The Desire of Ages--57--One Thing Thou Lackest

[Dorine]

"Christ made the only terms which could place the ruler where he would perfect a Christian character. His words were words of wisdom, though they appeared severe and exacting. In accepting and obeying them was the ruler's only hope of salvation. His exalted position and his possessions were exerting a subtle influence for evil upon his character. If cherished, they would supplant God in his affections. To keep back little or much from God was to retain that which would lessen his moral strength and efficiency; for if the things of this world are cherished, however uncertain and unworthy they may be, they will become all-absorbing." 

Rich or poor we each must decide what is more important to us; giving our all to follow Jesus where ever He leads or cling to the things of this world that please our senses and seem so important to our happiness and success in life. The things of this world will pass away for ever and sadly, so will those who choose it over Jesus. The wonderful news is that although to follow Jesus seems like only sacrifice and trials, it is through these things we experience peace and joy while He is perfecting a character that will fit us for heaven for eternity where we will live and reign with Jesus who gave His life so that we may have it. He truly is a gracious, loving God.

[Richard Myers]

Amen dear sister!

 The young man who asked this question was a ruler. He had great possessions, and occupied a position of responsibility. He saw the love that Christ manifested toward the children brought to Him; he saw how tenderly He received them, and took them up in His arms, and his heart kindled with love for the Saviour. He felt a desire to be His disciple. He was so deeply moved that as Christ was going on His way, he ran after Him, and kneeling at His feet, asked with sincerity and earnestness the question so important to his soul and to the soul of every human being, "Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?" .........
     In reply to this question Jesus told him that obedience to the commandments of God was necessary if he would obtain eternal life; and He quoted several of the commandments which show man's duty to his fellow men.   

It is true that this is an important question we all ought to ask and answer. Yet, we cannot do that which Jesus gave here an answer. We must first trust God with all we have and all we are. And, we cannot to that until we know Him well enough to trust Him in that manner. We need to spend time with Jesus in order to trust Him.

[Beacon]

"Christ, seeing into the rich young rulers character, loved him."

"Love for Christ was awakening in the ruler’s heart; for love begets love."

"Jesus longed to see him a co-worker with Him."


"He longed to make him like Himself, a mirror in which the likeness of God would be reflected."

"He longed to develop the excellence of his character, and sanctify it to the Master’s use."

"If the ruler had then given himself to Christ, he would have grown in the atmosphere of His presence."

"If he had made this choice, how different would have been his future!”

We should " ALL " be asking ourselves...Is there anything that we are holding back from surrendering to Jesus??  Maybe worldly  " FINANCIAL STATUS " or  "WORLDLY FAME?" In other words are we willing to surrender " ALL " to Jesus? Our selves? Our Resources both our Physical and Monitory Assets? Our Time & God Given " Talents " ??

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

1
Take my life, and let it be
Consecrated, Lord, to Thee;
Take my moments and my days,
Let them flow in ceaseless praise,
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,
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,
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,
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,
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,
Ever, only, all for Thee.

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

[Dorine]

"Christ made the only terms which could place the ruler where he would perfect a Christian character. His words were words of wisdom, though they appeared severe and exacting. In accepting and obeying them was the ruler's only hope of salvation. His exalted position and his possessions were exerting a subtle influence for evil upon his character. If cherished, they would supplant God in his affections. To keep back little or much from God was to retain that which would lessen his moral strength and efficiency; for if the things of this world are cherished, however uncertain and unworthy they may be, they will become all-absorbing." 

We too are being tested everyday. When earthly interests come first in our daily routine then we are just as guilty as this young man. Jesus asks that we make Him first in everything so that our earthly interests will have their proper place in our lives. He is teaching me hard lessons each day but I'm thankful for them because they tell me how much He cares for me and desires my friendship and partnership with Him. Only a totally surrendered heart to Christ does He accept.

[Richard Myers]

Amen dear brother and sister!!  The road to heaven is steep and narrow, but all may make it if we will  patiently learn of Him who gave all that we might live. We will love Him if we truly know Him and keep Him in our mind. Over and over again we hear about reflecting Him, having a perfect character. Sadly, the false gospels do not allow such things as holiness and perfection of Christian character. Some will agree, but only for the 144,000. Thus, they excuse sin today. It is such a blessing to read what is being posted here daily. There are many who will not bow the knee to Baal in this our day!

    Jesus saw in this ruler just the help He needed if the young man would become a colaborer with Him in the work of salvation. If he would place himself under Christ's guidance, he would be a power for good. In a marked degree the ruler could have represented Christ; for he possessed qualifications, which, if he were united with the Saviour, would enable him to become a divine force among men. Christ, seeing into his character, loved him. Love for Christ was awakening in the ruler's heart; for love begets love. Jesus longed to see him a co-worker with Him. He longed to make him like Himself, a mirror in which the likeness of God would be reflected. He longed to develop the excellence of his character, and sanctify it to the Master's use. If the ruler had then given himself to Christ, he would have grown in the atmosphere of His presence. If he had made this choice, how different would have been his future!   

It is the greatest of all miracles, to transform a sinner into a saint. Even the "sons of thunder" were transformed into the image of Jesus!

[Beacon]

"In a marked degree the ruler could have represented Christ."

"The possessed qualifications, which, if he were united with the Saviour, would enable him to become a divine force among men."

"Christ, seeing into his character, loved him."


"Love for Christ was awakening in the ruler's heart; for love begets love."

"Jesus longed to see him a co-worker with Him."

"He longed to make him like Himself, a mirror in which the likeness of God would be reflected. He longed to develop the excellence of his character, and sanctify it to the Master's use."

"IF" the ruler had then given himself to Christ, he would have grown in the atmosphere of His presence. If he had made this choice, how different would have been his future! "

God's Invitation  is the same today.

John 15:4-6 King James Version says;

4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.

5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.

What will "OUR" choice be??? Are "WE" willing to Surrender All to Jesus?


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


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

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



 

[Pastor Sean Brizendine]

Amen, Brother Beacon!!

What is our greatest need? Let us look at how Christ dealt with the rich young ruler to understand we need love in the heart that leads to obedience--and Christ can give this to us as we surrender fully to Him! Only by having Christ abiding in us will all of the fruits of the Spirit be manifest without one missing as we are empowered to obey God from the heart! Jesus is the answer to our soul's great need! Let Him in and grow in the atmosphere of His loveliness this day!

"To those who, like the young ruler, are in high positions of trust and have great possessions, it may seem too great a sacrifice to give up all in order to follow Christ. But this is the rule of conduct for all who would become His disciples. Nothing short of obedience can be accepted. Self-surrender is the substance of the teachings of Christ. Often it is presented and enjoined in language that seems authoritative, because there is no other way to save man than to cut away those things which, if entertained, will demoralize the whole being." {The Desire of Ages, page 523, paragraph 3}

Christ has the power to change us. When we let go of the things that will demoralize us, we are really appreciating the One who is of greatest value--Jesus--and all else is seen to be worthless in comparison. Then all that God gives us, whether it be possessions, talents or responsibilities, are never allowed to eclipse the greatest Gift of all--Christ in the heart, Christ in the life. Only by having a living union and communion with Jesus is it possible to rightly appreciate all the things of this life and even in the life to come. A true conversion by having Christ in us is such a miracle, but He freely offers it to each of us now so we can overcome sin by His grace. Let's yield to the Holy Spirit who makes us new creatures in Christ Jesus.

[Dorine]

Christ's words were verily to the ruler the invitation, "Choose you this day whom ye will serve." Joshua 24:15. The choice was left with him. Jesus was yearning for his conversion. He had shown him the plague spot in his character, and with what deep interest He watched the issue as the young man weighed the question! If he decided to follow Christ, he must obey His words in everything. He must turn from his ambitious projects. With what earnest, anxious longing, what soul hunger, did the Saviour look at the young man, hoping that he would yield to the invitation of the Spirit of God!

No matter what plague spot one may have in their character Jesus offers to cleanse and remove it if we give Him our all and follow Him. He promises blessings of joy and happiness and a peace that we can not explain. Our ambitions of the past are no longer captivating us and we move with a freedom never experienced before. It will show in our countenance, in our words and actions and be a witness to the new life in Christ and His power to transform and save. What a devastating loss this young ruler chose. Jesus yearns over each lost soul today just as He did this young man.

[Richard Myers]

Amen, amen, and amen!!   The young ruler took the bad side of the deal. How many others do the same. Why? Because we are selfish by nature and are bent toward evil. It is only the grace of God that can transform us and it must happen daily. What happened to King Saul? What happened to Waggoner and Jones? And Kellogg? It is a masterful evil devil that plays on our fallen nature. We must continue to choose Jesus and He will richly reward us eternally and today with love, joy, and peace!

 The ruler's possessions were entrusted to him that he might prove himself a faithful steward; he was to dispense these goods for the blessing of those in need. So God now entrusts men with means, with talents and opportunities, that they may be His agents in helping the poor and the suffering. He who uses his entrusted gifts as God designs becomes a co-worker with the Saviour. He wins souls to Christ, because he is a representative of His character.   

Are we representatives of His character? If we are fully surrendered to Jesus, then we are reflecting His character. The one thing the rich young ruler lacked was Jesus. He loved the things of this world more than Jesus. There was Jesus standing in front of him offering him eternal life and love, joy, and peace. He had good reason to be sad, for he knew what he had done. How amazing it that! Let us keep our eyes upon Jesus that we continue to remember what great things He has done for us, and what was the price He paid for your and my salvation.

[Beacon]

"If the rich young ruler would place himself under Christ's guidance, he would be a power for good."

In a marked degree the ruler could have represented Christ; for he possessed qualifications, which, if he were united with the Saviour, would enable him to become a divine force among men.

"Christ, seeing into his character, loved him."

"Love for Christ was awakening in the ruler's heart; for love begets love."

"Jesus longed to see him a co-worker with Him."

"He longed to make him like Himself, a mirror in which the likeness of God would be reflected. He longed to develop the excellence of his character, and sanctify it to the Master's use."

"If the ruler had then given himself to Christ, he would have grown in the atmosphere of His presence."

If he had made this choice, how different would have been his future! [/b]

Jesus says to us today in Matthew 11:28-29

28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

What will " OUR " response be to His Invitation? Our choice will determine our eternal destination. I urge you to surrender " ALL TO JESUS " Today and Every Day.

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

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

[Dorine]

"To those who, like the young ruler, are in high positions of trust and have great possessions, it may seem too great a sacrifice to give up all in order to follow Christ. But this is the rule of conduct for all who would become His disciples. Nothing short of obedience can be accepted. Self-surrender is the substance of the teachings of Christ. Often it is presented and enjoined in language that seems authoritative, because there is no other way to save man than to cut away those things which, if entertained, will demoralize the whole being."

Would we want it any other way? Every day the Lord is bringing us into situations where we have severe choices to make. One sin caused evil to come into this world. One sin kept Moses out of the promised land. One sin kept this rich young ruler out of the kingdom. Jesus wants to break all entanglements that might cause that one sin in our lives to keep us out of heaven. The battle is real; the battle is intense but when we give Jesus our whole heart we have nothing to fear for He will bring us through victorious.

[Pastor Sean Brizendine]

Amen, Brother Beacon and Sister Dorine!

What is really valuable? The lives of people saved for eternity because of Jesus' sacrifice for each of us! Christ was inviting the rich young ruler to follow the only path that would orient His character in the way of salvation, leading him to prioritize saving souls over accumulating earthly things. Oh, if he would have chosen to follow Christ instead of turn away! Let us learn from his example and follow Christ in self-surrender of all we have and are to do His will!

"When Christ's followers give back to the Lord His own, they are accumulating treasure which will be given to them when they shall hear the words, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; . . . enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.' 'Who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.' Matthew 25:23; Hebrews 12:2. The joy of seeing souls redeemed, souls eternally saved, is the reward of all that put their feet in the footprints of Him who said, 'Follow Me.'" {The Desire of Ages, page 523, paragraph 4}

Christ loves us too much to let us think that what this world offers is all that there is. When we put His kingdom first and surrender our whole heart to Him in true conversion, all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing will be seen in our lives as we are empowered supernaturally by God to obey Him because we love Him!

[Philip T]

    Christ's words were verily to the ruler the invitation, "Choose you this day whom ye will serve." Joshua 24:15. The choice was left with him. Jesus was yearning for his conversion. He had shown him the plague spot in his character, and with what deep interest He watched the issue as the young man weighed the question! If he decided to follow Christ, he must obey His words in everything. He must turn from his ambitious projects. With what earnest, anxious longing, what soul hunger, did the Saviour look at the young man, hoping that he would yield to the invitation of the Spirit of God!


We see Jesus longed for this soul to surrender all to Him, He pointed out to him what he needed to surrender, but He does not force, the Holy Spirit was at work convicting his heart, however; he needed to make the choice to surrender the plague spot on his heart to God. We like him must let go off all the worldly things in our lives, all sins, the cherished ones along with the ones we despise, they must all go to God before we will become Children of God.

[Beacon]

"To those who, like the young ruler, are in high positions of trust and have great possessions, it may seem too great a sacrifice to give up all in order to follow Christ."

"But this is the rule of conduct for all who would become His disciples."

"Nothing short of obedience can be accepted."

"Self-surrender is the substance of the teachings of Christ."

"Often it is presented and enjoined in language that seems authoritative, because there is no other way to save man than to cut away those things which, if entertained, will demoralize the whole being."

Jesus Gave "ALL" for Us!! Are "WE" wiling to surrender "ALL" to Jesus?? 

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

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

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

[Dorine]

The young man who asked this question was a ruler. He had great possessions, and occupied a position of responsibility. He saw the love that Christ manifested toward the children brought to Him; he saw how tenderly He received them, and took them up in His arms, and his heart kindled with love for the Saviour. He felt a desire to be His disciple. He was so deeply moved that as Christ was going on His way, he ran after Him, and kneeling at His feet, asked with sincerity and earnestness the question so important to his soul and to the soul of every human being, "Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?"

This young man had so many wonderful qualities and he had a deep desire to be a follower of Jesus. What happened? This speaks loud and clear to us that there is something more important to Jesus than just great character qualities, sincere though they may be. When Jesus touched the cherished idol of his heart the truth was revealed and he walked away. So many are doing the same today. Our hearts must be surrendered and self crucified continually that no matter what Christ asks of us it will be our greatest joy to obey. With Jesus it is all or nothing and if we continually hold back we will walk away empty and lost just like this ruler. There is nothing in this world worth losing eternity over.

[Richard Myers]

Amen dear sister!  Here we see an example that ought to cause many to reconsider their standing before God. Did the young man have eternal life prior to knowing His heart was evil and not fully surrendered? He had a "good" character, but it was not good enough for heaven. He needed to give his whole heart and be "perfect" in his heart. His supreme love of self must be surrendered.

He longed to make him like Himself, a mirror in which the likeness of God would be reflected. He longed to develop the excellence of his character, and sanctify it to the Master's use. If the ruler had then given himself to Christ, he would have grown in the atmosphere of His presence. If he had made this choice, how different would have been his future!   
     "One thing thou lackest," Jesus said. "If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow Me." Christ read the ruler's heart. Only one thing he lacked, but that was a vital principle. He needed the love of God in the soul. This lack, unless supplied, would prove fatal to him; his whole nature would become corrupted. By indulgence, selfishness would strengthen. That he might receive the love of God, his supreme love of self must be surrendered.   
     Christ gave this man a test. He called upon him to choose between the heavenly treasure and worldly greatness. The heavenly treasure was assured him if he would follow Christ. But self must yield; his will must be given into Christ's control. The very holiness of God was offered to the young ruler. He had the privilege of becoming a son of God, and a coheir with Christ to the heavenly treasure. But he must take up the cross, and follow the Saviour in the path of self-denial. 

He loved his possessions more than God. Again and again we are being enlightened as to what it means to be converted and possess eternal life. Ignorance of the power of grace to transform sinners into saints does not excuse the sinner's sin. If we do not love the Lord our God with all of the heart ,then we do not possess salvation (eternal life), that which the rich young ruler wanted, but the price was too high. Be had never paid the price, nor would he, thus he walked away sad. As Brother Beacon has shared, we must surrender all of self in order to have eternal life. There is  no excuse for sin, for God has provided a remedy in His Son.

[Pastor Sean Brizendine]

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

Infinite value--that is what you have! Thus, it follows that every soul has infinite value, because of what Christ did for us in creating us and redeeming us! Oh, what wondrous love to woo us to Himself away from the unsatisfying pleasures of sin and lead us to abide in His loveliness of character as we grow in His grace and strength to do His holy will! All of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing will be seen in our lives as long as we are fully surrendered to Him in humble faith and obedience! Let us enter into the true joy of our lives being used by God to win souls to Him at any cost to ourselves, motivated by the One who went to Gethsemane and Calvary for us, and is not interceding in heaven as our High Priest, preparing us for His coming as King! 

"When Christ's followers give back to the Lord His own, they are accumulating treasure which will be given to them when they shall hear the words, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; ... enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.' 'Who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.' Matthew 25:23; Hebrews 12:2. The joy of seeing souls redeemed, souls eternally saved, is the reward of all that put their feet in the footprints of Him who said, 'Follow Me.'" {The Desire of Ages, page 523, paragraph 4}

To follow Jesus is to be TRULY HAPPY!! He loves us and wants what is best for us. When the rich young ruler turned away sorrowful, it was because He did not let Jesus lead him the only path that leads to true happiness--and that is the path Jesus has planned for us! "Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in Thy presence is fulness of joy; at Thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore" (Psalm 16:11)!!! Trust Jesus fully and watch Him lead you in paths that bring the greatest joy to God, others, and you, too!

[Pastor Sean Brizendine]

Because Jesus knows you perfectly, it follows that whatever He tells you to do is for your highest good. In the case of what Jesus told the rich young ruler, it was imperative that he follow exactly what Christ said, for to fail to do so would reveal a lack of surrender, holding on to the idol of riches. We all need Jesus to help us see our plague spots of character so He can help us renounce anything that would get in the way of fully following Him.

"Christ's words were verily to the ruler the invitation, 'Choose you this day whom ye will serve.' Joshua 24:15. The choice was left with him. Jesus was yearning for his conversion. He had shown him the plague spot in his character, and with what deep interest He watched the issue as the young man weighed the question! If he decided to follow Christ, he must obey His words in everything. He must turn from his ambitious projects. With what earnest, anxious longing, what soul hunger, did the Saviour look at the young man, hoping that he would yield to the invitation of the Spirit of God!" {The Desire of Ages, page 520, paragraph 1}

When we do yield FULLY to the Holy Spirit, He converts us and makes us partakers of His divine nature; all of the fruits of the Spirit will be revealed in the life and we will be enabled to bear much fruit to the glory of God, heeding all of His commandments because we love Him who first loved us. We need to remember that Jesus loved the rich young ruler--but sadly, he turned away from Jesus. May we learn the lesson and not turn from Jesus, even if what Christ calls us to do seems trying for us. Let us remember that Christ calls for the WHOLE heart and an entire life surrender in which we put His teachings into practice!

"In giving ourselves to God, we must necessarily give up all that would separate us from Him. Hence the Saviour says, 'Whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be My disciple.'Luke 14:33. Whatever shall draw away the heart from God must be given up. Mammon is the idol of many. The love of money, the desire for wealth, is the golden chain that binds them to Satan. Reputation and worldly honor are worshiped by another class. The life of selfish ease and freedom from responsibility is the idol of others. But these slavish bands must be broken. We cannot be half the Lord's and half the world's. We are not God's children unless we are such entirely." {Steps to Christ, page 44, paragraph 1}

[Richard Myers]

Amen Pastor Sean!  Why  would we turn away from Jesus.....if we really know Him? And if we have experienced love, joy, and peace in this world, why would we want to go back to the wicked world where is not love, joy, and peace? The rich young ruler gave up not only eternal life, which shows he was very sick minded, but he also gave up in this world peace that passes all understanding.

color=maroon]
 The ruler was quick to discern all that Christ's words involved, and he became sad. If he had realized the value of the offered gift, quickly would he have enrolled himself as one of Christ's followers. He was a member of the honored council of the Jews, and Satan was tempting him with flattering prospects of the future. He wanted the heavenly treasure, but he wanted also the temporal advantages his riches would bring him. He was sorry that such conditions existed; he desired eternal life, but he was not willing to make the sacrifice. The cost of eternal life seemed too great, and he went away sorrowful; "for he had great possessions."
     His claim that he had kept the law of God was a deception. He showed that riches were his idol. He could not keep the commandments of God while the world was first in his affections. He loved the gifts of God more than he loved the Giver. Christ had offered the young man fellowship with Himself. "Follow Me," He said. But the Saviour was not so much to him as his own name among men or his possessions. [/color]

[Beacon]

"In giving ourselves to God, we must necessarily give up all that would separate us from Him."

"Hence the Saviour says, 'Whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be My disciple.'Luke 14:33."

"Whatever shall draw away the heart from God must be given up.

"Mammon is the idol of many."

"The love of money, the desire for wealth, is the golden chain that binds them to Satan."

"Reputation and worldly honor are worshiped by another class."

"The life of selfish ease and freedom from responsibility is the idol of others."

"But these slavish bands must be broken."

"We cannot be half the Lord's and half the world's."

"We are not God's children unless we are such entirely."

The Big Question is??...."Are "WE" willing to surrender "ALL" to Jesus"

=======================
1
Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in Thee;
Let the water and the blood,
From Thy riven side which flowed,
Be of sin the double cure,
Save me from its guilt and power.
2
Not the labor of my hands
Can fulfill Thy law’s demands;
Could my zeal no respite know,
Could my tears forever flow,
All could never sin erase,
Thou must save, and save by grace.
3
Nothing in my hands I bring,
Simply to Thy cross I cling;
Naked, come to Thee for dress,
Helpless, look to Thee for grace:
Foul, I to the fountain fly,
Wash me, Savior, or I die.
4
While I draw this fleeting breath,
When mine eyes shall close in death,
When I soar to worlds unknown,
See Thee on Thy judgment throne,
Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in Thee.

Lyrics:Augustus Montague Toplady (1740-1778)
Music:Thomas Hastings (1784-1872)