Author Topic: The Desire of Ages--84--"Peace Be Unto You"  (Read 23789 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Richard Myers

  • Servant
  • Posts: 44592
  • Grace, more than a word, it is transforming power
    • The Remnant Online
Re: The Desire of Ages--84--"Peace Be Unto You"
« Reply #40 on: August 16, 2019, 08:04:23 AM »
Amen Sister Dorine and Pastor Sean. If we want peace that passeth all understanding, we need to behold our Savior hanging on the cross. Then, we shall understand, then we shall remember all He has done for us. Grace is more than a word, it is the power that transforms sinners (us) into saints. We may not see we are transformed, for we know ourselves. But, others will see a difference between those who love Jesus supremely and those who do not. The peace Jesus gives cannot be obtained any other way other than a full heart surrender of self to Him.

As we labor with others, we are given a lesson today we need to remember. Reveal grace to those who do not deserve it and it will work towards breaking down the barriers set up to defend self. Point the sinner to Christ and His Word. Help the unrepentant sinner to know God. That is our only hope to reach the world. We all need Jesus. We cannot believe with saving faith until we know God as it is our privilege to know Him.

   Many who are given to doubt excuse themselves by saying that if they had the evidence which Thomas had from his companions, they would believe. They do not realize that they have not only that evidence, but much more. Many who, like Thomas, wait for all cause of doubt to be removed, will never realize their desire. They gradually become confirmed in unbelief. Those who educate themselves to look on the dark side, and murmur and complain, know not what they do. They are sowing the seeds of doubt, and they will have a harvest of doubt to reap. At a time when faith and confidence are most essential, many will thus find themselves powerless to hope and believe.
     In His treatment of Thomas, Jesus gave a lesson for His followers. His example shows how we should treat those whose faith is weak, and who make their doubts prominent. Jesus did not overwhelm Thomas with reproach, nor did He enter into controversy with him. He revealed Himself to the doubting one. Thomas had been most unreasonable in dictating the conditions of his faith, but Jesus, by His generous love and consideration, broke down all the barriers. Unbelief is seldom overcome by controversy. It is rather put upon self-defense, and finds new support and excuse. But let Jesus, in His love and mercy, be revealed as the crucified Saviour, and from many once unwilling lips will be heard the acknowledgment of Thomas, "My Lord and my God." 
Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.

Beacon

  • Full Member
  • Posts: 1844
Re: The Desire of Ages--84--"Peace Be Unto You"
« Reply #41 on: November 07, 2019, 04:22:54 PM »
"The Holy Spirit is the breath of spiritual life in the soul. The impartation of the Spirit is the impartation of the life of Christ. It imbues the receiver with the attributes of Christ. Only those who are thus taught of God, those who possess the inward working of the Spirit, and in whose life the Christ-life is manifested, are to stand as representative men, to minister in behalf of the church."

"On the church in its organized capacity He places a responsibility for the individual members. Toward those who fall into sin, the church has a duty, to warn, to instruct, and if possible to restore. "Reprove, rebuke, exhort," the Lord says, "with all long-suffering and doctrine." 2 Timothy 4:2. Deal faithfully with wrongdoing. Warn every soul that is in danger. Leave none to deceive themselves. Call sin by its right name. Declare what God has said in regard to lying, Sabbathbreaking, stealing, idolatry, and every other evil."

"They which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God." Galatians 5:21. If they persist in sin, the judgment you have declared from God's word is pronounced upon them in heaven. In choosing to sin, they disown Christ; the church must show that she does not sanction their deeds, or she herself dishonors her Lord. She must say about sin what God says about it. She must deal with it as God directs, and her action is ratified in heaven. He who despises the authority of the church despises the authority of Christ Himself."

What an awesome responsibility we have to each other,  let us pray to be filled with the Holy Spirit every day so that our actions while maintaining the standards of the church be in like manner as we see how Jesus dealt with those who needed correction but in such a manner as to attract and not drive away those who are struggling with evil temptations and practices.
 

The Bible says in Luke 6:31 "And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise."

Look up and listen for the shout.

Dorine

  • Full Member
  • Posts: 2704
Re: The Desire of Ages--84--"Peace Be Unto You"
« Reply #42 on: November 08, 2019, 05:49:08 AM »
   The resurrection of Jesus was a type of the final resurrection of all who sleep in Him. The countenance of the risen Saviour, His manner, His speech, were all familiar to His disciples. As Jesus arose from the dead, so those who sleep in Him are to rise again. We shall know our friends, even as the disciples knew Jesus. They may have been deformed, diseased, or disfigured, in this mortal life, and they rise in perfect health and symmetry; yet in the glorified body their identity will be perfectly preserved. Then shall we know even as also we are known. 1 Corinthians 13:12. In the face radiant with the light shining from the face of Jesus, we shall recognize the lineaments of those we love.

I find such comfort in this statement. Even in perfection we will recognize our loved ones. In spite of the deformities that sin has brought upon us in this life God will preserve physical features that will make it easy to know and be known. It shows the interest and care that God has in the little things that bring us comfort and happiness.
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

  • Full Member
  • Posts: 3002
  • Following the Lamb
Re: The Desire of Ages--84--"Peace Be Unto You"
« Reply #43 on: November 08, 2019, 08:29:33 AM »
Amen, Brother Beacon and Sister Dorine!!

Jesus loves us and He has a special care for us as His children. He knows just what we need, and even what we desire. The way Christ met Thomas is evidence that Christ's method of tender, condescending love is what finally melts the heart. When Jesus has the whole heart (because we offer it up to Him willingly), then we are truly converted and happy to do what He calls us to do.

"In His treatment of Thomas, Jesus gave a lesson for His followers. His example shows how we should treat those whose faith is weak, and who make their doubts prominent. Jesus did not overwhelm Thomas with reproach, nor did He enter into controversy with him. He revealed Himself to the doubting one. Thomas had been most unreasonable in dictating the conditions of his faith, but Jesus, by His generous love and consideration, broke down all the barriers. Unbelief is seldom overcome by controversy. It is rather put upon self-defense, and finds new support and excuse. But let Jesus, in His love and mercy, be revealed as the crucified Saviour, and from many once unwilling lips will be heard the acknowledgment of Thomas, 'My Lord and my God.'" {The Desire of Ages, page 808, paragraph 1}

Jesus reached the heart by showing His loveliness of character to the one who was struggling to believe. May we remember ever how Jesus has dealt with us, and be willing to treat others as He has first loved and treated us with grace and compassion.
"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}

Beacon

  • Full Member
  • Posts: 1844
Re: The Desire of Ages--84--"Peace Be Unto You"
« Reply #44 on: February 02, 2020, 03:17:53 PM »
The Lord Jesus encourages His Church to....

"Deal faithfully with wrongdoing. Warn every soul that is in danger. Leave none to deceive themselves. Call sin by its right name. Declare what God has said in regard to lying, Sabbath breaking, stealing, idolatry, and every other evil."

"The church leadership must say about sin what God says about it. They must deal with it as God directs, and their action is ratified in heaven. He who despises the authority of the church despises the authority of Christ Himself."

"Reprove, rebuke, exhort," the Lord says, "with all long-suffering and doctrine." 2 Timothy 4:2.

We must NEVER FORGET to discharge our responsibilities with great PATHOS and YEARNING, so that we may draw each one CLOSER AND NOT FURTHER AWAY FROM JESUS. Remembering at all times that " there but for the Grace of God go I".
Look up and listen for the shout.

Richard Myers

  • Servant
  • Posts: 44592
  • Grace, more than a word, it is transforming power
    • The Remnant Online
Re: The Desire of Ages--84--"Peace Be Unto You"
« Reply #45 on: February 03, 2020, 06:12:54 AM »
Amen brother Beacon. God has a church, an organized Church. It has authority. We must not despise that authority, but if we are leaders within the church we must deal with sin as Christ has said. It does not mean that we are not loving and kind when we do it. And, when leaders within the church do not deal with sin as it should, then we must likewise deal with their sin. And, in the same manner that we have seen Jesus deal with church leaders.

Why do we make this point? Because the church is in the same condition today as it was when Jesus came to His own and His own knew Him not.

Let us not be like the doubting Thomas, but let us have the faith of Jesus and do as God directs.

Many who are given to doubt excuse themselves by saying that if they had the evidence which Thomas had from his companions, they would believe. They do not realize that they have not only that evidence, but much more. Many who, like Thomas, wait for all cause of doubt to be removed, will never realize their desire. They gradually become confirmed in unbelief. Those who educate themselves to look on the dark side, and murmur and complain, know not what they do. They are sowing the seeds of doubt, and they will have a harvest of doubt to reap. At a time when faith and confidence are most essential, many will thus find themselves powerless to hope and believe. 
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

  • Full Member
  • Posts: 3002
  • Following the Lamb
Re: The Desire of Ages--84--"Peace Be Unto You"
« Reply #46 on: February 03, 2020, 06:35:44 AM »
Amen, Brother Beacon and Brother Richard!!

The gift of repentance is freely offered to all who, by the faith of Jesus, let their hearts become transformed by the Holy Spirit! As we turn fully to Christ in complete surrender, there is joy and peace as an overflow of knowing experientially the love of God! The fruits of the Spirit in the life without one missing are the signification that one has been truly converted, and is walking in the path of life!

"Let the repentance of the sinner be accepted by the church with grateful hearts. Let the repenting one be led out from the darkness of unbelief into the light of faith and righteousness. Let his trembling hand be placed in the loving hand of Jesus. Such a remission is ratified in heaven." {The Desire of Ages, page 806, paragraph 2}

We need to dwell more on the goodness of God, not walking in unbelief and despondency. Let us choose continually to be in union and communion with Jesus, so others may be invited to partake of the truth of the gospel of His grace by seeing the living witness 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}

Beacon

  • Full Member
  • Posts: 1844
Re: The Desire of Ages--84--"Peace Be Unto You"
« Reply #47 on: April 29, 2020, 06:23:58 PM »
 "The resurrection of Jesus was a type of the final resurrection of all who sleep in Him. The countenance of the risen Saviour, His manner, His speech, were all familiar to His disciples. As Jesus arose from the dead, so those who sleep in Him are to rise again. We shall know our friends, even as the disciples knew Jesus. They may have been deformed, diseased, or disfigured, in this mortal life, and they rise in perfect health and symmetry; yet in the glorified body their identity will be perfectly preserved."

"Then shall we know even as also we are known." 1 Corinthians 13:12.
[/font][/size][/color]

"In the face radiant with the light shining from the face of Jesus, we shall recognize the lineaments of those we love."

Isn't it a wonderful reassurance that there will be no doubt about "who's who." We will know for sure that it is our family member or perhaps a friend from church or a former work associate that we led to Jesus. What a Day That Will Be When Our Jesus We Will See and He Takes Us By The Hand and Leads Us Through The Promised Land. PTL!!
Look up and listen for the shout.

Richard Myers

  • Servant
  • Posts: 44592
  • Grace, more than a word, it is transforming power
    • The Remnant Online
Re: The Desire of Ages--84--"Peace Be Unto You"
« Reply #48 on: May 02, 2020, 07:16:34 PM »
We lost a few posts here in DA. All were a blessing to read. I guess we who are posting, already have been blessed  by what has been shared, so for us there is no need to repost. If you want others who read now and in the future, please repost. if not, then all are able to receive the blessings we do each day by beholding the loveliness of Jesus in this beautiful Book. And, we are going to tomorrow once again complete reading Desire of Again!  Why is there no loss of interest in this book? For 30 years it has been the source for my morning devotions. Is it no amazing how we can continue to learn about our Savior and our heavenly Father from this one source!
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

  • Full Member
  • Posts: 3002
  • Following the Lamb
Re: The Desire of Ages--84--"Peace Be Unto You"
« Reply #49 on: July 26, 2020, 03:39:35 AM »
I look forward to the resurrection when Jesus will raise the dead in Christ and all will receive glorious, new bodies who have yielded fully to Him!

“The resurrection of Jesus was a type of the final resurrection of all who sleep in Him. The countenance of the risen Saviour, His manner, His speech, were all familiar to His disciples. As Jesus arose from the dead, so those who sleep in Him are to rise again. We shall know our friends, even as the disciples knew Jesus. They may have been deformed, diseased, or disfigured, in this mortal life, and they rise in perfect health and symmetry; yet in the glorified body their identity will be perfectly preserved. Then shall we know even as also we are known. 1 Corinthians 13:12. In the face radiant with the light shining from the face of Jesus, we shall recognize the lineaments of those we love.” {The Desire of Ages, page 804, paragraph 1}

And today we may have the joy of full salvation in the beholding Jesus Christ! Inviting Him into the heart leads us to go forth to bless others as He lives out His life within us whereby all of the fruits of the Spirit will be seen without one missing! Galatians 5:22-23.
"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

  • Full Member
  • Posts: 2704
Re: The Desire of Ages--84--"Peace Be Unto You"
« Reply #50 on: July 26, 2020, 06:00:16 AM »
"The resurrection of Jesus was a type of the final resurrection of all who sleep in Him. The countenance of the risen Saviour, His manner, His speech, were all familiar to His disciples. As Jesus arose from the dead, so those who sleep in Him are to rise again. We shall know our friends, even as the disciples knew Jesus. They may have been deformed, diseased, or disfigured, in this mortal life, and they rise in perfect health and symmetry; yet in the glorified body their identity will be perfectly preserved. Then shall we know even as also we are known. 1 Corinthians 13:12. In the face radiant with the light shining from the face of Jesus, we shall recognize the lineaments of those we love."

Amen Pastor Sean. This brought such a sweet peace to my heart this morning that I had to repeat it. I'm excited because It won't be long now before this becomes a reality. What a day that will be when all sickness, pain, and suffering of every kind will be miraculously erased. We will stand with the redeemed of the earth, praising our God knowing that heaven is cheap enough. There are those who are so deformed but they will come forth in perfect health and symmetry yet we will recognize them. There are those who on this earth were mentally challenged and did not accomplish much by earthly standards but because of their simple love for Jesus will be made whole. What joy awaits us. I can only imagine the joy that will fill the Lord's heart as He instantly recreates each person.
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

  • Full Member
  • Posts: 1844
Re: The Desire of Ages--84--"Peace Be Unto You"
« Reply #51 on: July 26, 2020, 07:21:07 AM »
"In His treatment of Thomas, Jesus gave a lesson for His followers. His example shows how we should treat those whose faith is weak, and who make their doubts prominent. Jesus did not overwhelm Thomas with reproach, nor did He enter into controversy with him. He revealed Himself to the doubting one. Thomas had been most unreasonable in dictating the conditions of his faith, but Jesus, by His generous love and consideration, broke down all the barriers. Unbelief is seldom overcome by controversy. It is rather put upon self-defense, and finds new support and excuse. But let Jesus, in His love and mercy, be revealed as the crucified Saviour, and from many once unwilling lips will be heard the acknowledgment of Thomas, "My Lord and my God."

In all our associations with our brothers and sisters and even those outside the doors of our church fellowship let us always strive to remember this counsel as directed to us by our Lord.

Luke 6:31 "And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise."



Look up and listen for the shout.

Richard Myers

  • Servant
  • Posts: 44592
  • Grace, more than a word, it is transforming power
    • The Remnant Online
Re: The Desire of Ages--84--"Peace Be Unto You"
« Reply #52 on: July 26, 2020, 09:48:08 PM »
Amen Brother Beacon!  We will love our enemies as Christ loves us!
Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.

Beacon

  • Full Member
  • Posts: 1844
Re: The Desire of Ages--84--"Peace Be Unto You"
« Reply #53 on: October 21, 2020, 07:38:05 AM »
"In His treatment of Thomas, Jesus gave a lesson for His followers. His example shows how we should treat those whose faith is weak, and who make their doubts prominent. Jesus did not overwhelm Thomas with reproach, nor did He enter into controversy with him. He revealed Himself to the doubting one..

Thomas had been most unreasonable in dictating the conditions of his faith, but Jesus, by His generous love and consideration, broke down all the barriers.

Unbelief is seldom overcome by controversy. It is rather put upon self-defense, and finds new support and excuse.

But let Jesus, in His love and mercy, be revealed as the crucified Saviour, and from many once unwilling lips will be heard the acknowledgment of Thomas, "My Lord and my God."


How often do we need to be reminded that Jesus said in Luke 6:31 "And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise"


Look up and listen for the shout.

Dorine

  • Full Member
  • Posts: 2704
Re: The Desire of Ages--84--"Peace Be Unto You"
« Reply #54 on: October 21, 2020, 08:21:17 AM »
  "The disciples began to realize the nature and extent of their work. They were to proclaim to the world the wonderful truths which Christ had entrusted to them. The events of His life, His death and resurrection, the prophecies that pointed to these events, the sacredness of the law of God, the mysteries of the plan of salvation, the power of Jesus for the remission of sins,--to all these things they were witnesses, and they were to make them known to the world. They were to proclaim the gospel of peace and salvation through repentance and the power of the Saviour."
We are given the privilege of proclaiming the same truths that Jesus gave to the disciples. We are His witnesses just as the disciples were. I've often thought that if the disciples could see the world today and the wonderful world of technology they would think it was science fiction. The world is much bigger now but through this technology many parts of the world can be reached. But this does not take the place of our day to day, one on one witnessing to our family, friends, neighbours and all we come in contact with. This world does not know peace and it's the one thing everyone wants. We have the marvelous knowledge of the gospel of peace to share with them. May we be ready at a moments notice to bring it to them so they too may have an opportunity to know Jesus and experience that abiding peace that only comes from 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

Pastor Sean Brizendine

  • Full Member
  • Posts: 3002
  • Following the Lamb
Re: The Desire of Ages--84--"Peace Be Unto You"
« Reply #55 on: October 21, 2020, 09:15:28 AM »
Amen, Brother Beacon and Sister Dorine!

Let us remember why Jesus came to this world. It was to save us from our sins and to reveal the universe what He can do with those who were sunken in sin but like Thomas have come to truly acknowledge Him as Lord and God and allow Christ to have the whole heart to cleanse and purify. Then we will gladly confess our faith of the living, risen Christ who will live out His life in and through us as we abide in Him--whereby all of the fruits of the Spirit will be seen in our lives--not one missing!

"Turning to Thomas He said, 'Reach hither thy finger, and behold My hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into My side: and be not faithless, but believing.' These words showed that He was acquainted with the thoughts and words of Thomas. The doubting disciple knew that none of his companions had seen Jesus for a week. They could not have told the Master of his unbelief. He recognized the One before him as his Lord. He had no desire for further proof. His heart leaped for joy, and he cast himself at the feet of Jesus crying, 'My Lord and my God.'" {The Desire of Ages, page 807, paragraph 3}

When we think we need more proof, what we really need is a heart that will accept the pure, clear evidence that God has already given. We have not before us the living Christ with the print of nails in His hands, but we have abundant evidence that the gospel is real, that Christ is alive, and in the condition of our world around us and the unity He is bringing in the present truth we can see a fulfillment of the prophecies and promises that Christ made to us, for He is COMING AGAIN and we will see Him in His glory!!
"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

  • Servant
  • Posts: 44592
  • Grace, more than a word, it is transforming power
    • The Remnant Online
Re: The Desire of Ages--84--"Peace Be Unto You"
« Reply #56 on: October 21, 2020, 10:10:31 PM »
 Amen Pastor Sean!  It is our duty to tell the world why Jesus came to this dark spot in the universe as a helpless baby subject to the weakness of humanity.


But let Jesus, in His love and mercy, be revealed as the crucified Saviour, and from many once unwilling lips will be heard the acknowledgment of Thomas, "My Lord and my God."

Amen Brother Beacon!  By beholding our Savior hanging on the cross who would not fall in love with our God!

Sister Dorine, I was impressed with the same message this morning. What is it we are to take the world? It cannot be spelled out any simpler.

"Then opened He their understanding, that they might understand the Scriptures, and said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things."
     The disciples began to realize the nature and extent of their work. They were to proclaim to the world the wonderful truths which Christ had entrusted to them. The events of His life, His death and resurrection, the prophecies that pointed to these events, the sacredness of the law of God, the mysteries of the plan of salvation, the power of Jesus for the remission of sins,--to all these things they were witnesses, and they were to make them known to the world. They were to proclaim the gospel of peace and salvation through repentance and the power of the Saviour.   


Some are not interested in this message. Many are tired of hearing the gospel message preached. But, it makes no difference to us, we are to search for those seeking these truths. Many times repeated will find success in God's time. Let us be about the instructions given to us who have been entrusted with the sacred oracles of God!
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

  • Full Member
  • Posts: 3002
  • Following the Lamb
Re: The Desire of Ages--84--"Peace Be Unto You"
« Reply #57 on: January 16, 2021, 03:52:39 AM »
Happy Sabbath! Let us learn to walk in saving faith! What is the best way for unbelief to be overcome?

"In His treatment of Thomas, Jesus gave a lesson for His followers. His example shows how we should treat those whose faith is weak, and who make their doubts prominent. Jesus did not overwhelm Thomas with reproach, nor did He enter into controversy with him. He revealed Himself to the doubting one. Thomas had been most unreasonable in dictating the conditions of his faith, but Jesus, by His generous love and consideration, broke down all the barriers. Unbelief is seldom overcome by controversy. It is rather put upon self-defense, and finds new support and excuse. But let Jesus, in His love and mercy, be revealed as the crucified Saviour, and from many once unwilling lips will be heard the acknowledgment of Thomas, 'My Lord and my God.'" {The Desire of ages, page 808, paragraph 1}

As we look to Jesus in humble submission to His will, He cleanses us from our sins as we confess and forsake them, He heals our lives, and unites us to His divine nature so unbelief is overcome by beholding His loveliness, so all of the fruits of the Spirit may be seen in our lives without one missing! May this be your experience today in Christ!
"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}

Beacon

  • Full Member
  • Posts: 1844
Re: The Desire of Ages--84--"Peace Be Unto You"
« Reply #58 on: January 16, 2021, 06:32:43 AM »
The Lord Jesus encourages His Church to....

"Deal faithfully with wrongdoing. Warn every soul that is in danger. Leave none to deceive themselves. Call sin by its right name. Declare what God has said in regard to lying, Sabbath breaking, stealing, idolatry, and every other evil."

"The church leadership must say about sin what God says about it. They must deal with it as God directs, and their action is ratified in heaven. He who despises the authority of the church despises the authority of Christ Himself."

"Reprove, rebuke, exhort," the Lord says, "with all long-suffering and doctrine." 2 Timothy 4:2.

We must NEVER FORGET to discharge our responsibilities with great PATHOS and YEARNING, so that we may draw each one CLOSER AND NOT FURTHER AWAY FROM JESUS. Remembering at all times that " there but for the Grace of God go I

HAPPY SABBATH TO ALL OUR REMNANT FAMILY OF GOD  --- MAY WE ALL REJOICE IN HIS GREAT PROVISION FOR OUR SALVATION!
Look up and listen for the shout.

Dorine

  • Full Member
  • Posts: 2704
Re: The Desire of Ages--84--"Peace Be Unto You"
« Reply #59 on: January 16, 2021, 06:56:49 AM »
"Many who are given to doubt excuse themselves by saying that if they had the evidence which Thomas had from his companions, they would believe. They do not realize that they have not only that evidence, but much more. Many who, like Thomas, wait for all cause of doubt to be removed, will never realize their desire. They gradually become confirmed in unbelief. Those who educate themselves to look on the dark side, and murmur and complain, know not what they do. They are sowing the seeds of doubt, and they will have a harvest of doubt to reap. At a time when faith and confidence are most essential, many will thus find themselves powerless to hope and believe.

As Pastor Sean pointed out we are to 'learn to walk in saving faith'. When we do our courage is strengthened and faith increases. The story of Thomas shows us the slippery slope of jealousy, doubt and unbelief. I've experienced this condition and it leads to despondency. It was a new day in Christ when I learned to turn my doubts and murmurings into songs and prayers for forgiveness and a renewed heart. As I looked to Jesus to accomplish what He had promised I experienced victory over this destructive state I was allowing myself to fall into. We all are tempted each day but the important thing is how we respond to those temptations. Do we call upon God for the power to resist or do we entertain the evil thoughts? If we do they will grow bigger and darker and as our reading today says, we will become "confirmed in our unbelief".  May our lives reveal to all that we walk by faith, not by sight.
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