Author Topic: The Desire of Ages--31--The Sermon on the Mount  (Read 17057 times)

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Philip T

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Re: The Desire of Ages--31--The Sermon on the Mount
« Reply #80 on: May 17, 2021, 06:13:38 AM »
“No man can serve two masters.” We cannot serve God with a divided heart. Bible religion is not one influence among many others; its influence is to be supreme, pervading and controlling every other. It is not to be like a dash of color brushed here and there upon the canvas, but it is to pervade the whole life, as if the canvas were dipped into the color, until every thread of the fabric were dyed a deep, unfading hue.

Jesus is to be the center of our lives, our whole life, there is place for the things of this world, we are to be Christ's and only Christ's, we are not His if we retain any of this world within us.  If we hare holding onto things of this world, they are cherished sins.  Let us dedicate ourselves anew to Christ today.

Pastor Sean Brizendine

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Re: The Desire of Ages--31--The Sermon on the Mount
« Reply #81 on: May 17, 2021, 07:10:09 AM »
Amen, Brother Philip!

Let us look to Jesus and choose to put His kingdom first! As we surrender the whole heart to Christ, all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing will be manifest in our lives as we fulfill the appointed part God has given us in His great plan!

"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. In the book of God’s providence, the volume of life, we are each given a page. That page contains every particular of our history; even the hairs of the head are numbered. God’s children are never absent from His mind." {The Desire of Ages, page 313, paragraph 3}

What love and tenderness God has for us! May we ever remember that the love He has for us is the love He has for all, and to treat others the way Jesus has treated us by letting Him live out His life in us! Praise the Lord for the blessing of being a part of the family of God as we are truly converted and walk in the path He has for us!
"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}

Beacon

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Re: The Desire of Ages--31--The Sermon on the Mount
« Reply #82 on: May 17, 2021, 07:27:06 AM »
"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.


"No man who willfully disregards one principle of the law shall enter the kingdom of heaven."

"David said in Psalm 119:11 "Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee." Joshua said in Chapter 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."

"Jesus said, In Matthew 6:24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon."

God has given us "Free Will " He only invites! He does not harass but rather begs us to choose HIM. To choose Love, Mercy, Grace, Forgiveness. To Choose Jesus who gave His Life so that we can experience all the joys that Eternal Realities have in store for those who will trust and obey Him while living here on earth. I pray that we all will be willing to choose Jesus and will be among the crowd that is able to look up and say,  "Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us: this is the Lord; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation."  Isaiah 25:9
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 #83 on: May 18, 2021, 10:09:37 PM »
Amen brother Beacon! It is the great controversy theme between good and evil, between Christ and Satan. It is Satan's charge that God is unfair by asking us to keep his Commandments. Satan says that we can't keep them. Where have we heard this before? And thus, many believe they have eternal life when breaking a commandment. It's not necessary to break two or three. The Bible says if we offend in one point we offend in all. Thank you for sharing that important Truth Brother Beacon.
Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.

Dorine

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Re: The Desire of Ages--31--The Sermon on the Mount
« Reply #84 on: August 12, 2021, 05:12:53 AM »
"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. {DA 306.2}“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. {DA 306.3}Hearts that respond to the influence of the Holy Spirit are the channels through which God’s blessing flows."

Vital counsel to keep us from discouragement and focused on our duty to God. As we face our daily trials with Christ He will keep us in His care and provide the help when it's most needed. Day by day our characters are being formed and as we continually behold Him we will be like Him. Those we come in contact with will know that we have been with Jesus. Hearts will be warmed. Lives will be uplifted and if they do not resist they will have a place in God's kingdom here and for eternity.
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 #85 on: August 12, 2021, 08:18:13 AM »
"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."

This reminds me of the the old saying " You cannot give what you have not got" This is why we are encouraged to spend a "Thoughtful hour with Jesus through His word and in our personal prayer lives everyday."
Look up and listen for the shout.

Philip T

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Re: The Desire of Ages--31--The Sermon on the Mount
« Reply #86 on: August 12, 2021, 08:57:40 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}

This chapter has so much in it as I read this morning, however; this is one of the paragraphs that jumped out at me this morning. When true profession of faith occurs transformation occurs in our character. And this character shines forth from within us to those around us as it is transformed and we walk the path of sanctification daily to those around us. The practical witness of every day character is one of the most powerful ways to witness for Jesus. This also points out the profession of faith by itself with no fruit is useless.  It points to why Martin Luther points out there is a church within the church.


Richard Myers

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Re: The Desire of Ages--31--The Sermon on the Mount
« Reply #87 on: August 12, 2021, 07:00:51 PM »
It is a great blessing to see those who understand what it means to be a converted Christian. For 35 years I have listened to the most persuasive teachings that are directly opposing what we read today. Every chapter in this most beautiful revelation of our God is designed that we may understand the power of God's grace to change us today and every day if we will come to Jesus just as we are and give Him the whole heart holding nothing back. This is His great desire and His promise if we will learn of Him.

It is such a great temptation to discouragement when we hear over and over Satan's great deceptions so cleverly disguised that most cannot see the poison. But, we are never discouraged because we know the end of the story. God allows heresies into the church that we might understand who is teaching the truth. The wise will understand this is God's church and it will be revived.

If those who were born and reared in His church will not be revived, then He will bring in those who will surrender all in response to His grace. But, He does not bring many in because many would see the hypocrisy, leave, and never come back.

In the Sermon on the Mount He sought to undo the work that had been wrought by false education, and to give His hearers a right conception of His kingdom and of His own character. Yet He did not make a direct attack on the errors of the people. He saw the misery of the world on account of sin, yet He did not present before them a vivid delineation of their wretchedness. He taught them of something infinitely better than they had known. Without combating their ideas of the kingdom of God, He told them the conditions of entrance therein, leaving them to draw their own conclusions as to its nature. The truths He taught are no less important to us than to the multitude that followed Him. We no less than they need to learn the foundation principles of the kingdom of God.


We ought not ignore what we are being told. A Laodicean people need to "learn the foundation principles" of Christianity. Why? Because "we", God's church does not understand His principles any more than did Israel. Why do so few understand and why so much enmity towards those who would teach the principles put forth by Jesus in His sermon on the mount. Why are there so many who have been ordained ministers in God's church reject perfection of Christian character? Why do they not accept the truths so graciously poured out in abundance through a modern day prophet confirming the same truths revealed in Scripture?

The highest evidence of nobility in a Christian is self-control. He who under abuse or cruelty fails to maintain a calm and trustful spirit robs God of His right to reveal in him His own perfection of character.


This is the "impartation" of Christ's righteousness to those who surrender the whole heart to God. It is His character to be revealed in the lives of those who are truly repentant Christians. The idea that God does not transform sinners into saints, or that He only does this for those living after probation closes is s most sinister teaching robbing many of the love, joy, and peace God offers at the beginning of the converted Christians experience.

We do not believe in "holy flesh," but we do believe in holiness of heart. All who love Jesus with the whole heart have received a new heart that has been purified from sin and is holy. We who have surrendered all to Christ are partakers of God's divine nature (2 Peter 1:4). When the Holy Spirit take possession of the heart, we are indeed partakers of Him and all of the fruits of the Spirit, not one will be missing.

Brothers Beacon and Philip have shared this important statement:

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}


Again, this not the "imputed" righteousness that stands in place of our character, no, this is the imparted righteousness that is being reflected our own character. How did we receive His righteousness? He gives it to all who will give Him their sin polluted heart. What an exchange!!

How many times do we hear that we are sinful and cannot obey all the law, that our righteousness is as filthy rags? This is said in an attempt to excuse sin and have salvation while sinning a known sin. Those who teach such a lie will not enter heaven unless they repent of leading others to perdition.

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.



How many times do we have to hear about our character revealing the character of our God? Why so many times you may ask? Why do you think?

For through fellowship with God men become workers together with Him in presenting His character in humanity.


Don't be discouraged. God has promised us this experience and told us how to obtain it. Buy of Him gold tried in the fire, white raiment, and eye salve. He offers them freely.

By the life we live through the grace of Christ the character is formed. The original loveliness begins to be restored to the soul. The attributes of the character of Christ are imparted, and the image of the Divine begins to shine forth. The faces of men and women who walk and work with God express the peace of heaven.


There's that hated word, character. Character that comes from God, from allowing His grace into our hearts. We do not get grace for tomorrow, but only for today. Tomorrow if we want more, He will give to all who seek it.

And only those who live the life of Christ are His co-workers. If one sin is cherished in the soul, or one wrong practice retained in the life, the whole being is contaminated. The man becomes an instrument of unrighteousness.


How many are still reading? Most will have long since quit. But, those who are seeking truth that they may live it, will spend that thoughtful hour a day contemplating the life of Christ, for that is where we find grace to transform the character.

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.


Why take the time to share so much? Because we were told that we need to understand the principles of our faith today just as Israel needed these truths. I take the counsel to heart and for many years have presented these truths just as they are presented to us. This is what is needed to bring about revival and reformation in God's church. Jesus was trying to save the lost, so must we repeat His Words to a backsliding church.

“Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” This command is a promise. The plan of redemption contemplates our complete recovery from the power of Satan. Christ always separates the contrite soul from sin. He came to destroy the works of the devil, and He has made provision that the Holy Spirit shall be imparted to every repentant soul, to keep him from sinning.


Amen!! Can the truth be presented any better? No, I think not. I could quit right now, but that would be contrary to the Spirit. We need to make it more plain that none can make excuses for their defects of character. So many teach that we cannot overcome our defects of character, that it is the "substitution" of Christ's righteousness that entitles us to heaven. Some teach that at the end, then God will wave a wand and in one fell swoop will perfect the character of those who are still living.

The tempter’s agency is not to be accounted an excuse for one wrong act. Satan is jubilant when he hears the professed followers of Christ making excuses for their deformity of character. It is these excuses that lead to sin. There is no excuse for sinning. A holy temper, a Christlike life, is accessible to every repenting, believing child of God. {DA 311.3}
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.


The Bible is right, it is indeed a narrow steep road to heaven. But, all may find success in Christ Jesus. There is no excuse for sin since our heavenly Father at great expense and risk allowed His innocent Son to come to this dark spot in the universe a helpless baby subject the weakness of humanity to fight the  battle of life as we must fight it at the risk of failure and eternal loss.

But Christ reaches us where we are. He took our nature and overcame, that we through taking His nature might overcome. Made “in the likeness of sinful flesh” (Romans 8:3), He lived a sinless life. Now by His divinity He lays hold upon the throne of heaven, while by His humanity He reaches us. He bids us by faith in Him attain to the glory of the character of God. Therefore are we to be perfect, even as our “Father which is in heaven is perfect.”


Did you understand this? He took our nature! And, we may have His nature (2 Peter 1:4). Amazing truth that is so very rare to hear from the pulpits in His church or books being published on His presses!

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.


Amen!!  You and I can reveal His character. He loves us so very much! He wants so very much for us to experience the joy of being His witness that Satan has lied about His character. You can prove Satan wrong by keep His law of love, that which Satan says is impossible!

The good tree will produce good fruit. If the fruit is unpalatable and worthless, the tree is evil. So the fruit borne in the life testifies as to the condition of the heart and the excellence of the character. Good works can never purchase salvation, but they are an evidence of the faith that acts by love and purifies the soul.


We do not need to translate what Jesus said on the mount. We only need the Holy Spirit and a willing heart to understand such simple truth.

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}
“Everyone therefore which heareth these words of Mine, and doeth them, shall be likened unto a wise man, which built his house upon the rock: and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon the rock.” Matthew 7:24, 25


May our lives be transformed daily that we be faithful witnesses for our Lord Jesus and our heavenly Father!












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 #88 on: November 07, 2021, 04:32:48 AM »
Hungry? Righteousness is not natural to us, for we are sinful and unholy and need the righteousness of Christ to work in us to will and to do of His good pleasure! When we surrender the will entirely to Christ, He gives us a new heart and mind imbued with all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing! Then affectionately we will obey the Ten Commandments and every known statute of the law of God--the law of love! Let us hunger and thirst for this true conversion experience and thank God that He does give it to us!

“'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.'” {The Desire of Ages, page 302, paragraph 1}

Jesus has the power to keep making us more like Him--for eternity!! But while we are on earth, He is teaching us the most important lesson that He has grace sufficient to keep us from falling into sin! Let us rejoice continually in Christ who gives us more than we can ask or think!!
"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}

Beacon

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Re: The Desire of Ages--31--The Sermon on the Mount
« Reply #89 on: November 07, 2021, 05:18:24 AM »
The instruction that Jesus gave on the mountainside centuries ago was given in such a simple wording that all might understand "was and still are" the requirements of the Christian Life.

"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."

“Everyone therefore which heareth these words of Mine, and doeth them, shall be likened unto a wise man, which built his house upon the rock: and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon the rock.” Matthew 7:24, 25

We only need the Holy Spirit and a willing heart to understand such simple truth. May your life and mine be transformed daily that we will be faithful witnesses for our Lord Jesus as we live and share the gospel message with others both by example and testimony.

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 #90 on: November 07, 2021, 10:05:01 PM »
What a chapter, what a sermon!!

The good tree will produce good fruit. If the fruit is unpalatable and worthless, the tree is evil. So the fruit borne in the life testifies as to the condition of the heart and the excellence of the character. Good works can never purchase salvation, but they are an evidence of the faith that acts by love and purifies the soul. And though the eternal reward is not bestowed because of our merit, yet it will be in proportion to the work that has been done through the grace of Christ.

Thus 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.
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 #91 on: February 01, 2022, 08:16:49 PM »
"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."

"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."

I want my cup to be filled so that others will be drawn to our Saviour...don't you?  Will you join with me in singing this hymn?

Take my life, and let it be
Consecrated, Lord, to Thee;
Take my moments and my days,
Let them flow in ceaseless praise,

2
Take my hands, and let them move
At the impulse of Thy love;
Take my feet and let them be
Swift and beautiful for Thee,

3
Take my voice, and let me sing
Always, only, for my King;
Take my lips, and let them be
Filled with messages from Thee.

4
Take my silver and my gold;
Not a mite would I withhold;
Take my intellect, and use
Every power as Thou shalt choose,

5
Take my will, and make it Thine;
It shall be no longer mine.
Take my heart; it is Thine own;
It shall be Thy royal throne,

6
Take my love; my Lord, I pour
At Thy feet its treasure-store.
Take myself, and I will be
Ever, only, all for Thee.

Lyrics:Frances Ridley Havergal (1836-1879)
Music:Henri Abraham Cesar Malan (1787-1864)



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 #92 on: February 02, 2022, 07:00:53 AM »
Amen Brother Beacon!  It is the heart God wants. When we love the Lord our God with all of the heart, then He will cleanse it whiter than snow even though we retain our fallen flesh. In Christ, our motives are pure and holy even while living in fallen flesh.

If we possess the humility of our Master, we shall rise above the slights, the rebuffs, the annoyances, to which we are daily exposed, and they will cease to cast a gloom over the spirit. The highest evidence of nobility in a Christian is self-control. He who under abuse or cruelty fails to maintain a calm and trustful spirit robs God of His right to reveal in him His own perfection of character.


Why did Israel put to death the Son of God?

Christ disappointed the hope of worldly greatness. In the Sermon on the Mount He sought to undo the work that had been wrought by false education, and to give His hearers a right conception of His kingdom and of His own character. Yet He did not make a direct attack on the errors of the people. He saw the misery of the world on account of sin, yet He did not present before them a vivid delineation of their wretchedness. He taught them of something infinitely better than they had known. Without combating their ideas of the kingdom of God, He told them the conditions of entrance therein, leaving them to draw their own conclusions as to its nature. The truths He taught are no less important to us than to the multitude that followed Him. We no less than they need to learn the foundation principles of the kingdom of God.

Christ’s first words to the people on the mount were words of blessing. Happy are they, He said, who recognize their spiritual poverty, and feel their need of redemption. The gospel is to be preached to the poor. Not to the spiritually proud, those who claim to be rich and in need of nothing, is it revealed, but to those who are humble and contrite. One fountain only has been opened for sin, a fountain for the poor in spirit. {DA 299.4}
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.


What truth we read in this chapter!! When we come up against those who insist in resisting the truth, point them to the greatest sermon ever preached.

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 #93 on: April 29, 2022, 08:01:13 PM »
"The proud heart strives to earn salvation."

"However, 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.

The question is...Are " You " & " I " willing to come to Jesus with a Contrite and Humble Spirit?

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

"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)


HAPPY SABBATH TO ALL GOD'S CHILDREN AROUND THE WORLD & BEYOND
Look up and listen for the shout.

Pastor Sean Brizendine

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Re: The Desire of Ages--31--The Sermon on the Mount
« Reply #94 on: April 30, 2022, 04:04:19 AM »
Amen, Brother Beacon!!

Happy Sabbath!!

Let us allow Jesus to lead us day by day, rather than thinking we need to know all our life directions at once. Trust God to plan for you, and let Him work out the plan in your life as you surrender fully to Him moment-by-moment! Then all of the fruits of the Spirit will be seen in your life without one missing as you abide in Christ by a vital union and communion of your soul with Him by the power of His divine nature, keeping your fallen nature crucified with Christ!

“'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}

We can fully trust ourselves to God's love and cease to worry about the future, knowing His perfect love casts out fear and guides us to grow in His character constantly! Rejoice in His plan for you today to be a blessing to Him and others as He is the source of all blessing!
"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 #95 on: May 01, 2022, 10:14:12 AM »
The truths He taught are no less important to us than to the multitude that followed Him. We no less than they need to learn the foundation principles of the kingdom of God. { DA 299.3}

 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.

 The Spirit reveals the ingratitude of the heart that has slighted and grieved the Saviour, and brings us in contrition to the foot of the cross. By every sin Jesus is wounded afresh; and as we look upon Him whom we have pierced, we mourn for the sins that have brought anguish upon Him. Such mourning will lead to the renunciation of sin. { DA 300.3}

 “Only acknowledge thine iniquity, that thou hast transgressed against the Lord thy God;” “and I will not cause Mine anger to fall upon you: for I am merciful, saith the Lord.” Jeremiah 3:13, 12.

Through affliction God reveals to us the plague spots in our characters, that by His grace we may overcome our faults.

If we possess the humility of our Master, we shall rise above the slights, the rebuffs, the annoyances, to which we are daily exposed, and they will cease to cast a gloom over the spirit. The highest evidence of nobility in a Christian is self-control. He who under abuse or cruelty fails to maintain a calm and trustful spirit robs God of His right to reveal in him His own perfection of character.

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.

 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.

Who of them would be saved if this Man’s teachings were true?


And so it is today. Many when hearing this cannot understand how they can be saved.  :(

“Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for My sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is yourreward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.” { DA 305.3}


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.

True character is not shaped from without, and put on; it radiates from within.

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}

It lifts us above the power of natural desires and tendencies, above temptations that lead to sin.


 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.

Many take it for granted that they are Christians, simply because they subscribe to certain theological tenets. But they have not brought the truth into practical life.

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.

The plan of redemption contemplates our complete recovery from the power of Satan. Christ always separates the contrite soul from sin. He came to destroy the works of the devil, and He has made provision that the Holy Spirit shall be imparted to every repentant soul, to keep him from sinning. { DA 311.2}

 Satan is jubilant when he hears the professed followers of Christ making excuses for their deformity of character. It is these excuses that lead to sin. There is no excuse for sinning. A holy temper, a Christlike life, is accessible to every repenting, believing child of God. { DA 311.3}

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.

 His character is to be ours.

By the life we live through the grace of Christ the character is formed. The original loveliness begins to be restored to the soul. The attributes of the character of Christ are imparted, and the image of the Divine begins to shine forth.

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 good tree will produce good fruit. If the fruit is unpalatable and worthless, the tree is evil. So the fruit borne in the life testifies as to the condition of the heart and the excellence of the character. Good works can never purchase salvation, but they are an evidence of the faith that acts by love and purifies the soul. And though the eternal reward is not bestowed because of our merit, yet it will be in proportion to the work that has been done through the grace of Christ. { DA 314.2}

“Everyone therefore which heareth these words of Mine, and doeth them, shall be likened unto a wise man, which built his house upon the rock: and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon the rock.” Matthew 7:24, 25, R.V.


Copy and share these truths as you have opportunity. Then be prepared to rejoice in those who are seeking truth, and sorrow over the tribulation that will follow when presenting these truths.

 The truths He taught are no less important to us than to the multitude that followed Him. We no less than they need to learn the foundation principles of the kingdom of God.  DA 299.

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 #96 on: July 25, 2022, 08:36:45 PM »
"The Spirit reveals the ingratitude of the heart that has slighted and grieved the Saviour, and brings us in contrition to the foot of the cross."


"By every sin Jesus is wounded afresh."


"As we look upon Him whom we have pierced, we mourn for the sins that have brought anguish upon Him."

"Such mourning will lead to the renunciation of sin."

 “Only acknowledge thine iniquity, that thou hast transgressed against the Lord thy God;” “and I will not cause Mine anger to fall upon you: for I am merciful, saith the Lord.” Jeremiah 3:13, 12."

"Through affliction God reveals to us the plague spots in our characters, that by His grace we may overcome our faults."

"If we possess the humility of our Master, we shall rise above the slights, the rebuffs, the annoyances, to which we are daily exposed, and they will cease to cast a gloom over the spirit."

"The highest evidence of nobility in a Christian is self-control."

Let "US" earnestly pray for a character that will bring " Honor & Glory " to Jesus!


================================
1
Would you be free from your burden of sin?
  There’s power in the blood, power in the blood;
Would you o’er evil a victory win?
  There’s wonderful power in the blood.
    There is power, power, wonder-working power,
  In the blood of the Lamb;
There is power, power, wonder-working power,
    In the precious blood of the Lamb.
2
Would you be free from your passion and pride?
  There’s power in the blood, power in the blood;
Come for a cleansing to Calvary’s tide,
  There’s wonderful power in the blood.
3
Would you be whiter, much whiter than snow?
  There’s power in the blood, power in the blood;
Sin-stains are lost in its life-giving flow,
  There’s wonderful power in the blood.
4
Would you do service for Jesus your King?
  There’s power in the blood, power in the blood;
Would you live daily His praises to sing?
  There’s wonderful power in the blood.

Lyrics & Music : Lewis Ellis Jones (1865-1936)
Look up and listen for the shout.

Pastor Sean Brizendine

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Re: The Desire of Ages--31--The Sermon on the Mount
« Reply #97 on: July 26, 2022, 04:38:42 AM »
Amen, Brother Beacon!!

What a blessing that Christ was willing to disappoint earthly hopes to incline every heart to the kingdom of heaven in preparation for the eternal world! Let us yield the whole heart to Christ and abide in Him with all of the fruits of the Spirit revealing the loveliness of Jesus through us! Obedience becomes our highest delight because we yearn to please and honor Christ in all things!

"Christ disappointed the hope of worldly greatness. In the Sermon on the Mount He sought to undo the work that had been wrought by false education, and to give His hearers a right conception of His kingdom and of His own character. Yet He did not make a direct attack on the errors of the people. He saw the misery of the world on account of sin, yet He did not present before them a vivid delineation of their wretchedness. He taught them of something infinitely better than they had known. Without combating their ideas of the kingdom of God, He told them the conditions of entrance therein, leaving them to draw their own conclusions as to its nature. The truths He taught are no less important to us than to the multitude that followed Him. We no less than they need to learn the foundation principles of the kingdom of God." {The Desire of Ages, page 299, paragraph 3}

As we reflect on Matthew chapters 5, 6, and 7 and realize that Christ's kingdom is what we all need, let us lay aside every weight and run with perseverance the race marked out for us! Christ has the power to cleanse us from all selfishness and to impute and impart to us His unselfish love!
"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 #98 on: July 26, 2022, 06:00:36 AM »

What a sermon this is. No wonder the people on the mountainside that day were spell bound. They were hearing words they had never heard before. They are words we don't hear from most pulpits of today. If we are to be refreshed and spiritually fed we must go to the bible and dig for ourselves. This chapter covers the principles of God's kingdom that starts when we accept Jesus into our hearts and will continue through out all eternity.

"We often sorrow because our evil deeds bring unpleasant consequences to ourselves; but this is not repentance. Real sorrow for sin is the result of the working of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit reveals the ingratitude of the heart that has slighted and grieved the Saviour, and brings us in contrition to the foot of the cross. By every sin Jesus is wounded afresh; and as we look upon Him whom we have pierced, we mourn for the sins that have brought anguish upon Him. Such mourning will lead to the renunciation of sin." {DA 300.3}
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 #99 on: July 26, 2022, 07:43:37 AM »
The greatest sermon ever preached!!  The gospel comes through that all might understand the power of grace to transform sinners into saints. Satan will lose his hold on all who come to understand that the road to heaven is indeed steep and narrow, but all may obtain the prize if they will take time to learn of Him who gave all that we might live. Over and over we read of His love and grace and His power to transform us. But, so very many, as it was with Israel of Old, have bought into Satan's accusation of God that He is unfair in requiring obedience to His law. All who sin support this accusation. And those who teach this are accursed.

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.


It is not just the 144,000 who reflect the righteous character of Jesus.

The good tree will produce good fruit. If the fruit is unpalatable and worthless, the tree is evil. So the fruit borne in the life testifies as to the condition of the heart and the excellence of the character. Good works can never purchase salvation, but they are an evidence of the faith that acts by love and purifies the soul. And though the eternal reward is not bestowed because of our merit, yet it will be in proportion to the work that has been done through the grace of Christ.

Thus 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.


We can go on and on, but for most it  will do no good. It is all here in this chapter. All that we need to know of the character of God and of His power to re-create His image in you and me today. Do not think that only the 144,000 are those who will obey the commandments of God. Your righteousness today can be the righteousness of Christ in fact, not just in substitution. The heart must be purified in order to obtain salvation. And, it is a daily matter of surrendering the whole heart to Jesus, not 99% as many teach. The heart and mind must be emptied of pride, of self. The grace of God is the only way in which this can be done.
Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.