Author Topic: The Desire of Ages--Final Chapter--"To My Father, and Your Father" (Read 32837 times)

JimB · « **Reply #120 on:** August 14, 2024, 06:17:37 AM »

Will not His affections be centered upon that realm where He is appreciated, and where sinless angels wait to do His bidding? No; His promise to those loved ones whom He leaves on earth is, "I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world." Matthew 28:20.

What love! In an earlier chapter it was that Heaven wasn't a place that He desired without us. That is practically incomprehensible.

Pastor Sean Brizendine · « **Reply #121 on:** August 14, 2024, 07:09:33 AM »

How do you see the future? Are you afraid? Well, we can learn a valuable lesson from the life and experience of the disciples that because of Christ's resurrection and the fact that He keeps His promises, we do not need to live in fear for the future--we can trust Him and let Him be all in all to us! All of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing will flow forth in the life of those who abide in Him in total surrender; a true experience of affectionate obedience to God's commandments will be manifest in the life because Christ lives within, the hope of glory!

"The disciples no longer had any distrust of the future. They knew that Jesus was in heaven, and that His sympathies were with them still. They knew that they had a friend at the throne of God, and they were eager to present their requests to the Father in the name of Jesus. In solemn awe they bowed in prayer, repeating the assurance, 'Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in My name, He will give it you. Hitherto have ye asked nothing in My name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.' John 16:23, 24. They extended the hand of faith higher and higher, with the mighty argument, 'It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.' Romans 8:34. And Pentecost brought them fullness of joy in the presence of the Comforter, even as Christ had promised." {The Desire of Ages, page 833, paragraph 1}

Asking in faith for God to lead us, we can trust His divine guidance and grace! We can look and live, thrive in His righteousness, and overcome daily by staying vitally connected to His power, love, and sound mind offered us in His word through the vitalizing ministry of the Holy Spirit! While there are many trials on the horizon preceding the second coming of Jesus, we can study Daniel and Revelation to see that God foreknows the events to come, gives us warning and encouragement so we can face the coming trials, and offers us His divine presence at each step to help us do His will in spreading the gospel to every nation, kindred, tongue and people that helps hasten Christ's return! "And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come" (Matthew 24:14).

Richard Myers · « **Reply #122 on:** August 14, 2024, 06:09:36 PM »

Amen my dear family! It is a joy to read what has impressed you today. It was hard for me to decide what to share, there is so much. In the end, I am going to share what I often share at the end of this wonderful book. I probably have explained this many times, but if not, let say why I choose this truth after I post it.

The voice of God is heard proclaiming that justice is satisfied. Satan is vanquished. Christ's toiling, struggling ones on earth are "accepted in the Beloved." Ephesians 1:6. Before the heavenly angels and the representatives of unfallen worlds, they are declared justified. Where He is, there His church shall be. "Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other." Psalm 85:10. The Father's arms encircle His Son, and the word is given, "Let all the angels of God worship Him." Hebrews 1:6.

There is a wonderful truth in that as we struggle today and tomorrow, we are accepted in the Beloved because "Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other" at the cross. Imagine the joy and pride our heavenly Father had at that time as His Son went to a peaceful sleep. Well, as good as that is, it is the next statement that causes me to fall on my face. The Father's arms encircle His Son. Our heavenly Father had watched His Son suffer for 30 years. It was not easy for Him to agree with His innocent Son that He might be our Redeemer at such a great cost and a great risk. They are united once again! The separation crushed our Savior. What must it have done to our Father! Here we can see the arms of our heavenly Father encircle His Son. All we can do, is do all we can to thank them for suffering that we might live in a world without sin! What love is this, what marvelous, unfathomable love that would lead them to suffer for us while we were yet sinners Let us praise them over and over and over!!

Beacon · « **Reply #123 on:** November 08, 2024, 07:44:52 PM »

"The Disciple's knew that they had a friend at the throne of God, and they were eager to present their requests to the Father in the name of Jesus."

"In solemn awe they bowed in prayer, repeating the assurance."

'Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in My name, He will give it you. Hitherto have ye asked nothing in My name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.' John 16:23, 24."

"They extended the hand of faith higher and higher, with the mighty argument...

"It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.' Romans 8: "

"Pentecost brought them fullness of joy in the presence of the Comforter, even as Christ had promised."

We also can have the Fulness of Joy "IF" we are willing to make Jesus First& Last in all things!!

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

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 (1847-190

HAPPY SABATH TO ALL GOD'S FAMILY ON EARTH AND AROUND HIS VAST UNIVERSE

Beacon · « **Reply #124 on:** November 08, 2024, 08:01:18 PM »

"The Disciple's knew that they had a friend at the throne of God, and they were eager to present their requests to the Father in the name of Jesus."

"In solemn awe they bowed in prayer, repeating the assurance."

'Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in My name, He will give it you. Hitherto have ye asked nothing in My name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.' John 16:23, 24."

"They extended the hand of faith higher and higher, with the mighty argument...

"It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.' Romans 8: "

"Pentecost brought them fullness of joy in the presence of the Comforter, even as Christ had promised."

We also can have the Fulness of Joy "IF" we are willing to make Jesus First& Last in all things!!

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

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 (1847-190

HAPPY SABBATH TO ALL GOD'S FAMILY ON EARTH AND AROUND HIS VAST UNIVERSE

Dorine · « **Reply #125 on:** November 09, 2024, 03:57:59 AM »

Christ had ascended to heaven in the form of humanity. The disciples had beheld the cloud receive Him. The same Jesus who had walked and talked and prayed with them; who had broken bread with them; who had been with them in their boats on the lake; and who had that very day toiled with them up the ascent of Olivet,--the same Jesus had now gone to share His Father's throne. And the angels had assured them that the very One whom they had seen go up into heaven, would come again even as He had ascended. He will come "with clouds; and every eye shall see Him." "The Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the Archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise." "The Son of man shall come in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then shall He sit upon the throne of His glory." Revelation 1:7; 1 Thessalonians 4:16; Matthew 25:31. Thus will be fulfilled the Lord's own promise to His disciples: "If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also." John 14:3. Well might the disciples rejoice in the hope of their Lord's return.

This is the most uplifting message for me. To think that Jesus will forever be linked together with us as our brother fills me with joy and wonder. I love to meditate on the description of His return. What a glorious day that will be. I can not resist His magnificent grace. May each reader here have that abiding connection with Jesus every moment of the day. We are soon to see that small dark cloud in the Eastern sky and watch until the whole sky is lighted up with the glory of heavenly beings. Graves will open and give up those souls who have been faithful followers of Jesus. And together we will rise to be with Him for evermore. Commit yourselves to Him and determine in your heart that no matter what happens in this life your loyalty will be to Jesus.

Philip T · « **Reply #126 on:** November 09, 2024, 04:39:52 AM »

From that scene of heavenly joy, there comes back to us on earth the echo of Christ's own wonderful words, "I ascend unto My Father, and your Father; and to My God, and your God." John 20:17. The family of heaven and the family of earth are one. For us our Lord ascended, and for us He lives. "Wherefore He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them." Hebrews 7:25.

This was a chapter of joy, it shows the love of heaven to Jesus, Jesus' abiding love for mankind, and I liked this paragraph, it shows both and the Joy and love of Jesus for us, the promise that Jesus is our intercessor in heaven and is still attuned to us here on earth and salvation comes through Jesus.

Happy Sabbath.

JimB · « **Reply #127 on:** February 04, 2025, 05:02:37 AM »

Upon reaching the Mount of Olives, Jesus led the way across the summit, to the vicinity of Bethany. Here He paused, and the disciples gathered about Him. Beams of light seemed to radiate from His countenance as He looked lovingly upon them. He upbraided them not for their faults and failures; words of the deepest tenderness were the last that fell upon their ears from the lips of their Lord.

No reprimands for their faults only tender words. What a loving savior we have. He was leaving them and He knew exactly what they needed. So it is with us. He knows exactly what we need which is why sometimes our prayers are not answered with the timing nor the method in which we desire. He knows best!

Beacon · « **Reply #128 on:** February 04, 2025, 03:06:37 PM »

"The angels had assured them that the very One whom they had seen go up into heaven, would come again even as He had ascended."

"He will come "with clouds; and every eye shall see Him." "The Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the Archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise." "The Son of man shall come in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then shall He sit upon the throne of His glory." Revelation 1:7; 1 Thessalonians 4:16; Matthew 25:31. Thus will be fulfilled the Lord's own promise to His disciples: "If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also." John 14:3. Well might the disciples rejoice in the hope of their Lord's return."

How wonderful to know how Jesus will return - We need not tricked! May "WE" be reading Gods Word Day by Day.

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

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

Richard Myers · « **Reply #129 on:** February 04, 2025, 10:51:06 PM »

Amen Brother Beacon and Brother Jim! What joy to complete reading this most wonderful revelation of the character of our Lord!! We have nothing to fear except we forget what we know of Him!

He enters into the presence of His Father. He points to His wounded head, the pierced side, the marred feet; He lifts His hands, bearing the print of nails. He points to the tokens of His triumph; He presents to God the wave sheaf, those raised with Him as representatives of that great multitude who shall come forth from the grave at His second coming. He approaches the Father, with whom there is joy over one sinner that repents; who rejoices over one with singing. Before the foundations of the earth were laid, the Father and the Son had united in a covenant to redeem man if he should be overcome by Satan. They had clasped Their hands in a solemn pledge that Christ should become the surety for the human race. This pledge Christ has fulfilled. When upon the cross He cried out, "It is finished," He addressed the Father. The compact had been fully carried out. Now He declares: Father, it is finished. I have done Thy will, O My God. I have completed the work of redemption. If Thy justice is satisfied, "I will that they also, whom Thou hast given Me, be with Me where I am." John 19:30; 17:24.

Always thinking of you! Such love!!

Pastor Sean Brizendine · « **Reply #130 on:** May 01, 2025, 07:04:27 PM »

Do we truly grasp the depth of the Father's love for Jesus? Oh, what a sacrifice the Father made to give His Son to come to this dark spot in the universe, to live a perfect life amid so much temptation and trial, to bear our sin, die as our sacrifice on the cross suffering for every sin--the Father's heart felt it beyond what we can ever know. But when Jesus had finished His work on earth and ascended to the Father, imagine the IMMENSE LOVE that overflowed in their union!! Oh, what a joy it is that we get to be part of this family!! The Godhead loves us so much! The Holy Spirit is the one who comes to live in our hearts and help us appreciate the depth of God's love! Let His arms encircle you today by faith as we look forward to the day when He will encircle us, too!!!! As we surrender our WHOLE heart to Christ, all of the fruits of the Spirit will be manifest in our lives to reveal God's character! Let's stay vitally connected to the love of God that is infinite!!!

"The Father's arms encircle His Son, and the word is given, 'Let all the angels of God worship Him.' Hebrews 1:6." {The Desire of Ages, page 834, paragraph 3}

My heart is SO GLAD that the greatest truth in the universe is that "God is love" (1 John 4:16).

JimB · « **Reply #131 on:** May 02, 2025, 04:49:49 AM »

Amen pastor Sean!

When the disciples went back to Jerusalem, the people looked upon them with amazement. After the trial and crucifixion of Christ, it had been thought that they would appear downcast and ashamed. Their enemies expected to see upon their faces an expression of sorrow and defeat. Instead of this there was only gladness and triumph. Their faces were aglow with a happiness not born of earth. They did not mourn over disappointed hopes, but were full of praise and thanksgiving to God. With rejoicing they told the wonderful story of Christ's resurrection and His ascension to heaven, and their testimony was received by many.

This scene will more or less be repeated at His 2nd coming. His true disciples will look up and shout for joy while everyone else will run and wish the rocks would fall on them. The tables will be turned! Let us remain faithful till the end as He has promised to be with us to the end!

Richard Myers · « **Reply #132 on:** May 02, 2025, 07:39:51 AM »

Amen Brother Jim and Pastor Sean!! A message entrusted to us that the world might know our God!! Something to note is that Jesus already knew His sacrifice was sufficient that all might be saved if they would be transformed. Jesus had made a trip prior to His last communion with His disciples. We remember He told Mary to not touch Him. He was then anxious to know if His suffering was enough. "Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and [to] my God, and your God." John 20:17. He then returned to spend time with His disciples, then went again for a formal reception.

The heavenly council before which Lucifer had accused God and His Son, the representatives of those sinless realms over which Satan had thought to establish his dominion,--all are there to welcome the Redeemer. They are eager to celebrate His triumph and to glorify their King.
But He waves them back. Not yet; He cannot now receive the coronet of glory and the royal robe. He enters into the presence of His Father. He points to His wounded head, the pierced side, the marred feet; He lifts His hands, bearing the print of nails. He points to the tokens of His triumph; He presents to God the wave sheaf, those raised with Him as representatives of that great multitude who shall come forth from the grave at His second coming. He approaches the Father, with whom there is joy over one sinner that repents; who rejoices over one with singing. Before the foundations of the earth were laid, the Father and the Son had united in a covenant to redeem man if he should be overcome by Satan. They had clasped Their hands in a solemn pledge that Christ should become the surety for the human race. This pledge Christ has fulfilled. When upon the cross He cried out, "It is finished," He addressed the Father. The compact had been fully carried out. Now He declares: Father, it is finished. I have done Thy will, O My God. I have completed the work of redemption. If Thy justice is satisfied, "I will that they also, whom Thou hast given Me, be with Me where I am." John 19:30; 17:24.
The voice of God is heard proclaiming that justice is satisfied. Satan is vanquished. Christ's toiling, struggling ones on earth are "accepted in the Beloved." Ephesians 1:6. Before the heavenly angels and the representatives of unfallen worlds, they are declared justified. Where He is, there His church shall be. "Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other." Psalm 85:10. The Father's arms encircle His Son, and the word is given, "Let all the angels of God worship Him." Hebrews 1:6. DA 832.

What a wonderful God we serve!!! He wants us to tell the world of His great love and justice. When we have done this, then Jesus will come and take us home!!

Beacon · « **Reply #133 on:** May 02, 2025, 10:44:28 AM »

"The heavenly council before which Lucifer had accused God and His Son, the representatives of those sinless realms over which Satan had thought to establish his dominion,--all are there to welcome the Redeemer. They are eager to celebrate His triumph and to glorify their King."

"But He waves them back."

"Not yet; He cannot now receive the coronet of glory and the royal robe. He enters into the presence of His Father. He points to His wounded head, the pierced side, the marred feet; He lifts His hands, bearing the print of nails. He points to the tokens of His triumph;" "He presents to God the wave sheaf, those raised with Him as representatives of that great multitude who shall come forth from the grave at His second coming. He approaches the Father, with whom there is joy over one sinner that repents; who rejoices over one with singing. Before the foundations of the earth were laid, the Father and the Son had united in a covenant to redeem man if he should be overcome by Satan. They had clasped Their hands in a solemn pledge that Christ should become the surety for the human race."

"This pledge Christ has fulfilled. When upon the cross He cried out, "It is finished," He addressed the Father. The compact had been fully carried out. Now He declares: Father, it is finished. I have done Thy will, O My God. I have completed the work of redemption. If Thy justice is satisfied, "I will that they also, whom Thou hast given Me, be with Me where I am." John 19:30; 17:24.
" The voice of God is heard proclaiming that justice is satisfied. Satan is vanquished."

"Christ's toiling, struggling ones on earth are "accepted in the Beloved." Ephesians 1:6. Before the heavenly angels and the representatives of unfallen worlds, they are declared justified. Where He is, there His church shall be. "Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other." Psalm 85:10. The Father's arms encircle His Son, and the word is given, "Let all the angels of God worship Him." Hebrews 1:6."

How thankful "WE" should be - Jesús paid it all !!

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

1
Amazing grace! how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch; like me!
I once was lost, but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.
2
’Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears relieved;
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed!
3
The Lord hath promised good to me,
His word my hope secures;
He will my shield and portion be
As long as life endures.
4
When we’ve been there ten thousand years,
Bright shining as the sun,
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise
Than when we first begun.

Lyrics:John Newton (1725-1807)
Music:Traditional American melody

Dorine · « **Reply #134 on:** May 03, 2025, 04:13:05 AM »

From that scene of heavenly joy, there comes back to us on earth the echo of Christ's own wonderful words, "I ascend unto My Father, and your Father; and to My God, and your God." John 20:17. The family of heaven and the family of earth are one. For us our Lord ascended, and for us He lives. "Wherefore He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them." Hebrews 7:25.

After reading this chapter how can anyone doubt God's love for mankind? With each reading His love becomes deeper and richer and fills my heart with sorrow when in a split second I may look away from Him. But there is no condemnation just a look of deep sadness and love and longing to be reunited again. Satan would like us to believe that there is no hope for us. That we are too evil. But Jesus has proven Him wrong. Who are we going to believe? I choose Jesus for where else is there to go that will bring peace and joy to my heart and transform my heart from self to love service for others?

Richard Myers · « **Reply #135 on:** July 27, 2025, 06:49:18 AM »

Amen my dear sister!! What a message we have to share with the world!! What a God we serve!! Once again we have been greatly blessed with a growing knowledge of our Savior, His Father (our Father) and the Holy Spirit. We love them because they first loved us!! And as our dear sister has shared, how shameful that we would look away from Him, but we understand that when we do, our Savior does not abandon us, but rather stands at the door pleading that we invite Him back in. We sorrow that so few will take time every day to behold their love. The world as little time for Jesus. Every day they are distracted from spending a thoughtful hour with Him who gave all that we might have eternal life in a world without sin.

My mind was drawn to a statement that we all know is true, but is not often seen.

The time had come for Christ to ascend to His Father's throne. As a divine conqueror He was about to return with the trophies of victory to the heavenly courts. Before His death He had declared to His Father, "I have finished the work which Thou gavest Me to do." John 17:4. After His resurrection He tarried on earth for a season, that His disciples might become familiar with Him in His risen and glorified body. Now He was ready for the leave-taking. He had authenticated the fact that He was a living Saviour. His disciples need no longer associate Him with the tomb. They could think of Him as glorified before the heavenly universe.

When Jesus came forth from the tomb, Mary did not recognize Him until she heard His voice. Why did she not recognize Him? He came forth in a glorified body. Neither did the disciples recognize Him when He entered into the upper room after His resurrection. Even though He was in a glorified body, His glory had to be hid that humans would not be consumed.

What is our message that we are to take to the whole world?

He enters into the presence of His Father. He points to His wounded head, the pierced side, the marred feet; He lifts His hands, bearing the print of nails. He points to the tokens of His triumph; He presents to God the wave sheaf, those raised with Him as representatives of that great multitude who shall come forth from the grave at His second coming. He approaches the Father, with whom there is joy over one sinner that repents; who rejoices over one with singing. Before the foundations of the earth were laid, the Father and the Son had united in a covenant to redeem man if he should be overcome by Satan. They had clasped Their hands in a solemn pledge that Christ should become the surety for the human race. This pledge Christ has fulfilled. When upon the cross He cried out, "It is finished," He addressed the Father. The compact had been fully carried out. Now He declares: Father, it is finished. I have done Thy will, O My God. I have completed the work of redemption. If Thy justice is satisfied, "I will that they also, whom Thou hast given Me, be with Me where I am." John 19:30; 17:24.
The voice of God is heard proclaiming that justice is satisfied. Satan is vanquished. Christ's toiling, struggling ones on earth are "accepted in the Beloved." Ephesians 1:6. Before the heavenly angels and the representatives of unfallen worlds, they are declared justified. Where He is, there His church shall be. "Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other." Psalm 85:10. The Father's arms encircle His Son, and the word is given, "Let all the angels of God worship Him." Hebrews 1:6.

Invite your friends to join with us in spending a thoughtful hour a day contemplating the life of Jesus. Tell them that by beholding Jesus every day we will be transformed into His character (2 Cor. 3:18)!! It is a Bible promise!! Don't be discouraged when only a few respond. There is a multitude who are seeking truth, both in the church and in the world. It is our privilege to find them!!

Beacon · « **Reply #136 on:** July 27, 2025, 12:48:59 PM »

Before the foundations of the earth were laid, the Father and the Son had united in a covenant to redeem man if he should be overcome by Satan. They had clasped Their hands in a solemn pledge that Christ should become the surety for the human race."

"This pledge Christ has fulfilled. When upon the cross He cried out, "It is finished," He addressed the Father. The compact had been fully carried out. Now He declares: Father, it is finished. I have done Thy will, O My God. I have completed the work of redemption. If Thy justice is satisfied, "I will that they also, whom Thou hast given Me, be with Me where I am." John 19:30; 17:24.
" The voice of God is heard proclaiming that justice is satisfied. Satan is vanquished."

"Christ's toiling, struggling ones on earth are "accepted in the Beloved." Ephesians 1:6. Before the heavenly angels and the representatives of unfallen worlds, they are declared justified. Where He is, there His church shall be. "Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other." Psalm 85:10. The Father's arms encircle His Son, and the word is given, "Let all the angels of God worship Him." Hebrews 1:6."

How thankful "WE" should be - Jesús paid it all !!

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

1
Amazing grace! how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch; like me!
I once was lost, but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.
2
’Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears relieved;
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed!
3
The Lord hath promised good to me,
His word my hope secures;
He will my shield and portion be
As long as life endures.
4
When we’ve been there ten thousand years,
Bright shining as the sun,
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise
Than when we first begun.

Lyrics:John Newton (1725-1807)
Music:Traditional American melody

Pastor Sean Brizendine · « **Reply #137 on:** July 28, 2025, 01:39:40 AM »

Amen, Brother Beacon!!

Where do you get your happiness? Well, thankfully, we can see from the disciples' joy of being with their risen Lord that their happiness came from Christ, and was not dependent upon the things of this earth. As we near the second coming of Jesus, well would it be to have such heavenly happiness that is not diminished in times of trial and temptation--a steadfast, calm, inner joy that is overflowing from union and communion with God in Christ by the Holy Spirit! When we choose to have a completely surrendered heart and mind and follow in true obedience to God, the fruits of the Spirit without one missing will be revealed in our lives to bless others and keep us settled in the truth so we cannot be moved. Let us look up! Jesus is coming again! Now is the time to do all we can to save souls!!

"When the disciples went back to Jerusalem, the people looked upon them with amazement. After the trial and crucifixion of Christ, it had been thought that they would appear downcast and ashamed. Their enemies expected to see upon their faces an expression of sorrow and defeat. Instead of this there was only gladness and triumph. Their faces were aglow with a happiness not born of earth. They did not mourn over disappointed hopes, but were full of praise and thanksgiving to God. With rejoicing they told the wonderful story of Christ's resurrection and His ascension to heaven, and their testimony was received by many." {The Desire of Ages, page 832, paragraph 3}

Praise God we can share the testimony Jesus gives us of what He has done in, for, and through us as we cooperate with Him! We have a risen Savior! He is interceding for us in the heavenly sanctuary even now, and He will soon come to take us home to heaven!! Hallelujah!!

Dorine · « **Reply #138 on:** July 28, 2025, 05:16:13 AM »

The disciples no longer had any distrust of the future. They knew that Jesus was in heaven, and that His sympathies were with them still. They knew that they had a friend at the throne of God, and they were eager to present their requests to the Father in the name of Jesus. In solemn awe they bowed in prayer, repeating the assurance, "Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in My name, He will give it you. Hitherto have ye asked nothing in My name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full." John 16:23, 24. They extended the hand of faith higher and higher, with the mighty argument, "It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us." Romans 8:34. And Pentecost brought them fullness of joy in the presence of the Comforter, even as Christ had promised.

Christ is still our friend at the throne of God. Soon He will stand up and the last chapter of this earth's history will be finished. Where will we stand in that great day? May Jesus become more precious to us each day and like the disciples we will have no fear of the future.

Richard Myers · « **Reply #139 on:** October 22, 2025, 06:51:36 AM »

Amen dear Sister Dorine! Each day as we read of our Savior, we grow closer and closer to Him who gave all that we might live!!

There is the throne, and around it the rainbow of promise. There are cherubim and seraphim. The commanders of the angel hosts, the sons of God, the representatives of the unfallen worlds, are assembled. The heavenly council before which Lucifer had accused God and His Son, the representatives of those sinless realms over which Satan had thought to establish his dominion,--all are there to welcome the Redeemer. They are eager to celebrate His triumph and to glorify their King.

But He waves them back. Not yet; He cannot now receive the coronet of glory and the royal robe. He enters into the presence of His Father. He points to His wounded head, the pierced side, the marred feet; He lifts His hands, bearing the print of nails. He points to the tokens of His triumph; He presents to God the wave sheaf, those raised with Him as representatives of that great multitude who shall come forth from the grave at His second coming. He approaches the Father, with whom there is joy over one sinner that repents; who rejoices over one with singing. Before the foundations of the earth were laid, the Father and the Son had united in a covenant to redeem man if he should be overcome by Satan. They had clasped Their hands in a solemn pledge that Christ should become the surety for the human race. This pledge Christ has fulfilled. When upon the cross He cried out, "It is finished," He addressed the Father. The compact had been fully carried out. Now He declares: Father, it is finished. I have done Thy will, O My God. I have completed the work of redemption. If Thy justice is satisfied, "I will that they also, whom Thou hast given Me, be with Me where I am." John 19:30; 17:24.

The voice of God is heard proclaiming that justice is satisfied. Satan is vanquished. Christ's toiling, struggling ones on earth are "accepted in the Beloved." Ephesians 1:6. Before the heavenly angels and the representatives of unfallen worlds, they are declared justified. Where He is, there His church shall be. "Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other." Psalm 85:10. The Father's arms encircle His Son, and the word is given, "Let all the angels of God worship Him." Hebrews 1:6.

With joy unutterable, rulers and principalities and powers acknowledge the supremacy of the Prince of life. The angel host prostrate themselves before Him, while the glad shout fills all the courts of heaven, "Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing." Revelation 5:12.

What beautiful truths are presented to our world!! We long for the return of our precious Savior!!! Come Lord Jesus!!