Author Topic: The Desire of Ages--31--The Sermon on the Mount  (Read 17054 times)

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Richard Myers

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Re: The Desire of Ages--31--The Sermon on the Mount
« Reply #20 on: January 18, 2018, 05:34:36 AM »
Amen, Pastor Sean. The gospel has great power. I love this chapter. Jesus is preaching to a Laodicean people. They thought themselves rich and increased with goods, but knew not they were lost. So, it is a great light to us today.

     The world loves sin, and hates righteousness, and this was the cause of its hostility to Jesus. All who refuse His infinite love will find Christianity a disturbing element. The light of Christ sweeps away the darkness that covers their sins, and the need of reform is made manifest. While those who yield to the influence of the Holy Spirit begin war with themselves, those who cling to sin war against the truth and its representatives.

     Thus strife is created, and Christ’s followers are accused as troublers of the people. But it is fellowship with God that brings them the world’s enmity. They are bearing the reproach of Christ. They are treading the path that has been trodden by the noblest of the earth. Not with sorrow, but with rejoicing, should they meet persecution. Each fiery trial is God’s agent for their refining. Each is fitting them for their work as colaborers with Him. Each conflict has its place in the great battle for righteousness, and each will add to the joy of their final triumph. Having this in view, the test of their faith and patience will be cheerfully accepted rather than dreaded and avoided. Anxious to fulfill their obligation to the world, fixing their desire upon the approval of God, His servants are to fulfill every duty, irrespective of the fear or the favor of men.

     “Ye are the salt of the earth,” Jesus said. Do not withdraw yourselves from the world in order to escape persecution. You are to abide among men, that the savor of the divine love may be as salt to preserve the world from corruption.

We remember that it is the highest honor and the most weighty trust to partake in the sufferings of our Savior. Then let us today glory in our tribulation, that will come if we are colaborers with Him who gave all for us.
Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.

Pastor Sean Brizendine

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Re: The Desire of Ages--31--The Sermon on the Mount
« Reply #21 on: January 18, 2018, 09:06:52 AM »
Amen, Richard! As we receive the truth of Christ into the soul, it claims the homage of our will. Christ requires a full-heart surrender, as nothing less than this will enable us to become partakers of the divine nature. Without a vital connection with Christ a living-faith experience of complete dependence upon God and putting forth all our efforts that He has imbued our soul with, we will be lost. God works in us to will and to do, but this will never be independent of our effort. We are to behold the loveliness of Jesus and allow the principles of His life to become ours in actual practice.

"The greatest deception of the human mind in Christ’s day was that a mere assent to the truth constitutes righteousness. In all human experience a theoretical knowledge of the truth has been proved to be insufficient for the saving of the soul. It does not bring forth the fruits of righteousness." {The Desire of Ages, page 309, paragraph 2}

The fruits of righteousness are true repentance leading to all of the fruits of the Spirit being manifest in the life without one missing. An assent is not the same thing as surrender of all we have and are to Him who gave all for us. Let us glory in tribulation and thank God that the full surrender is what is best for us, even though it will mean denial of our fallen nature at every step toward heaven. As we abide in Christ, we are enabled to keep the fallen nature under, so that every thought, motive, and purpose may be under the control of the Holy Spirit who has possession of the new heart and new mind given us at conversion. Let us trust God fully!
"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}

Pastor Sean Brizendine

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Re: The Desire of Ages--31--The Sermon on the Mount
« Reply #22 on: April 15, 2018, 04:09:11 AM »
I love Jesus, and my favorite time of the day is the early morning when Jesus wakes me up and we get to spend precious time together. His loveliness shines brighter every day I behold Him, for He has made abundant promises to me and you, and He will not fail us as His children. As I contemplate the exceedingly high privilege of being a partaker of His divine nature and getting to put into practice the teachings of the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7), I am elated to know how the Savior cares for me, even as He graciously cares for you, too!

"All who have chosen God’s service are to rest in His care. Christ pointed to the birds flying in the heavens, to the flowers of the field, and bade His hearers consider these objects of God’s creation. 'Are not ye of much more value than they?' He said. Matthew 6:26, R. V. The measure of divine attention bestowed on any object is proportionate to its rank in the scale of being. The little brown sparrow is watched over by Providence. The flowers of the field, the grass that carpets the earth, share the notice and care of our heavenly Father. The great Master Artist has taken thought for the lilies, making them so beautiful that they outshine the glory of Solomon. How much more does He care for man, who is the image and glory of God. He longs to see His children reveal a character after His similitude. As the sunbeam imparts to the flowers their varied and delicate tints, so does God impart to the soul the beauty of His own character." {DA 313.2}

The beauty of Jesus' character is wrought in our lives by the Holy Spirit. Accepting His blood shed for us to forgive and cleanse us, we invite Him to indwell our hearts by a living-faith surrender to Him moment-by-moment, and we can know that His care for us is incessant. What joy we have (and all of the other fruits of the Spirit, so that not one is missing) as we keep our eyes fixed upon Jesus, the perfect Author and Finisher of our faith. He is making us into monuments of His mercy as children ransomed from the darkness and defilement of sin! What a value He places upon us! We are worth more to God than worlds, for He paid the very price of His life--the Creator died for us and overcame so we also, abiding in Him, may overcome! Hallelujah!!!!!!
"When we live by faith on the Son of God, the fruits of the Spirit will be seen in our lives; not one will be missing." {The Desire of Ages, 676.4}

Dorine

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Re: The Desire of Ages--31--The Sermon on the Mount
« Reply #23 on: April 15, 2018, 07:35:41 AM »
"True character is not shaped from without, and put on; it radiates from within. If we wish to direct others in the path of righteousness, the principles of righteousness must be enshrined in our own hearts. Our profession of faith may proclaim the theory of religion, but it is our practical piety that holds forth the word of truth. The consistent life, the holy conversation, the unswerving integrity, the active, benevolent spirit, the godly example,—these are the mediums through which light is conveyed to the world. {DA 307.1}"

What a sermon in just this short paragraph. I love to picture myself sitting on the mountain side with the crowd, listening to the wonderful, life giving words of Jesus. I want to hang on to every word Jesus said so like the disciples I will be prepared to go forth today ready to share the light God has revealed. Each day light will be added to light as we commune with God through prayer and the study of His word.
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

Sister Marie

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Re: The Desire of Ages--31--The Sermon on the Mount
« Reply #24 on: April 15, 2018, 07:56:53 AM »
This is so true. Jesus does so much for us.

 The Ladder of Life

When God brings us to Him
……and we start our walk with Him,
The Bible calls it Justification,
We find ourselves at the beginning
….of walking the ladder to heaven,
As we take one step after another
The Bible calls it Sanctification
It is the work of a lifetime
Learning to walk His Walk.

Oh but I can’t do this, sin too strong
But Jesus said, “It is my Power
……that will see you thru.”
I walked the walk of My Father
….and I will help you walk it too.
You’re not alone on this walk”.

So day by day, year by year we continue
Coming closer and closer to our Lord,
Sometimes we falter and take a step backwards,
But we repent and continue our journey,
God will bring us to what the Bible calls
Glorification.
Thru His Power we will make it
Thru His Love we will follow,
Thru His Gift we are saved.

He finds us in the muck of worldly mud
He excepts us then and there,
But praise His name,
He does not leave us there.
Like those He healed,
He extends His hand of healing to us
And says rise, rise to a Godly life
Rise to purity and readiness
For our Lord when He returns for us.


With Christian Love,
Marie

Dorine

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Re: The Desire of Ages--31--The Sermon on the Mount
« Reply #25 on: April 15, 2018, 08:02:39 AM »
Thank you for sharing that poem Sister Glass. Who is the author? It's so nice to have you join us. You have been on my mind lately wondering how you are.
But this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press  toward the mark. Phil. 3:13,14

Richard Myers

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Re: The Desire of Ages--31--The Sermon on the Mount
« Reply #26 on: April 15, 2018, 08:05:31 AM »
Amen!!  It is God's love, His grace that empowers us to keep His law of love. Our reading today makes this so very clear. Good to see your post Dear Sister Marie. We have missed you!

Sister Dorine, Sister Marie is the poet. Maybe she will share more with us.   :)
Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.

Sister Marie

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Re: The Desire of Ages--31--The Sermon on the Mount
« Reply #27 on: April 15, 2018, 08:07:13 AM »
I am the Author. I did it last night. It is what God does for us.....even purity. He will bring us to it.
I've been getting along. Married now to retired SDA Pastor who is going to be 91 this month.
He is on Hospic here at home at this time. How are you, Richard and Mini? Things seem a little slow here.
So glad to see all is up and still going. God is good. Update me
Oh, I thought we had a Poetry area. Don't see it anymore...or am I wrong?

Blessings,
Marie
With Christian Love,
Marie

Richard Myers

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Re: The Desire of Ages--31--The Sermon on the Mount
« Reply #28 on: April 15, 2018, 08:10:45 AM »
It is in abibleanswer.org.  We had to change servers and it is down until I find time to get it back up.
Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.

Sister Marie

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Re: The Desire of Ages--31--The Sermon on the Mount
« Reply #29 on: April 15, 2018, 08:17:43 AM »
Blessings Brother Richard,
So glad to hear from you. How are things going for you and also the site. It looks like many new things.
Life has been different for me. But I would love to spend more time here again. I recall a very active time
in the past. So much going on then. Much going on now. Are you still in the same area? I recall how kind you
were to us. I guess you know I have been here since 2008. My eldest stayed where there weather was more to
his liking. He is married now too. My youngest son lives here.
Blessings, Marie
With Christian Love,
Marie

Richard Myers

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Re: The Desire of Ages--31--The Sermon on the Mount
« Reply #30 on: April 16, 2018, 08:56:16 AM »
We will pray for you and your husband. It is sad to lose a spouse, but at the same time, there is joy to know the suffering will soon be over. We glory in our tribulation, but that does not make it easy. Sleeping until Jesus comes brings rest and safety from the evil in this world.

We would love to have you back working with us as we seek to hasten the soon coming of Jesus. The great change since you left is that there are more who understand the power of grace to transform the life, and our great need of it continually. We are finding some who are preaching the gospel truth. Jesus is coming so very soon!!

We look forward to you sharing in this forum particularly. Here we have unity of Spirit and doctrine as we behold our Savior.
Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.

Pastor Sean Brizendine

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Re: The Desire of Ages--31--The Sermon on the Mount
« Reply #31 on: July 11, 2018, 03:36:33 AM »
I love how in the early morning the birds spend a significant amount of time singing. We also, because we have a tender Heavenly Father, have cause to wake up in the morning to sing and praise God, to rest in His care for us, knowing that He will provide. While He does not tell us there will be no difficulties or trials, we can be assured of His presence with us, to put a song in our heart, as we surrender fully to Him and remain abiding in Christ. May we look to each bird as a reminder of how they are cared for, by a God who loves us even more, for we are made (and by redemption, being re-made) in His image! Praise God for His love and care for us, so we need not be anxious or fearful.

But here is where we are tempted--we think that if our feelings rise up in a certain way that this is evidence that we are "anxious." But it is the thoughts and feelings combined that make up our moral character. If our thoughts are stayed on Christ, and we have chosen His will by a full surrender, then no matter how strong the temptation to be anxious (or how strong our flesh may pull us by mere feelings), let us not worry ourselves out of the hands of Jesus and suppose that we are "anxious" merely because our flesh has yet to be changed at the coming of Jesus. Understanding that faith and feeling are as distinct as the east is from the west, relying only upon God's promises because I am beholding the loveliness of Jesus, was key in how God healed me from bipolar disorder over 7 years ago. And I know that because He helped me depend upon His word then, He also can help me today. Will you trust God no matter how you feel, letting the mind of Christ be your experience--a mind stayed in perfect peace upon Him, no matter how clamorous the temptations of the world, the flesh, and the devil may seem to make them? Here is where we find joy in tribulation, not apart from it! Praise God!

"All who have chosen God’s service are to rest in His care. Christ pointed to the birds flying in the heavens, to the flowers of the field, and bade His hearers consider these objects of God’s creation. 'Are not ye of much more value than they?' He said. Matthew 6:26, R. V. The measure of divine attention bestowed on any object is proportionate to its rank in the scale of being. The little brown sparrow is watched over by Providence. The flowers of the field, the grass that carpets the earth, share the notice and care of our heavenly Father. The great Master Artist has taken thought for the lilies, making them so beautiful that they outshine the glory of Solomon. How much more does He care for man, who is the image and glory of God. He longs to see His children reveal a character after His similitude. As the sunbeam imparts to the flowers their varied and delicate tints, so does God impart to the soul the beauty of His own character." {The Desire of Ages, page 313, paragraph 2}
"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

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Re: The Desire of Ages--31--The Sermon on the Mount
« Reply #32 on: July 11, 2018, 07:46:02 AM »
Amen!!   What a sermon!! The greatest sermon ever preached!!  There is so much in the sermon that it is hard to know what to share. If the church were to prayerfully read this chapter there would be revival and reformation.

“Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness.” The sense of unworthiness will lead the heart to hunger and thirst for righteousness, and this desire will not be disappointed. Those who make room in their hearts for Jesus will realize His love. All who long to bear the likeness of the character of God shall be satisfied. The Holy Spirit never leaves unassisted the soul who is looking unto Jesus. He takes of the things of Christ and shows them unto him. If the eye is kept fixed on Christ, the work of the Spirit ceases not until the soul is conformed to His image. The pure element of love will expand the soul, giving it a capacity for higher attainments, for increased knowledge of heavenly things, so that it will not rest short of the fullness. “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness; for they shall be filled.”


Jesus had to deal with the false teaching just as we do today. His sermon was an attempt to open the eyes of the people to their lost condition and their need of His grace. He revealed to them the conditions for entrance into heaven. God loves us and does not want His church to remain in a lost condition. He is willing to forgive all who will come to Him seeking mercy.

When the law was proclaimed from Sinai, God made known to men the holiness of His character, that by contrast they might see the sinfulness of their own. The law was given to convict them of sin, and reveal their need of a Saviour. It would do this as its principles were applied to the heart by the Holy Spirit. This work it is still to do. In the life of Christ the principles of the law are made plain; and as the Holy Spirit of God touches the heart, as the light of Christ reveals to men their need of His cleansing blood and His justifying righteousness, the law is still an agent in bringing us to Christ, that we may be justified by faith. “The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul.” Psalm 19:7.

“Till heaven and earth pass,” said Jesus, “one jot or one tittle shall in nowise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.” The sun shining in the heavens, the solid earth upon which you dwell, are God’s witnesses that His law is changeless and eternal. Though they may pass away, the divine precepts shall endure. “It is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than one tittle of the law to fail.” Luke 16:17. The system of types that pointed to Jesus as the Lamb of God was to be abolished at His death; but the precepts of the Decalogue are as immutable as the throne of God.

Since “the law of the Lord is perfect,” every variation from it must be evil. Those who disobey the commandments of God, and teach others to do so, are condemned by Christ. The Saviour’s life of obedience maintained the claims of the law; it proved that the law could be kept in humanity, and showed the excellence of character that obedience would develop. All who obey as He did are likewise declaring that the law is “holy, and just, and good.” Romans 7:12. On the other hand, all who break God’s commandments are sustaining Satan’s claim that the law is unjust, and cannot be obeyed. Thus they second the deceptions of the great adversary, and cast dishonor upon God. They are the children of the wicked one, who was the first rebel against God’s law. To admit them into heaven would again bring in the elements of discord and rebellion, and imperil the well-being of the universe. No man who willfully disregards one principle of the law shall enter the kingdom of heaven.

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

Pastor Sean Brizendine

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Re: The Desire of Ages--31--The Sermon on the Mount
« Reply #33 on: October 06, 2018, 03:41:29 AM »
As Jesus' loveliness shines upon us, let us allow Him to live out His life in and through us! His will is so high and holy, and His heart overflows with love for us, so that we will earnestly desire to know and to do His holy will when we yield the whole heart to Him and allow Him to imbue us with all of the fruits of His Spirit without one missing! Jesus is coming again soon, and His character is to be reproduced in us! What a great miracle of grace--the power to change sinners into saints!

"The righteousness which Christ taught is conformity of heart and life to the revealed will of God. Sinful men can become righteous only as they have faith in God and maintain a vital connection with Him. Then true godliness will elevate the thoughts and ennoble the life. Then the external forms of religion accord with the Christian’s internal purity. Then the ceremonies required in the service of God are not meaningless rites, like those of the hypocritical Pharisees." {The Desire of Ages, page 310, paragraph 1}
"When we live by faith on the Son of God, the fruits of the Spirit will be seen in our lives; not one will be missing." {The Desire of Ages, 676.4}

Richard Myers

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Re: The Desire of Ages--31--The Sermon on the Mount
« Reply #34 on: October 06, 2018, 07:33:05 AM »
Amen! What a blessing to hear this coming from human lips! We long for the day when Seventh-day Adventist conferences are training their pastors to preach such wonderful truth! How is it that one can have internal purity? The answer is easy and it's always the same. We have internal purity when Christ sits on the throne of the heart! Why do so many believe Romans seven is the Christian experience and we cannot have internal purity? Because they have never experienced it.

“Blessed are the peacemakers.” The peace of Christ is born of truth. It is harmony with God. The world is at enmity with the law of God; sinners are at enmity with their Maker; and as a result they are at enmity with one another. But the psalmist declares, “Great peace have they which love Thy law: and nothing shall offend them.” Psalm 119:165. Men cannot manufacture peace. Human plans for the purification and uplifting of individuals or of society will fail of producing peace, because they do not reach the heart. The only power that can create or perpetuate true peace is the grace of Christ. When this is implanted in the heart, it will cast out the evil passions that cause strife and dissension. “Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree;” and life’s desert “shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose.” Isaiah 55:13; 35:1.


Amen! We want this peace today. We can have this peace today if we will behold the loveliness of Jesus and taste of His grace and allow it into the heart. Then we shall have love, joy, and peace that passeth understanding.

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

Pastor Sean Brizendine

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Re: The Desire of Ages--31--The Sermon on the Mount
« Reply #35 on: January 01, 2019, 07:48:15 AM »
I don't see tomorrow, but I know who does! The same lovely Savior who has been at work in my life before I was even born knows how to guide and lead me step by step in the way that is best. As we have entered a new year, may we all learn to trust Christ unreservedly so He can fulfill His will in our lives. Always look higher and higher, because Jesus has more and more of His loveliness of character to impart to you, that through you His love may flow out to others!!

"'Be not therefore anxious for the morrow.' Matthew 6:34, R. V. We are to follow Christ day by day. God does not bestow help for tomorrow. He does not give His children all the directions for their life journey at once, lest they should become confused. He tells them just as much as they can remember and perform. The strength and wisdom imparted are for the present emergency. 'If any of you lack wisdom,'—for today,—'let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.' James 1:5." {The Desire of Ages, page 313, paragraph 4}

Follow what Jesus has given you to do today, and faithfulness in that sphere will prepare you for the next step heavenward, and the eternal joy in His service in the courts above!!
"When we live by faith on the Son of God, the fruits of the Spirit will be seen in our lives; not one will be missing." {The Desire of Ages, 676.4}

Dorine

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Re: The Desire of Ages--31--The Sermon on the Mount
« Reply #36 on: January 01, 2019, 09:08:42 AM »
Thank you Pastor Sean for your thoughts today. Rather than post the same quote (which I was about to do before I read yours) I was also impressed with the following.

“Judge not, that ye be not judged.” Do not think yourself better than other men, and set yourself up as their judge. Since you cannot discern motive, you are incapable of judging another. In criticizing him, you are passing sentence upon yourself; for you show that you are a participant with Satan, the accuser of the brethren. The Lord says, “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves.” This is our work. “If we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.” 2 Corinthians 13:5; 1 Corinthians 11:31. {DA 314.1}"

If we were to follow the counsel in these few words we would see God's love in our midst instead of back biting and surmising. How we wound the heart of God when we treat others unkindly in thought or word. It's an old saying but true; when we point a finger at someone else there are 3 more pointing back at us. God will cleanse us from all unrighteousness if we surrender our hearts to Him every day and through out the day.
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

Beacon

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Re: The Desire of Ages--31--The Sermon on the Mount
« Reply #37 on: January 01, 2019, 09:55:47 AM »
I am warmed by the greetings and posts of those participating in this sharing experience. Thank you for your warm welcome back to this heart stirring time together.  What a blessed chapter is this one called " The Sermon on the Mount. " How does one choose from so many different veins of weight bearing, challenging , encouraging thought?" I think we could spend a whole year just in this chapter. Well, having said that, here is today's choice.

" The proud heart strives to earn salvation; but both our title to heaven and our fitness for it are found in the righteousness of Christ. The Lord can do nothing toward the recovery of man until, convinced of his own weakness, and stripped of all self-sufficiency, he yields himself to the control of God. Then he can receive the gift that God is waiting to bestow. From the soul that feels his need, nothing is withheld. He has unrestricted access to Him in whom all fullness dwells. “For 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. {DA 300.1}

So my prayer for today is this...."Nothing in my hand I bring - Simply to the cross I cling. Help me Jesus to remember your promise found in
Philippians 1:6

Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.

God Bless you, one and all, as we begin a brand new year - Let us uplift all of God's children and pray for Holy Spirit power, that the harvest may be great and that we may hasten the day of our Lord's return.
Look up and listen for the shout.

Richard Myers

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Re: The Desire of Ages--31--The Sermon on the Mount
« Reply #38 on: January 01, 2019, 10:40:42 AM »
Amen, Beacon!  The sermon on the mount is the greatest sermon ever preached!  We could spend a lot of time on just it. It is present truth for us today. Jesus was speaking to a Laodicean church, just as we are today as a people. I so much appreciate how Jesus approached His people. He loved them and knew just how to reach those seeking a better life. So it is today. We must have wisdom from on high in order to reach our people and the world.

The ideal of Christian character is Christlikeness. As the Son of man was perfect in His life, so His followers are to be perfect in their life. Jesus was in all things made like unto His brethren. He became flesh, even as we are. He was hungry and thirsty and weary. He was sustained by food and refreshed by sleep. He shared the lot of man; yet He was the blameless Son of God. He was God in the flesh. His character is to be ours. The Lord says of those who believe in Him, “I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.” 2 Corinthians 6:16.


We here can learn much. Christ offers us His character, if we will allow Him to take possession of the whole heart. Then we read:

All who have chosen God’s service are to rest in His care. Christ pointed to the birds flying in the heavens, to the flowers of the field, and bade His hearers consider these objects of God’s creation. “Are not ye of much more value than they?” He said. Matthew 6:26, R. V. The measure of divine attention bestowed on any object is proportionate to its rank in the scale of being. The little brown sparrow is watched over by Providence. The flowers of the field, the grass that carpets the earth, share the notice and care of our heavenly Father. The great Master Artist has taken thought for the lilies, making them so beautiful that they outshine the glory of Solomon. How much more does He care for man, who is the image and glory of God. He longs to see His children reveal a character after His similitude. As the sunbeam imparts to the flowers their varied and delicate tints, so does God impart to the soul the beauty of His own character.


When I was baptized, I shared this from the Bible. I was impressed that we must come to understand that God will take care of us if we will trust Him. He cares more for us than the lilies of the field and the birds of the air. But, we cannot trust Him if we do not know Him. We must first learn of Him, then we will trust Him with all we have and all we are. He is worthy!
Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.

Beacon

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Re: The Desire of Ages--31--The Sermon on the Mount
« Reply #39 on: March 28, 2019, 08:58:47 PM »
" Christ set forth the principles of His kingdom, and showed them to be the great rule of life. To impress the lesson He adds an illustration. It is not enough, He says, for you to hear My words. By obedience you must make them the foundation of your character. Self is but shifting sand. If you build upon human theories and inventions, your house will fall. By the winds of temptation, the tempests of trial, it will be swept away. But these principles that I have given will endure. Receive Me; build on My words." {DA 314.3}

I love the words of the Hymn " Beneath the Cross of Jesus " and I hope they speak to you today also.....

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 noon tide heat, and the burden of the day.  Upon the 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 wonder I confess - The wonder - The wonder of Redeeming Love - And My unworthiness. I take oh 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 or loss - My sinful self my only shame - My Glory all the Cross. "[/b][/u]

"All who choose Christ’s kingdom of love and righteousness and peace, making its interest paramount to all other, are linked to the world above, and every blessing needed for this life is theirs."
Look up and listen for the shout.