Author Topic: The Desire of Ages--10--The Voice in the Wilderness  (Read 30056 times)

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Pastor Sean Brizendine

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Re: The Desire of Ages--10--The Voice in the Wilderness
« Reply #60 on: August 29, 2019, 05:21:17 AM »
Christ is about to come again, and His presence which is joy and glory to the righteous will slay the wicked. We need Christ to transform our hearts and lives that we stand when He appears with all His holy angels!

“In the time of John the Baptist, Christ was about to appear as the revealer of the character of God. His very presence would make manifest to men their sin. Only as they were willing to be purged from sin could they enter into fellowship with Him. Only the pure in heart could abide in His presence.” {The Desire of Ages, page 108, paragraph 1}

Let us seek to Jesus for purity of heart, that we may abide with Him continually! Jesus is coming again!!
"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--10--The Voice in the Wilderness
« Reply #61 on: August 29, 2019, 06:42:30 AM »
Amen Pastor Sean. God is working today as He did with John the Baptist. The church is in the same condition as was Israel in his day. Purity of heart was not understood then any more than it is today. But, God is working to change this state of things in His church.

 "And now also," said the prophet, "the ax is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire." Not by its name, but by its fruit, is the value of a tree determined. If the fruit is worthless, the name cannot save the tree from destruction. John declared to the Jews that their standing before God was to be decided by their character and life. Profession was worthless. If their life and character were not in harmony with God's law, they were not His people. 


Too many today will not accept this truth. They have been misled by false teachers. But, God is at work and there is a revival and reformation taking place in His church.

God leads His people on, step by step. He brings them up to different points calculated to manifest what is in the heart. Some endure at one point, but fall off at the next. At every advanced point the heart is tested and tried a little closer. If the professed people of God find their hearts opposed to this straight work, it should convince them that they have a work to do to overcome, if they would not be spewed out of the mouth of the Lord. Said the angel: “God will bring His work closer and closer to test and prove every one of His people.” Some are willing to receive one point; but when God brings them to another testing point, they shrink from it and stand back, because they find that it strikes directly at some cherished idol. Here they have opportunity to see what is in their hearts that shuts out Jesus. They prize something higher than the truth, and their hearts are not prepared to receive Jesus.

Individuals are tested and proved a length of time to see if they will sacrifice their idols and heed the counsel of the True Witness. If any will not be purified through obeying the truth, and overcome their selfishness, their pride, and evil passions, the angels of God have the charge: “They are joined to their idols, let them alone,” and they pass on to their work, leaving these with their sinful traits unsubdued, to the control of evil angels. Those who come up to every point, and stand every test, and overcome, be the price what it may, have heeded the counsel of the True Witness, and they will receive the latter rain, and thus be fitted for translation. Vol 1, Testimonies for the Church, pg 187.
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--10--The Voice in the Wilderness
« Reply #62 on: November 20, 2019, 05:59:02 PM »
"All who would perfect holiness in the fear of God must learn the lessons of temperance and self-control. The appetites and passions must be held in subjection to the higher powers of the mind. This self-discipline is essential to that mental strength and spiritual insight which will enable us to understand and to practice the sacred truths of God's word. For this reason temperance finds its place in the work of preparation for Christ's second coming."

"Errors and fables abound. Satan's snares for destroying souls are multiplied. "All" who would perfect holiness in the fear of God must learn the lessons of temperance and self-control. The appetites and passions must be held in subjection to the higher powers of the mind. This self-discipline is essential to that mental strength and spiritual insight which will enable us to understand and to practice the sacred truths of God's word. For this reason temperance finds its place in the work of preparation for Christ's second coming."

What will be our response today while the door of mercy is still open? The devil wants us to believe that we have plenty of time left to come to Jesus but as we listen to the news of the world and see the sad state of the church, we know that this is a lie---Satan wants us to wait until our probation closes and it's too late. Please don't delay, come today and Praise Jesus for the great plan of salvation, surrender all to Him and He will forgive you and by the  power His transforming grace prepare you for full membership as a citizen of Heaven and the New Earth






Look up and listen for the shout.

Pastor Sean Brizendine

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Re: The Desire of Ages--10--The Voice in the Wilderness
« Reply #63 on: November 21, 2019, 05:37:18 AM »
Amen, Brother Beacon!!

As we learn our continual need of Jesus to do any good thing as we see our natural inefficiency and unworthiness, we will be able to be fearless amid changing surroundings because we have allowed the love of God to fill our hearts and minds as we behold the King in His beauty as did John the baptist!

"He looked upon the King in His beauty, and self was forgotten. He beheld the majesty of holiness, and felt himself to be inefficient and unworthy. He was ready to go forth as Heaven's messenger, unawed by the human, because he had looked upon the Divine. He could stand erect and fearless in the presence of earthly monarchs, because he had bowed low before the King of kings." {The Desire of Ages, page 103, paragraph 3}

Let self be lost in Jesus today. Behold Him and become changed into His image and character, a character that is manifest in all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing in wholehearted affectionate obedience to God!
"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--10--The Voice in the Wilderness
« Reply #64 on: November 21, 2019, 06:43:48 AM »
As a prophet, John was "to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord." In preparing the way for Christ's first advent, he was a representative of those who are to prepare a people for our Lord's second coming. The world is given to self-indulgence. Errors and fables abound. Satan's snares for destroying souls are multiplied. All who would perfect holiness in the fear of God must learn the lessons of temperance and self-control. The appetites and passions must be held in subjection to the higher powers of the mind. This self-discipline is essential to that mental strength and spiritual insight which will enable us to understand and to practice the sacred truths of God's word. For this reason temperance finds its place in the work of preparation for Christ's second coming.

I was impressed this morning as I read this portion of our reading. It spoke to my heart and revealed some areas in my own life that God is convicting me of. This is one fruit of the spirit we hear or see very little of. I'm so thankful to God for providing the precious inspired writings of the bible and S.O.P. to guide our lives and prepare us for the coming of Jesus. How else would we know God's will for our lives and the way to salvation? The story of John is an inspiration and example to all of us. May our hearts be open and willing to allow the Holy Spirit to do His work in changing us.
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

Dorine

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Re: The Desire of Ages--10--The Voice in the Wilderness
« Reply #65 on: February 16, 2020, 10:37:01 AM »
"The birth of a son to Zacharias, like the birth of the child of Abraham, and that of Mary, was to teach a great spiritual truth, a truth that we are slow to learn and ready to forget. In ourselves we are incapable of doing any good thing; but that which we cannot do will be wrought by the power of God in every submissive and believing soul. It was through faith that the child of promise was given. It is through faith that spiritual life is begotten, and we are enabled to do the works of righteousness."

We are weak and feeble but by taking hold of the promises of God by faith he then empowers us to live a life of righteousness. That is such a beautiful truth to keep constantly on our minds and in our hearts all day, every day. He will walk with us, commune with us, direct our comings and goings, and when we say goodnight we can fall asleep peacefully knowing He is not far away. Keeping Christ beside us by faith, makes completing the activities of every day a special and pleasing thing as if we are doing each of them just for 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

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Re: The Desire of Ages--10--The Voice in the Wilderness
« Reply #66 on: February 16, 2020, 10:52:30 AM »
May we always realize our continual need of Jesus to do any good thing!

"The birth of a son to Zacharias, like the birth of the child of Abraham, and that of Mary, was to teach a great spiritual truth, a truth that we are slow to learn and ready to forget. In ourselves we are incapable of doing any good thing; but that which we cannot do will be wrought by the power of God in every submissive and believing soul. It was through faith that the child of promise was given. It is through faith that spiritual life is begotten, and we are enabled to do the works of righteousness." {The Desire of Ages, page 98, paragraph 3}

God loves to work in and through us as we abide in Christ and grow more and more like Him through continual dependence upon Him.
"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--10--The Voice in the Wilderness
« Reply #67 on: February 16, 2020, 11:12:22 AM »
Amen Pastor Sean and Sister Dorine. We live in a world that is far from understanding what you write. Even His church is in a similar condition which we read of in this chapter. Israel had been so greatly deceived about what you say. God sent John to prepare a people to receive Jesus. But, even so, the nation knew Him not and murdered Him. What is the lesson for us? How much do we as a people understand? We are as a people poor, blind, and naked.

     In the time of John the Baptist, greed for riches, and the love of luxury and display had become widespread. Sensuous pleasures, feasting and drinking, were causing physical disease and degeneracy, benumbing the spiritual perceptions, and lessening the sensibility to sin. John was to stand as a reformer. By his abstemious life and plain dress he was to rebuke the excesses of his time. Hence the directions given to the parents of John,--a lesson of temperance by an angel from the throne of heaven.....
     
     As a prophet, John was "to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord." In preparing the way for Christ's first advent, he was a representative of those who are to prepare a people for our Lord's second coming. The world is given to self-indulgence. Errors and fables abound. Satan's snares for destroying souls are multiplied. All who would perfect holiness in the fear of God must learn the lessons of temperance and self-control. The appetites and passions must be held in subjection to the higher powers of the mind. This self-discipline is essential to that mental strength and spiritual insight which will enable us to understand and to practice the sacred truths of God's word. For this reason temperance finds its place in the work of preparation for Christ's second coming. 


This is pointed directly at God's Laodicean church today. Not only are we taught that we are saved when sinning a known sin, few understand that God is not restricting this to the ten commandments, but all of the moral law that we understand. If we sin a known sin, then we are not abiding in Christ and He in us. John was  a representative of those who have been called to prepare a people to receive Jesus at His second coming. Are you and I reflecting the character of Christ? Have our hearts been purified, or do we retain selfishness and pride in it? How many understand that when we love Jesus with the whole heart, we possess all of the fruits of the Spirit not one is missing? It makes no difference whether we know this or not. When we surrender all to Christ, the Holy Spirit takes possession of the heart and brings with Him every one of the fruits. We manifest love, joy, peace, long-sufferings, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance, not one is missing.

 "And now also," said the prophet, "the ax is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire." Not by its name, but by its fruit, is the value of a tree determined. If the fruit is worthless, the name cannot save the tree from destruction. John declared to the Jews that their standing before God was to be decided by their character and life. Profession was worthless. If their life and character were not in harmony with God's law, they were not His people. 


In other Words: "So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His." Romans 8:8, 9.

Our reading today continues: 

     In the time of John the Baptist, Christ was about to appear as the revealer of the character of God. His very presence would make manifest to men their sin. Only as they were willing to be purged from sin could they enter into fellowship with Him. Only the pure in heart could abide in His presence.


Are we purged from sin? Do even know what this means? Do we have "pure" hearts free from unknown pride?  There is no excuse for our ignorance, nor our sins. God has provided at great expense our Savior that can save us from sin.

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--10--The Voice in the Wilderness
« Reply #68 on: February 16, 2020, 01:36:08 PM »
"John was a representative of those who are to prepare a people for our Lord's second coming. The world is given to self-indulgence. Errors and fables abound. Satan's snares for destroying souls are multiplied.[/b]

Self-discipline is essential to that mental strength and spiritual insight which will enable us to understand and to practice the sacred truths of God's word. For this reason temperance finds its place in the work of preparation for Christ's second coming."
[/size][/color]

Are we willing to surrender our cherished idols whatever they may be? Jesus says to us today...[/size]

In Hebrews 3:14-16 The apostle Paul gives us this counsel which is very applicable to our day in Gods Remnant. Church
14 For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end; 15 While it is said, Today if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts!


"In ourselves we are incapable of doing any good thing; but that which we cannot do will be wrought by the power of God in every submissive and believing soul.

It was through faith that the child of promise was given. It is through faith that spiritual life is begotten, and we are enabled to do the works of righteousness."[/b][/u]
Look up and listen for the shout.

Richard Myers

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Re: The Desire of Ages--10--The Voice in the Wilderness
« Reply #69 on: February 17, 2020, 05:16:56 AM »
Amen dear Brother Beacon!
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--10--The Voice in the Wilderness
« Reply #70 on: May 12, 2020, 07:24:39 PM »
"As a chosen messenger of God, John was "to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord." In preparing the way for Christ's first advent, he was a representative of those who are to prepare a people for our Lord's second coming. The world is given to self-indulgence. Errors and fables abound. Satan's snares for destroying souls are multiplied. All who would perfect holiness in the fear of God must learn the lessons of temperance and self-control. The appetites and passions must be held in subjection to the higher powers of the mind. This self-discipline is essential to that mental strength and spiritual insight which will enable us to understand and to practice the sacred truths of God's word. For this reason temperance finds its place in the work of preparation for Christ's second coming."

God's call to us today is the same as recorded in...Ezekiel 18:31 "Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby ye have transgressed; and make you a new heart and a new spirit: for why will ye die, O house of Israel?" and

"Ezekiel 33:11"  Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel? Jesus has done all He can do to save us...

In Revelation 3:20 "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me"


Today if you and I  hear His voice calling for us to come again to the foot of the cross and find cleansing for our past neglect of so great an offer of Redeeming Love let us not DELAY!! Time is running out for planet Earth ---The Prophetic Sign Posts are gathering speed and passing by faster and faster. Let us come again and renew our commitment to Jesus. The one who paid so dearly to make our salvation possible.
Look up and listen for the shout.

Dorine

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Re: The Desire of Ages--10--The Voice in the Wilderness
« Reply #71 on: May 13, 2020, 06:52:59 AM »
"What must I do to be saved?" Then the hand that has humbled in the dust, lifts up the penitent. The voice that has rebuked sin, and put to shame pride and ambition, inquires with tenderest sympathy, "What wilt thou that I shall do unto thee?" "

Now that is a reason to rejoice and give glory to God for His amazing grace to each of us. The warnings are given to get our attention and to bring us into harmony with God. What love and tender mercy is seen in the justice of God.
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--10--The Voice in the Wilderness
« Reply #72 on: May 13, 2020, 07:20:12 AM »
We are all God's children. During Covid-19, God may be giving you and me more time to learn the lessons we may have failed to learn in our earlier years that would help us to be like Christ; but what a blessing to have Christ help us prepare in mind and character for the soon coming of Jesus!! Jesus is coming!!

"In childhood and youth the character is most impressible. The power of self-control should then be acquired. By the fireside and at the family board influences are exerted whose results are as enduring as eternity. More than any natural endowment, the habits established in early years decide whether a man will be victorious or vanquished in the battle of life. Youth is the sowing time. It determines the character of the harvest, for this life and for the life to come." {The Desire of Ages, page 101, paragraph 1}

There are also lessons to be learned from the Christians who lived in the time of the Dark Ages, as they were out in the mountains, and made the Scriptures their study and guide.

"By patient, untiring labor, sometimes in the deep, dark caverns of the earth, by the light of torches, the Sacred Scriptures were written out, verse by verse, chapter by chapter. Thus the work went on, the revealed will of God shining out like pure gold; how much brighter, clearer, and more powerful because of the trials undergone for its sake only those could realize who were engaged in the work. Angels from heaven surrounded these faithful workers." {The Great Controversy, page 69, paragraph 1}

Let us spend as much time as possible in God's word and share it in every way possible and memorize as much of it as possible before Jesus comes in power and and great 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

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Re: The Desire of Ages--10--The Voice in the Wilderness
« Reply #73 on: May 13, 2020, 08:20:37 AM »
What beautiful truths you have shared today! God loves us and has blessed us with great light that we might know what we must do in order to be saved.

     To a people in whose hearts His law is written, the favor of God is assured. They are one with Him. But the Jews had separated themselves from God. Because of their sins they were suffering under His judgments. This was the cause of their bondage to a heathen nation. Their minds were darkened by transgression, and because in times past the Lord had shown them so great favor, they excused their sins. They flattered themselves that they were better than other men, and entitled to His blessings.
     These things "are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come." 1 Corinthians 10:11. How often we misinterpret God's blessings, and flatter ourselves that we are favored on account of some goodness in us! God cannot do for us that which He longs to do. His gifts are used to increase our self-satisfaction, and to harden our hearts in unbelief and sin. 


Minds are darkened by sin. No matter that God has blessed us in the past, we see here that God's judgments will fall upon those who continue in sin. God is working to impart to us His character. Every day we are moving up or down. Character is the results of our daily decisions to obey or disobey. Let us today behold the grace of God that we might have power to do all God asks of us.
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--10--The Voice in the Wilderness
« Reply #74 on: August 08, 2020, 03:56:58 AM »
Happy Sabbath to you as you look up to Jesus by faith in the heavenly sanctuary, so soon to return to this earth to take His people home to heaven who have experienced His grace by faith! As we look upon Jesus, the sinless One, we see our need of a clean heart. This He freely gives to all who ask Him for it, and who let Him cleanse them from sin by imputing and imparting His righteousness. He is seeking us even now and desiring to offer us something vastly better than what we would choose for ourselves. May this be our prayer today: "Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me" (Psalm 51:10).

"In the time of John the Baptist, Christ was about to appear as the revealer of the character of God. His very presence would make manifest to men their sin. Only as they were willing to be purged from sin could they enter into fellowship with Him. Only the pure in heart could abide in His presence." {The Desire of Ages, page 108, paragraph 1}


Jesus is coming very soon and as we allow Him to transform us into His lovely image, we will experience all of the fruits of the Spirit in our lives and gladly walk in obedience to His will. Nothing good will He withhold from those who walk uprightly!
"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

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Re: The Desire of Ages--10--The Voice in the Wilderness
« Reply #75 on: August 08, 2020, 06:26:40 AM »
"As a chosen messenger of God, John was "to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord." In preparing the way for Christ's first advent, he was a representative of those who are to prepare a people for our Lord's second coming. The world is given to self-indulgence. Errors and fables abound. Satan's snares for destroying souls are multiplied. All who would perfect holiness in the fear of God must learn the lessons of temperance and self-control. The appetites and passions must be held in subjection to the higher powers of the mind. This self-discipline is essential to that mental strength and spiritual insight which will enable us to understand and to practice the sacred truths of God's word. For this reason temperance finds its place in the work of preparation for Christ's second coming."

What will be our response today while the door of mercy is still open? The devil wants us to believe that we have plenty of time left to come to Jesus but as we listen to the news of the world and see the sad state of the church, we know that this is a lie---Satan wants us to wait until our probation closes and it's too late. Please don't delay, come today and Praise Jesus for the great plan of salvation, surrender all to Him and He will forgive you and by the  power His transforming grace prepare you for full membership as a citizen of Heaven and the New Earth

"God's call to us today is the same as recorded in...Ezekiel 18:31 "Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby ye have transgressed; and make you a new heart and a new spirit: for why will ye die, O house of Israel?" and "Ezekiel 33:11"  Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel? Jesus has done all He can do to save us...In Revelation 3:20 "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me"

HAPPY SABBATH TO ALL MY BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN JESUS, WHERE YOU ARE ON PLANET EARTH TODAY -- JESUS IS THERE WITH YOU.







Look up and listen for the shout.

Dorine

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Re: The Desire of Ages--10--The Voice in the Wilderness
« Reply #76 on: August 08, 2020, 06:52:13 AM »
"God does not send messengers to flatter the sinner. He delivers no message of peace to lull the unsanctified into fatal security. He lays heavy burdens upon the conscience of the wrongdoer, and pierces the soul with arrows of conviction. The ministering angels present to him the fearful judgments of God to deepen the sense of need, and prompt the cry, "What must I do to be saved?" Then the hand that has humbled in the dust, lifts up the penitent. The voice that has rebuked sin, and put to shame pride and ambition, inquires with tenderest sympathy, "What wilt thou that I shall do unto thee?"   

I love my Jesus. His love is seen in His justice as much as in His mercy. The contrast is convicting. It's hard to kick against the pricks as the bible says because to fight the Holy Spirit's convicting power is the most futile effort anyone can experience. God wants to set souls free from the sins that control them. As we reveal to the world what the Lord has done for us God will produce bountiful results for His kingdom.
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--10--The Voice in the Wilderness
« Reply #77 on: August 08, 2020, 12:46:30 PM »
My dear friends, what a joy it is to read your posts!!  Every time you hear this message preached from the pulpit, please make a note of who it is and send it to me. We know that there are faithful that understand the gospel message both in and out of the church. Grace is more than a word, it is the power that transforms the character when allowed into the heart. It is true that sanctification is the work of a lifetime, but holiness begins at conversion when the whole heart is surrendered to Christ.

     John was to go forth as Jehovah's messenger, to bring to men the light of God. He must give a new direction to their thoughts. He must impress them with the holiness of God's requirements, and their need of His perfect righteousness. Such a messenger must be holy. He must be a temple for the indwelling Spirit of God. In order to fulfill his mission, he must have a sound physical constitution, and mental and spiritual strength. Therefore it would be necessary for him to control the appetites and passions. He must be able so to control all his powers that he could stand among men as unmoved by surrounding circumstances as the rocks and mountains of the wilderness.
     In the time of John the Baptist, greed for riches, and the love of luxury and display had become widespread. Sensuous pleasures, feasting and drinking, were causing physical disease and degeneracy, benumbing the spiritual perceptions, and lessening the sensibility to sin. John was to stand as a reformer. By his abstemious life and plain dress he was to rebuke the excesses of his time. Hence the directions given to the parents of John,--a lesson of temperance by an angel from the throne of heaven......

     As a prophet, John was "to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord." In preparing the way for Christ's first advent, he was a representative of those who are to prepare a people for our Lord's second coming. The world is given to self-indulgence. Errors and fables abound. Satan's snares for destroying souls are multiplied. All who would perfect holiness in the fear of God must learn the lessons of temperance and self-control. The appetites and passions must be held in subjection to the higher powers of the mind. This self-discipline is essential to that mental strength and spiritual insight which will enable us to understand and to practice the sacred truths of God's word. For this reason temperance finds its place in the work of preparation for Christ's second coming. 


In Ellen White's day she said it was rare to find those who have truly been born again. Why? Because it was rare to find teachers who had  been born again, thus the blind were leading the blind. Jesus still speaks to us in our day in the third chapter of the Book of Revelation to the Laodicean Church (us). She said the message applied to the church in her day. Does it apply in our day? Why so many years later does it still apply? Be honest as to answer the question.  What doctrine in the church has been perverted that the condition still applies? Many have been called, but few have chosen to accept the call. But, this will change. What will change?

Sister Dorine, I too was impressed with this statement: "The voice that has rebuked sin, and put to shame pride and ambition, inquires with tenderest sympathy, 'What wilt thou that I shall do unto thee?'"  Before salvation comes understanding of our deplorable state prior to conversion. Sadly, I continue to see how deplorable I was without Jesus. The closer I get to Him the clearly do I see how evil is the natural man, myself being the center of my understanding. When we stop kicking against the pricks, we can rejoice that the One who revealed our evil nature is the One who lifts us up our of the filthy mire and gives us a new name! Praise our loving God!!

Yes, Happy Sabbath dear friends. We encourage you to accept the grace being offered. Spend a thoughtful hour each day contemplating the life of Christ, especially the closing scenes where grace is lifted up. Then, we invite you to s hare what it is that Jesus has shown you! Share your testimony here where all may know of His power to transform lives!! If you would rather listen instead of reading, then click on the audio link at the beginning post in each chapter.
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--10--The Voice in the Wilderness
« Reply #78 on: November 02, 2020, 08:30:28 PM »
As a prophet, John was "to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord." In preparing the way for Christ's first advent, he was a representative of those who are to prepare a people for our Lord's second coming....

...The world is given to self-indulgence. Errors and fables abound. Satan's snares for destroying souls are multiplied. All who would perfect holiness in the fear of God must learn the lessons of temperance and self-control. The appetites and passions must be held in subjection to the higher powers of the mind. This self-discipline is essential to that mental strength and spiritual insight which will enable us to understand and to practice the sacred truths of God's word.

For this reason temperance finds its place in the work of preparation for Christ's second coming.


Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ  - Are we willing to surrender our appetites and passions so that the Holy Spirit can transform us into active laboring labours for our Jesus - The one who gave "ALL" for us?? As we see the events that are taking place around us we know that "Time is running out and the final movements will be rapid ones". I beg you - do not delay!!
Look up and listen for the shout.

Dorine

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Re: The Desire of Ages--10--The Voice in the Wilderness
« Reply #79 on: November 03, 2020, 05:09:26 AM »
All who became the subjects of Christ's kingdom, he said, would give evidence of faith and repentance. Kindness, honesty, and fidelity would be seen in their lives. They would minister to the needy, and bring their offerings to God. They would shield the defenseless, and give an example of virtue and compassion. So the followers of Christ will give evidence of the transforming power of the Holy Spirit. In the daily life, justice, mercy, and the love of God will be seen. Otherwise they are like the chaff that is given to the fire.


As we spend time with Jesus and walk with Him each day in full surrender it will be clearly seen without saying a word that we are different. We are to be a peculiar people in our attitudes, words, dress etc. That isn't saying we are to be 'odd' or 'weird'. When others are cursing life, our words will bless; when impure jokes are told our silence will speak volumes; when angers flare up we will be calm and encourage kindness. We will be honest in all our affairs. The best place for our faithfulness to be tested is in the home and in the church. If we do not act as Christians to those we love and worship with then how will God use us to bless the world and bring them to Jesus. As we look to Jesus today may we ponder and mediate upon the principles of truth we have learned and been reminded of in today's chapter. Jesus wants our hearts so that He may chisel and smooth the rough edges of our characters so that we will be just like 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