Author Topic: The Desire of Ages--66--Controversy  (Read 35294 times)

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Pastor Sean Brizendine

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Re: The Desire of Ages--66--Controversy
« Reply #40 on: May 03, 2019, 09:06:25 AM »
Amen, Brother Beacon!

We can be so encouraged as to what God will do as we yield to the working of the Holy Spirit upon our lives so we can not only be converted but led in the path that is for our own temporal and eternal good to the glory of God and the blessing of others!

"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}

What a God we serve! He truly wants to lead us in the way that is best--and that can only happen in the fullest sense when we are fully surrendered to His will!! Our greatest happiness is found in doing the will of God as revealed in His word and as He makes His specific plans clear to our lives by the working of the Holy Spirit!   
"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--66--Controversy
« Reply #41 on: May 03, 2019, 10:59:04 PM »
Amen Pastor Sean. It is not by power nor by might, but by the power of the Holy Spirit that hearts are transformed.

Their ideas of God molded their own character. As in their view He had no interest in man, so they had little regard for one another; there was little union among them. Refusing to acknowledge the influence of the Holy Spirit upon human action, they lacked His power in their lives. Like the rest of the Jews, they boasted much of their birthright as children of Abraham, and of their strict adherence to the requirements of the law; but of the true spirit of the law and the faith and benevolence of Abraham, they were destitute. Their natural sympathies were brought within a narrow compass. They believed it possible for all men to secure the comforts and blessings of life; and their hearts were not touched by the wants and sufferings of others. They lived for themselves. 


There are many today who do not understand the work of the Holy Spirit in salvation, in character perfection, and in the power to obey. He is Jesus' representative.
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--66--Controversy
« Reply #42 on: July 28, 2019, 07:40:37 PM »
"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." 

"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 words of this hymn come to mind...."ALL TO JESUS I SURRENDER ALL TO HIM I FREELY GIVE"  It is only then that we can experience the full transforming power which by the infilling of the Holy Spirit will enable us to understand the relationship and requirements of God Holy Law and put these life giving principles into practice in our daily lives.
 

Look up and listen for the shout.

Pastor Sean Brizendine

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Re: The Desire of Ages--66--Controversy
« Reply #43 on: July 29, 2019, 04:56:28 AM »
Amen, Brother Beacon!

Love is a precious gift from Jesus, and we can go to Him at the foot of the cross to receive His infinite love into our hearts so we can manifest His character--the fruits of the Spirit without one missing in harmony with the law of God--so that we are living witnesses of His grace!

  "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." {The Desire of Ages, page 607, paragraph 2} {The Desire of Ages, page 607, paragraph 2}

Let us ask Jesus to fill us with even more of His love today as we behold Him by faith!   
"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--66--Controversy
« Reply #44 on: July 29, 2019, 08:04:49 AM »
"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."

I'm so thankful to God for this simple truth. Man may try and confuse the mind and teach error but we have the bible which contains the  words of God to lead us into all truth.  We need to hold fast to what the word says so that we will not be tossed to and fro with all the false teachings that are swirling about today. We have a sure anchor in Jesus that will hold us firm through every storm and we will know what is truth.
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--66--Controversy
« Reply #45 on: October 21, 2019, 05:03:38 PM »
"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."

"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."

Let us use the words to the song "Come Holy Spirit I need Thee" as our prayer to God that we may be enabled to put into practice on a consistent basis our High Calling.

#269 – Come, Holy Spirit

1
Come, Holy Spirit, heavenly Dove,
With all Thy quickening powers;
Kindle a flame of sacred love
In these cold hearts of ours.

2
O raise our thoughts from things below,
From vanities and toys!
Then shall we with fresh courage go
To reach eternal joys.

3
Awake our souls to joyful songs;
Let pure devotions rise;
Till praise employs our thankful tongues,
And doubt forever dies.

4
Father, we would no longer live
At this poor, dying rate;
To Thee our thankful love we give,
For Thine to us is great.

5
Come, Holy Spirit, heavenly Dove,
With all Thy quickening powers;
Come, shed abroad a Savior’s love,
And that shall kindle ours.


Look up and listen for the shout.

Dorine

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Re: The Desire of Ages--66--Controversy
« Reply #46 on: October 22, 2019, 05:07:04 AM »
......Thousands become infidels because their finite minds cannot comprehend the mysteries of God. They cannot explain the wonderful exhibition of divine power in His providences, therefore they reject the evidences of such power, attributing them to natural agencies which they can comprehend still less. The only key to the mysteries that surround us is to acknowledge in them all the presence and power of God. Men need to recognize God as the Creator of the universe, One who commands and executes all things. They need a broader view of His character, and of the mystery of His agencies.

Isn't it wonderful that Jesus doesn't leave us in darkness to fumble through life trying to figure out who God is and what He wants for us. He wants to bring us into such a close and intimate relationship with Him that we will know Him so well that we will trust Him with our whole hearts. Then we will be one with Him and He with us. I want it no other way. My heart pities those that bring in pleasing but false philosophical theories to explain God. We will know the truth because we are spending that thoughtful hour each day getting to know Jesus and learning to love and obey Him more each day.
But this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press  toward the mark. Phil. 3:13,14

Pastor Sean Brizendine

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Re: The Desire of Ages--66--Controversy
« Reply #47 on: October 22, 2019, 07:20:43 AM »
I've been to the Dead Sea and the only problem with is it that it has no outlet. Failing to give, all life in it dies. So it is with us. If we do not give as God has given to us, we also will die spiritually. We need Jesus to do any good thing. I pray that He will flow through us His selfless life and others will be blessed as we have received from Jesus to give as He first gave to us!

This morning in my personal devotions I was struck by the effect that the Sadducees false ideas of God's character had on their minds. How we see God is so important. We need a thoroughly biblical view of God who is both merciful and just, else we fail  that the Sadducees teaching had on their minds:

"Their ideas of God molded their own character. As in their view He had no interest in man, so they had little regard for one another; there was little union among them. Refusing to acknowledge the influence of the Holy Spirit upon human action, they lacked His power in their lives. Like the rest of the Jews, they boasted much of their birthright as children of Abraham, and of their strict adherence to the requirements of the law; but of the true spirit of the law and the faith and benevolence of Abraham, they were destitute. Their natural sympathies were brought within a narrow compass. They believed it possible for all men to secure the comforts and blessings of life; and their hearts were not touched by the wants and sufferings of others. They lived for themselves." {The Desire of Ages, page 604, paragraph 3}

As we look upon Jesus and see His true character, may we allow Him to fit us for our specific purpose in God's great plan. He knows what we need and what those around us need, and may we learn of Him that in full surrender to Him, His grace may flow us in rich currents of love and benevolence!
"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--66--Controversy
« Reply #48 on: October 22, 2019, 02:00:03 PM »
Amen to all three posts this morning! The subject brought forward was character. When we know God's character as it is our privilege to know, our life will be a continuous victory. "When we know God as it is our privilege to know Him, our life will be a life of continual obedience. Through an appreciation of the character of Christ, through communion with God, sin will become hateful to us. Desire of Ages, pg 668."

Many balk at the thought that man can live without sinning.  Yet, God has promised He will not let us be tempted beyond what we can bear. The whole Bible says the same thing, through Christ we can do all things. And if we have not His Spirit we are none of His. In today's reading we read such a simple truth that young children can understand that we can obey all of God's commands.

     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.   


Why can't mature educated pastors understand this simple truth? Some can, but many do not. Thus, the church remains in a blind lost condition. I wonder if one day those who argue against the truth will one day cease trying to convince the faithful they are wrong? It happened in Jesus' day.

     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."
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--66--Controversy
« Reply #49 on: January 15, 2020, 06:27:18 PM »
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."

Jesus said...." Without me ye can do nothing" I pray this morning that you and I will not assume that because we have knowledge "About Jesus " and "His Word." that we can on our own power live the life He wants us to live. He promises that " If we ask - We will receive " As we move through this day and everyday let us put our "self" totally in His hands to be filled with the Holy Spirit thereby becoming a "watchman that needeth not to be ashamed.

Look up and listen for the shout.

Pastor Sean Brizendine

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Re: The Desire of Ages--66--Controversy
« Reply #50 on: January 16, 2020, 04:24:48 AM »
Amen, Brother Beacon!

We need to simply realize that the Christian life is not one that we can live apart from the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit who works in us to will and to do of His good pleasure! While the Holy Spirit does not override the necessity of our cooperation, without Him abiding in our hearts by a living faith surrender, we can do no good thing. God's grace transforms the selfish, evil heart into a heart renewed by unselfish love--what a miracle! Abiding in Jesus through living faith in Him, all of the fruits of the Spirit will be manifest in and through our lives without one missing even amid the most trying circumstances and fiercest temptations, for it is Christ in us the hope of glory who is giving us strength in our human weakness!

"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} 

Let us cling to Jesus who will uphold us this day as we keep our eyes fixed on Him! He is able to do more in and through our characters than we can ask or think as the Holy Spirit is sought unto to do His gracious work in our lives!
"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--66--Controversy
« Reply #51 on: January 16, 2020, 09:56:49 AM »
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.

Many say they believe but few exercise the faith given them to allow God's power to transform their lives. I had a person once say to me that they believe God can give them victories and transform their lives but for some reason God hadn't done it yet so it wasn't that person's problem. There are more and more people thinking this way. They think 'belief'  releases them from any responsibility. They have made up their minds and they continue to exert their influence on the weak in the faith. Scripture is very clear that if we are Christs, every fruit of the Spirit will be present in our lives from the moment we surrender our lives to Him. We are all weak, sinful human beings but never, never should we use that to excuse our carnal natures. When Jesus has our whole heart we become a new creation through the miraculous power of God. It's a promise. Let's believe it and claim it.
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--66--Controversy
« Reply #52 on: January 16, 2020, 11:09:27 PM »
Again, what a blessing to read the comments today. We Are Evil By Nature and will not be able to throw off these evil bodies until Jesus comes. But, this is no excuse for sin. God has provided a remedy for us in His innocent Son. I continually pray that others will join with us in rejoicing over the wonderful truth Jesus is revealing to us each day. As we grow in our understanding it becomes painfully clear that so very many misunderstand the gospel of grace.   

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.   


This morning I was on the phone with my son and was impressed to share with him what the Holy Spirit was revealing to me this morning. It wasn't some new revelation, but it was being impressed upon me very strongly that we are being instructed that we need to be talking to Jesus all day long! When we forget him we have no protection from sin. We need to maintain our connection moment by moment every day! Such a simple truth, yet so profound because it's a little hard to comprehend. We live in a world and in a church that just doesn't understand. I was also impressed to remind my son that there were angels in the room with both of us, and they either have to stoop way down to get through our doors or I guess they can just walk through the walls. Whichever it is, we need to acknowledge their presence every day. When we forget about them it's kind of the same as forgetting about God. They're there,  all of them every day and every moment of every day. Something to think about.
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--66--Controversy
« Reply #53 on: April 11, 2020, 07:40:37 PM »
"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."

If we truly want to be "Like Jesus " we must remember what He said....So that we can be empowered to be His True Ambassadors.

John 15:5 "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.

Let us come humbly and be filled with power that He promised us so that all of the fruits of the Spirit may be demonstrated daily in our lives.
Look up and listen for the shout.

Pastor Sean Brizendine

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Re: The Desire of Ages--66--Controversy
« Reply #54 on: April 12, 2020, 05:09:52 AM »
Amen, Brother Beacon!

As we reflect on the resurrection of Christ and how that offers us His life and power over sin and death, we can rejoice that the victory is gained in Jesus, and now He invites us to yield our whole heart to Him and have an abiding experience of complete victory! When we really grasp how much God loves us and that, as a tender Father He plans good things for us both in this life and in the life to come, it become easier and easier to trust Him COMPLETELY even in great trials, like what our world is facing! Christ is finishing His work in heaven and is about to return to take us to Himself for eternity, because of what He has accomplished for us in His death and resurrection!

 "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}

We can safely look unto Christ as our guide in our trials and know that He has done what none other could do, for He is divine: He gave up His life at Calvary and took it back up at the call of His Father early that first day of the week, thus promising us His presence in all our experiences--even unto death!! We can rejoice for "HE LIVES" and now Jesus is willing to LIVE IN US by the Holy Spirit to produce in us all of the fruits of the Spirit--so not one will be missing as we gladly obey Him in all He has revealed to 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}

Dorine

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Re: The Desire of Ages--66--Controversy
« Reply #55 on: July 08, 2020, 06:20:47 AM »
"The Sadducees had flattered themselves that they of all men adhered most strictly to the Scriptures. But Jesus showed that they had not known their true meaning. That knowledge must be brought home to the heart by the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit. Their ignorance of the Scriptures and the power of God He declared to be the cause of their confusion of faith and darkness of mind. They were seeking to bring the mysteries of God within the compass of their finite reasoning. Christ called upon them to open their minds to those sacred truths that would broaden and strengthen the understanding. Thousands become infidels because their finite minds cannot comprehend the mysteries of God. They cannot explain the wonderful exhibition of divine power in His providences, therefore they reject the evidences of such power, attributing them to natural agencies which they can comprehend still less. The only key to the mysteries that surround us is to acknowledge in them all the presence and power of God. Men need to recognize God as the Creator of the universe, One who commands and executes all things. They need a broader view of His character, and of the mystery of His agencies."

There has always been controversy among God's people. When hearts are turned inward Christ's power and love can not be appreciated let alone accepted and believed. Human wisdom becomes all important and puffs up the ego of the individual. Sadly it leads many astray. What impressed me the most this morning was the patience of Christ and his gentle compassionate spirit even with those He knew were out to do away with Him. That same spirit even through great trial and adversity will be seen in the lives of those who have surrendered their hearts to Him.
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--66--Controversy
« Reply #56 on: July 08, 2020, 06:34:16 AM »
"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."

"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."

Let us use the words to the song "Come Holy Spirit I need Thee" as our prayer to God that we may be enabled to put into practice on a consistent basis our High Calling.

#269 – Come, Holy Spirit

1
Come, Holy Spirit, heavenly Dove,
With all Thy quickening powers;
Kindle a flame of sacred love
In these cold hearts of ours.

2
O raise our thoughts from things below,
From vanities and toys!
Then shall we with fresh courage go
To reach eternal joys.

3
Awake our souls to joyful songs;
Let pure devotions rise;
Till praise employs our thankful tongues,
And doubt forever dies.

4
Father, we would no longer live
At this poor, dying rate;
To Thee our thankful love we give,
For Thine to us is great.

5
Come, Holy Spirit, heavenly Dove,
With all Thy quickening powers;
Come, shed abroad a Savior’s love,
And that shall kindle ours.
Look up and listen for the shout.

Pastor Sean Brizendine

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Re: The Desire of Ages--66--Controversy
« Reply #57 on: July 08, 2020, 08:24:06 AM »
Amen, Sister Dorine and Brother Beacon!

Let us learn of God's love today, receiving into our experience to dispel our fear and impart freshness and vigor to all of our faculties! Only when the love of Christ constrains us will we consider it a delight to be anything or nothing as His providence shall indicate!

"And one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, and perceiving that He had answered them well, asked Him, Which is the first commandment of all? And Jesus answered him, 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. And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these. And the scribe said unto him, Well, Master, Thou hast said the truth: for there is one God; and there is none other but He: And to love Him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbour as himself, is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices. And when Jesus saw that he answered discreetly, He said unto him, Thou art not far from the kingdom of God. And no man after that durst ask Him any question" (Mark 12:28-34).

"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}   


Let us behold Jesus on Calvary's cross by faith, and as His grace melts and subdues our hearts, we will find in Christ transformation of character whereby the life comes into harmony with God's will, being a blessing to others as we reflect Jesus!! All of the fruits of the Spirit will be seen in our lives without one missing as we abide in Jesus continually!
"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--66--Controversy
« Reply #58 on: July 08, 2020, 08:45:04 AM »
Amen, amen, and amen!! While I rejoice in the truth we read daily, I also rejoice in the unity we have in both Spirit and truth!

The first and greatest of all commands if understood will lead all away from the great deceptions abounding in the Christian world. "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."

Is this difficult to understand? Yes, when the mind has been led away from this truth. Why is this so important to rightly understand? Because the transformation of character which takes place when the heart is fully given to Christ is supernatural and is accomplished by the Holy Spirit working in and through the heart.

   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. 

While the Holy Spirit works on the mind and the heart prior to conversion, His work changes when He takes possession of the heart. The power to do good and keep the commands of God is not present prior to giving the whole heart to Christ. Truth is revealed that brings the heart to a full surrender. Conversion is the end of a long protracted process that ends with a full surrender of the heart to Jesus because the character of God has been revealed and this grace melts the hard heart. It is the goodness of God that leads to true repentance. This is what we behold daily as we spend a thoughtful hour contemplating the life of Jesus.
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--66--Controversy
« Reply #59 on: October 03, 2020, 06:15:31 AM »
"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}

Happy Sabbath to you all as we are rise from the dead by living the gospel in Christ, for abiding in Him continuously we allow Him to manifest through us all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing!

"And you hath He quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins" (Ephesians 2:1). As Jesus takes ALL our sin, we live by faith--even the life of God in us by the miracle of conversion!
"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}