the way for spiritism and theosophy--those modernized forms of ancient heathenism--to gain a foothold even in the professed churches of our Lord Jesus Christ."

"Yes!! He does indeed direct men to other sources of for light and power. Why do so many instead of studying the Word, turn to man who have perverted the Word? Satan rejoices when we turn to others to tell us what the Bible says instead of asking the Holy Spirit to reveal to us what the Bible says." "Quit going to man, go to God. Always ask for the Holy Spirit and He will give you love, joy, and peace as the truth is opened unto you. It would ve very good to spend a thoughtful hour a day contemplating the life of Jesus. You will be transformed into the image of God (2 Cor. 3:13)
."

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

1
Beneath the cross of Jesus
  I fain would take my stand,
The shadow of a mighty Rock
  Within a weary land;
A home within the wilderness,
  A rest upon the way,
From the burning of the noontide heat,
  And the burden of the day.
2
Oh, safe and happy shelter!
  Oh, refuge tried and sweet!
Oh, trysting place where heaven’s love
  And heaven’s justice meet.
As to the holy patriarch
  That wondrous dream was given,
So is my Savior by the cross
  A ladder up to heaven.
3
There lies beneath its shadow,
  But on the farther side,
The darkness of an awful grave
  That gapes both deep and wide;
And there between us stands the cross,
  Two arms outstretched to save,
Like a watchman set to guard the way
  From that eternal grave.
4
Upon that cross of Jesus
  Mine eye at times can see
The very dying form of One,
  Who suffered there for me;
And from my smitten heart, with tears,
  Two wonders I confess,
The wonders of His glorious love,
  And my own worthlessness.
5
I take, O cross, thy shadow
  For my abiding place;
I ask no other sunshine than
  The sunshine of His face;
Content to let the world go by,
  To know no gain nor loss,
My sinful self my only shame,
  My glory all the cross.

Lyrics:Elizabeth Cecilia Clephane (1830-1869)
Music:Frederick Charles Maker (1844-1927)
Look up and listen for the shout.

Richard Myers

  • Servant
  • Posts: 46251
  • Grace, more than a word, it is transforming power
    • The Remnant Online
Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
« Reply #130 on: May 29, 2025, 01:51:29 AM »
Amen Brother Beacon! We all choose what we will do with out time.

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

JimB

  • Servant
  • Assistant Administrator
  • Posts: 7839
  • Pro 12:28 in the pathway thereof there is no death
Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
« Reply #131 on: August 21, 2025, 04:35:40 AM »
His messages of mercy were varied to suit His audience. He knew "how to speak a word in season to him that is weary" (Isaiah 50:4); for grace was poured upon His lips, that He might convey to men in the most attractive way the treasures of truth. He had tact to meet the prejudiced minds, and surprise them with illustrations that won their attention. Through the imagination He reached the heart.

I find it interesting that the creator of us humans recognized the difference between us and varied his message accordingly. He knows how best to reach everyone.
By communion with God in nature, the mind is uplifted, and the heart finds rest.  {DA 291.1}

Richard Myers

  • Servant
  • Posts: 46251
  • Grace, more than a word, it is transforming power
    • The Remnant Online
Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
« Reply #132 on: August 21, 2025, 06:03:12 AM »
Amen my dear Brother Jim. And likewise the Holy Spirit will give us the very same wisdom to reach all we come in contact with. The Spirit opens the ears to those who are seeking truth and gives us Words to speak that can be understood.

     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.
     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. 
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

  • Full Member
  • Posts: 3260
  • Following the Lamb
Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
« Reply #133 on: August 21, 2025, 11:13:29 AM »
Amen, Brother Jim and Brother Richard!

God's word is so powerful. Jesus taught it as of unquestionable authority. He is the Word made flesh, and He is willing to come and abide with us to keep us from yielding to the fallen nature, so we can continually have the victory and fruit of partaking of the divine nature!

"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}

We can be truly happy as we abide in God's word. As we meditate upon it day and night, it ennobles and blesses us to have fresh vigor for the trials of life. The promises of God are especially precious to us as we trust them in our most difficult experiences and find our God to always be faithful to His word, for He cannot lie!
"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}