Author Topic: The Desire of Ages--60--The Law of the New Kingdom (Read 47420 times)

Dorine · « **Reply #80 on:** December 06, 2021, 09:25:25 AM »

"The one who stands nearest to Christ will be he who on earth has drunk most deeply of the spirit of His self-sacrificing love,--love that "vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, . . . seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil" (1 Corinthians 13:4, 5),--love that moves the disciple, as it moved our Lord, to give all, to live and labor and sacrifice, even unto death, for the saving of humanity. This spirit was made manifest in the life of Paul. He said, "For to me to live is Christ;" for his life revealed Christ to men; "and to die is gain,"--gain to Christ; death itself would make manifest the power of His grace, and gather souls to Him. "Christ shall be magnified in my body," he said, "whether it be by life or by death." Philippians 1:21, 20.

This is our high calling. It happens only as we submit to the workings of the Holy Spirit in our lives. These attributes are not within self. They are divine and when humanity and divinity are linked together there will be seen in the Christian all the fruits of the Spirit along with a self sacrificing life. Then our witness will be such that others will want to know how they too can have the same.

Richard Myers · « **Reply #81 on:** December 06, 2021, 10:36:13 AM »

Amen my dear friends! Things in the world are the opposite of what we experience when abiding in Christ and He in us. We do not oppress others, but rather are to be servants as was Jesus. By His grace, this we shall be. Then, we shall have a place in heaven that God will provide for us. What shall we do? There are positions in heaven. James, and John wanted to sit on the right and left of Jesus. Unlike this world, what decides our position?

"But to sit on My right hand, and on My left," He continued, "is not Mine to give, but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of My Father." In the kingdom of God, position is not gained through favoritism. It is not earned, nor is it received through an arbitrary bestowal. It is the result of character. The crown and the throne are the tokens of a condition attained; they are the tokens of self-conquest through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Again and again we read that we shall be judged by our character. It is the character we had when probation closes that will decide our position in heaven. Yes, we just read that position in heaven "is the result of character." When the heart is given to Him fully, then the Holy Spirit takes possession of the heart and empowers fallen man to obey all that has been made known to him. This obedience through the indwelling God develops a stronger and stronger character. We shall not be tempted beyond what we can bear, but we shall be tempted that our character might be made stronger. When converted we will be patient, but God wants us to be more patient under greater temptations. So that being perfect at conversion (the heart is pure and holy, the motives perfect) we are to become more perfect, more patient. All of the fruits are given at conversion, but God wants the fruit to become more abundant and perfect at each stage. In Christ we are to grow in character in the same manner that Jesus grew. We are to take up our cross and understand that when abiding in Jesus suffering strengthens the character. "The crown and the throne are the tokens of a condition attained; they are the tokens of self-conquest through our Lord Jesus Christ."

Thus, we read position in heaven "is the result of character." This applies to the thief on the cross as well as to John the Baptist, Peter, James, John and the 144,000. It is maybe shocking to some, but those that stand closest to Jesus are those who have been forgiven the most.

Beacon · « **Reply #82 on:** March 02, 2022, 08:34:35 PM »

"God gives to every soul freedom to think, and to follow his own convictions."

“Every one of us shall give account of himself to God.”

No one has a right to merge his own individuality in that of another. In all matters where principle is involved, “let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.” Romans 14:12, 5.

"In Christ’s kingdom there is no lordly oppression, no compulsion of manner."

"The angels of heaven do not come to the earth to rule, and to exact homage, but as messengers of mercy, to co-operate with men in uplifting humanity. "

"The one who stands nearest to Christ will be he who on earth has drunk most deeply of the spirit of His self-sacrificing love."

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 · « **Reply #83 on:** March 03, 2022, 05:25:15 AM »

"The words of Paul reveal the true dignity and honor of the Christian life: "Though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all," "not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved." 1 Corinthians 9:19; 10:33.

As we daily commit our lives to Christ our selfish desires are no longer a part of our character. Christ gives us a new heart that although we must live in the world we won't be a part of it. With self hid in Christ we will commit our lives to the benefit of others. There will be disappointments and hardships but there is joy in knowing we are carrying on the work of Christ and many will be saved as a result.

Philip T · « **Reply #84 on:** March 03, 2022, 08:47:10 AM »

Christ was establishing a kingdom on different principles. He called men, not to authority, but to service, the strong to bear the infirmities of the weak. Power, position, talent, education, placed their possessor under the greater obligation to serve his fellows. To even the lowliest of Christ's disciples it is said, "All things are for your sakes." 2 Corinthians 4:15.
"The Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give His life a ransom for many." Among His disciples Christ was in every sense a caretaker, a burden bearer. He shared their poverty, He practiced self-denial on their account, He went before them to smooth the more difficult places, and soon He would consummate His work on earth by laying down His life. The principle on which Christ acted is to actuate the members of the church which is His body. The plan and ground of salvation is love. In the kingdom of Christ those are greatest who follow the example He has given, and act as shepherds of His flock.

Jesus is our example, and He came to minister to and to be ministered to, as members of His church, His body we should be doing the same. God blesses us with gifts, not for self-pleasure, but for us to serve and help those around us. We are to be busy about the work He has given us to complete, His last commission before ascension to heaven. This we should keep foremost in our minds and spend time in prayer with God over.

Pastor Sean Brizendine · « **Reply #85 on:** March 03, 2022, 11:21:03 AM »

Amen, Brother Beacon, Sister Dorine and Brother Philip!

Freedom of conscience! What a gift! Praise the Lord that the God who made us chooses to love us so much that He created us also with the capacity to love--the capacity to choose--so we can render back to Him voluntary service from the new heart that we ask Him to recreate in us as we, beholding the loveliness of His character, yield fully to the Holy Spirit who will supernaturally manifest through us all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing as we are empower to obey God's commandments that are the true definition of freedom to live forever! God gives immortality to those who overcome by His grace! Hallelujah!

"In matters of conscience the soul must be left untrammeled. No one is to control another's mind, to judge for another, or to prescribe his duty. God gives to every soul freedom to think, and to follow his own convictions. 'Every one of us shall give account of himself to God.' No one has a right to merge his own individuality in that of another. In all matters where principle is involved, 'let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.' Romans 14:12, 5. In Christ's kingdom there is no lordly oppression, no compulsion of manner. The angels of heaven do not come to the earth to rule, and to exact homage, but as messengers of mercy, to co-operate with men in uplifting humanity." {The Desire of Ages, page 550, paragraph 6}

What a joy it is to abide in Jesus and be an overcomer by His divine grace through the merits of His atoning blood! Look away from self to Him who loved us and gave Himself for us!

Richard Myers · « **Reply #86 on:** March 04, 2022, 08:00:50 PM »

Amen my dear friends! We through Christ can be as loving as Christ. It is not the promise of heaven that motivates us, but it is His love, His grace. Through the power of grace, we will by obedience form characters that fit us not only for heaven, but for ministry in this world. And does this world ever need a revelation of Christ in humanity!

"But to sit on My right hand, and on My left," He continued, "is not Mine to give, but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of My Father." In the kingdom of God, position is not gained through favoritism. It is not earned, nor is it received through an arbitrary bestowal. It is the result of character. The crown and the throne are the tokens of a condition attained; they are the tokens of self-conquest through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Amen!!

Beacon · « **Reply #87 on:** May 28, 2022, 08:23:39 PM »

"The Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give His life a ransom for many."

"Among His disciples Christ was in every sense a caretaker, a burden bearer."

"He shared their poverty, He practiced self-denial on their account."

He went before them to smooth the more difficult places, and soon He would consummate His work on earth by laying down His life.

"The principle on which Christ acted is to actuate the members of the church which is His body.

"The plan and ground of salvation is love."

"In the kingdom of Christ those are greatest who follow the example He has given, and act as shepherds of His flock."

Oh to be more like Jesus - That's my prayer - is it yours?

================================
1
Earthly pleasures vainly call me,
I would be like Jesus;
Nothing worldly shall enthrall me,
I would be like Jesus.

Be like Jesus, this my song,
In the home and in the throng;
Be like Jesus, all day long!
I would be like Jesus.
2
He has broken every fetter,
I would be like Jesus;
That my soul may serve Him better,
I would be like Jesus.
3
All the way from earth to glory,
I would be like Jesus;
Telling o’er and o’er the story,
I would be like Jesus.

Be like Jesus, this my song,
In the home and in the throng;
Be like Jesus, all day long!
I would be like Jesus.

Lyrics:James Rowe (1866-1933)
Music:Bentley DeForest Ackley (1872-1958)

Pastor Sean Brizendine · « **Reply #88 on:** May 29, 2022, 05:49:09 AM »

Amen, Brother Beacon!

When you are making big decisions, it is important to know that God gives you freedom to think and act in harmony with His law of love. True freedom is always found in obedience to God out of love for the One who first loved us. How we develop character and grow in His grace is a unique unfolding of life principles in day to day application similar to the development of a tree that will bear fruit--even the fruit of the Spirit without one missing! Affectionately obeying God in the way He leads brings true happiness!

"In matters of conscience the soul must be left untrammeled. No one is to control another's mind, to judge for another, or to prescribe his duty. God gives to every soul freedom to think, and to follow his own convictions. 'Every one of us shall give account of himself to God.' No one has a right to merge his own individuality in that of another. In all matters where principle is involved, 'let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.' Romans 14:12, 5. In Christ's kingdom there is no lordly oppression, no compulsion of manner. The angels of heaven do not come to the earth to rule, and to exact homage, but as messengers of mercy, to co-operate with men in uplifting humanity." {The Desire of Ages, page 550, paragraph 6}

God does not force, but He helps us understand that to resist His love and to choose the way of sin only leads to death, for He alone is the source of life. Once we choose to fully surrender to Christ, the new heart He gives us is the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit, and He loves to guide us in the path of true happiness where the unique talents and abilities He has given us can be the greatest blessing!

Dorine · « **Reply #89 on:** May 29, 2022, 07:00:02 AM »

"The principles and the very words of the Saviour's teaching, in their divine beauty, dwelt in the memory of the beloved disciple. To his latest days the burden of John's testimony to the churches was, "This is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another." "Hereby perceive we the love of God, because He laid down His life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren." 1 John 3:11, 16.

Because Jesus abides in our hearts this principle of love for one another will be who we are. Not something we have to work at.

Richard Myers · « **Reply #90 on:** May 29, 2022, 09:40:05 PM »

Amen dear sister! It has come to my attention that we ought not waste our death. Most look forward to a peaceful sleep wherein we suffer not in dying. But, Jesus says that we ought to lay our lives down for others. My thought was why would I want to waste my death? Let me give glory to God as did the martyrs of days gone by. I have mentioned this a couple of times, and today we read the same. Let us be willing to die for another.

It was a blessing reading what was posted for today's reading. Such beautiful truths! The law of God's kingdom is indeed love revealed in our ministry to others. To love not only those who love us, but love those who despitefully use us. We are blessed with much, thus we ought to bear with the infirmities of the week.

In the kingdoms of the world, position meant self-aggrandizement. The people were supposed to exist for the benefit of the ruling classes. Influence, wealth, education, were so many means of gaining control of the masses for the use of the leaders. The higher classes were to think, decide, enjoy, and rule; the lower were to obey and serve. Religion, like all things else, was a matter of authority. The people were expected to believe and practice as their superiors directed. The right of man as man, to think and act for himself, was wholly unrecognized.
Christ was establishing a kingdom on different principles. He called men, not to authority, but to service, the strong to bear the infirmities of the weak. Power, position, talent, education, placed their possessor under the greater obligation to serve his fellows. To even the lowliest of Christ's disciples it is said, "All things are for your sakes." 2 Corinthians 4:15.

Beacon · « **Reply #91 on:** August 23, 2022, 08:00:32 PM »

"No one has a right to merge his own individuality in that of another."

"Every one of us shall give account of himself to God."

"In all matters where principle is involved, 'let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind." Romans 14:12, 5.

"In Christ's kingdom there is no lordly oppression, no compulsion of manner. "

"The angels of heaven do not come to the earth to rule, and to exact homage, but as messengers of mercy, to co-operate with men in uplifting humanity."

"Let us choose to let the Bible and the Holy Spirit be our guide and not just us alone but for all the family of God."

The Bible says Matthew 7 Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?

=============================
1
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)

Richard Myers · « **Reply #92 on:** August 24, 2022, 11:19:41 AM »

Amen Brother Beacon! Even if wrong, all have the right to understand truth without being jailed for not only believing what they want, but expressing it. How much has America, the land of liberty, changed from the innocent lamb as written in Revelation.

Often I point out how deceived were the Jews when Christ came to them and they put Him on the cross. So it was with His disciples even after 3 1/2 years with Jesus. How did Jesus respond to their lack of understanding, even after sharing truth with them? There was much He wanted to share with them, but did not because they could not bear to hear it. Here in today's reading we find that He did sit them down and try to explain at a point that they could bear. Notice it was not explaining their salvation depended upon His suffering and death. That would have been far to far for them.

Again Christ called the twelve about Him, and with greater definiteness than ever before, He opened to them His betrayal and sufferings. "Behold," He said, "we go up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of man shall be accomplished. For He shall be delivered unto the Gentiles, and shall be mocked, and spitefully entreated, and spitted on: and they shall scourge Him, and put Him to death: and the third day He shall rise again. And they understood none of these things: and this saying was hid from them, neither knew they the things which were spoken."
Had they not just before proclaimed everywhere, "The kingdom of heaven is at hand"? Had not Christ Himself promised that many should sit down with Abraham and Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of God? Had He not promised to all who had left aught for His sake a hundredfold in this life, and a part in His kingdom? And had He not given to the twelve the special promise of positions of high honor in His kingdom,--to sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel? Even now He had said that all things written in the prophets concerning Him should be fulfilled. And had not the prophets foretold the glory of the Messiah's reign? In the light of these thoughts, His words in regard to betrayal, persecution, and death seemed vague and shadowy. Whatever difficulties might intervene, they believed that the kingdom was soon to be established.

Let us take care to do as did Jesus. There is much we can say, but many cannot bear to hear it. Then, let us keep that important truth to ourselves until we find those who are seeking a truth who can bear to hear it.

Pastor Sean Brizendine · « **Reply #93 on:** August 25, 2022, 08:12:19 AM »

Amen, Brother Beacon and Amen, Brother Richard! Truth is not to be forced on people, but as love moves the heart of a person, the Holy Spirit can impress truth on the soul to bring restoration to God's image.

What was the foundation of Christ's kingdom? Loving service that flows from God's heart to all! He invites us to yield fully to Him so that the Holy Spirit can manifest through us all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing! Then we can gladly serve others because we trust God who provides for our needs!

"Christ was establishing a kingdom on different principles. He called men, not to authority, but to service, the strong to bear the infirmities of the weak. Power, position, talent, education, placed their possessor under the greater obligation to serve his fellows. To even the lowliest of Christ's disciples it is said, 'All things are for your sakes.' 2 Corinthians 4:15." {The Desire of Ages, page 550, paragraph 3}

Let us allow Christ to establish His kingdom in our hearts and then we can be truly happy as we go forth to bless others!

Beacon · « **Reply #94 on:** November 18, 2022, 08:04:18 PM »

"Among His disciples Christ was in every sense a caretaker, a burden bearer."

"He shared their poverty, He practiced self-denial on their account,"

"He went before them to smooth the more difficult places."

"Soon He would consummate His work on earth by laying down His life."

"The principle on which Christ acted is to actuate the members of the church which is His body."

"The plan and ground of salvation is love."

"In the kingdom of Christ those are greatest who follow the example He has given, and act as shepherds of His flock."

Are " WE WILLING " to follow the example " HE " has given?? I pray " OUR " answer will be a resounding "YES "

===================
1
I hear the Savior say,
“Thy strength indeed is small,
Child of weakness, watch and pray,
Find in Me thine all in all.”
Jesus paid it all,
All to Him I owe;
Sin had left a crimson stain,
He washed it white as snow.
2
Lord, now indeed I find
Thy pow’r, and Thine alone,
Can change the leper’s spots,
And melt the heart of stone.
3
For nothing good have I
Whereby Thy grace to claim—
I’ll wash my garments white
In the blood of Calv’ry’s Lamb.
4
And when, before the throne,
I stand in Him complete,
“Jesus died my soul to save,”
My lips shall still repeat.

Lyrics:Elvina Mable Reynolds Hall (1822-1889)
Music:John Thomas Grape (1834-1915)

HAPPY SABBATH TO ALL OUR REMNANT ON-LINE FAMILY ---MAY EACH OF YOU BE BLESSED.

Pastor Sean Brizendine · « **Reply #95 on:** November 19, 2022, 03:52:27 AM »

Amen, Brother Beacon!! Let's always choose to be "all in" for Jesus!!

Happy Sabbath!! Love is of God, for "God is love" (1 John 4:16). We are invited to enjoy the endless love expression that the Godhead has been experiencing for all of eternity by opening our hearts to the Holy Spirit! Then, the love that God experiences can be poured into us with all the manifestations of that love--including joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness and temperance! Not one of the attributes of love will be missing when the soul is truly converted, for conversion is the miracle of God making a person new from the heart! We can be kept from falling into sin by abiding in His love! By choosing Christ, we can enjoy the miracle of being made like Him in mind and character to go forth to bless others!

"The principles and the very words of the Saviour's teaching, in their divine beauty, dwelt in the memory of the beloved disciple. To his latest days the burden of John's testimony to the churches was, 'This is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.' 'Hereby perceive we the love of God, because He laid down His life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.' 1 John 3:11, 16." {The Desire of Ages, page 551, paragraph 1}
"This was the spirit that pervaded the early church. After the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, 'the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that aught of the things which he possessed was his own.' 'Neither was there any among them that lacked.' 'And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.' Acts 4:32, 34, 33." {The Desire of Ages, page 551, paragraph 2}

God is bringing revival and reformation to His church so we can again experience the unity and love that was manifest in the early church! Let's allow God's love to work in us this experience even now and invite others to enjoy the blessedness of His love!

Dorine · « **Reply #96 on:** November 19, 2022, 07:19:28 AM »

"Jesus bears tenderly with them, not rebuking their selfishness in seeking preference above their brethren. He reads their hearts, He knows the depth of their attachment to Him. Their love is not a mere human affection; though defiled by the earthliness of its human channel, it is an outflowing from the fountain of His own redeeming love. He will not rebuke, but deepen and purify. He said, "Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?" They recall His mysterious words, pointing to trial and suffering, yet answer confidently, "We are able." They would count it highest honor to prove their loyalty by sharing all that is to befall their Lord."

There is much to comment on but this morning I was most touched by the tender mercy of Jesus in dealing with this mother and her two sons. Christ knows the motives of our hearts. That's why we have no right to judge another. It causes us to take our eyes off of Jesus just as the rest of the disciples did when they showed their anger towards James and John. We can take courage from the biblical record of the longsuffering of Jesus towards us. When we commit ourselves moment by moment to Him with teachable hearts He works in us to purify our weaknesses. What a gracious loving God we serve.

Richard Myers · « **Reply #97 on:** November 19, 2022, 08:37:55 AM »

Amen my dear friends! So many ways to say the same thing! Again and again we hear that God cares about our character, our unselfish love for others.

"But to sit on My right hand, and on My left," He continued, "is not Mine to give, but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of My Father." In the kingdom of God, position is not gained through favoritism. It is not earned, nor is it received through an arbitrary bestowal. It is the result of character. The crown and the throne are the tokens of a condition attained; they are the tokens of self-conquest through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Yes, it is our character that reflects His character, but notice how we obtain this holy character: "they are the tokens of self-conquest through our Lord Jesus Christ." Yes, self conquest. How can this be? We can do all things "through our Lord Jesus Christ. It is His power and our effort. Our part is immeasurably small, His part, immeasurably large.

Have a blessed Sabbath our dear ones.

Beacon · « **Reply #98 on:** February 13, 2023, 09:00:34 PM »

"The angels of heaven do not come to the earth to rule, and to exact homage, but as messengers of mercy, to co-operate with men in uplifting humanity."/b]

"In matters of conscience the soul must be left untrammeled."

"No one is to control another's mind, to judge for another, or to prescribe his duty."

"God gives to every soul freedom to think, and to follow his own convictions."

"Every one of us shall give account of himself to God. "

"No one has a right to merge his own individuality in that of another."

"In all matters where principle is involved, 'let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.' Romans 14:12, 5. In Christ's kingdom there is no lordly oppression, no compulsion of manner."

This message really spoke to me because I have a tendency to create expectations for those who are in influential positions within church leadership both corporately and at the local level but this is really the job of the Holy Spirit. I am glad that through this chapter God has opened my eyes wider to see what is and what is not my duty - How about you??

=============================
1
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)

Dorine · « **Reply #99 on:** February 14, 2023, 05:16:38 AM »

"Christ was establishing a kingdom on different principles. He called men, not to authority, but to service, the strong to bear the infirmities of the weak. Power, position, talent, education, placed their possessor under the greater obligation to serve his fellows. To even the lowliest of Christ's disciples it is said, "All things are for your sakes." 2 Corinthians 4:15.

No one is left out of God's kingdom that desires to be there and willing to follow Him all the way. When our hearts are one with Christ we will walk and talk the love of God to others as we work for their benefit. But it goes beyond just service; it includes the willingness to lay down our lives for them if called to do so. That is a high calling that only a soul that has Jesus residing in their heart can make.