The Desire of Ages--28--Levi-Matthew

[Beacon]

"But although the Pharisees thought so highly of themselves, they were really in a worse condition than the ones they despised. The publicans were less bigoted and self-sufficient, and thus were more open to the influence of truth. Jesus said to the rabbis, "Go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice." Thus He showed that while they claimed to expound the word of God, they were wholly ignorant of its spirit."

"Man must be emptied of self before he can be, in the fullest sense, a believer in Jesus.

When self is renounced, then the Lord can make man a new creature.

New bottles can contain the new wine. The love of Christ will animate the believer with new life. In him who looks unto the Author and Finisher of our faith the character of Christ will be manifest."

The question that Joshua posed many centuries ago --- is still just as valid today....

Joshua 24:15
And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.

As we celebrate this Sabbath day I can't help but wonder -- What Will Our Response Be?

[Dorine]

"As it was in the days of Christ, so it is now; the Pharisees do not know their spiritual destitution. To them comes the message, "Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: I counsel thee to buy of Me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear." Revelation 3:17, 18. Faith and love are the gold tried in the fire. But with many the gold has become dim, and the rich treasure has been lost. The righteousness of Christ is to them as a robe unworn, a fountain untouched. To them it is said, "I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent." Revelation 2:4, 5.

This is the condition of the church today but individually Christ invites us to repent and return to Him with open hearts that we may receive that gold He speaks of. Our faith and love will expand as we allow Jesus to work in us and for us. But not just for us but for the saving of souls. Then we will have a church ready to go forth in love and faith to spread the gospel and shine with the character of Christ. God has so much truth to reveal to each one. It's old truth made new. It is exhaustless.

[Richard Myers]

Amen Sister Dorine!!  As it was then with God's organized church, so it is today. The teaching leads people to believe they are converted when they are not. It is the heart Jesus wants, the whole heart. Outward obedience and profession is not good enough. We must be dead to self, the character must be free from defects. The heart cleansed from all sin. Though it be as scarlet, the grace of God will purify it if we give it all to Him completely. This is a foreign though to a Laodicean because he is fine just as he is, lost in his sin.

Today there is a most pernicious teaching that declares we all when truly converted retain our character defects and it is only the final generation who are the 144,000 that will be free from their character defects. They give unconverted sinners salvation until then, excusing moral character defects that are covered by the substitution of Christ's righteousness. Christ stands in our place, even in the Investigative Judgment. Some go so far as to teach that the 144,000 do not need the imputed righteousness of Christ, that they have the righteousness of Christ imparted to them. It is true they do have the imparted righteousness of Christ, but they also are in need of His imputed righteousness also.

 "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, Thou wilt not despise." Psalm 51:17. Man must be emptied of self before he can be, in the fullest sense, a believer in Jesus. When self is renounced, then the Lord can make man a new creature. New bottles can contain the new wine. The love of Christ will animate the believer with new life. In him who looks unto the Author and Finisher of our faith the character of Christ will be manifest.

What then is the difference between those living saints at the coming of Christ and those who are truly converted today? There may be enochs in our day, but for most who are converted, they are not able to go through a time of trouble such as never was. Not because they retain character defects, but because their characters have not been matured to be able to have their finger nails pulled out. Jesus could not go through Gethsemane when He was 18 years old. His moral character was always perfect, but not mature. Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;  And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him." Hebrews 5:8,9.

So it is with all when first converted. Conversion is the end of a long protracted process of wooing by the Holy Spirit. Self has been crucified and the Holy Spirit has possession of the heart, the whole heart. All of the fruits of the Spirit are manifested, not one is missing.
 
What of the 144,000 when probation closes? Their characters are close to fully mature, but not yet, no matter what is being taught. It is true that they are settled into the truth so that they will not sin no matter what. But, God leaves them on this Earth for a purpose. He allows Satan to do as he wishes with them, but he cannot kill them. Why? One reason is that the trials will fully mature their characters. They will give much glory to God and vindicate He who came to this dark spot in the universe to suffer and die in our places. The universe will see that Satan's charges against God are untrue. That sinful fallen man can keep God's commands no matter what.

You and I are not there yet, but that does not mean you retain your character defects. Yes, apart from God you will sin, they will be revealed, but not as long as you are fully surrendered to God. Moral character defects are sin. We live in evil fallen flesh. We must keep the flesh which is evil under control which is only possible if we are abiding in Christ and filled with the Holy Spirit. Self is involved and as Paul states, "I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway." 1 Cor. 9:27. "Body," is the flesh. By God's grace self can remain dead, character defects kept under. In him who looks unto the Author and Finisher of our faith the character of Christ will be manifest.

Amen! Keep Jesus at the center of all we teach. It is by grace we are saved, not by our own works.

[Pastor Sean Brizendine]

God heals our characters as we look to Jesus and choose His will of love. Let us grow in grace and behold the true character of Christ on a continual basis!

"'The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, Thou wilt not despise.' Psalm 51:17. Man must be emptied of self before he can be, in the fullest sense, a believer in Jesus. When self is renounced, then the Lord can make man a new creature. New bottles can contain the new wine. The love of Christ will animate the believer with new life. In him who looks unto the Author and Finisher of our faith the character of Christ will be manifest." {The Desire of Ages, page 280, paragraph 4}

As we look to Christ, there is hope for the most broken soul. All of the fruits of the Spirit will be seen in our lives without one missing as long as we choose Him continually!

[Beacon]

"Of the Roman officials in Palestine, none were more hated than the publicans. The fact that the taxes were imposed by a foreign power was a continual irritation to the Jews, being a reminder that their independence had departed. And the taxgatherers were not merely the instruments of Roman oppression; they were extortioners on their own account, enriching themselves at the expense of the people. A Jew who accepted this office at the hands of the Romans was looked upon as betraying the honor of his nation. He was despised as an apostate, and was classed with the vilest of society."

"But"... Jesus saw in this man a heart open for the reception of truth.

Matthew had listened to the Saviour's teaching. As the convicting Spirit of God revealed his sinfulness, he longed to seek help from Christ; but he was accustomed to the exclusiveness of the rabbis, and had no thought that this GreatTeacher would notice him.

"Sitting at his toll booth one day, the publican saw Jesus approaching. Great was his astonishment to hear the words addressed to himself, "Follow Me." Matthew "left all, rose up, and followed Him." There was no hesitation, no questioning, no thought of the lucrative business to be exchanged for poverty and hardship.

It was enough for him that he was to be with Jesus, that he might listen to His words, and unite with Him in His work."

WHAT A TREMENDOUS LESSON ON PRE-JUDGING OTHERS....NO WONDER JESUS SAID in Matthew 7..

"Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye."

[Philip T]

    Sitting at his toll booth one day, the publican saw Jesus approaching. Great was his astonishment to hear the words addressed to himself, "Follow Me."
     Matthew "left all, rose up, and followed Him." There was no hesitation, no questioning, no thought of the lucrative business to be exchanged for poverty and hardship. It was enough for him that he was to be with Jesus, that he might listen to His words, and unite with Him in His work.
     So it was with the disciples previously called. When Jesus bade Peter and his companions follow Him, immediately they left their boats and nets. Some of these disciples had friends dependent on them for support; but when they received the Saviour's invitation, they did not hesitate, and inquire, How shall I live, and sustain my family? They were obedient to the call; and when afterward Jesus asked them, "When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye anything?" they could answer, "Nothing." Luke 22:35.
     To Matthew in his wealth, and to Andrew and Peter in their poverty, the same test was brought; the same consecration was made by each. At the moment of success, when the nets were filled with fish, and the impulses of the old life were strongest, Jesus asked the disciples at the sea to leave all for the work of the gospel. So every soul is tested as to whether the desire for temporal good or for fellowship with Christ is strongest.

The critical test given to Matthew, Andrew and Peter was the same surrender all Jesus and follow Him, this they did without compromise, all that mattered was walking with Jesus. This is the only way to be a true follower/believer in Christ. Are we willing to let go of all this world has to offer and follow Christ?  This is when Jesus and His Helper the Holy Spirit can work in our lives and we can be used to plant God's truth into the hearts of those around us.

[Pastor Sean Brizendine]

Amen, Sister Dorine, Brother Richard, Brother Philip, and Brother Beacon! As we unitedly behold the loveliness of Jesus and experience His true character, we become like Him and we experience true unity!

[Richard Myers]

Amen Pastor Sean. When we surrender the whole heart and mind, not only does Jesus perfect character stand in place of our faulty character, He imparts, gives to us, His moral character with love, joy, and peace. We may not see it in us, but others clearly see we have been transformed in character. There is seen a clear difference between those who love Jesus supremely and those who do not.

[Beacon]

"Sitting at his toll booth one day, the publican saw Jesus approaching. Great was his astonishment to hear the words addressed to himself, "Follow Me." Matthew "left all, rose up, and followed Him." There was no hesitation, no questioning, no thought of the lucrative business to be exchanged for poverty and hardship."

"It was enough for him that he was to be with Jesus, that he might listen to His words, and unite with Him in His work."

WHAT A TREMENDOUS LESSON ON PRE-JUDGING OTHERS....NO WONDER JESUS SAID in
Matthew 7..
"Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye."

[Richard Myers]

Amen Brother Beacon!  We are not to reprove another unless we know we are truly living for Christ and have His Spirit dwelling within. Then we shall have removed the beam from our own eye.

   But although the Pharisees thought so highly of themselves, they were really in a worse condition than the ones they despised. The publicans were less bigoted and self-sufficient, and thus were more open to the influence of truth. Jesus said to the rabbis, "Go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice." Thus He showed that while they claimed to expound the word of God, they were wholly ignorant of its spirit. 

Today we have not only liberals who think they are saved when committing a known sin, but those like the Pharisees who expound the law but have no understanding of its Spirit. They do not expound the fruits of the Spirit, only the law. They see not that they are working against God and the plan of salvation. Let us each morning  behold the loveliness of Jesus that we might be fully surrendered and filled with the Holy Spirit.

[Dorine]

"The teaching of Christ, though it was represented by the new wine, was not a new doctrine, but the revelation of that which had been taught from the beginning. But to the Pharisees the truth of God had lost its original significance and beauty. To them Christ's teaching was new in almost every respect, and it was unrecognized and unacknowledged."

We find the same thinking today. As I listen to many of our brothers and sisters talk that have been raised in this message I wonder at what fountain they are drinking. No matter what the world is doing or saying we must not get caught up with erroneous ideas that contradict the bible. If we are not sure of our relationship with Jesus and if the bible is not our standard to live by in every area of our lives, how will we ever give the pure gospel to those that know no different.

[Pastor Sean Brizendine]

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

May we realize what God truly desires in our characters and go to Jesus to have the experience of character He offers us. When we "behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world" (John 1:29), we will appreciate the new heart He offers us that is cleansed by His atoning blood, renewed by the Holy Spirit, and imbued with all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing! We cannot produce the character God alone can give us, but we can consent and cooperate with Jesus who is seeking to restore in us His image which has been ruined by sin. Thankfully, that work of grace was powerfully wrought out in the life of Levi-Matthew, the fifth disciple Jesus directly called after Andrew, John, Peter and James. The gospel today still has the same power to transform sinners into saints and keep them from falling back into sin.

"'The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, Thou wilt not despise.' Psalm 51:17. Man must be emptied of self before he can be, in the fullest sense, a believer in Jesus. When self is renounced, then the Lord can make man a new creature. New bottles can contain the new wine. The love of Christ will animate the believer with new life. In him who looks unto the Author and Finisher of our faith the character of Christ will be manifest." {The Desire of Ages, page 280, paragraph 4}

Jesus will complete what He has begun in your life if you will but keep looking to Him and yielding fully to Him. No matter how great the trials you face, no matter what people may think of you, let Christ in you the hope of glory keep your focus heavenward in a true character building experience that will reflect love and purity as attributes He most desires in His children!

[Philip T]

  To Matthew in his wealth, and to Andrew and Peter in their poverty, the same test was brought; the same consecration was made by each. At the moment of success, when the nets were filled with fish, and the impulses of the old life were strongest, Jesus asked the disciples at the sea to leave all for the work of the gospel. So every soul is tested as to whether the desire for temporal good or for fellowship with Christ is strongest.

We each must be willing to surrender totally to Jesus, no matter the success of the world in our lives.  Just as Matthew had to give up his lucrative business, The disciples with their nets full and boats near sinking, they had the same test to surrender it to God. We need to do the same today, if we are to follow and work for Christ the test is the same, perhaps a little different in circumstances but the same. Surrender all to Christ today.

[Dorine]

"To Matthew in his wealth, and to Andrew and Peter in their poverty, the same test was brought; the same consecration was made by each. At the moment of success, when the nets were filled with fish, and the impulses of the old life were strongest, Jesus asked the disciples at the sea to leave all for the work of the gospel. So every soul is tested as to whether the desire for temporal good or for fellowship with Christ is strongest."
It always amazes me that although the disciples had families to care for they did not hesitate to leave their professions and follow Jesus. As we are wooed by Jesus we are attracted to His love. Like Peter if we do not resist the promptings of the Holy Spirit we will be drawn to the lovely character of Jesus and will not hesitate to leave all to follow Him where ever He may lead.

[Philip T]

   John the Baptist had rejoiced to behold the Saviour. What occasion for rejoicing had the disciples who were privileged to walk and talk with the Majesty of heaven! This was not a time for them to mourn and fast. They must open their hearts to receive the light of His glory, that they might shed light upon those who sat in darkness and in the shadow of death.

Today as we study the life of Jesus, his teaching in scripture daily, we should be rejoicing in the plan of salvation, in Christs example and teachings for us, with an open, surrendered, and contrite heart to receive the light contained in God's word, and only by receiving it can we shed that light to others. Fill My Cup, Lord

Like the woman at the well
I was seeking
For things that could not satisfy
And then I heard my Savior speaking
"Draw from My well that never shall run dry"

Fill my cup, Lord
I lift it up, Lord
Come and quench this thirsting of my soul
Bread of Heaven, feed me 'til I want no more
Fill my cup, fill it up and make me whole

There are millions in this world
Who are craving
The pleasures, earthly things of gold
But none can match the wondrous treasure
That I find in Jesus Christ my Lord

Fill my cup, Lord
I lift it up, Lord
Come and quench this thirsting of my soul
Bread of Heaven, feed me 'til I want no more
Fill my cup, fill it up and make me whole
Here's my cup, fill it up and make me wholeay this Hymn be our prayer to God today.

[Beacon]

"When Jesus bade Peter and his companions follow Him, immediately they left their boats and nets.

Some of these disciples had friends dependent on them for support; but when they received the Saviour's invitation, they did not hesitate, and inquire, How shall I live, and sustain my family? They were obedient to the call and when afterward Jesus asked them, "When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye anything?" they could answer, "Nothing." Luke 22:35.

 "To Matthew in his wealth, and to Andrew and Peter in their poverty, the same test was brought; the same consecration was made by each."

"At the moment of success, when the nets were filled with fish, and the impulses of the old life were strongest, Jesus asked the disciples at the sea to leave all for the work of the gospel."

"So every soul is tested as to whether the desire for temporal good or for fellowship with Christ is strongest"

WHAT WILL OUR RESPONCE BE?

[Richard Myers]

Amen Brother Beacon!  What will our response be?

Brother Philip, I love that hymn!!

"To Matthew in his wealth, and to Andrew and Peter in their poverty, the same test was brought; the same consecration was made by each. At the moment of success, when the nets were filled with fish, and the impulses of the old life were strongest, Jesus asked the disciples at the sea to leave all for the work of the gospel. So every soul is tested as to whether the desire for temporal good or for fellowship with Christ is strongest."
It always amazes me that although the disciples had families to care for they did not hesitate to leave their professions and follow Jesus. As we are wooed by Jesus we are attracted to His love. Like Peter if we do not resist the promptings of the Holy Spirit we will be drawn to the lovely character of Jesus and will not hesitate to leave all to follow Him where ever He may lead.

Amen Sister Dorine. I was moved by this truth this morning. Which way are we looking, to the unseen world, or this world which is soon to pass away? God help us to look beyond what we see with our eyes to the world which is unseen. That we might be a blessing to those who cannot see beyond their trials in this world.

Our success if all from God for us to glorify Him. Let us keep our eyes upon Jesus that self might remain buried.

[Beacon]

"If there is any good in you, it is wholly attributable to the mercy of a compassionate Saviour."

"Your birth, your reputation, your wealth, your talents, your virtues, your piety, your philanthropy, or anything else in you or connected with you, "Will Not" form a bond of union between your soul and Christ."

"Your connection with the church, the manner in which your brethren regard you, will be of no avail...unless you believe in Christ.

"It is not enough to believe about Him; you must believe in Him. You must rely wholly upon His saving grace."

May our daily prayer be the same as expressed in this hymn written by ...
Mrs. Ada A. Whiddington (1891) & Music by Albert Benjamin Simpson
   
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 acti on,
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.

[Dorine]

"The Pharisees thought themselves too wise to need instruction, too righteous to need salvation, too highly honored to need the honor that comes from Christ. The Saviour turned away from them to find others who would receive the message of heaven. In the untutored fishermen, in the publican at the market place, in the woman of Samaria, in the common people who heard Him gladly, He found His new bottles for the new wine. The instrumentalities to be used in the gospel work are those souls who gladly receive the light which God sends them. These are His agencies for imparting the knowledge of truth to the world. If through the grace of Christ His people will become new bottles, He will fill them with new wine."

Jesus yearns for all to accept Him and follow in His footsteps teaching others what He has taught them. My prayer as I start this new day is that I will be a new bottle for Jesus to fill with new wine. He takes the humble and teachable and makes them extraordinary workers for Him.

[Pastor Sean Brizendine]

Praise the Lord, Brother Beacon and Sister Dorine!

Do you discern the presence of Jesus? Do you realize that He is your personal Savior, and have you surrendered your heart fully so He as your Lord can lead you in the path that is best? As you look to Christ's infinite love, an intelligent appreciation of His self-sacrifice will stir you to "go and do likewise" to what He has done in reflecting His true character--all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing in humble obedience to all of His Ten Commandments! As our High Priest in heaven, He is even now interceding for us to help us walk in His victorious character experience, blotting out our sins that are confessed in true repentance, and preparing us for His soon return in power and great glory!

"When He should come forth from the tomb, their sorrow would be turned to joy. After His ascension He was to be absent in person; but through the Comforter He would still be with them, and they were not to spend their time in mourning. This was what Satan wanted. He desired them to give the world the impression that they had been deceived and disappointed; but by faith they were to look to the sanctuary above, where Jesus was ministering for them; they were to open their hearts to the Holy Spirit, His representative, and to rejoice in the light of His presence. Yet days of temptation and trial would come, when they would be brought into conflict with the rulers of this world, and the leaders of the kingdom of darkness; when Christ was not personally with them, and they failed to discern the Comforter, then it would be more fitting for them to fast." {The Desire of Ages, page 277, paragraph 4}

Christ is waiting to guide each of us in the path that He knows to be best. Constant union and communion with God is open to each of our hearts! Let us rejoice in the Lord always and praise Him who gives the Holy Spirit as we ask and surrender to Him!