Author Topic: The Desire of Ages--22--Imprisonment and Death of John (Read 17456 times)

Pastor Sean Brizendine · « **Reply #80 on:** August 03, 2021, 09:33:19 AM »

Amen, Brother Beacon and Sister Dorine!

Jesus loves us and leads our lives. While it may not turn out the way we thought, in heaven we will fully understand why He allowed all He did. Trust Him because He first loved you, and as you surrender unreservedly to Jesus, in the power of His converting grace He renews your heart and mind and imbues you with all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing! Great joy comes from being in the center of God's will--as the most weighty trust and high honor God gives us is to have fellowship with Christ in His sufferings!

God never leads His children otherwise than they would choose to be led, if they could see the end from the beginning, and discern the glory of the purpose which they are fulfilling as co-workers with Him. Not Enoch, who was translated to heaven, not Elijah, who ascended in a chariot of fire, was greater or more honored than John the Baptist, who perished alone in the dungeon. "Unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on Him, but also to suffer for His sake." Philippians 1:29. And of all the gifts that Heaven can bestow upon men, fellowship with Christ in His sufferings is the most weighty trust and the highest honor.

May we never complain as we go along the life journey God leads us to experience, praising God for His love that sustains us even when we are in immense emotional or spiritual pain. Pain is not the enemy in our lives--sin is, and Jesus became sin for us so that we could become the righteousness of God in Him. What a joy to do God's will by His imputed and imparted righteousness!

Richard Myers · « **Reply #81 on:** August 03, 2021, 08:59:54 PM »

Amen Pastor Sean. There are some lessons that must be repeated over and over. This is one of them.

God never leads His children otherwise than they would choose to be led, if they could see the end from the beginning, and discern the glory of the purpose which they are fulfilling as co-workers with Him. Not Enoch, who was translated to heaven, not Elijah, who ascended in a chariot of fire, was greater or more honored than John the Baptist, who perished alone in the dungeon. "Unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on Him, but also to suffer for His sake." Philippians 1:29. And of all the gifts that Heaven can bestow upon men, fellowship with Christ in His sufferings is the most weighty trust and the highest honor.

Just moments ago I was sharing this precise truth with a very dear brother who does not quite understand this truth. Or maybe it is not that he does not know it, but does not experience it. It is his desire to do so, but in the meantime, it is painful to lose all one has and not feel that "all" things are working for his good. It is God's greatest desire that we all come to appreciate the blessing of partaking in the sufferings of our Savior. Then we shall have the peace that passes all understanding no matter how difficult the situation. We are privileged to be witnesses for our Savior and our God.

Beacon · « **Reply #82 on:** October 28, 2021, 08:36:18 PM »

"John kept his mind and spirit focused on Jesus and as he reviewed his own personal experiences with Jesus he found renewed strength and courage through the great promise found in...

Isaiah chapter 25:8 & 9 *He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the Lord hath spoken it. And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us: this is the Lord; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation."

"The Baptist did not surrender his faith in Christ."

"The memory of the voice from heaven and the descending dove, the spotless purity of Jesus, the power of the Holy Spirit that had rested upon John as he came into the Saviour's presence, and the testimony of the prophetic scriptures,--all witnessed that Jesus of Nazareth was the Promised One."

Notice that it was what John had already seen and heard from Jesus that sustained him in prison!!

I love the words of the song " Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus Look Full in His Wonderful Face & the things of Earth will grow strangely dim in the Light of His Glory and Grace.

Will our anchor hold in the storm just ahead of us? "WILL "WE" BE READY?" Now is the time to Prepare.!! Don't let the devil distract you!!

Pastor Sean Brizendine · « **Reply #83 on:** October 29, 2021, 08:03:28 AM »

Amen, Brother Beacon!

What is most valuable?

"It is moral worth that God values. Love and purity are the attributes He prizes most." {The Desire of Ages, page 219, paragraph 3}

"God is love" (1 John 4:

, and when He lives in us, the same purity and love from Jesus will flow out of our lives to others in good works that are motivated by the Holy Spirit and made possible by His grace! May you let all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing be manifest in your life today as you choose to surrender all you have and are to God moment-by-moment, enjoying constant union and communion with Christ! Then you can gladly obey God from a heart renewed by divine grace and go forth to bless others in affectionate obedience to God's will as revealed in His law of love, the Ten Commandments!

Having such an experience of character prepares us to bear the most weighty trust and the highest honor of fellowship with Christ in His sufferings.

"God never leads His children otherwise than they would choose to be led, if they could see the end from the beginning, and discern the glory of the purpose which they are fulfilling as co-workers with Him. Not Enoch, who was translated to heaven, not Elijah, who ascended in a chariot of fire, was greater or more honored than John the Baptist, who perished alone in the dungeon. 'Unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on Him, but also to suffer for His sake.' Philippians 1:29. And of all the gifts that Heaven can bestow upon men, fellowship with Christ in His sufferings is the most weighty trust and the highest honor." {The Desire of Ages, page 224, paragraph 5}

Richard Myers · « **Reply #84 on:** October 29, 2021, 08:23:36 AM »

Amen Brother Beacon and Pastor Sean. Some things are worth repeating. Pastor Sean has shared this, I think it good to say it again.

And of all the gifts that Heaven can bestow upon men, fellowship with Christ in His sufferings is the most weighty trust and the highest honor.

As the Messiah's herald, John was "much more than a prophet." For while prophets had seen from afar Christ's advent, to John it was given to behold Him, to hear the testimony from heaven to His Messiahship, and to present Him to Israel as the Sent of God.

And so it was with Sister White, she was more than a prophet. She too was to provide a view of the righteousness of Christ and to prepare a people to receive Jesus at His second coming!

Beacon · « **Reply #85 on:** January 23, 2022, 09:47:56 PM »

"Satan was permitted to cut short the earthly life of God's messenger; but that life which "is hid with Christ in God," the destroyer could not reach. Colossians 3:3."

"He exulted that he had brought sorrow upon Christ, but he had failed of conquering John.""Death itself only placed him forever beyond the power of temptation."

"In this warfare, Satan was revealing his own character."

"Before the witnessing universe he made manifest his enmity toward God and man."

"John kept his mind and spirit focused on Jesus and as he reviewed his own personal experiences with Jesus he found renewed strength and courage through the great promise found in..."

"Isaiah chapter 25:8 & 9 *He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the Lord hath spoken it. And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us: this is the Lord; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation."

"The Baptist did not surrender his faith in Christ."

It is my fervent prayer for all of God's children, that same will be able to be said about of all of us!!

Jesus, Savior, pilot me
Over life’s tempestuous sea;
Unknown waves before me roll,
Hiding rock and treach’rous shoal;
Chart and compass come from Thee;
Jesus, Savior, pilot me.
2
As a mother stills her child,
Thou canst hush the ocean wild;
Boist’rous waves obey Thy will
When Thou say’st to them, “Be still.”
Wondrous Sov’reign of the sea,
Jesus, Savior, pilot me.
3
Though death’s valley I may pass,
Still Thy grace will fear surpass;
In Thy presence I will rest,
And, while leaning on Thy breast,
I will hear Thee say to me,
“Fear not, I will pilot thee.”

Lyrics:Edward Hopper (1816-1888)
Music:John Edgar Gould (1822-1875)

Dorine · « **Reply #86 on:** January 24, 2022, 04:55:07 AM »

"Satan was permitted to cut short the earthly life of God's messenger; but that life which "is hid with Christ in God," the destroyer could not reach. Colossians 3:3. He exulted that he had brought sorrow upon Christ, but he had failed of conquering John. Death itself only placed him forever beyond the power of temptation. In this warfare, Satan was revealing his own character. Before the witnessing universe he made manifest his enmity toward God and man."

We may rejoice in the knowledge that God sees all and knows all that we go through. His love for us was shown most profoundly on the cross of Calvary. He will be with us no matter what He allows to happen in our lives. As long as we stay focused on Jesus and surrendered to Him no one or no circumstance can separate us from God's love and care. He will give us strength to endure.

Richard Myers · « **Reply #87 on:** January 24, 2022, 08:02:44 PM »

Amen my brother and sister!! No matter what comes to us, we will glory in our tribulation knowing it is for our good and God's glory as we abide in Jesus. As we read, Satan could no longer touch John, but he wanted to make Jesus sad. But, Jesus was not sad. He loved John and protected him from the evil in this world.

He leaves us here that we might develop the character that John had that we too might be faithful witnesses of the love and power of God.

Like the Saviour's disciples, John the Baptist did not understand the nature of Christ's kingdom. He expected Jesus to take the throne of David; and as time passed, and the Saviour made no claim to kingly authority, John became perplexed and troubled. He had declared to the people that in order for the way to be prepared before the Lord, the prophecy of Isaiah must be fulfilled; the mountains and hills must be brought low, the crooked made straight, and the rough places plain. He had looked for the high places of human pride and power to be cast down. He had pointed to the Messiah as the One whose fan was in His hand, and who would thoroughly purge His floor, who would gather the wheat into His garner, and burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire. Like the prophet Elijah, in whose spirit and power he had come to Israel, he looked for the Lord to reveal Himself as a God that answereth by fire.
In his mission the Baptist had stood as a fearless reprover of iniquity, both in high places and in low. He had dared to face King Herod with the plain rebuke of sin. He had not counted his life dear unto himself, that he might fulfill his appointed work. And now from his dungeon he watched for the Lion of the tribe of Judah to cast down the pride of the oppressor, and to deliver the poor and him that cried. But Jesus seemed to content Himself with gathering disciples about Him, and healing and teaching the people. He was eating at the tables of the publicans, while every day the Roman yoke rested more heavily upon Israel, while King Herod and his vile paramour worked their will, and the cries of the poor and suffering went up to heaven.
To the desert prophet all this seemed a mystery beyond his fathoming. There were hours when the whisperings of demons tortured his spirit, and the shadow of a terrible fear crept over him. Could it be that the long-hoped-for Deliverer had not yet appeared? Then what meant the message that he himself had been impelled to bear? John had been bitterly disappointed in the result of his mission. He had expected that the message from God would have the same effect as when the law was read in the days of Josiah and of Ezra (2 Chronicles 34; Nehemiah 8, 9); that there would follow a deep-seated work of repentance and returning unto the Lord. For the success of this mission his whole life had been sacrificed. Had it been in vain?

How did John see God's grace since he did not know Jesus was going to suffer and die for his sins? In his studies he learned of the character of God. He knew of His great love for sinners and He had experienced His love from many answered prayers that he did not deserve. That is grace, unmerited favor.

Pastor Sean Brizendine · « **Reply #88 on:** January 25, 2022, 06:10:40 AM »

Praise the Lord for these other posts, too, from Brother Beacon, Sister Dorine and Brother Richard!

Let God lead! And rejoice in the Lord always!

God never leads His children otherwise than they would choose to be led, if they could see the end from the beginning, and discern the glory of the purpose which they are fulfilling as co-workers with Him. Not Enoch, who was translated to heaven, not Elijah, who ascended in a chariot of fire, was greater or more honored than John the Baptist, who perished alone in the dungeon. "Unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on Him, but also to suffer for His sake." Philippians 1:29. And of all the gifts that Heaven can bestow upon men, fellowship with Christ in His sufferings is the most weighty trust and the highest honor.

Beacon · « **Reply #89 on:** April 20, 2022, 08:02:14 PM »

"John had been bitterly disappointed in the result of his mission."

"He had expected that the message from God would have the same effect as when the law was read in the days of Josiah and of Ezra (2 Chronicles 34; Nehemiah 8, 9); that there would follow a deep-seated work of repentance and returning unto the Lord."

"For the success of this mission his whole life had been sacrificed."

"Had it been in vain?"

"To the desert prophet all this seemed a mystery beyond his fathoming."

"There were hours when the whispering of demons tortured his spirit, and the shadow of a terrible fear crept over him."

"Could it be that the long-hoped-for Deliverer had not yet appeared?"

"Then what meant the message that he himself had been impelled to bear?

"John had been bitterly disappointed in the result of his mission."

I'm sure that many who have born witness for Jesus under very difficult circumstances have experienced the same feelings of doubt and disappointment and many have even been tortured and killed but...

We need to remember that Jesus does not guarantee a Smooth Flight throughout our earthly journey, However,...He does guarantee a Smooth Successful Landing on the Heavenly Shores to those who remain faithful to Him.

May God grant us to the same courage as John!

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

Encamped along the hills of light,
Ye Christian soldiers rise,
And press the battle ere the night
Shall veil the glowing skies;
Against the foe in vales below
Let all our strength be hurled;
Faith is the victory, we know,
That overcomes the world.
Faith is the victory!
Faith is the victory!
O glorious victory,
That overcomes the world.
2
His banner over us is love,
Our sword the Word of God;
We tread the road the saints before
With shouts of triumph trod.
By faith, they like a whirlwind’s breath,
Swept on o’er every field;
The faith by which they conquered death
Is still our shining shield.
3
On every hand the foe we find
Drawn up in dread array;
Let tents of ease be left behind,
And onward to the fray.
Salvation’s helmet on each head,
With truth all girt about,
The earth shall tremble ’neath our tread,
And echo with our shout.
4
To him that overcomes the foe,
White raiment shall be giv’n;
Before the angels he shall know
His name confessed in heav’n;
Then onward from the hills of light,
Our hearts with love aflame,
We’ll vanquish all the hosts of night,
In Jesus’ conqu’ring name.

Lyrics:John Henry Yates (1837-1900)
Music:Ira David Sankey (1840-1908) bio

Dorine · « **Reply #90 on:** April 21, 2022, 04:27:31 AM »

"John was troubled to see that through love for him, his own disciples were cherishing unbelief in regard to Jesus. Had his work for them been fruitless? Had he been unfaithful in his mission, that he was now cut off from labor? If the promised Deliverer had appeared, and John had been found true to his calling, would not Jesus now overthrow the oppressor's power, and set free His herald? But the Baptist did not surrender his faith in Christ. The memory of the voice from heaven and the descending dove, the spotless purity of Jesus, the power of the Holy Spirit that had rested upon John as he came into the Saviour's presence, and the testimony of the prophetic scriptures,--all witnessed that Jesus of Nazareth was the Promised One."

Sometimes discouragement nags at the heart when we do not understand why things are happening the way we think they should. There are many things not made plain to us now but we always know that when we put our full trust in Jesus He will never fail us. There are lessons He wants to teach us that we have no idea are needed. He is building characters in each of us that is preparing us to finish the work here on earth and fit us for a home in heaven. Like John we may look back over the years and remember the ways in which God has led us in the past and take courage knowing He will not forsake us now. May our faith in Jesus never fail.

Pastor Sean Brizendine · « **Reply #91 on:** April 21, 2022, 04:39:06 AM »

Amen, Brother Beacon and Sister Dorine!

Let us allow God to lead us so we can grow more like Christ! In complete surrender there is perfect peace that passes all understanding! All of the fruits of the Spirit will be manifest in our lives without one missing as long as we are abiding in Christ!

"God never leads His children otherwise than they would choose to be led, if they could see the end from the beginning, and discern the glory of the purpose which they are fulfilling as co-workers with Him. Not Enoch, who was translated to heaven, not Elijah, who ascended in a chariot of fire, was greater or more honored than John the Baptist, who perished alone in the dungeon. 'Unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on Him, but also to suffer for His sake.' Philippians 1:29. And of all the gifts that Heaven can bestow upon men, fellowship with Christ in His sufferings is the most weighty trust and the highest honor." {The Desire of Ages, page 224, paragraph 5}

For God to entrust us with suffering for His sake and allow it to be a witness of His character to this world and the onlooking universe is an amazing gift--one that may not FEEL like a gift at the time, but one that brings us into experiential intimacy with God in a way that even is beyond what the angels can fully know! May we learn to rejoice in the Lord always, no matter what our circumstances!

Richard Myers · « **Reply #92 on:** April 21, 2022, 08:58:46 AM »

My friends have discerned such important truths given to a church who are to prepare a people to receive Jesus at His soon coming. I pray that the Holy Spirit will reveal to all who are reading with us the light given to His servants this morning. The deceptions that Satan had instilled in Israel of Old led to a misunderstanding of the Savior's mission such that even John the Baptist did not understand Jesus had to suffer and die that we might be transformed and made fit to live eternally with Him who gave all for us while we were yet sinners.

Like the Saviour's disciples, John the Baptist did not understand the nature of Christ's kingdom. He expected Jesus to take the throne of David.....John had been bitterly disappointed in the result of his mission. He had expected that the message from God would have the same effect as when the law was read in the days of Josiah and of Ezra (2 Chronicles 34; Nehemiah 8, 9); that there would follow a deep-seated work of repentance and returning unto the Lord. For the success of this mission his whole life had been sacrificed. Had it been in vain?

As Sister Dorine pointed out, despite that John did not understand, "the Baptist did not surrender his faith in Christ." And Brother Beacon also shared that "John had been bitterly disappointed in the result of his mission," yet his courage did not fail. Our brother sees that as John remained faithful despite what he beheld with his eyes, so are we. Our brother encourages us: "We need to remember that Jesus does not guarantee a Smooth Flight throughout our earthly journey, However,...He does guarantee a Smooth Successful Landing on the Heavenly Shores to those who remain faithful to Him."

John suffered as will all who are faithful to God. We glory in our tribulation because as we abide in Christ, our suffering is for our good and God's glory. "And not only [so], but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us." Romans 5:3-5.

Pastor Sean understands that suffering is indeed something we all shall bear if we remain faithful to Jesus, for it is the most weighty trust and highest honor God can bestow upon us. There is a verse that is seldom if ever heard from our pulpits. "Though He were a Son, yet learned He obedience by the things which He suffered." Hebrews 5:8. Amen! Even though we are obedient, we too shall learn obedience by the things we suffer. May God grant us courage to rejoice in our sufferings as we lift up His cross.

Beacon · « **Reply #93 on:** July 16, 2022, 08:03:45 PM »

"Not Enoch, who was translated to heaven, not Elijah, who ascended in a chariot of fire, was greater or more honored than John the Baptist, who perished alone in the dungeon."

"Unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on Him, but also to suffer for His sake.' Philippians 1:29.

"And of all the gifts that Heaven can bestow upon men, fellowship with Christ in His sufferings is the most weighty trust and the highest honor."

[/size][/color]I am a member of a group called " The Voice of the Martyrs " representing men, women, and children all over the world who are suffering horrific persecution because they love Jesus. Their stories of courage and faithfulness under dire circumstances is heart wrenching yet so encouraging. I would encourage you to look them up at this web address. www:vomcanada.com Please remember them in your prayers. Someday soon it may be our turn and I pray that all of us may remain faithful to Jesus when our testing time arrives. [/font]

[/size]=========================
[/b][/size][/color]1
Stand up! stand up for Jesus!
Ye soldiers of the cross;
Lift high His royal banner,
It must not suffer loss:
From vict’ry unto vict’ry
His army shall He lead,
Till every foe is vanquished
And Christ is Lord indeed.
Stand up for Jesus
Ye soldiers of the cross;
Lift high His royal banner,
It must not, it must not suffer loss.
2
Stand up! stand up for Jesus!
The trumpet call obey;
Forth to the mighty conflict
In this His glorious day.
Ye that are men, now serve Him
Against unnumbered foes;
Let courage rise with danger.
And strength to strength oppose.
3
Stand up! stand up for Jesus!
Stand in His strength alone;
The arm of flesh will fail you;
Ye dare not trust your own.
Put on the Gospel armor,
And, watching unto prayer,
Where duty calls, or danger,
Be never wanting there.
4
Stand up! stand up for Jesus!
The strife will not be long:
This day the noise of battle,
The next the victor’s song;
To him that overcometh
A crown of life shall be;
He, with the King of glory,
Shall reign eternally.

Lyrics:George Duffield (1818-1888)
Music:Adam Geibel (1855-1933)[/font][/b]

Dorine · « **Reply #94 on:** July 17, 2022, 05:01:55 AM »

"Though no miraculous deliverance was granted John, he was not forsaken. He had always the companionship of heavenly angels, who opened to him the prophecies concerning Christ, and the precious promises of Scripture. These were his stay, as they were to be the stay of God's people through the coming ages. To John the Baptist, as to those that came after him, was given the assurance, "Lo, I am with you all the days, even unto the end." Matthew 28:20, R. V., margin.

For any who are tempted to fear the future these words should fill them full of faith and hope. Not the presumptuous faith that believes we will be sinning until Jesus comes and that He accepts us just as we are without change of character. No, no! How can anyone read scripture and SOP and believe such deception? These promises are given to those who have given their all to God come what may. As we face the trials that come to us He promises to be with us to the very end. We are given strength and courage and endurance as it is needed. Praise God for His faithfulness for under His wings I am safely abiding.

Pastor Sean Brizendine · « **Reply #95 on:** July 17, 2022, 05:32:32 AM »

Amen, Brother Beacon and Sister Dorine!!

Who is leading you? Are you submitting daily your will to God and letting His word direct your path? If so, rejoice in the midst of trial and tribulation, even unto death for the sake of Christ, knowing that His plans are best and His love is infinite. He knows what is best and plans for the good of His creatures. Then trust God. Praise Him in the midst of all the experiences of life, and depend upon the Holy Spirit to produce in you all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing as you grow in His grace, love and truth, affectionately obeying God's law from the new heart He gives you.

John the Baptist lost his life as he was faithful to the end, and we should not fear to lose our lives if we choose to be faithful, too. As our Savior suffered beyond our comprehension, in His gracious love He offers us fellowship with Him in that experience as we are on the verge of the close of the great controversy between Christ and Satan. Our lives and the witness manifest through us can help hasten Christ's return as He desires living witnesses for Him who reveal His character to the universe! He is preparing a people who enjoy sweetest fellowship with Him though they will suffer with Him in the experience, and He will have a living witness of saints prepared for translation without seeing death, because self is dead and Christ "the hope of glory" shines forth from them spontaneously! Let us this victory offered us be our choice by the love and purity given us through abiding in Jesus moment-by-moment!

"God never leads His children otherwise than they would choose to be led, if they could see the end from the beginning, and discern the glory of the purpose which they are fulfilling as co-workers with Him. Not Enoch, who was translated to heaven, not Elijah, who ascended in a chariot of fire, was greater or more honored than John the Baptist, who perished alone in the dungeon. 'Unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on Him, but also to suffer for His sake.' Philippians 1:29. And of all the gifts that Heaven can bestow upon men, fellowship with Christ in His sufferings is the most weighty trust and the highest honor." {The Desire of Ages, page 224, paragraph 5}

We can trust God to lead us this day, for faithfulness today prepares us for faithfulness tomorrow. Only by abiding in Christ by grace through faith will we have strength to resist evil and be empowered by God to bless others unselfishly. Looking upon the Savior's crucifixion puts everything in perspective as we more fully appreciate the cost our salvation!

Richard Myers · « **Reply #96 on:** July 17, 2022, 10:36:09 AM »

Amen my dear friends!! What an encouraging chapter, so very much is explained, not the least of which is that the greatest gift that God can give us is that we become sharers in the suffering of our dear Savior. It is also interesting that God did not attempt to correct the understanding of John about Him not ruling on an earthly throne....until he was imprisoned.

Like the Saviour's disciples, John the Baptist did not understand the nature of Christ's kingdom. He expected Jesus to take the throne of David; and as time passed, and the Saviour made no claim to kingly authority, John became perplexed and troubled. He had declared to the people that in order for the way to be prepared before the Lord, the prophecy of Isaiah must be fulfilled; the mountains and hills must be brought low, the crooked made straight, and the rough places plain. He had looked for the high places of human pride and power to be cast down. He had pointed to the Messiah as the One whose fan was in His hand, and who would thoroughly purge His floor, who would gather the wheat into His garner, and burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire. Like the prophet Elijah, in whose spirit and power he had come to Israel, he looked for the Lord to reveal Himself as a God that answereth by fire.........
The Saviour's words, "Blessed is he, whosoever shall find none occasion of stumbling in Me," were a gentle reproof to John. It was not lost upon him. Understanding more clearly now the nature of Christ's mission, he yielded himself to God for life or for death, as should best serve the interests of the cause he loved.

Beacon · « **Reply #97 on:** October 11, 2022, 08:01:02 PM »

"God never leads His children otherwise than they would choose to be led, if they could see the end from the beginning, and discern the glory of the purpose which they are fulfilling as co-workers with Him."

"Not Enoch, who was translated to heaven, not Elijah, who ascended in a chariot of fire, was greater or more honored than John the Baptist, who perished alone in the dungeon."

"Unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on Him, but also to suffer for His sake." Philippians 1:29.

"Of all the gifts that Heaven can bestow upon men, fellowship with Christ in His sufferings is the most weighty trust and the highest honor."

"I want to be like John the Baptist don't you?? Help us Lord in Sun or Shadow and even in times of Total Darkness to trust that you leading and directing our lives.

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

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)

Pastor Sean Brizendine · « **Reply #98 on:** October 12, 2022, 05:01:38 AM »

When questions came to John the baptist as to the nature of Christ's ministry being the true fulfillment of that of the Messiah, what did John do? In the midst of the struggle, John chose to trust and retain faith in Christ as the Messiah. Well would it be for us to trust God even when the outcome of our life is not what we may have expected, or when Christ unfolds His mission to us in ways that may disappoint our own expectations. The key is remembering the word of God and communing with Him, as in full surrender to Christ all of the fruits of the Spirit will be seen in our lives without one missing. We will be empowered by Christ to keep His commandments.

"But the Baptist did not surrender his faith in Christ. The memory of the voice from heaven and the descending dove, the spotless purity of Jesus, the power of the Holy Spirit that had rested upon John as he came into the Saviour's presence, and the testimony of the prophetic scriptures,—all witnessed that Jesus of Nazareth was the Promised One." {The Desire of Ages, page 216, paragraph 3}

Grace and strength to bear whatever trials God allows will only deepen our faith and create a testimony that will encourage others, too. Let God lead you to trust in Christ without any reservation, for Jesus is coming again VERY SOON!

Dorine · « **Reply #99 on:** October 12, 2022, 05:53:55 AM »

"Satan was permitted to cut short the earthly life of God's messenger; but that life which "is hid with Christ in God," the destroyer could not reach. Colossians 3:3. He exulted that he had brought sorrow upon Christ, but he had failed of conquering John. Death itself only placed him forever beyond the power of temptation. In this warfare, Satan was revealing his own character. Before the witnessing universe he made manifest his enmity toward God and man."

The Christian will constantly walk in complete faith and trust in God. No dreaded circumstance or threat even of death will cause the soul to lose hope in Christ. Each day we are being tested in the smaller crucibles of life preparing us for our unknown personal future that God in His mercy hides from us. It truly is an honor to follow in the footsteps and sufferings of Jesus and remain in complete peace.