The Desire of Ages--66--Controversy

[Philip T]

 The scribe was near to the kingdom of God, in that he recognized deeds of righteousness as more acceptable to God than burnt offerings and sacrifices. But he needed to recognize the divine character of Christ, and through faith in Him receive power to do the works of righteousness. The ritual service was of no value, unless connected with Christ by living faith. Even the moral law fails of its purpose, unless it is understood in its relation to the Saviour. Christ had repeatedly shown that His Father's law contained something deeper than mere authoritative commands. In the law is embodied the same principle that is revealed in the gospel. The law points out man's duty and shows him his guilt. To Christ he must look for pardon and for power to do what the law enjoins.


We need to have a one-on-one relationship with Jeus, rituals are not what God seeks. He seeks and contrite and humble heart, surrendered to Him. We must realize the 10 commandments are God's character which reflect His love to us, and that salvation only comes by faith through Jesus. God's law reflects the messages of the Gospel.

[Richard Myers]

Amen my dear brothers!  I find it interesting that Jesus did not seek or enter into controversy with those who were out to murder Him. Many confuse controversy as entering into a conversation where evil is pointed out, that is rebuke. No. Jesus rebuked evil, but did not enter into controversy with them. Because He would not debate with them, they ceased to ask Him questions.

 In reply to the statement that Christ was the Son of David, Jesus said, "How then doth David in Spirit [the Spirit of Inspiration from God] call Him Lord, saying, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit Thou on My right hand, till I make Thine enemies Thy footstool? If David then call Him Lord, how is He his son? And no man was able to answer Him a word, neither durst any man from that day forth ask Him any more questions."

[Pastor Sean Brizendine]

Amen, Brother Beacon, Brother Philip and Brother Richard!

Praise God for the resurrection from the dead as a key truth revealed in the word of God! God will see His purposes fulfilled in His timing, and He calls us to surrender fully to Him so all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing are revealed in our lives--the witness of resurrection power at work in our characters!

"Christ declared to His hearers that if there were no resurrection of the dead, the Scriptures which they professed to believe would be of no avail. He said, 'But as touching the resurrection of the dead, have ye not read that which was spoken unto you by God, saying, I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living.' God counts the things that are not as though they were. He sees the end from the beginning, and beholds the result of His work as though it were now accomplished. The precious dead, from Adam down to the last saint who dies, will hear the voice of the Son of God, and will come forth from the grave to immortal life. God will be their God, and they shall be His people. There will be a close and tender relationship between God and the risen saints. This condition, which is anticipated in His purpose, He beholds as if it were already existing. The dead live unto Him." {The Desire of Ages, page 606, paragraph 1}

Are you willing to fully trust God who has the power to raise the dead? If so, do not live in fear of death, rather fear to sin against God who gave His Son to make it possible for you to have eternal life!

[Beacon]

"God is not the God of the dead, but of the living."

"God counts the things that are not as though they were."

"He sees the end from the beginning, and beholds the result of His work as though it were now accomplished." "The precious dead, from Adam down to the last saint who dies, will hear the voice of the Son of God, and will come forth from the grave to immortal life."

"God will be their God, and they shall be His people."

"There will be a close and tender relationship between God and the risen saints."

What a day that will be when our Jesus we will see and He
takes "US" by the hand and leads us to the promised land---What a Day!! Glorious Day that will be!!

By God's Grace and Mercy "WE" can all be there if "WE" are willing to make Him " King  of kings and Lord of Lords of our life today. The BIG question is ....Are "WE" willing ?? As for me and my house "WE" will serve the Lord!!.

=======================
1
Amazing grace! how sweet the sound,
  That saved a wretch; like me!
I once was lost, but now am found,
  Was blind, but now I see.
2
’Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
  And grace my fears relieved;
How precious did that grace appear
  The hour I first believed!
3
The Lord hath promised good to me,
  His word my hope secures;
He will my shield and portion be
  As long as life endures.
4
When we’ve been there ten thousand years,
  Bright shining as the sun,
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise
  Than when we first begun.

Lyrics:John Newton (1725-1807)
Music:Traditional American melody

[Dorine]

The scribe was near to the kingdom of God, in that he recognized deeds of righteousness as more acceptable to God than burnt offerings and sacrifices. But he needed to recognize the divine character of Christ, and through faith in Him receive power to do the works of righteousness. The ritual service was of no value, unless connected with Christ by living faith. Even the moral law fails of its purpose, unless it is understood in its relation to the Saviour. Christ had repeatedly shown that His Father's law contained something deeper than mere authoritative commands. In the law is embodied the same principle that is revealed in the gospel. The law points out man's duty and shows him his guilt. To Christ he must look for pardon and for power to do what the law enjoins.

We are to be living sacrifices crucifying self each day. Then we will know the abiding presence of God in our lives; Our love for God will show in our love for others. When we understand the beauty of the 10 commandments, that they are the attributes of Christ we will delight in the keeping of them.

[Richard Myers]

Amen Brother Beacon!  Salvation is dependent upon  close and tender relationship between God and repentant sinners. Amen Sister Dorine! The commandments are a transcript of God's character. If we keep the commandments then we love God and our neighbor. If we break any one of them, we do not love either God nor our neighbor.

     The first four of the Ten Commandments are summed up in the one great precept, "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart." The last six are included in the other, "Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself." Both these commandments are an expression of the principle of love. The first cannot be kept and the second broken, nor can the second be kept while the first is broken. When God has His rightful place on the throne of the heart, the right place will be given to our neighbor. We shall love him as ourselves. And only as we love God supremely is it possible to love our neighbor impartially.   
     And since all the commandments are summed up in love to God and man, it follows that not one precept can be broken without violating this principle. Thus Christ taught His hearers that the law of God is not so many separate precepts, some of which are of great importance, while others are of small importance and may with impunity be ignored. Our Lord presents the first four and the last six commandments as a divine whole, and teaches that love to God will be shown by obedience to all His commandments.   

Sometimes it is hard to remember that the church remains in a Laodicean condition because the gospel has been greatly perverted. Thus, many believe they have salvation when they do not. Many have been buried alive by pastors who also were buried alive.  When one is truly converted because they love the Lord our God with all of the heart they will not remain quiet about the gospel message. And if the preacher does not present the gospel message, then he does not understand the gospel nor the condition of God's church. It would be well to spend a thoughtful hour a day contemplating the life of Jesus, especially the closing scenes where we behold the glory of God (His character). It is there that we see His stripes whereby we are healed.

[Pastor Sean Brizendine]

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

Repeatedly Christ avoided being drawn into controversy. He knew that His work was to present the word of God in its clarity. When questions were asked of Him, often He required the answer from the one who asked, or He would meet others with a question, too. Wisely He kept planting truth, and thankfully, a scribe was willing to acknowledge the "correct" answer about what was most important in the law. But that man needed to also accept Christ as a personal Savior. So it is with us. A whole-heart surrender to Christ is what we need moment-by-moment. We need a living connection with Christ in order for God's love to flow in and through us to others, manifesting all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing and gladly obeying God up to the light He has given us.

"The scribe was near to the kingdom of God, in that he recognized deeds of righteousness as more acceptable to God than burnt offerings and sacrifices. But he needed to recognize the divine character of Christ, and through faith in Him receive power to do the works of righteousness. The ritual service was of no value, unless connected with Christ by living faith. Even the moral law fails of its purpose, unless it is understood in its relation to the Saviour. Christ had repeatedly shown that His Father's law contained something deeper than mere authoritative commands. In the law is embodied the same principle that is revealed in the gospel. The law points out man's duty and shows him his guilt. To Christ he must look for pardon and for power to do what the law enjoins." {The Desire of Ages, page 608, paragraph 2}

When we appreciate the pardon and power of Jesus, we experience forgiveness for our past and power for our present to do God's will! What a delight!

[Beacon]

"Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart." The last six are included in the other, "Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself." Both these commandments are an expression of the principle of love."

"The first cannot be kept and the second broken, nor can the second be kept while the first is broken."

"When God has His rightful place on the throne of the heart, the right place will be given to our neighbor. We shall love him as ourselves." "And only as we love God supremely is it possible to love our neighbor impartially."
   
 "Since all the commandments are summed up in love to God and man, it follows that not one precept can be broken without violating this principle."

"Thus Christ taught His hearers that the law of God is not so many separate precepts, some of which are of great importance, while others are of small importance and may with impunity be ignored." "Our Lord presents the first four and the last six commandments as a divine whole, and teaches that love to God will be shown by obedience to all His commandments


"Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart." The last six are included in the other, "Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself." Both these commandments are an expression of the principle of love. The first cannot be kept and the second broken, nor can the second be kept while the first is broken. When God has His rightful place on the throne of the heart, the right place will be given to our neighbor. We shall love him as ourselves. And only as we love God supremely is it possible to love our neighbor impartially."
   
And since all the commandments are summed up in love to God and man, it follows that not one precept can be broken without violating this principle. Thus Christ taught His hearers that the law of God is not so many separate precepts, some of which are of great importance, while others are of small importance and may with impunity be ignored. Our Lord presents the first four and the last six commandments as a divine whole, and teaches that love to God will be shown by obedience to all His commandments."

With Jesus it's ALL or Nothing ! Are 'WE' Willing to surrender "ALL" to Jesus??

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


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]

And since all the commandments are summed up in love to God and man, it follows that not one precept can be broken without violating this principle. Thus Christ taught His hearers that the law of God is not so many separate precepts, some of which are of great importance, while others are of small importance and may with impunity be ignored. Our Lord presents the first four and the last six commandments as a divine whole, and teaches that love to God will be shown by obedience to all His commandments.

We may pride ourselves that we are commandment keeping people but Jesus taught that we may not outwardly break a commandment but if it is in the heart and thoughts to do so then heaven records it as done. Nothing is hid from God. When we walk with the Lord our hearts are pure and holy and we would rather die than outwardly or in thought break one of His commandments.

[Richard Myers]

Amen my dear sister and brother!  Here are they that keep the commandments of God.....from a heart fully surrendered to God.

  By His words and His works, Christ testified to a divine power that produces supernatural results, to a future life beyond the present, to God as a Father of the children of men, ever watchful of their true interests. He revealed the working of divine power in benevolence and compassion that rebuked the selfish exclusiveness of the Sadducees. He taught that both for man's temporal and for his eternal good, God moves upon the heart by the Holy Spirit. He showed the error of trusting to human power for that transformation of character which can be wrought only by the Spirit of God. 

[Pastor Sean Brizendine]

Jesus offers us the best life possible. He understands our fallen condition, has grace and strength to help us in each situation, and offers us His peace that passes all understanding. It is as we trust in Him unreservedly constantly in full surrender that we experience the miracle of the converting work of the Holy Spirit to produce within us all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing with power from God to obey Him up to the light He has shown us from the pure motive of love. Let us remember that even in times of difficulty, we can turn our eyes on Jesus by faith and trust Him to provide and bless.

"By His words and His works, Christ testified to a divine power that produces supernatural results, to a future life beyond the present, to God as a Father of the children of men, ever watchful of their true interests. He revealed the working of divine power in benevolence and compassion that rebuked the selfish exclusiveness of the Sadducees. He taught that both for man's temporal and for his eternal good, God moves upon the heart by the Holy Spirit. He showed the error of trusting to human power for that transformation of character which can be wrought only by the Spirit of God." {The Desire of Ages, page 605, paragraph 1}

Because the Holy Spirit prompts us to the best course of action, we need to cultivate an attitude of continual prayer and receptivity to listen to His still, small voice and cheerfully do what He leads us to do! Oh, what a wonderful God we serve that offers us each a living connection with Him in preparation for the glorious soon coming of Jesus! The Holy Spirit will lead us to boldly fulfill the mission given to us as watchmen and light bearers to give the Three Angels' Messages to the world to call precious souls to Jesus while probation's hours still linger!

[JimB]

The scribe was near to the kingdom of God, in that he recognized deeds of righteousness as more acceptable to God than burnt offerings and sacrifices. But he needed to recognize the divine character of Christ, and through faith in Him receive power to do the works of righteousness.

This is one the clearest statements that shows grace is not only forgiveness but power to obey. All His callings are enablings. He doesn't expect us to do something that we can't do without His help. He will supply whats needed. He loves us!

[Dorine]

By His words and His works, Christ testified to a divine power that produces supernatural results, to a future life beyond the present, to God as a Father of the children of men, ever watchful of their true interests. He revealed the working of divine power in benevolence and compassion that rebuked the selfish exclusiveness of the Sadducees. He taught that both for man's temporal and for his eternal good, God moves upon the heart by the Holy Spirit. He showed the error of trusting to human power for that transformation of character which can be wrought only by the Spirit of God.

The carnal nature wants to be in charge. It prides itself in all it's accomplishments. Even in the church too often the 'stage' becomes an entertainment platform instead of a sacred time and place to worship and honor our Lord and be a blessing to our brothers and sisters. God's children are standing out individually more and more as the church becomes more like the world. But it won't always be so. A revival of true godliness is coming and we will see a church committed to Jesus in full surrender with lives transformed into His character. It is being accomplished moment by moment, day by day right now by the Holy Spirit in hearts that are humble and teachable. He wants all to be saved and is doing all He can to make that happen. Sadly only a few will accept His authority.

[Beacon]

"The scribe was near to the kingdom of God, in that he recognized deeds of righteousness as more acceptable to God than burnt offerings and sacrifices."

"But he needed to recognize the divine character of Christ, and through faith in Him receive power to do the works of righteousness."

"The ritual service was of no value, unless connected with Christ by living faith. Even the moral law fails of its purpose, unless it is understood in its relation to the Saviour. Christ had repeatedly shown that His Father's law contained something deeper than mere authoritative commands. In the law is embodied the same principle that is revealed in the gospel. The law points out man's duty and shows him his guilt." "

"To Christ he must look for pardon and for power to do what the law enjoins."

We must spend time with Jesus every day to re-charge our spiritual batteries! Are 'WE' doing that??

[Richard Myers]

Amen my dear friends!  God loves us so very much. When we see that love, we will love Him supremely. And if we do, then we will love our brethren. If we break one of the commandments, then we do not abide in Christ and cannot therefore keep any of them. If we are not filled with the Holy Spirit, then we can do no good thing.

   The lawyer approached Jesus with a direct question, "Which is the first commandment of all?" The answer of Christ is direct and forcible: "The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: and thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment." The second is like the first, said Christ; for it flows out of it, "Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these." "On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets."
     The first four of the Ten Commandments are summed up in the one great precept, "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart." The last six are included in the other, "Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself." Both these commandments are an expression of the principle of love. The first cannot be kept and the second broken, nor can the second be kept while the first is broken. When God has His rightful place on the throne of the heart, the right place will be given to our neighbor. We shall love him as ourselves. And only as we love God supremely is it possible to love our neighbor impartially.   
     And since all the commandments are summed up in love to God and man, it follows that not one precept can be broken without violating this principle. Thus Christ taught His hearers that the law of God is not so many separate precepts, some of which are of great importance, while others are of small importance and may with impunity be ignored. Our Lord presents the first four and the last six commandments as a divine whole, and teaches that love to God will be shown by obedience to all His commandments.   

[Dorine]

The scribe was near to the kingdom of God, in that he recognized deeds of righteousness as more acceptable to God than burnt offerings and sacrifices. But he needed to recognize the divine character of Christ, and through faith in Him receive power to do the works of righteousness. The ritual service was of no value, unless connected with Christ by living faith. Even the moral law fails of its purpose, unless it is understood in its relation to the Saviour. Christ had repeatedly shown that His Father's law contained something deeper than mere authoritative commands. In the law is embodied the same principle that is revealed in the gospel. The law points out man's duty and shows him his guilt. To Christ he must look for pardon and for power to do what the law enjoins.

May we never forget that this message is the same for us today. We may attend church, pay a faithful tithe, give out literature, give bible studies, visit the sick and all that goes along with being a follower of Christ, but if we do not have a relationship with Christ and recognize our great need of His power to work through us then the good works we do are with the wrong motive and not acceptable to God.

[Richard Myers]

Amen my dear sister!!  It  is then that our righteousness is as filthy rags. But, as we submit the whole heart to our Savior, the world will see in fallen creatures the righteousness of Christ. And as we daily obey His commands we will be sanctified to higher and higher levels. The character will reveal a greater abundance of the fruits of the Spirit, not one will be missing. You, my dear sister have a great responsibility. As you remain in Christ Jesus you are assigned the work of teacher of truth. From now on your life will be one of great joy as you search out those who are seeking truth. There are multitudes of those who have left their churches and are seeking the truth you have been given. And what truth is that? It is the foundation principles of Christianity. That which Satan has perverted in churches around the world. The great deception Satan destroyed Israel with and is now found throughout the Protestant churches, is that great lie presented to Eve in the Garden. Disobey God and eat of the forbidden fruit and you shall not die. Millions upon millions  of professing Christians believe they are saved when they are not. They have been taught that they can sin a known sin and retain eternal life. They do not know they are miserable, wretched, poor, blind, and naked. They are spiritually dead in their trespasses and sins.

You have proved yourself educated in the truth each day as you have shared what you have learned. Go and teach others what you have learned. A billion Catholics believe they are saved by their works. Billions of others are in false religions that have no knowledge of their need of a Savior. The message given to the Prophet Ezekiel is entrusted to you:

When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand.  Yet if thou warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul. Again, When a righteous man doth turn from his righteousness, and commit iniquity, and I lay a stumblingblock before him, he shall die: because thou hast not given him warning, he shall die in his sin, and his righteousness which he hath done shall not be remembered; but his blood will I require at thine hand. Nevertheless if thou warn the righteous man, that the righteous sin not, and he doth not sin, he shall surely live, because he is warned; also thou hast delivered thy soul. 

Peace and love to you my dear sister. May God bless your ministry as you find those who are seeking truth.      Comfort them as you have been comforted:      https://remnant-online.com/smf/index.php/topic,17146.0.html

[Richard Myers]

     The Pharisees had gathered close about Jesus as He answered the question of the scribe. Now turning He put a question to them: "What think ye of Christ? whose son is He?" This question was designed to test their belief concerning the Messiah,--to show whether they regarded Him simply as a man or as the Son of God. A chorus of voices answered, "The Son of David." This was the title which prophecy had given to the Messiah. When Jesus revealed His divinity by His mighty miracles, when He healed the sick and raised the dead, the people had inquired among themselves, "Is not this the Son of David?" The Syrophoenician woman, blind Bartimaeus, and many others had cried to Him for help, "Have mercy on me, O Lord, Thou Son of David." Matthew 15:22. While riding into Jerusalem He had been hailed with the joyful shout, "Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord." Matthew 21:9. And the little children in the temple had that day echoed the glad ascription. But many who called Jesus the Son of David did not recognize His divinity. They did not understand that the Son of David was also the Son of God.
     In reply to the statement that Christ was the Son of David, Jesus said, "How then doth David in Spirit [the Spirit of Inspiration from God] call Him Lord, saying, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit Thou on My right hand, till I make Thine enemies Thy footstool? If David then call Him Lord, how is He his son? And no man was able to answer Him a word, neither durst any man from that day forth ask Him any more questions."

What is the  lesson to be learned from this?  All who have been called to teach the gospel truth are to recognize that what Jesus accomplished is what God wants from us.  Present the truth in the way Jesus did and we see the same results. It does not always end this way. Many times they did not stop from attempting to make Jesus look like a false teacher. But, after awhile they understood there was no point in trying to trap Him. So they killed Him.

We have in our world a similar event. Charley Kirk did the same and we saw the same end.  Those who did not like the truth finally understood that the only way to stop the truth from being preached was to kill the teacher. Let us who are called to teach the truth understand that there were many times they tried to kill Jesus, but never could because His Father was in absolute control and said "this far and not further." When Jesus had done that which He was entrusted to do, then they could murder Him. So it was with Charley and all who have been martyred. We see the results of the crucifixion of Christ, and today we see the fire that has been created by the death of Charley. Yes, Satan is using it to  his benefit, but Jesus will use it to glory. Charley was loved and respected by millions, and many in high places. God will use his  influence and words he spoke for His good and glory. Charley's words about the seventh day Sabbath cannot be erased.  The Sabbath has been brought brightly before the world.

While we still have opportunity let us take advantage of what Charley has shared.