The Desire of Ages--72--In Rememberance of Me

[Richard Myers]

Amen my dear brothers! God gives us plenty of time to learn of Him and thus to love Him supremely!

     Looking upon the crucified Redeemer, we more fully comprehend the magnitude and meaning of the sacrifice made by the Majesty of heaven. The plan of salvation is glorified before us, and the thought of Calvary awakens living and sacred emotions in our hearts. Praise to God and the Lamb will be in our hearts and on our lips; for pride and self-worship cannot flourish in the soul that keeps fresh in memory the scenes of Calvary.   
     He who beholds the Saviour's matchless love will be elevated in thought, purified in heart, transformed in character. He will go forth to be a light to the world, to reflect in some degree this mysterious love. The more we contemplate the cross of Christ, the more fully shall we adopt the language of the apostle when he said, "God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world." Galatians 6:14.

[Beacon]

"Calvary awakens living and sacred emotions in our hearts."

"Praise to God and the Lamb will be in our hearts and on our lips; for pride and self-worship cannot flourish in the soul that keeps fresh in memory the scenes of Calvary."

"He who beholds the Saviour's matchless love will be elevated in thought, purified in heart, transformed in character."

"He will go forth to be a light to the world, to reflect in some degree this mysterious love."

"The more we contemplate the cross of Christ, the more fully shall we adopt the language of the apostle when he said, "God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world." Galatians 6:14."

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

1
More about Jesus would I know,
More of His grace to others show;
More of His saving fulness see,
More of His love who died for me.
    More, more about Jesus,
More, more about Jesus;
More of His saving fulness see,
  More of His love who died for me.
2
More about Jesus let me learn,
More of His holy will discern;
Spirit of God my teacher be,
Showing the things of Christ to me.
3
More about Jesus; in His Word,
Holding communion with my Lord;
Hearing His voice in every line,
Making each faithful saying mine.
4
More about Jesus; on His throne,
Riches in glory all His own;
More of His kingdom’s sure increase;
More of His coming, Prince of Peace.

Lyrics:Eliza Edmunds Hewitt (1851-1920)
Music:John Robson Sweney (1837-1899)

[JimB]

The Communion service points to Christ's second coming. It was designed to keep this hope vivid in the minds of the disciples. Whenever they met together to commemorate His death, they recounted how "He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; for this is My blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father's kingdom." In their tribulation they found comfort in the hope of their Lord's return. Unspeakably precious to them was the thought, "As often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show the Lord's death till He come." 1 Corinthians 11:26.   

I have read the Desire of Ages many times but for some reason I never noticed this point before that the communion service points to Christ's 2nd Advent. I don't believe that in all my time in the church have I heard anyone pastor or layman make this point. While its a new thought for me its so clear and obvious now. Christ's 2nd return is not far off now and its closer than its ever been. Both signs in the world and in the church point to His soon return. At my next communion I will be looking at it not in a different light but in expanded or brighter light.

[Pastor Sean Brizendine]

Amen, Brother Beacon and Brother Jim!

"He who beholds the Saviour's matchless love will be elevated in thought, purified in heart, transformed in character. He will go forth to be a light to the world, to reflect in some degree this mysterious love. The more we contemplate the cross of Christ, the more fully shall we adopt the language of the apostle when he said, 'God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.' Galatians 6:14." {The Desire of Ages, page 661, paragraph 3}

To be raised higher and holier still in mind and character is the sure result of beholding the loveliness of Jesus. The fruits of the Spirit flow forth from the life that is fully surrendered, constantly in union and communion with Christ in a witness of affectionate obedience to all of God's commandments!

[Richard Myers]

Amen Brother Jim. I had not seen that either.  It both reveals His great sacrifice and reminds us He will drink the wine with us when He comes. Amen Brother Beacon! 

We are a forgetful people who need to be reminded of His great love which we see at the cross. A broken heart is indeed the result of seeing and feeling His love. As we behold His great sacrifice we experience "living and sacred emotions in our hearts." It would indeed be very good to spend a thoughtful hour a day contemplating His life, especially the closing scenes when He hung upon the cross.

The ordinances that point to our Lord's humiliation and suffering are regarded too much as a form. They were instituted for a purpose. Our senses need to be quickened to lay hold of the mystery of godliness. It is the privilege of all to comprehend, far more than we do, the expiatory sufferings of Christ. "As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness," even so has the Son of man been lifted up, "that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have eternal life." John 3:14, 15. To the cross of Calvary, bearing a dying Saviour, we must look. Our eternal interests demand that we show faith in Christ.   

It is a great blessing for us to be able to share our thoughts as we experience these most wonderful truths! God is leading a people to understand how much He loves us!

[Richard Myers]

Amen Pastor Sean!  Looking upon the crucified Redeemer, we more fully comprehend the magnitude and meaning of the sacrifice made by the Majesty of heaven. The plan of salvation is glorified before us, and the thought of Calvary awakens living and sacred emotions in our hearts. Praise to God and the Lamb will be in our hearts and on our lips; for pride and self-worship cannot flourish in the soul that keeps fresh in memory the scenes of Calvary.   

By beholding His glory we are changed into His image!! We need to be changed every day!

[Beacon]

"He who beholds the Saviour's matchless love will be elevated in thought, purified in heart, transformed in character."

"He will go forth to be a light to the world, to reflect in some degree this mysterious love."

"The more we contemplate the cross of Christ, the more fully shall we adopt the language of the apostle when he said, 'God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.' Galatians 6:14."

To be raised higher and holier still in mind and character is the sure result of beholding the loveliness of Jesus."

"The fruits of the Spirit flow forth from the life that is fully surrendered, constantly in union and communion with Christ in a witness of affectionate obedience to all of God's commandments!"

Are"WE" willing to surrender ALL TO JESUS??

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

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

[Richard Myers]

Amen dear Brother Beacon! Glory glory to His name!! No better revelation of the Lord's Supper can be revealed than the following! It is the gospel message!!

     As we receive the bread and wine symbolizing Christ's broken body and spilled blood, we in imagination join in the scene of Communion in the upper chamber. We seem to be passing through the garden consecrated by the agony of Him who bore the sins of the world. We witness the struggle by which our reconciliation with God was obtained. Christ is set forth crucified among us.   
     Looking upon the crucified Redeemer, we more fully comprehend the magnitude and meaning of the sacrifice made by the Majesty of heaven. The plan of salvation is glorified before us, and the thought of Calvary awakens living and sacred emotions in our hearts. Praise to God and the Lamb will be in our hearts and on our lips; for pride and self-worship cannot flourish in the soul that keeps fresh in memory the scenes of Calvary.   
     He who beholds the Saviour's matchless love will be elevated in thought, purified in heart, transformed in character. He will go forth to be a light to the world, to reflect in some degree this mysterious love. The more we contemplate the cross of Christ, the more fully shall we adopt the language of the apostle when he said, "God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world." Galatians 6:14. 

[Philip T]

   In partaking with His disciples of the bread and wine, Christ pledged Himself to them as their Redeemer. He committed to them the new covenant, by which all who receive Him become children of God, and joint heirs with Christ. By this covenant every blessing that heaven could bestow for this life and the life to come was theirs. This covenant deed was to be ratified with the blood of Christ. And the administration of the Sacrament was to keep before the disciples the infinite sacrifice made for each of them individually as a part of the great whole of fallen humanity.


     Why was this service instituted before Christ's crucifixion? it needed to be ratified with blood, Christs' Blood! When Jesus died on the cross the service was ratified by His blood, and to partake in this service not only kept the gift of salvation before the disciple's lives, but our lives today. It is to remind us of the Father's love for us, and Jesus' love for us, but to bring to mind thee hope and joy of His 2nd advent and eternal life.

[Pastor Sean Brizendine]

Amen, Brother Beacon, Brother Richard and Brother Philip!

Praise the Lord for the infinite sacrifice of Christ. His love wins and heals our hearts. If we behold Him who died at Calvary for us, surrendering fully to Him, we will be changed. He is able to convert and renew our hearts to reflect His loveliness of character, making us partakers of the divine nature so we can reflect all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing as we obey our loving God up to the light He has manifested to us!

"Looking upon the crucified Redeemer, we more fully comprehend the magnitude and meaning of the sacrifice made by the Majesty of heaven. The plan of salvation is glorified before us, and the thought of Calvary awakens living and sacred emotions in our hearts. Praise to God and the Lamb will be in our hearts and on our lips; for pride and self-worship cannot flourish in the soul that keeps fresh in memory the scenes of Calvary." {The Desire of Ages, page 661, paragraph 2}

"He who beholds the Saviour's matchless love will be elevated in thought, purified in heart, transformed in character. He will go forth to be a light to the world, to reflect in some degree this mysterious love. The more we contemplate the cross of Christ, the more fully shall we adopt the language of the apostle when he said, 'God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.' Galatians 6:14." {The Desire of Ages, page 661, paragraph 2}

What an infinite gift we have received in Christ, and what a blessing it is to surrender fully to Him who has power to transform sinners into saints!

[Beacon]

"Looking upon the crucified Redeemer, we more fully comprehend the magnitude and meaning of the sacrifice made by the Majesty of heaven. The plan of salvation is glorified before us, and the thought of Calvary awakens living and sacred emotions in our hearts."

"Praise to God and the Lamb will be in our hearts and on our lips; for pride and self-worship cannot flourish in the soul that keeps fresh in memory the scenes of Calvary. "
 
 "He who beholds the Saviour's matchless love will be elevated in thought, purified in heart, transformed in character. He will go forth to be a light to the world, to reflect in some degree this mysterious love."

"The more we contemplate the cross of Christ, the more fully shall we adopt the language of the apostle when he said, "God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world." Galatians 6:14."

Does My Life & Yours Reflect the Matchless Love of Jesus to Others ??

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


1
Beneath the cross of Jesus
  I fain would take my stand,
The shadow of a mighty Rock
  Within a weary land;
A home within the wilderness,
  A rest upon the way,
From the burning of the noontide heat,
  And the burden of the day.
2
Oh, safe and happy shelter!
  Oh, refuge tried and sweet!
Oh, trysting place where heaven’s love
  And heaven’s justice meet.
As to the holy patriarch
  That wondrous dream was given,
So is my Savior by the cross
  A ladder up to heaven.
3
There lies beneath its shadow,
  But on the farther side,
The darkness of an awful grave
  That gapes both deep and wide;
And there between us stands the cross,
  Two arms outstretched to save,
Like a watchman set to guard the way
  From that eternal grave.
4
Upon that cross of Jesus
  Mine eye at times can see
The very dying form of One,
  Who suffered there for me;
And from my smitten heart, with tears,
  Two wonders I confess,
The wonders of His glorious love,
  And my own worthlessness.
5
I take, O cross, thy shadow
  For my abiding place;
I ask no other sunshine than
  The sunshine of His face;
Content to let the world go by,
  To know no gain nor loss,
My sinful self my only shame,
  My glory all the cross."

Lyrics:Elizabeth Cecilia Clephane (1830-1869)
Music:Frederick Charles Maker (1844-1927)

[Dorine]

When believers assemble to celebrate the ordinances, there are present messengers unseen by human eyes. There may be a Judas in the company, and if so, messengers from the prince of darkness are there, for they attend all who refuse to be controlled by the Holy Spirit. Heavenly angels also are present. These unseen visitants are present on every such occasion. There may come into the company persons who are not in heart servants of truth and holiness, but who may wish to take part in the service. They should not be forbidden. There are witnesses present who were present when Jesus washed the feet of the disciples and of Judas. More than human eyes beheld the scene.      

Christ by the Holy Spirit is there to set the seal to His own ordinance. He is there to convict and soften the heart. Not a look, not a thought of contrition, escapes His notice. For the repentant, brokenhearted one He is waiting. All things are ready for that soul's reception. He who washed the feet of Judas longs to wash every heart from the stain of sin.   

Amen. What a gracious and merciful Saviour we serve. This time spent together unites hearts in love for Jesus and each other. Wrongs are made right, prayers for one another are heard, we cease from common talk and laughter that destroys this sacred service. Hearts are prepared to receive the cleansing of the Holy Spirit.

[Pastor Sean Brizendine]

Amen, Brother Beacon and Sister Dorine!!

Let us behold the love of Christ and appreciate what He has done for us!

"He who beholds the Saviour's matchless love will be elevated in thought, purified in heart, transformed in character. He will go forth to be a light to the world, to reflect in some degree this mysterious love. The more we contemplate the cross of Christ, the more fully shall we adopt the language of the apostle when he said, 'God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.' Galatians 6:14." {The Desire of Ages, page 661, paragraph 3}

Jesus is more than the whole world to us. His sacrifice has made it possible for us to be fully transformed, prepared for heaven, and reflecting the attributes of heaven to all in our sphere of influence! All of the fruits of the Spirit will be seen in our lives without one missing as long as we are fully yielded to Christ and walking in His will. Praise the Lord for His faithfulness!

[Richard Myers]

Amen my dear friends!!! God loves us!!! You have shared very important truths. i agree with your choices. if you had not presented these truth, I would have. But, while what I share is not as important, it is important that the issue of the feast days must be met that a great multitude will not be led astray and begin to keep the Jewish feast days. The teaching as I have discovered was based on the error that the feast days were moral law. Moral law always was and will continue forever. The ceremonial law was a revelation of the plan of salvation, it revealed the love and justice of God. It pointed to Jesus and that He would take the sins of the world upon Himself that we might be saved, transformed. When Jesus had suffered for the sins of the world the ceremonial law ended.

     Christ was standing at the point of transition between two economies and their two great festivals. He, the spotless Lamb of God, was about to present Himself as a sin offering, that He would thus bring to an end the system of types and ceremonies that for four thousand years had pointed to His death. As He ate the Passover with His disciples, He instituted in its place the service that was to be the memorial of His great sacrifice. The national festival of the Jews was to pass away forever. The service which Christ established was to be observed by His followers in all lands and through all ages.
     The Passover was ordained as a commemoration of the deliverance of Israel from Egyptian bondage. God had directed that, year by year, as the children should ask the meaning of this ordinance, the history should be repeated. Thus the wonderful deliverance was to be kept fresh in the minds of all. The ordinance of the Lord's Supper was given to commemorate the great deliverance wrought out as the result of the death of Christ. Till He shall come the second time in power and glory, this ordinance is to be celebrated. It is the means by which His great work for us is to be kept fresh in our minds. 

If Adam had never sinned, there would be no Passover, nor any other ceremonial festival. Why would there be a Passover or Day of Atonement? They all pointed to Jesus as our Savior. No sin, no need for festivals that pointed to Jesus dying for our sin. Moral law is a revelation of the character of God and existed prior to sin and continues forever. Before sin, there was no Day of Atonement or Passover.

[Pastor Sean Brizendine]

What a blessing it is to behold the loveliness of Jesus! As I spent some beautiful time with Jesus this morning in Papua New Guinea, I was encouraged to reflect on what takes place in our experience as we behold Jesus. To be elevated in thought means our thoughts are upon things of eternal value! To be purified in heart gives the new heart Jesus promised in Ezekiel 36:26! To be transformed in character means that all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing will flow in and through our lives to bless others! What a joy it is to be brought into true obedience to all of God's commandments as we walk in total surrender to Him!

"He who beholds the Saviour's matchless love will be elevated in thought, purified in heart, transformed in character. He will go forth to be a light to the world, to reflect in some degree this mysterious love. The more we contemplate the cross of Christ, the more fully shall we adopt the language of the apostle when he said, 'God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.' Galatians 6:14." {The Desire of Ages, page 661, paragraph 3}

What a blessing Jesus is to us! Oh, how He loves us, and how He longs for us to experience the depth of His love! We can rejoice in the Lord always because He has all we need and will lead us in the path of service that brings greatest happiness to us and others for His purposes to be fulfilled!

[Richard Myers]

Amen Pastor Sean! Who would not love God after beholding His magnificent character of love! By beholding His character we are indeed told we will be transformed into His image (2 Cor. 3:18).  Another truth is revealed in today's reading that is not as important, but will be helpful in teaching that "wine" in the Bible can be grape juice before it is fermented and becomes injurious to drink.

   Christ is still at the table on which the paschal supper has been spread. The unleavened cakes used at the Passover season are before Him. The Passover wine, untouched by fermentation, is on the table. These emblems Christ employs to represent His own unblemished sacrifice. Nothing corrupted by fermentation, the symbol of sin and death, could represent the "Lamb without blemish and without spot." 1 Peter 1:19.

[Richard Myers]

  He who beholds the Saviour's matchless love will be elevated in thought, purified in heart, transformed in character. He will go forth to be a light to the world, to reflect in some degree this mysterious love. The more we contemplate the cross of Christ, the more fully shall we adopt the language of the apostle when he said, "God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world." Galatians 6:14.

[Dorine]

Our Lord says, Under conviction of sin, remember that I died for you. When oppressed and persecuted and afflicted for My sake and the gospel's, remember My love, so great that for you I gave My life. When your duties appear stern and severe, and your burdens too heavy to bear, remember that for your sake I endured the cross, despising the shame. When your heart shrinks from the trying ordeal, remember that your Redeemer liveth to make intercession for you. 

This stirs my soul this morning. I feel wrapped in His loving arms believing and claiming His promises.

[Dorine]

As we receive the bread and wine symbolizing Christ's broken body and spilled blood, we in imagination join in the scene of Communion in the upper chamber. We seem to be passing through the garden consecrated by the agony of Him who bore the sins of the world. We witness the struggle by which our reconciliation with God was obtained. Christ is set forth crucified among us.        

Looking upon the crucified Redeemer, we more fully comprehend the magnitude and meaning of the sacrifice made by the Majesty of heaven. The plan of salvation is glorified before us, and the thought of Calvary awakens living and sacred emotions in our hearts. Praise to God and the Lamb will be in our hearts and on our lips; for pride and self-worship cannot flourish in the soul that keeps fresh in memory the scenes of Calvary.   

This is my meditation all through this day.

[Richard Myers]

Amen dear Sister!  At the cross we see the stripes that belong to us!

    Christ's example forbids exclusiveness at the Lord's Supper. It is true that open sin excludes the guilty. This the Holy Spirit plainly teaches. 1 Corinthians 5:11. But beyond this none are to pass judgment. God has not left it with men to say who shall present themselves on these occasions. For who can read the heart? Who can distinguish the tares from the wheat? "Let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup." For "whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord." "He that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body." 1 Corinthians 11:28, 27, 29. 

I did not understand before today that some are not allowed to partake of the Lord's Supper.