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The King of Kings => The Desire of Ages => Topic started by: JimB on January 14, 2016, 07:58:55 PM

Title: The Desire of Ages--45--The Foreshadowing of the Cross
Post by: JimB on January 14, 2016, 07:58:55 PM
Chap. 45 - The Foreshadowing of the Cross



       The work of Christ on earth was hastening to a close. Before Him, in vivid outline, lay the scenes whither His feet were tending. Even before He took humanity upon Him, He saw the whole length of the path He must travel in order to save that which was lost. Every pang that rent His heart, every insult that was heaped upon His head, every privation that He was called to endure, was open to His view before He laid aside His crown and royal robe, and stepped down from the throne, to clothe His divinity with humanity. The path from the manger to Calvary was all before His eyes. He knew the anguish that would come upon Him. He knew it all, and yet He said, "Lo, I come: in the volume of the Book it is written of Me, I delight to do Thy will, O My God: yea, Thy law is within My heart." Psalm 40:7, 8. 
     Ever before Him He saw the result of His mission. His earthly life, so full of toil and self-sacrifice, was cheered by the prospect that He would not have all this travail for nought. By giving His life for the life of men, He would win back the world to its loyalty to God. Although the baptism of blood must first be received; although the sins of the world were to weigh upon His innocent soul; although the shadow of an unspeakable woe was upon Him; yet for the joy that was set before Him, He chose to endure the cross, and despised the shame.  {DA 410.2} 
     From the chosen companions of His ministry the scenes that lay before Him were as yet hidden; but the time was near when they must behold His agony. They must see Him whom they had loved and trusted, delivered into the hands of His enemies, and hung upon the cross of Calvary. Soon He must leave them to face the world without the comfort of His visible presence. He knew how bitter hate and unbelief would persecute them, and He desired to prepare them for their trials.  {DA 410.3} 
     Jesus and His disciples had now come into one of the towns about Caesarea Philippi. They were beyond the limits of Galilee, in a region where idolatry prevailed. Here the disciples were withdrawn from the controlling influence of Judaism, and brought into closer contact with the heathen worship. Around them were represented forms of superstition that existed in all parts of the world. Jesus desired that a view of these things might lead them to feel their responsibility to the heathen. During His stay in this region, He endeavored to withdraw from teaching the people, and to devote Himself more fully to His disciples.  {DA 411.1} 
     He was about to tell them of the suffering that awaited Him. But first He went away alone, and prayed that their hearts might be prepared to receive His words. Upon joining them, He did not at once communicate that which He desired to impart. Before doing this, He gave them an opportunity of confessing their faith in Him that they might be strengthened for the coming trial. He asked, "Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?"  {DA 411.2} 
     Sadly the disciples were forced to acknowledge that Israel had failed to recognize their Messiah. Some indeed, when they saw His miracles, had declared Him to be the Son of David. The multitudes that had been fed at Bethsaida had desired to proclaim Him king of Israel. Many were ready to accept Him as a prophet; but they did not believe Him to be the Messiah.  {DA 411.3} 
     Jesus now put a second question, relating to the disciples themselves: "But whom say ye that I am?" Peter answered, "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God."  {DA 411.4} 
     From the first, Peter had believed Jesus to be the Messiah. Many others who had been convicted by the preaching of John the Baptist, and had accepted Christ, began to doubt as to John's mission when he was imprisoned and put to death; and they now doubted that Jesus was the Messiah, for whom they had looked so long. Many of the disciples who had ardently expected Jesus to take His place on David's throne left Him when they perceived that He had no such intention. But Peter and his companions turned not from their allegiance. The vacillating course of those who praised yesterday and condemned today did not destroy the faith of the true follower of the Saviour. Peter declared, "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God." He waited not for kingly honors to crown his Lord, but accepted Him in His humiliation.  {DA 411.5} 
     Peter had expressed the faith of the twelve. Yet the disciples were still far from understanding Christ's mission. The opposition and misrepresentation of the priests and rulers, while it could not turn them away from Christ, still caused them great perplexity. They did not see their way clearly. The influence of their early training, the teaching of the rabbis, the power of tradition, still intercepted their view of truth. From time to time precious rays of light from Jesus shone upon them, yet often they were like men groping among shadows. But on this day, before they were brought face to face with the great trial of their faith, the Holy Spirit rested upon them in power. For a little time their eyes were turned away from "the things which are seen," to behold "the things which are not seen." 2 Corinthians 4:18. Beneath the guise of humanity they discerned the glory of the Son of God.  {DA 412.1} 
     Jesus answered Peter, saying, "Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but My Father which is in heaven."  {DA 412.2} 
     The truth which Peter had confessed is the foundation of the believer's faith. It is that which Christ Himself has declared to be eternal life. But the possession of this knowledge was no ground for self-glorification. Through no wisdom or goodness of his own had it been revealed to Peter. Never can humanity, of itself, attain to a knowledge of the divine. "It is as high as heaven; what canst thou do? deeper than hell; what canst thou know?" Job 11:8. Only the spirit of adoption can reveal to us the deep things of God, which "eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man." "God hath revealed them unto us by His Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God." 1 Corinthians 2:9, 10. "The secret of the Lord is with them that fear Him;" and the fact that Peter discerned the glory of Christ was an evidence that he had been "taught of God." Psalm 25:14; John 6:45. Ah, indeed, "blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee."  {DA 412.3}
     Jesus continued: "I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." The word Peter signifies a stone,--a rolling stone. Peter was not the rock upon which the church was founded. The gates of hell did prevail against him when he denied his Lord with cursing and swearing. The church was built upon One against whom the gates of hell could not prevail.  {DA 412.4} 
     Centuries before the Saviour's advent Moses had pointed to the Rock of Israel's salvation. The psalmist had sung of "the Rock of my strength." Isaiah had written, "Thus saith the Lord God, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation." Deuteronomy 32:4; Psalm 62:7; Isaiah 28:16. Peter himself, writing by inspiration, applies this prophecy to Jesus. He says, "If ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious: unto whom coming, a living stone, rejected indeed of men, but with God elect, precious, ye also, as living stones, are built up a spiritual house." 1 Peter 2:3-5, R. V.  {DA 413.1}
     "Other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ." 1 Corinthians 3:11. "Upon this rock," said Jesus, "I will build My church." In the presence of God, and all the heavenly intelligences, in the presence of the unseen army of hell, Christ founded His church upon the living Rock. That Rock is Himself,--His own body, for us broken and bruised. Against the church built upon this foundation, the gates of hell shall not prevail.  {DA 413.2} 
     How feeble the church appeared when Christ spoke these words! There was only a handful of believers, against whom all the power of demons and evil men would be directed; yet the followers of Christ were not to fear. Built upon the Rock of their strength, they could not be overthrown.  {DA 413.3} 
     For six thousand years, faith has builded upon Christ. For six thousand years the floods and tempests of satanic wrath have beaten upon the Rock of our salvation; but it stands unmoved.  {DA 413.4} 
     Peter had expressed the truth which is the foundation of the church's faith, and Jesus now honored him as the representative of the whole body of believers. He said, "I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven."  {DA 413.5} 
     "The keys of the kingdom of heaven" are the words of Christ. All the words of Holy Scripture are His, and are here included. These words have power to open and to shut heaven. They declare the conditions upon which men are received or rejected. Thus the work of those who preach God's word is a savor of life unto life or of death unto death. Theirs is a mission weighted with eternal results.  {DA 413.6} 
     The Saviour did not commit the work of the gospel to Peter individually. At a later time, repeating the words that were spoken to Peter, He applied them directly to the church. And the same in substance was spoken also to the twelve as representatives of the body of believers. If Jesus had delegated any special authority to one of the disciples above the others, we should not find them so often contending as to who should be the greatest. They would have submitted to the wish of their Master, and honored the one whom He had chosen.  {DA 414.1} 
     Instead of appointing one to be their head, Christ said to the disciples, "Be not ye called Rabbi;" "neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ." Matthew 23:8, 10.  {DA 414.2} 
     "The head of every man is Christ." God, who put all things under the Saviour's feet, "gave Him to be the head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him that filleth all in all." 1 Corinthians 11:3; Ephesians 1:22, 23. The church is built upon Christ as its foundation; it is to obey Christ as its head. It is not to depend upon man, or be controlled by man. Many claim that a position of trust in the church gives them authority to dictate what other men shall believe and what they shall do. This claim God does not sanction. The Saviour declares, "All ye are brethren." All are exposed to temptation, and are liable to error. Upon no finite being can we depend for guidance. The Rock of faith is the living presence of Christ in the church. Upon this the weakest may depend, and those who think themselves the strongest will prove to be the weakest, unless they make Christ their efficiency. "Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm." The Lord "is the Rock, His work is perfect." "Blessed are all they that put their trust in Him." Jeremiah 17:5; Deuteronomy 32:4; Psalm 2:12.  {DA 414.3}
     After Peter's confession, Jesus charged the disciples to tell no man that He was the Christ. This charge was given because of the determined opposition of the scribes and Pharisees. More than this, the people, and even the disciples, had so false a conception of the Messiah that a public announcement of Him would give them no true idea of His character or His work. But day by day He was revealing Himself to them as the Saviour, and thus He desired to give them a true conception of Him as the Messiah.   
     The disciples still expected Christ to reign as a temporal prince. Although He had so long concealed His design, they believed that He would not always remain in poverty and obscurity; the time was near when He would establish His kingdom. That the hatred of the priests and rabbis would never be overcome, that Christ would be rejected by His own nation, condemned as a deceiver, and crucified as a malefactor,--such a thought the disciples had never entertained. But the hour of the power of darkness was drawing on, and Jesus must open to His disciples the conflict before them. He was sad as He anticipated the trial.  {DA 415.1}
     Hitherto He had refrained from making known to them anything relative to His sufferings and death. In His conversation with Nicodemus He had said, "As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have eternal life." John 3:14, 15. But the disciples did not hear this, and had they heard, would not have understood. But now they have been with Jesus, listening to His words, beholding His works, until, notwithstanding the humility of His surroundings, and the opposition of priests and people, they can join in the testimony of Peter, "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God." Now the time has come for the veil that hides the future to be withdrawn. "From that time forth began Jesus to show unto His disciples, how that He must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day."  {DA 415.2} 
     Speechless with grief and amazement, the disciples listened. Christ had accepted Peter's acknowledgment of Him as the Son of God; and now His words pointing to His suffering and death seemed incomprehensible. Peter could not keep silent. He laid hold upon his Master, as if to draw Him back from His impending doom, exclaiming, "Be it far from Thee, Lord: this shall not be unto Thee."  {DA 415.3} 
     Peter loved his Lord; but Jesus did not commend him for thus manifesting the desire to shield Him from suffering. Peter's words were not such as would be a help and solace to Jesus in the great trial before Him. They were not in harmony with God's purpose of grace toward a lost world, nor with the lesson of self-sacrifice that Jesus had come to teach by His own example. Peter did not desire to see the cross in the work of Christ. The impression which his words would make was directly opposed to that which Christ desired to make on the minds of His followers, and the Saviour was moved to utter one of the sternest rebukes that ever fell from His lips: "Get thee behind Me, Satan: thou art an offense unto Me: for thou savorest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men."  {DA 415.4} 
     Satan was trying to discourage Jesus, and turn Him from His mission; and Peter, in his blind love, was giving voice to the temptation. The prince of evil was the author of the thought. His instigation was behind that impulsive appeal. In the wilderness, Satan had offered Christ the dominion of the world on condition of forsaking the path of humiliation and sacrifice. Now he was presenting the same temptation to the disciple of Christ. He was seeking to fix Peter's gaze upon the earthly glory, that he might not behold the cross to which Jesus desired to turn his eyes. And through Peter, Satan was again pressing the temptation upon Jesus. But the Saviour heeded it not; His thought was for His disciple. Satan had interposed between Peter and his Master, that the heart of the disciple might not be touched at the vision of Christ's humiliation for him. The words of Christ were spoken, not to Peter, but to the one who was trying to separate him from his Redeemer. "Get thee behind Me, Satan." No longer interpose between Me and My erring servant. Let Me come face to face with Peter, that I may reveal to him the mystery of My love.  {DA 416.1} 
     It was to Peter a bitter lesson, and one which he learned but slowly, that the path of Christ on earth lay through agony and humiliation. The disciple shrank from fellowship with his Lord in suffering. But in the heat of the furnace fire he was to learn its blessing. Long afterward, when his active form was bowed with the burden of years and labors, he wrote, "Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: but rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when His glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy." 1 Peter 4:12, 13.  {DA 416.2} 
     Jesus now explained to His disciples that His own life of self-abnegation was an example of what theirs should be. Calling about Him, with the disciples, the people who had been lingering near, He said, "If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me." The cross was associated with the power of Rome. It was the instrument of the most cruel and humiliating form of death. The lowest criminals were required to bear the cross to the place of execution; and often as it was about to be laid upon their shoulders, they resisted with desperate violence, until they were overpowered, and the instrument of torture was bound upon them. But Jesus bade His followers take up the cross and bear it after Him. To the disciples His words, though dimly comprehended, pointed to their submission to the most bitter humiliation,--submission even unto death for the sake of Christ. No more complete self-surrender could the Saviour's words have pictured. But all this He had accepted for them. Jesus did not count heaven a place to be desired while we were lost. He left the heavenly courts for a life of reproach and insult, and a death of shame. He who was rich in heaven's priceless treasure, became poor, that through His poverty we might be rich. We are to follow in the path He trod.  {DA 416.3} 
     Love for souls for whom Christ died means crucifixion of self. He who is a child of God should henceforth look upon himself as a link in the chain let down to save the world, one with Christ in His plan of mercy, going forth with Him to seek and save the lost. The Christian is ever to realize that he has consecrated himself to God, and that in character he is to reveal Christ to the world. The self-sacrifice, the sympathy, the love, manifested in the life of Christ are to reappear in the life of the worker for God.  {DA 417.1} 
     "Whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for My sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it." Selfishness is death. No organ of the body could live should it confine its service to itself. The heart, failing to send its lifeblood to the hand and the head, would quickly lose its power. As our lifeblood, so is the love of Christ diffused through every part of His mystical body. We are members one of another, and the soul that refuses to impart will perish. And "what is a man profited," said Jesus, "if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?"  {DA 417.2} 
     Beyond the poverty and humiliation of the present, He pointed the disciples to His coming in glory, not in the splendor of an earthly throne, but with the glory of God and the hosts of heaven. And then, He said, "He shall reward every man according to his works." Then for their encouragement He gave the promise, "Verily I say unto you, There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in His kingdom." But the disciples did not comprehend His words. The glory seemed far away. Their eyes were fixed upon the nearer view, the earthly life of poverty, humiliation, and suffering. Must their glowing expectations of the Messiah's kingdom be relinquished? Were they not to see their Lord exalted to the throne of David? Could it be that Christ was to live a humble, homeless wanderer, to be despised, rejected, and put to death? Sadness oppressed their hearts, for they loved their Master. Doubt also harassed their minds, for it seemed incomprehensible that the Son of God should be subjected to such cruel humiliation. They questioned why He should voluntarily go to Jerusalem to meet the treatment which He had told them He was there to receive. How could He resign Himself to such a fate, and leave them in greater darkness than that in which they were groping before He revealed Himself to them?  {DA 417.3} 
     In the region of Caesarea Philippi, Christ was out of the reach of Herod and Caiaphas, the disciples reasoned. He had nothing to fear from the hatred of the Jews or from the power of the Romans. Why not work there, at a distance from the Pharisees? Why need He give Himself up to death? If He was to die, how was it that His kingdom was to be established so firmly that the gates of hell should not prevail against it? To the disciples this was indeed a mystery.   
     They were even now journeying along the shores of the Sea of Galilee toward the city where all their hopes were to be crushed. They dared not remonstrate with Christ, but they talked together in low, sorrowful tones in regard to what the future would be. Even amid their questionings they clung to the thought that some unforeseen circumstance might avert the doom which seemed to await their Lord. Thus they sorrowed and doubted, hoped and feared, for six long, gloomy days.   

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--45--The Foreshadowing of the Cross
Post by: JimB on January 14, 2016, 08:05:15 PM
This is a most amazing statement to me.

Jesus did not count heaven a place to be desired while we were lost. He left the heavenly courts for a life of reproach and insult, and a death of shame. He who was rich in heaven's priceless treasure, became poor, that through His poverty we might be rich. We are to follow in the path He trod.  {DA 416.3} 

The place where He could commune with His Father face to face and interact with angels who praise His glorious name He did not desire while we were lost. Amazing!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--45--The Foreshadowing of the Cross
Post by: JimB on March 05, 2016, 05:01:38 AM
    He was about to tell them of the suffering that awaited Him. But first He went away alone, and prayed that their hearts might be prepared to receive His words. Upon joining them, He did not at once communicate that which He desired to impart. Before doing this, He gave them an opportunity of confessing their faith in Him that they might be strengthened for the coming trial. He asked, "Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?"  {DA 411.2} 
     
. But on this day, before they were brought face to face with the great trial of their faith, the Holy Spirit rested upon them in power. For a little time their eyes were turned away from "the things which are seen," to behold "the things which are not seen." 2 Corinthians 4:18. Beneath the guise of humanity they discerned the glory of the Son of God.  {DA 412.1}   

I thought this was interesting. Jesus separates Himself to pray for them so they might understand better and then He receives the answer to His prayer. "For a little while their eyes were turned away from the things which are seen..."
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--45--The Foreshadowing of the Cross
Post by: Richard Myers on March 05, 2016, 08:14:54 AM
Yes, Jim, it is interesting and very important what we are being told. Many do not understand very well what justification or conversion is. When Jesus told Nicodemus he must be born again, Nicodemus was shocked. We like Nicodemus, need to understand what it means to be born again. If we say the "sinners prayer" are we born again? And if so, are we then saved no matter how we live? When were the disciples converted? Before the cross,  before Pentecost? When Jesus said to Peter "when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren", was he not converted? Had he never been converted?

It is helpful to know when the disciples were converted in understanding when we are converted. What you have quoted here gives us an insight into not only what it means to be converted, but how it happens. Let's look closer at what was taking place almost 2,000 years ago.

It is also helpful to understand where we are in the book. There are 87 chapters, we are on 45. We have just crossed the midpoint of the book. It is written in chronological order. Has anyone noticed most of the book reveals Jesus' formal ministry? Notice now, that with half the book remaining, we are nearing the end of His life. "Foreshadowing the Cross" begins the account of the last days before the crucifixion of our Lord. "The work of Christ on earth was hastening to a close." The disciples did not understand Jesus had to die in order for them to enter heaven. And, when He hung on the cross, they still did not understand He was the Lamb that Israel had been slaughtering for almost 2,000 years.

Peter knew who Jesus was. "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God." But, the devils believe and tremble. Knowing Jesus is the Son of God does not mean we are in a converted state. After being with Jesus constantly, we would think they would know Jesus had to die, but He had not been able to get through the error which had been taught by the teachers and rulers of the nation. He now began to try that they might be prepared for their great trial.

    He was about to tell them of the suffering that awaited Him. But first He went away alone, and prayed that their hearts might be prepared to receive His words. Upon joining them, He did not at once communicate that which He desired to impart. Before doing this, He gave them an opportunity of confessing their faith in Him that they might be strengthened for the coming trial.

Jesus understood the work of the Holy Spirit in teaching truth. It is the Spirit that opens our minds and hearts to the truth. Jim pointed this out. So, it ought to be with us when we want others to know truth. Do we pray first before we go to the person? We may be teachers, but it is really the Holy Spirit that is the Teacher. We are only instruments in God's hands to carry His Words. Here we see God in the flesh praying for the Holy Spirit to open hearts for the reception of a truth that is not wanted.

    But on this day, before they were brought face to face with the great trial of their faith, the Holy Spirit rested upon them in power. For a little time their eyes were turned away from "the things which are seen," to behold "the things which are not seen." 2 Corinthians 4:18. Beneath the guise of humanity they discerned the glory of the Son of God.  {DA 412.1}   

I believe the great trial of their faith to be the death of their friend and Savior. As Jim has pointed out, in response to the prayer of Jesus, the Holy Spirit is given in great measure to them. Thus, their eyes are opened to behold the Truth of the glory of Christ. The time was ready for Jesus to begin to reveal to His disciples that He must suffer and die. Continue reading in this important chapter to see how hard it was to teach even His disciples after they had been so indoctrinated with false doctrine.

There is a lesson here for the church of God today, not the least of which is the need for the working of the Holy Spirit. There is a reason why we are still wandering in the wilderness for over a hundred and fifty years. The Holy Spirit was working in 1888, yet the simple truth of the gospel was rejected. And when it is understood, as it was after the cross, then Jesus will do what He did for His disciples after the cross. This will open the door for the Latter Rain to fall.
     
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--45--The Foreshadowing of the Cross
Post by: JimB on March 06, 2016, 06:32:47 AM
When were the disciples converted? Before the cross,  before Pentecost? When Jesus said to Peter "when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren", was he not converted? Had he never been converted?

It is helpful to know when the disciples were converted in understanding when we are converted.

I've heard from the pulpit many different ideas on this. I've heard that Peter wasn't converted until he cried bitterly after denying Christ. I've heard others say it wasn't until after the cross that they were converted. But I've also heard that they were converted before the cross. To me this seems true since Jesus at the supper table the night before His crucifixion said to them that not all of them were clean. Were they converted before this? I don't know but if you have a different understanding you have perked my ears.

It is also helpful to understand where we are in the book. There are 87 chapters, we are on 45. We have just crossed the midpoint of the book. It is written in chronological order. Has anyone noticed most of the book reveals Jesus' formal ministry? Notice now, that with half the book remaining, we are nearing the end of His life.

A friend and I were talking about this a few weeks ago. How much of the book the Desire of Ages and how much of the 4 gospels are spent on Christ's last 6 months or so. Somewhere around half. To me this shows what is most important.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--45--The Foreshadowing of the Cross
Post by: Richard Myers on March 06, 2016, 09:00:45 AM
They were all converted, except for Judas prior to the cross. We do not believe in once saved always saved, but many believe in a version of it. They do not understand we are dependent upon Christ to do any good thing. We must be fully surrendered to be in a converted state. Many believe once one is converted, he remains converted even when he separates from Christ.

A good example of what really happens can be seen on that last night before Christ's death. You have pointed us to one example, that of Jesus saying they did not need to be re-bapized, for they had been cleansed prior to their feet being washed. But, when they came into the upper room that night, self was alive in each of them. They were all vying for the highest place and none would humble themselves to wash each others feet, nor the feet of their Savior. Jesus understood their condition, and He knew only grace can bring a clean out of an unclean thing. So, He revealed grace to each of them and their hearts yielded fully to it. They each were willing to concede to the others the highest place. This is what it means to be born again of His Spirit.

Now, if we understand this, then we may gain additional understanding from studying what happened the rest of the night. While they had yielded to grace, all except Judas, this does not mean they remained yielded to the Spirit. We do not believe in once converted, always converted. None of them understood their continual need of Christ in order to withstand the smallest temptation. And, they were going to face the greatest trial they had ever faced, the murder of the Son of God.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--45--The Foreshadowing of the Cross
Post by: Richard Myers on June 02, 2016, 08:24:52 AM
This chapter is a very good study on conversion. We have looked at the sad situation when the disciples walked in to the upper room, all full of self. Then through the grace of Christ, all except Judas were converted (re-converted).  As this chapter opens, it reveals the great burden on the heart of Christ, to reveal to His disciples that He must die. They had been so deceived, they could not believe what Jesus told them. Peter fell for the voice speaking to him from below and tried to stop Jesus from going to the cross. Prior to disclosing this to His disciples, Jesus went away to pray  that the Holy Spirit would prepare their hearts for this hard message. This is so important, for we see the connection very clearly as to the importance the Holy Spirit plays in the understanding of truth and the preparation of the heart for its reception.

Prior to telling them of His death, He made an effort to strengthen their faith in Him by asking whom they thought He was. Unlike many others who after the death of John the Baptist, doubted Jesus to be the Messiah, His disciples acknowledged Jesus as the Son of the living God. What they did not know, nor did they want to know, that the life of Christ was one of self-sacrifice. Neither did they want to know that this is the path of all who follow Christ. It is a hard lesson to learn, but one that proves to be a great blessing to all who will make a full surrender to Jesus. It truly "is more blessed to give than to receive." Acts 20:35.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--45--The Foreshadowing of the Cross
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on June 02, 2016, 09:24:44 PM
I meditated upon this chapter today, and was blessed to fellowship with Richard over the phone as we reflected on this chapter and the beautiful truths of the cross of Christ. I find amazing the last paragraph:

They were even now journeying along the shores of the Sea of Galilee toward the city where all their hopes were to be crushed. They dared not remonstrate with Christ, but they talked together in low, sorrowful tones in regard to what the future would be. Even amid their questionings they clung to the thought that some unforeseen circumstance might avert the doom which seemed to await their Lord. Thus they sorrowed and doubted, hoped and feared, for six long, gloomy days.  {DA 418.2} 

The disciples still did not understand that Jesus was going to die--else they would not have hoped in heart that the central truth of His mission would be averted.

There is a similar deception at work today in the larger Christian church, which has even affected Seventh-day Adventists--and that is the error that it is impossible to overcome sin. None can overcome in His own strength--for apart from Christ we can do no good thing. But as we behold the loveliness of Jesus, we are being changed continually, and the Holy Spirit is able to continually fill us with all the fruits of the Spirit so that not one is missing. But because of a false gospel (the idea that Jesus will come, and then change us to enjoy the things of heaven), there have been many who are contentedly in a lost condition because they see not their continual need of Jesus. And to continually walk with Jesus is to continually bear the cross--the same cross He bore in humanity--and that is that divine power accessible to us through the creative word of God is much more powerful than the clamors of the flesh. Christ overcame to enable us to overcome through the grace that He received! Hallelujah! Truth is far more beautiful than error!

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--45--The Foreshadowing of the Cross
Post by: Richard Myers on August 28, 2016, 06:43:00 AM
Jesus came to His own and His own knew Him not!  How very sad that Satan had deceived a whole nation to the point they would not only reject their Messiah, but would put Him to death. The eleven disciples who had spent 3 1/2 years with Jesus wandered in and out of conversion. As they yielded to the Holy Spirit, they were converted, but as we see them being showered with grace as Jesus washed their feet, even then the power of grace was short-lived.  After being reconverted at that time, how long was it before they fled from Jesus, leaving Him alone while being persecuted? They will soon return to Jerusalem for the last time with Jesus. He is attempting to prepare them for His death, but they want no part of it.

     That the hatred of the priests and rabbis would never be overcome, that Christ would be rejected by His own nation, condemned as a deceiver, and crucified as a malefactor,--such a thought the disciples had never entertained. But the hour of the power of darkness was drawing on, and Jesus must open to His disciples the conflict before them. He was sad as He anticipated the trial. 
     Hitherto He had refrained from making known to them anything relative to His sufferings and death. In His conversation with Nicodemus He had said, "As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have eternal life." John 3:14, 15. But the disciples did not hear this, and had they heard, would not have understood. But now they have been with Jesus, listening to His words, beholding His works, until, notwithstanding the humility of His surroundings, and the opposition of priests and people, they can join in the testimony of Peter, "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God." Now the time has come for the veil that hides the future to be withdrawn. "From that time forth began Jesus to show unto His disciples, how that He must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day."   
     Speechless with grief and amazement, the disciples listened. Christ had accepted Peter's acknowledgment of Him as the Son of God; and now His words pointing to His suffering and death seemed incomprehensible. Peter could not keep silent. He laid hold upon his Master, as if to draw Him back from His impending doom, exclaiming, "Be it far from Thee, Lord: this shall not be unto Thee." 
     Peter loved his Lord; but Jesus did not commend him for thus manifesting the desire to shield Him from suffering. Peter's words were not such as would be a help and solace to Jesus in the great trial before Him. They were not in harmony with God's purpose of grace toward a lost world, nor with the lesson of self-sacrifice that Jesus had come to teach by His own example. Peter did not desire to see the cross in the work of Christ. The impression which his words would make was directly opposed to that which Christ desired to make on the minds of His followers, and the Saviour was moved to utter one of the sternest rebukes that ever fell from His lips: "Get thee behind Me, Satan: thou art an offense unto Me: for thou savorest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men."   

Thus we see the power of deception. Satan had led Israel to such a point that even His disciples did not know, and did not want to know, the Lamb must die. Today Satan has succeeded in the same manner in deceiving the people of God in regards to the gospel message. His people believe like the Jews of old, they are rich and increased with goods and in need of nothing, but know not that they are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked. Many will not recover from this great deception, but multitudes will. It is left with each of us to flee to Christ that we might receive grace in order to understand. He is pouring out His grace upon His church.

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--45--The Foreshadowing of the Cross
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on August 28, 2016, 08:37:57 AM
Amen, Richard! One thing we see in Jesus' lovely character is His earnest prayer to the Father in behalf of His disciples. The very truths Jesus needed to utter must be preceded by much earnest prayer. The truths God has for His messengers today to utter must be preceded by much prayer. Let us behold and follow Jesus:

"He was about to tell them of the suffering that awaited Him. But first He went away alone, and prayed that their hearts might be prepared to receive His words." {DA 411.2}

While much truth can be uttered, let us remember this truth, which emerged a few chapters before in The Desire of Ages:

"Only the work accomplished with much prayer, and sanctified by the merit of Christ, will in the end prove to have been efficient for good." {DA 362.2}

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--45--The Foreshadowing of the Cross
Post by: JimB on November 23, 2016, 05:38:03 AM
It was to Peter a bitter lesson, and one which he learned but slowly, that the path of Christ on earth lay through agony and humiliation. The disciple shrank from fellowship with his Lord in suffering. But in the heat of the furnace fire he was to learn its blessing. Long afterward, when his active form was bowed with the burden of years and labors, he wrote, "Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: but rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when His glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy." 1 Peter 4:12, 13.  {DA 416.2} 

I have wondered about this before. Peter was smart enough to see if that if his Lord was made to suffer how would His disciples escape suffering? So although on the surface it looks like Peter is looking to protect Christ, Peter was really trying to protect himself. Maybe he was also genuinely concerned for Christ also but Peter's motives were more about himself it appears.

It's interesting to see this in Peter, he speaks out here first, he also speaks out first and claims he'll betray Christ. She said it was a bitter lesson for him to learn and he had to learn it more than one time. I'm not saying that I think I'm better than Peter but only that I hope that with my dull mind that I learn my needed lessons the first time around.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--45--The Foreshadowing of the Cross
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on November 23, 2016, 06:55:22 AM
Amen, Jim! We need to learn the lessons as Christ gives them to us--but our only safety is in Jesus! I think you meant when you said, in reference to Peter, "he also speaks out first and claims he'll betray Christ" that you likely meant to add the word "never" between "he'll betray"--but I knew what you meant. Indeed, we need to let self be completely surrendered, or else we are liable to do what Peter did, and think ourselves wiser than Christ. Christ is our only wisdom; we need Him constantly.

I was moved by the following simple statement today:

For six thousand years, faith has builded upon Christ. For six thousand years the floods and tempests of satanic wrath have beaten upon the Rock of our salvation; but it stands unmoved.  {DA 413.4} 

There is no change in the faith we are to exercise. The same gospel of Christ has ever saved us, and it always calls for an entire surrender, and always invites us to partake of the divine nature (which means we will face suffering, but in Christ we rejoice!). I am thankful for the unchanging character of the gospel, and that we can point continually to Jesus together and our constant need of Him!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--45--The Foreshadowing of the Cross
Post by: Richard Myers on November 23, 2016, 09:21:28 AM
 amen and amen! "The Christian is ever to realize that he has consecrated himself to God, and that in character he is to reveal Christ to the world."

Jim, how do these lessons apply to our Sabbath school lesson this quarter?
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--45--The Foreshadowing of the Cross
Post by: JimB on November 23, 2016, 08:19:24 PM
Jim, how do these lessons apply to our Sabbath school lesson this quarter?

The way I see it is that suffering and trials have a purpose. These are the means that expose our weaknesses and rough spots so they can be polished out. Without this most of us wouldn't know we had a problem. Job seems to have suffered than most people but I think that might be because his character development was further along but that is just a theory.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--45--The Foreshadowing of the Cross
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on February 18, 2017, 06:46:23 AM
Today's reading was such a blessing--suffering and the cross were before Jesus, and He wanted to have His disciples firmly grounded in His identity as Messiah. But that understanding could not come from man--it was a work of the Holy Spirit to guide and confirm them in truth. May we be open to the Holy Spirit guiding us into all truth, and to reveal all of the fruits of the Spirit so that not one is missing!

The truth which Peter had confessed is the foundation of the believer's faith. It is that which Christ Himself has declared to be eternal life. But the possession of this knowledge was no ground for self-glorification. Through no wisdom or goodness of his own had it been revealed to Peter. Never can humanity, of itself, attain to a knowledge of the divine. "It is as high as heaven; what canst thou do? deeper than hell; what canst thou know?" Job 11:8. Only the spirit of adoption can reveal to us the deep things of God, which "eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man." "God hath revealed them unto us by His Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God." 1 Corinthians 2:9, 10. "The secret of the Lord is with them that fear Him;" and the fact that Peter discerned the glory of Christ was an evidence that he had been "taught of God." Psalm 25:14; John 6:45. Ah, indeed, "blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee."  {DA 412.3}

What we have learned of Jesus, whatever it is, may we remain humble and teachable! Only is this possible if Jesus is upon the throne of the heart!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--45--The Foreshadowing of the Cross
Post by: Richard Myers on February 18, 2017, 08:33:42 AM
Amen!  It is the power of God that opens our mind to the truth that saves and transforms the life. It it the Holy Spirit that opens the understanding to the loveliness of Jesus and leads us to hate sin and love God supremely.

     From the first, Peter had believed Jesus to be the Messiah. Many others who had been convicted by the preaching of John the Baptist, and had accepted Christ, began to doubt as to John's mission when he was imprisoned and put to death; and they now doubted that Jesus was the Messiah, for whom they had looked so long. Many of the disciples who had ardently expected Jesus to take His place on David's throne left Him when they perceived that He had no such intention. But Peter and his companions turned not from their allegiance. The vacillating course of those who praised yesterday and condemned today did not destroy the faith of the true follower of the Saviour. Peter declared, "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God." He waited not for kingly honors to crown his Lord, but accepted Him in His humiliation.   
     Peter had expressed the faith of the twelve. Yet the disciples were still far from understanding Christ's mission. The opposition and misrepresentation of the priests and rulers, while it could not turn them away from Christ, still caused them great perplexity. They did not see their way clearly. The influence of their early training, the teaching of the rabbis, the power of tradition, still intercepted their view of truth. From time to time precious rays of light from Jesus shone upon them, yet often they were like men groping among shadows. But on this day, before they were brought face to face with the great trial of their faith, the Holy Spirit rested upon them in power. For a little time their eyes were turned away from "the things which are seen," to behold "the things which are not seen." 2 Corinthians 4:18. Beneath the guise of humanity they discerned the glory of the Son of God. 

Pray for the Holy Spirit to reveal the things which are unseen, for they are eternal. All we see with our human eyes will disappear. By beholding the glory of God, His character, we will be changed into His image (character) by the Spirit (2 Cor. 3:18).
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--45--The Foreshadowing of the Cross
Post by: Richard Myers on May 16, 2017, 04:34:50 AM
     Peter had expressed the faith of the twelve. Yet the disciples were still far from understanding Christ's mission. The opposition and misrepresentation of the priests and rulers, while it could not turn them away from Christ, still caused them great perplexity. They did not see their way clearly. The influence of their early training, the teaching of the rabbis, the power of tradition, still intercepted their view of truth. From time to time precious rays of light from Jesus shone upon them, yet often they were like men groping among shadows. But on this day, before they were brought face to face with the great trial of their faith, the Holy Spirit rested upon them in power. For a little time their eyes were turned away from "the things which are seen," to behold "the things which are not seen." 2 Corinthians 4:18. Beneath the guise of humanity they discerned the glory of the Son of God.   

 What is the significance of this statement? Let's look at this first: "....the Holy Spirit rested upon them in power." Why did this happen? What does it mean? It was not because of their prayers that He came upon them, it was in answer to the prayer of Jesus. Do we have power with God to bring about such a thing in the lives of others?  For what purpose did the Holy Spirit come with power?  What is the office of the Holy Spirit? So many questions, so few answers. Are we any different than was Israel of Old? Yes, revival and reformation will come to God's church today. It is a promise, even though all will not yield to the power of the Spirit.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--45--The Foreshadowing of the Cross
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on May 16, 2017, 07:52:56 AM
Amen, Richard! You asked some excellent questions, which I will here prayerfully take up (I will put what you stated in green, for clarity):

 What is the significance of this statement? Let's look at this first: "....the Holy Spirit rested upon them in power."

Why did this happen? What does it mean? It was not because of their prayers that He came upon them, it was in answer to the prayer of Jesus.

I agree--Jesus prayers made the Holy Spirit available to the disciples who were struggling to comprehend the spiritual reality of the kingdom Jesus came to establish. Though they did not fully comprehend His mission, they were enabled, as Peter confessed the faith of the disciples, that Jesus was indeed the Son of God, the Messiah.

Do we have power with God to bring about such a thing in the lives of others? 

Yes! The prayers of Christ are to be our prayers for others! We are to follow our great Exemplar in prayer and believe that God hears us!

For what purpose did the Holy Spirit come with power? 

The Holy Spirit came with power to reveal the sufferings of Christ. And so He does today--He wants to reveal to us the real joy of fellowship with Christ in His sufferings, which is the "most weighty trust, and the highest honor" {DA 224.5}. My thoughts were turned to how Peter DID LEARN the lesson in time, once he realized his own weakness and continual need of Jesus:

It was to Peter a bitter lesson, and one which he learned but slowly, that the path of Christ on earth lay through agony and humiliation. The disciple shrank from fellowship with his Lord in suffering. But in the heat of the furnace fire he was to learn its blessing. Long afterward, when his active form was bowed with the burden of years and labors, he wrote, "Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: but rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when His glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy." 1 Peter 4:12, 13.  {DA 416.2} 

This intersects with some of the lesson study in the Sabbath School--we need to realize the blessing of suffering and the cross, rather than try to avoid it. While we do not seek out suffering for its sake, we seek to abide in Jesus, and to follow where He leads--which is a cross, and which does include suffering. We rejoice not merely because of the suffering, but because of the experience we come to have with Christ IN OUR SUFFERINGS! Paul the apostle made this clear:


Romans 5:1-5
1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope:
5 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.

What is the office of the Holy Spirit?

I will let an inspired writer answer:

The Holy Spirit exalts and glorifies the Saviour. It is his office to present Christ, the purity of his righteousness, and the great salvation that we have through him. Jesus says, “He shall receive of mine, and shall show it unto you.” [John 16:14.] The Spirit of truth is the only effectual teacher of divine truth. How must God esteem the human race, since he gave his Son to die for them, and appoints his Spirit to be man's teacher and continual guide. {CE 59.2}

May we more fully realize our CONTINUAL NEED of the Holy Spirit and allow Him to reveal Jesus to us in His glory, suffering, and righteousness. Let us rejoice that God desires us to be one with Him in mind and character today! What a joy to see the cross in its glory, as Jesus is lifted up! Revival and reformation come to us as we experience His divine work in our lives and continually respond to His work in and through us to exalt Christ and live in full consecration and surrender to His service!


 
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--45--The Foreshadowing of the Cross
Post by: Richard Myers on August 11, 2017, 06:16:56 AM
Amen, Pastor Sean!  Often we either do not understand or we forget the work of the Holy Spirit. Without His work, none would understand the gospel of grace and His power to transform the life.

   He desired to prepare them for their trials.

He first prayed for His disciples, that the Holy Spirit would rest upon them. If we would pray for others before speaking with them, would we be more successful?

Jesus had not before attempted to show them He was going to suffer and die. Why not? Why did Peter try to stop Jesus from going to Jerusalem? Why did Jesus have to tell Satan to get behind Him? Why did Peter reject what the Son of God had told them? Some in the church think doctrine not important. False doctrine had led Peter to resist the gospel truth. False doctrine allowed Saul the Persecutor to put to death Stephen and other followers of Jesus. The Word (doctrine) was made flesh and dwelt among man. Doctrine is truth. It is a revelation of the character of our God. The law is often brought into ill repute by some who preach we are under grace, not law. But, the law is a transcript of the character of God. Why the confusion?

Satan had so deceived God's people that they put to death His dear Son. He has had another 2,000 years to plan for deceiving God's people today. Where has he concentrated his work of deception? Are we so deceived as were His disciples that we reject the gospel itself? Satan was so successful at perverting the gospel that when Jesus hung on the cross, even the mother of Jesus did not think Jesus to be the Messiah. Such a deception that those who were closest to Jesus lost faith in Him.

In order to keep from being deceived, we must be born again of His Spirit. Jesus has warned us that we are in great danger as a people, just as were the Jews as we have read in today's chapter.

 3:14   And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; 
 3:15   I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. 
 3:16   So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. 
 3:17   Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: 
 3:18   I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and [that] the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. 
 3:19   As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. 
 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. 
 3:21   To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. 
 3:22   He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. 

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--45--The Foreshadowing of the Cross
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on August 11, 2017, 06:23:41 AM
I am so thankful for how we can learn what it means to really bear the cross abiding in Christ!!

 Love for souls for whom Christ died means crucifixion of self. He who is a child of God should henceforth look upon himself as a link in the chain let down to save the world, one with Christ in His plan of mercy, going forth with Him to seek and save the lost. The Christian is ever to realize that he has consecrated himself to God, and that in character he is to reveal Christ to the world. The self-sacrifice, the sympathy, the love, manifested in the life of Christ are to reappear in the life of the worker for God.  {DA 417.1} 
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--45--The Foreshadowing of the Cross
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on November 06, 2017, 05:28:49 AM
There is a great controversy raging--Jesus Christ and Him crucified is to be lifted higher and higher, the thought of His loveliness of character is to be appreciated and experienced, and yet Satan is doing His utmost to discourage and to turn us away from beholding Jesus. Satan wants our gaze to be fixed on earthly things so we cannot comprehend and appreciate the value of Jesus' sacrifice for us. He wants us to be able to hear about the cross of Christ, and yet not appreciate its significance and the love there revealed, by causing us to fix our focus on a false gospel or a false hope. Well would it be for us to learn the lesson that Jesus desired Peter to learn as He walked with him.

Matthew 16:21-23: "From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day. Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee. But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men."

As Satan was getting between Jesus and Peter, Satan intended to have Peter fail to grasp the significance of the sacrifice of Christ. Satan desired that Peter's heart would not be touched with the vision of how Christ was to suffer on the cross, and be utterly humbled to save us as our dying "Lamb of God" (John 1:29). So it is today. Through subtle temptations, through entertainment media, and a host of other distractions, Satan desires to have our focus so away from Jesus that when we hear of spiritual things, our hearts are not touched. How can this be remedied? It would be well for us to spend a thoughtful hour contemplating the life of Jesus--especially the closing scenes, because by beholding we become changed, and we would be enabled to have stronger faith, a deeper love experience with Christ, and be filled with a deeper indwelling of His Spirit. We must learn that the only way for us to be saved is by making a complete surrender of all we are to Christ, so He can purify and renew our hearts and fill us with all of the fruits of the Spirit so that not one is missing. We must depend upon the merits of Christ for His imputed righteousness and by continual communion and surrender experience the imparted righteousness wrought by His Spirit working in and through us. We can be so thankful that the lesson of what Peter passed through is written in inspiration, that we can profit from the lesson and learn of Christ today.

"Satan was trying to discourage Jesus, and turn Him from His mission; and Peter, in his blind love, was giving voice to the temptation. The prince of evil was the author of the thought. His instigation was behind that impulsive appeal. In the wilderness, Satan had offered Christ the dominion of the world on condition of forsaking the path of humiliation and sacrifice. Now he was presenting the same temptation to the disciple of Christ. He was seeking to fix Peter's gaze upon the earthly glory, that he might not behold the cross to which Jesus desired to turn his eyes. And through Peter, Satan was again pressing the temptation upon Jesus. But the Saviour heeded it not; His thought was for His disciple. Satan had interposed between Peter and his Master, that the heart of the disciple might not be touched at the vision of Christ's humiliation for him. The words of Christ were spoken, not to Peter, but to the one who was trying to separate him from his Redeemer. 'Get thee behind Me, Satan.' No longer interpose between Me and My erring servant. Let Me come face to face with Peter, that I may reveal to him the mystery of My love." {The Desire of Ages, page 416, paragraph 1}

May Christ's love touch our hearts so deeply today that we will have the needed experience that is true preparation for the trials that will come to us today, and that will continue to come before the soon return of Christ. Only by having Christ as an abiding guest in the soul through continual communion and surrender to Him moment-by-moment are we enabled to discern the spiritual nature of His mission and learn to count all things else but loss for the sake of His exceeding loveliness of character which He gives us as a gift (His imputed righteousness) and imparts to us as living-faith experience whereby all of the fruits of the Spirit are manifested in our lives (His imparted righteousness)! Praise the Lord!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--45--The Foreshadowing of the Cross
Post by: Richard Myers on November 06, 2017, 06:57:32 AM
Amen, Pastor Sean! It is the love of Jesus, and that only, which will help us see our true condition apart from Christ. It is this unmerited love that will enable us to do unselfish labor for those whom Christ suffered and died.

     It was to Peter a bitter lesson, and one which he learned but slowly, that the path of Christ on earth lay through agony and humiliation. The disciple shrank from fellowship with his Lord in suffering. But in the heat of the furnace fire he was to learn its blessing. Long afterward, when his active form was bowed with the burden of years and labors, he wrote, "Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: but rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when His glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy." 1 Peter 4:12, 13.   
     Jesus now explained to His disciples that His own life of self-abnegation was an example of what theirs should be. Calling about Him, with the disciples, the people who had been lingering near, He said, "If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me." The cross was associated with the power of Rome. It was the instrument of the most cruel and humiliating form of death. The lowest criminals were required to bear the cross to the place of execution; and often as it was about to be laid upon their shoulders, they resisted with desperate violence, until they were overpowered, and the instrument of torture was bound upon them. But Jesus bade His followers take up the cross and bear it after Him. To the disciples His words, though dimly comprehended, pointed to their submission to the most bitter humiliation,--submission even unto death for the sake of Christ. No more complete self-surrender could the Saviour's words have pictured. But all this He had accepted for them. Jesus did not count heaven a place to be desired while we were lost. He left the heavenly courts for a life of reproach and insult, and a death of shame. He who was rich in heaven's priceless treasure, became poor, that through His poverty we might be rich. We are to follow in the path He trod.   

So it is a bitter lesson for us also to learn. But, when we learn it, when we give Christ everything, the reward is great. He exchanges our sin polluted heart for love, joy, and peace! He took upon Himself our poverty that we might have His riches!! What a God we serve!!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--45--The Foreshadowing of the Cross
Post by: Dorine on February 01, 2018, 03:28:12 AM
"The work of Christ on earth was hastening to a close. Before Him, in vivid outline, lay the scenes whither His feet were tending. Even before He took humanity upon HIm, He saw the whole length of the path He must travel in order to save that which was lost. Every pang that rent His heart, every insult that was heaped upon His head, every privation that He was called to endure, was open to His view before he laid aside His crown and royal robe, and stepped down from the throne, to clothe His divinity with humanity. The path from the manger to calvary was all before His eyes."

He did all this for me/you. I do not have the words to describe the depths of love to which Jesus stooped to come to this dark evil world. It has to be revealed to us by the Holy Spirit as we spend time in God's word and in prayer.

Each time we open our hearts to learn of Him He reveals yet more and more of Himself. That is what keeps me coming back to reread this book because I know there will be some deeper treasure revealed that was not seen before. The effect this has is miraculous because as we behold the loveliness of Jesus we start to notice the changes that He is making in our lives. We see a change in our motives, attitudes, habits, behavior. When Jesus invites us to take up our cross and follow Him, "we are to follow in the path He trod." The only way I will ever be able to do that is through a moment by moment connection with Him each day.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--45--The Foreshadowing of the Cross
Post by: Richard Myers on February 01, 2018, 08:13:36 AM
Amen, dear Sister!  At takes some time to understand what is being said here. At first, who wants to give all up, who wants to suffer and die? We do when we behold our Savior and what He suffered for us. And, yes, it can only happen when we love Him supremely.....each day. When we let loose of Him, when our eyes are diverted, we fall into the water just as did Peter. In time, our character becomes so fixed, we are so settled into the truth, that we shall not be moved. This is what Jesus is promising us. Do we want this more than anything? If so, our days shall not be as were the disciples as they marched toward Jerusalem, toward the ignominious death that awaited our Savior. For six long gloomy days they pondered this horrible thought, their Messiah would not sit on the throne, but would hang from a tree.

     To the disciples this was indeed a mystery.  They were even now journeying along the shores of the Sea of Galilee toward the city where all their hopes were to be crushed. They dared not remonstrate with Christ, but they talked together in low, sorrowful tones in regard to what the future would be. Even amid their questionings they clung to the thought that some unforeseen circumstance might avert the doom which seemed to await their Lord. Thus they sorrowed and doubted, hoped and feared, for six long, gloomy days.   

What a God we serve! This was all before our Lord before He came to this dark spot in the universe. He saw it all. As Sister Dorine shared "the path from the manger to calvary was all before His eyes."
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--45--The Foreshadowing of the Cross
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on February 01, 2018, 08:19:11 AM
Amen, sister Dorine and Richard!

What stood out to me today in beholding Jesus' loveliness was how His disciples were clouded in darkness and unbelief at what Jesus had just told them. It strikes me that as we think upon Jesus and understand His sufferings for us, that we stand in a place of advance light/experience from what the disciples were going through. We can look and live, we can appreciate what Jesus went through for us, and we need not remain in darkness and unbelief. Let us let go of all that is not of Christ, and better understand what Christ has done for us.

     "Beyond the poverty and humiliation of the present, He pointed the disciples to His coming in glory, not in the splendor of an earthly throne, but with the glory of God and the hosts of heaven. And then, He said, "He shall reward every man according to his works." Then for their encouragement He gave the promise, 'Verily I say unto you, There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in His kingdom.' But the disciples did not comprehend His words. The glory seemed far away. Their eyes were fixed upon the nearer view, the earthly life of poverty, humiliation, and suffering. Must their glowing expectations of the Messiah's kingdom be relinquished? Were they not to see their Lord exalted to the throne of David? Could it be that Christ was to live a humble, homeless wanderer, to be despised, rejected, and put to death? Sadness oppressed their hearts, for they loved their Master. Doubt also harassed their minds, for it seemed incomprehensible that the Son of God should be subjected to such cruel humiliation. They questioned why He should voluntarily go to Jerusalem to meet the treatment which He had told them He was there to receive. How could He resign Himself to such a fate, and leave them in greater darkness than that in which they were groping before He revealed Himself to them?"  {DA 417.3}
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--45--The Foreshadowing of the Cross
Post by: JimB on February 01, 2018, 08:48:18 AM
"Other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ." 1 Corinthians 3:11. "Upon this rock," said Jesus, "I will build My church." In the presence of God, and all the heavenly intelligences, in the presence of the unseen army of hell, Christ founded His church upon the living Rock. That Rock is Himself,--His own body, for us broken and bruised. Against the church built upon this foundation, the gates of hell shall not prevail.  {DA 413.2}
     How feeble the church appeared when Christ spoke these words! There was only a handful of believers, against whom all the power of demons and evil men would be directed; yet the followers of Christ were not to fear. Built upon the Rock of their strength, they could not be overthrown.  {DA 413.3} 

Good morning my friends. This morning I was thinking about the quoted statement. Long ago the Holy Spirit lead 120 from the upper room to spread gospel to the whole and they indeed turned the world upside down. Just think what it will be like as the latter rain works in the believers in the near future. What kind personal witness and preaching will it be?  :)
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--45--The Foreshadowing of the Cross
Post by: Richard Myers on February 01, 2018, 09:03:26 AM
We have been given a little bit of light on that, Jim.  In 1888, Jesus was giving us a glimpse of what it will look like. The Latter Rain had begun to fall. When we understand that the power comes from the revelation of the loveliness of Jesus, we will better understand what it will look like. And, it will not fall on those who have not received the truth of the character of God into their lives. Those who are seeking truth that they may walk in it, will receive greater truth. Those who are not seeking to know God better, will not receive greater light. It is a simple principle.

Thus, when the church begins to focus on Jesus, that we might become like Him in character, the light will get brighter and brighter, much brighter than what was poured out on the Day of Pentecost. The whole Earth will be lightened with the glory of God as we go about taking the gospel to it, filled with the Holy Spirit. What a day that will be, we are beginning to see the early drops falling from heaven. It encourages us to know that these last steps will be rapid ones.

As the apostles set forth the glory of the Only-Begotten of the Father, three thousand souls were convicted. They were made to see themselves as they were, sinful and polluted, and Christ as their friend and Redeemer. Christ was lifted up, Christ was glorified, through the power of the Holy Spirit resting upon men. By faith these believers saw Him as the One who had borne humiliation, suffering, and death that they might not perish but have everlasting life. The revelation of Christ by the Spirit brought to them a realizing sense of His power and majesty, and they stretched forth their hands to Him by faith, saying, “I believe.”

Then the glad tidings of a risen Saviour were carried to the uttermost bounds of the inhabited world. The church beheld converts flocking to her from all directions. Believers were reconverted. Sinners united with Christians in seeking the pearl of great price. The prophecy was fulfilled, The weak shall be “as David,” and the house of David “as the angel of the Lord.” Zechariah 12:8. Every Christian saw in his brother the divine similitude of benevolence and love. One interest prevailed. One object swallowed up all others. All hearts beat in harmony. The only ambition of the believers was to reveal the likeness of Christ’s character, and to labor for the enlargement of His kingdom. “The multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul.... With great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus; and great grace was upon them all.” Acts 4:32, 33. “And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.” Acts 2:47. The Spirit of Christ animated the whole congregation; for they had found the pearl of great price.

These scenes are to be repeated, and with greater power. The outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost was the former rain, but the latter rain will be more abundant. The Spirit awaits our demand and reception. Christ is again to be revealed in His fullness by the Holy Spirit’s power. Men will discern the value of the precious pearl, and with the apostle Paul they will say, “What things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord.” Philippians 3:7, 8.  Christ Object Lessons, pg 121.

The knowledge of Christ is everything! By knowing Him, by beholding His grace we are transformed in character, in nature. We are His witnesses in a world soon to perish.  Let us lift up our eyes, to see our Lord, He is coming soon in great glory!! It is our privilege to not only know Him, but to share Him with all who are seeking truth, and thereby hasten His soon coming. Come Lord Jesus!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--45--The Foreshadowing of the Cross
Post by: Richard Myers on April 29, 2018, 06:37:59 AM
True conversion is death to self. We are to follow the path that Jesus trod.

     It was to Peter a bitter lesson, and one which he learned but slowly, that the path of Christ on earth lay through agony and humiliation. The disciple shrank from fellowship with his Lord in suffering. But in the heat of the furnace fire he was to learn its blessing. Long afterward, when his active form was bowed with the burden of years and labors, he wrote, "Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: but rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when His glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy." 1 Peter 4:12, 13. 
     Jesus now explained to His disciples that His own life of self-abnegation was an example of what theirs should be. Calling about Him, with the disciples, the people who had been lingering near, He said, "If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me." The cross was associated with the power of Rome. It was the instrument of the most cruel and humiliating form of death. The lowest criminals were required to bear the cross to the place of execution; and often as it was about to be laid upon their shoulders, they resisted with desperate violence, until they were overpowered, and the instrument of torture was bound upon them. But Jesus bade His followers take up the cross and bear it after Him. To the disciples His words, though dimly comprehended, pointed to their submission to the most bitter humiliation,--submission even unto death for the sake of Christ. No more complete self-surrender could the Saviour's words have pictured. But all this He had accepted for them. Jesus did not count heaven a place to be desired while we were lost. He left the heavenly courts for a life of reproach and insult, and a death of shame. He who was rich in heaven's priceless treasure, became poor, that through His poverty we might be rich. We are to follow in the path He trod.   
     Love for souls for whom Christ died means crucifixion of self.

When Moses struck the Rock, he was not abiding in Christ, nor Christ in him. Self was alive and thus he misrepresented the character of God. Because as leader of Israel he was a representative of God, when he sinned, even though he repented, he had to die so that people would not say "even Moses sinned." Never do we hear this, because God took his life when he sinned. His suffering was an example as was the suffering of Christ. It offers no excuse for sin. No matter how much he was tempted, he was to look unto Jesus and thus he would have power to resist all that Christ allowed to come to him. We are promised we shall not tempted beyond what we can bear. Where will this end? For those who wish to glorify God, it will end when Jesus walks out of the heavenly sanctuary and his church goes through a time of trouble such as never was......without a Mediator.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--45--The Foreshadowing of the Cross
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on April 29, 2018, 10:32:25 AM
Amen, Richard! As we realize the parallels between Moses and Christ, we see that the wages of sin is death. There are some who believe God is merciful enough to forgive sin without an atoning sacrifice. Moses died for his own sin. Jesus died for our sins. But the deception was so deep in Christ's day that the disciples did not really see that the Lamb (Jesus) had to die. There are many in our day that do not see that we are to be perfect in Christ. But unless we understand what true perfection is, we are liable to err. Perfection of Christian character does not mean we have complete knowledge, for only God knows all. But it does mean that we love God with the whole heart and the whole mind, with all our strength and soul. This is only possible when we realize God's love (His grace in giving Jesus to die for us) and we allow that love into the soul to transform it. Christ is preparing His people to stand through the perilous times of the last days, and to be alive during the time of the seven last plagues which begin when Jesus has completed His ministry as our High Priest, for He will come as a King to claim His people who have abode in His faith. The kind of perfection needed now and ever to be saved is that which Christ supplies at conversion--the blood of Christ atones for our sins, His obedience is accepted for us, and then He comes to indwell the repentant child of God by His Spirit building it up after the similitude of His own character, which is manifest now and ever in all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing. It is impossible to have Christ in the heart and not have these traits of character manifest. It is impossible to sin a known sin and yet retain the presence of the Holy Spirit within the soul. But the good news of His grace is that if we yield to the pleading voice of Jesus, He will come into the heart again if we have sinned, and He promises to keep us from falling as we choose to allow our minds to be stayed upon Him. The disciples need not have remained under clouds and deceptions regarding the imperative death of Jesus for the sins of the world if they had simply listened to what He said and meditated upon it. This is our great need as well. That is why it is well for us to spend a thoughtful hour in contemplation of the life of Christ from the manger of Bethlehem to Calvary's cross, with an especial focus on the closing scenes of His earthly pilgrimage, as it will enable us to appreciate God's grace. The gospel of His grace makes possible the effectual transformation of sinners into saints that are not only safe to take to heaven, but will truly enjoy the selfless bliss of ministry for all of eternity. What an incredible joy that this experience is taking place in our hearts and minds as we behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. Heaven begins here when we yield the whole heart to Jesus. What a joy that we have such bright light shining upon our path to prepare us for heaven!

   "Beyond the poverty and humiliation of the present, He pointed the disciples to His coming in glory, not in the splendor of an earthly throne, but with the glory of God and the hosts of heaven. And then, He said, 'He shall reward every man according to his works.' Then for their encouragement He gave the promise, 'Verily I say unto you, There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in His kingdom.' But the disciples did not comprehend His words. The glory seemed far away. Their eyes were fixed upon the nearer view, the earthly life of poverty, humiliation, and suffering. Must their glowing expectations of the Messiah's kingdom be relinquished? Were they not to see their Lord exalted to the throne of David? Could it be that Christ was to live a humble, homeless wanderer, to be despised, rejected, and put to death? Sadness oppressed their hearts, for they loved their Master. Doubt also harassed their minds, for it seemed incomprehensible that the Son of God should be subjected to such cruel humiliation. They questioned why He should voluntarily go to Jerusalem to meet the treatment which He had told them He was there to receive. How could He resign Himself to such a fate, and leave them in greater darkness than that in which they were groping before He revealed Himself to them?"  {The Desire of Ages, page 417, paragraph 3} 

The questions that perplexed the disciples were the outflow of the effect of false teachings and false hopes. We would do well to learn of Christ each day so He can anchor us in Him, and so we truly can find, through union and communion with God by beholding Christ, that the Holy Spirit has complete control of us such that sin is hateful to us, and the impulse to help and bless others springs constantly from within!

Yesterday while doing door-to-door outreach I was struck by the thought that while it may be challenging at times to do ministry to seek and to save the lost, that Christ has paid an INFINITELY HIGH PRICE in His sufferings and death for us not to go out and seek to win one more for Him. I am not going to have to die for the sins of the whole world. Jesus did that already! Each soul is worth more than worlds, for the Creator of all the worlds shed His blood that they may be reconciled to Him! Praise God for how we can joyfully bear the cross of personal ministry to seek and to save souls as our Master did!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--45--The Foreshadowing of the Cross
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on July 25, 2018, 03:05:55 AM
Who is trying to discourage you? Satan is. And he already tried that with Jesus. How? By tempting Peter to speak words that would not be a savor of self-sacrifice, for Christ must go to the cross of Calvary to save us. Jesus would not yield to the temptation, and neither need we. By beholding the infinite loveliness of Jesus and the exceedingly great infinite sacrifice of the cross of Christ we see that our Heavenly Father loves us with a love that is infinite. We see the joy of Christ--that all His pain and humiliation would yield a harvest of souls who also become partakers of His divine nature--a nature that always manifests itself with all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing, and leads the true disciple to gladly covet pain, toil, and sacrifice for His dear sake. "The purest joy springs from the deepest humiliation."  {The Acts of the Apostles, page 319, paragraph 1}

No one has ever suffered more than Christ. His joy is infinite. We, by a full surrender to Him, get to partake of that joy and allow Christ to work through us to bring the principle of the cross into our moment-by-moment thinking, speaking, and acting. In every interaction of life self-sacrifice is the constant invitation of Jesus. As we abide in Him, He works out in us the pattern of life (self-sacrifice is the only true definition of life, for selfishness is death) that will be to His own glory! Will you join me in this joyful bearing of the cross? There is no greater joy in heaven or in earth than to become a partaker with Christ of His character--and His sufferings in seeking to save souls!

"Satan was trying to discourage Jesus, and turn Him from His mission; and Peter, in his blind love, was giving voice to the temptation. The prince of evil was the author of the thought. His instigation was behind that impulsive appeal. In the wilderness, Satan had offered Christ the dominion of the world on condition of forsaking the path of humiliation and sacrifice. Now he was presenting the same temptation to the disciple of Christ. He was seeking to fix Peter's gaze upon the earthly glory, that he might not behold the cross to which Jesus desired to turn his eyes. And through Peter, Satan was again pressing the temptation upon Jesus. But the Saviour heeded it not; His thought was for His disciple. Satan had interposed between Peter and his Master, that the heart of the disciple might not be touched at the vision of Christ's humiliation for him. The words of Christ were spoken, not to Peter, but to the one who was trying to separate him from his Redeemer. 'Get thee behind Me, Satan.' No longer interpose between Me and My erring servant. Let Me come face to face with Peter, that I may reveal to him the mystery of My love."  {The Desire of Ages, page 416, paragraph 1} 
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--45--The Foreshadowing of the Cross
Post by: JimB on July 25, 2018, 05:38:25 AM
By beholding the infinite loveliness of Jesus and the exceedingly great infinite sacrifice of the cross of Christ we see that our Heavenly Father loves us with a love that is infinite.

Pastor Sean, I was touched by your phrase this morning... "infinite loveliness of Jesus" what a wonderful way to speak of our loving Savior for He is truly the ONE altogether lovely. It is such a joy to be among friends who love to talk about our Savior. And you speak of bearing the cross. Yes Christ bore the Christ where He shed His blood to cover our sins but we also have a cross to bear. It was an eye opener for me years ago when I read a good that pointed out that every time Jesus mentioned the cross He was speaking of the cross that we as humans have to bear. To some it may sound like something bad but to those who know Christ they know that His burden's are light, fore He says.... " For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--45--The Foreshadowing of the Cross
Post by: Dorine on July 25, 2018, 05:48:19 AM
....."Jesus did not count heaven a place to be desired while we were lost. He left the heavenly courts for a life of reproach and insult, and a death of shame. He who was rich in heaven's priceless treasure, became poor, that through His poverty we might be rich. We are to follow in the path He trod.  {DA 416.3}       Love for souls for whom Christ died means crucifixion of self. He who is a child of God should henceforth look upon himself as a link in the chain let down to save the world, one with Christ in His plan of mercy, going forth with Him to seek and save the lost. The Christian is ever to realize that he has consecrated himself to God, and that in character he is to reveal Christ to the world. The self-sacrifice, the sympathy, the love, manifested in the life of Christ are to reappear in the life of the worker for God.  {DA 417.1}"

I plead today for that kind of love and commitment. Christ has set a path before each of us that is impossible to trod alone and reach our heavenly destination. I want to serve my Lord with my eyes wide open and my heart completely surrendered to Him.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--45--The Foreshadowing of the Cross
Post by: Dorine on July 25, 2018, 05:51:30 AM
What a joy it is to meet here each morning and share what God has placed upon our hearts. It brings courage to my heart as I read each post.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--45--The Foreshadowing of the Cross
Post by: Richard Myers on July 25, 2018, 10:59:53 PM
Amen, dear Sister! What a joy to see others who not only love to study the life of Christ, but want to share what the Spirit is teaching. Soon there will be many more who love to talk about Jesus!

Peter loved Jesus and confessed Him to the the Son of the Living God. But, because of the false teaching, he did not know nor want Jesus to die. Thus, he was used by Satan in an attempt to discourage Jesus. If we will time each day contemplating the loveliness of Jesus, we would have spiritual discernment and we would be more faithful in our walk with Jesus. We would not be looking to man for our wisdom and neither would we dictating to others how to live or work for Jesus.

      Instead of appointing one to be their head, Christ said to the disciples, "Be not ye called Rabbi;" "neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ." Matthew 23:8, 10. 
 
     "The head of every man is Christ." God, who put all things under the Saviour's feet, "gave Him to be the head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him that filleth all in all." 1 Corinthians 11:3; Ephesians 1:22, 23. The church is built upon Christ as its foundation; it is to obey Christ as its head. It is not to depend upon man, or be controlled by man. Many claim that a position of trust in the church gives them authority to dictate what other men shall believe and what they shall do. This claim God does not sanction. The Saviour declares, "All ye are brethren." All are exposed to temptation, and are liable to error. Upon no finite being can we depend for guidance. The Rock of faith is the living presence of Christ in the church. Upon this the weakest may depend, and those who think themselves the strongest will prove to be the weakest, unless they make Christ their efficiency. "Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm." The Lord "is the Rock, His work is perfect." "Blessed are all they that put their trust in Him." Jeremiah 17:5; Deuteronomy 32:4; Psalm 2:12.   
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--45--The Foreshadowing of the Cross
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on October 20, 2018, 03:37:45 AM
The fires of trials mean benefit--as we learn that Christ is with us and that He Himself has pioneered the way before us. We have nothing to fear for the future as we keep our eyes steadfastly fixed upon Jesus' exceeding loveliness of character and remember the lesson that Peter learned by experience:

  "It was to Peter a bitter lesson, and one which he learned but slowly, that the path of Christ on earth lay through agony and humiliation. The disciple shrank from fellowship with his Lord in suffering. But in the heat of the furnace fire he was to learn its blessing. Long afterward, when his active form was bowed with the burden of years and labors, he wrote, 'Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: but rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when His glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.' 1 Peter 4:12, 13."  {The Desire of Ages, page 416, paragraph 2}

Let us rejoice today in tribulation knowing that through it and in it all things work together for good to them that love God, that we may be transformed in character by a continual surrender to Jesus. The fruits of the Spirit without one missing will be flowing amid the trying ordeal (as we see Jesus' love grow stronger and stronger amid His crucifixion, praying for His executioners), and ever increasing in depth, sweetness, and beauty. Praise God for the refining blessing that trials mean for those who learn of Christ continually! 
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--45--The Foreshadowing of the Cross
Post by: Richard Myers on October 20, 2018, 07:23:15 AM
Amen Pastor Sean. By beholding Jesus we can be transformed into a character whereby we understand our trials will make us more patient and make us a witness of the glory of God. We will glory in our tribulations. What a testimony to the power of God's grace!

I noticed something this morning I had not seen before. We are in God's last day remnant church. While we defend His church against those who call it Babylon and separate from it, we also need to look to Christ for our wisdom not to man. Leaders in the church are to be respected if they are in the Lord, but we are to quit looking to man for our wisdom and make God and His Word our trust.

 Instead of appointing one to be their head, Christ said to the disciples, "Be not ye called Rabbi;" "neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ." Matthew 23:8, 10.  {DA 414.2}
     "The head of every man is Christ." God, who put all things under the Saviour's feet, "gave Him to be the head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him that filleth all in all." 1 Corinthians 11:3; Ephesians 1:22, 23. The church is built upon Christ as its foundation; it is to obey Christ as its head. It is not to depend upon man, or be controlled by man. Many claim that a position of trust in the church gives them authority to dictate what other men shall believe and what they shall do. This claim God does not sanction. The Saviour declares, "All ye are brethren." All are exposed to temptation, and are liable to error. Upon no finite being can we depend for guidance. The Rock of faith is the living presence of Christ in the church. Upon this the weakest may depend, and those who think themselves the strongest will prove to be the weakest, unless they make Christ their efficiency. "Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm." The Lord "is the Rock, His work is perfect." "Blessed are all they that put their trust in Him." Jeremiah 17:5; Deuteronomy 32:4; Psalm 2:12. 
The true leader sent from God will take care to point man to Christ and His Word. This is his work.

Also, in today's reading we are given an indication of where we are in the life of Christ, nearing the end. The Feast of Tabernacles is just in front of Him. His work changes in its nature. He now is ready to make known to His disciples that he is going to suffer and die very soon at the hands of those who He came to save. So it is today as we near the end. Our work must change also. Our people need to awaken to the danger in the church and the need for revival and reformation today, not tomorrow.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--45--The Foreshadowing of the Cross
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on January 15, 2019, 03:09:57 AM
Parents have an incredible influence on their children. By their genetics, their habits, and their understanding of truth, they directly mold the opening minds of their children in ways that will either help or hinder them heavenward. As I was contemplating Jesus' bitter task to press His way against the early training of the 12 whose conception of His kingdom had been a mixture of truth and error, I was encouraged with the thought that parents coming on the stage of the last days have the opportunity to do what Jesus did with His 12 disciples, but much more effectively. Why? For one thing, a tiny infant's heart and mind are far more moldable and impressible than are grown men who all their lives have been hoping to be "Number One" in God's kingdom. But if children are trained to consider duty a delight, sacrifice a pleasure, and know that the most weighty trust and highest honor could be to suffer and be translated having passed through the time of trouble such as never was, with a clear conception of the kingdom of God and the truth of the simplicity of the gospel as manifest in the lives of the parents that they were shaped by from inception, does it not follow that the place we need to start in preparing for Jesus to come is in our families? I am not saying that Bible studies and evangelistic series are ineffective means of saving souls--but the power of the gospel goes so much deeper when it is early received, when children are trained up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. That is why Jesus' ability to use John to spread the gospel was so much more effective than with the other disciples--he was younger and more receptive! Let us take the lesson to heart, and I pray that you will take the gospel into your marriage, your child rearing, and into every sphere where God has placed you!!

    "Peter had expressed the faith of the twelve. Yet the disciples were still far from understanding Christ's mission. The opposition and misrepresentation of the priests and rulers, while it could not turn them away from Christ, still caused them great perplexity. They did not see their way clearly. The influence of their early training, the teaching of the rabbis, the power of tradition, still intercepted their view of truth. From time to time precious rays of light from Jesus shone upon them, yet often they were like men groping among shadows. But on this day, before they were brought face to face with the great trial of their faith, the Holy Spirit rested upon them in power. For a little time their eyes were turned away from 'the things which are seen,' to behold 'the things which are not seen.' 2 Corinthians 4:18. Beneath the guise of humanity they discerned the glory of the Son of God."  {The Desire of Ages, page 412, paragraph 1} 

But what a difference if families are reared in a way as to avoid the contaminating influences of secular cultural lies, church tradition, and the deceptions so prevalent that make the gospel powerless! When children grow up seeing their parents live the very life of Jesus, the husband treating his wife the way Christ treats the church, the wife fulfilling her role in dignity and honor to bring completeness to her husband's character and train up children to have roles in eternity for God's glory, we will see the message and movement move like wildfire. We are on the verge of the greatest revival and reformation the world has ever seen. We can take to heart what Jesus did, and go deeper than the disciples went because the light shining in our time is MUCH MUCH BRIGHTER!!! Let us walk in the light, because God would much rather accomplish His purposes through our honor and exaltation when we are humbly obedient to all that He has revealed! And more light will shine to us streaming from the cross as day by day the darkness of error and unbelief are swallowed up in the glory of doing His will from a heart renewed by grace that pours forth spontaneously all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing!! Hallelujah!!!!!!!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--45--The Foreshadowing of the Cross
Post by: Richard Myers on January 15, 2019, 06:00:11 AM
Amen Pastor Sean. And why was it that the Holy Spirit rested upon the disciples that day? Was it not because Jesus asked for the Holy Spirit to open their minds and hearts to the message he had to give them? We often don't realize the opportunities we have to ask for the Holy Spirit to open hearts and minds before we share a message of grace. How very sad! Often before the minister preaches a message on Sabbath from the pulpit, we hear prayers that his lips may be touched with a coal from the altar of God. But do we always hear a prayer that the Holy Spirit will open the ears and eyes of those in the congregation? It is the Holy Spirit that is the Teacher. Let us consider the opportunities before us when we share a message that is designed to reach the hearts and minds of the hearers. Let us always pray that the Holy Spirit will go before us.

    He was about to tell them of the suffering that awaited Him. But first He went away alone, and prayed that their hearts might be prepared to receive His words.

I have a question that someone may be able to answer. The chapter ends with "Thus they sorrowed and doubted, hoped and feared, for six long, gloomy days." Where are we here before the cross? How long before Christ enters Jerusalem when He will be murdered by crucifixion? 
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--45--The Foreshadowing of the Cross
Post by: Beacon on January 15, 2019, 07:06:28 AM
"The work of Christ on earth was hastening to a close. Before Him, in vivid outline, lay the scenes whither His feet were tending. Even before He took humanity upon Him, He saw the whole length of the path He must travel in order to save that which was lost. Every pang that rent His heart, every insult that was heaped upon His head, every privation that He was called to endure, was open to His view before He laid aside His crown and royal robe, and stepped down from the throne, to clothe His divinity with humanity. The path from the manger to Calvary was all before His eyes. He knew the anguish that would come upon Him. He knew it all, and yet He said, "Lo, I come: in the volume of the Book it is written of Me, I delight to do Thy will, O My God: yea, Thy law is within My heart." Psalm 40:7, 8. (DA 410.1)

Sometimes we're tempted to feel like we're "ALL ALONE"  and that no one understands what we're going through. The words in this chapter have reinforced my mind once again that we are NEVER ALONE and that our Wonderful Compassionate Jesus, having walked the face of this earth on our behalf understands EVERY TRIAL, EVERY SITUATION, EVERY WEAKNESS , of our human existence  and has given us wonderful promises to cling to.
 


 "Ever before Him He saw the result of His mission. His earthly life, so full of toil and self-sacrifice, was cheered by the prospect that He would not have all this travail for nought. By giving His life for the life of men, He would win back the world to its loyalty to God. Although the baptism of blood must first be received; although the sins of the world were to weigh upon His innocent soul; although the shadow of an unspeakable woe was upon Him; yet for the joy that was set before Him, He chose to endure the cross, and despised the shame."  {DA 410.2}
 
Jesus says to us today...."Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness."  Isaiah 41:10 King James Version (KJV) THANK YOU JESUS!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--45--The Foreshadowing of the Cross
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on January 15, 2019, 01:36:02 PM

I have a question that someone may be able to answer. The chapter ends with "Thus they sorrowed and doubted, hoped and feared, for six long, gloomy days." Where are we here before the cross? How long before Christ enters Jerusalem when He will be murdered by crucifixion?

Richard, that is an excellent question, but for which I only have a partial answer from what I read in the Bible. The reference to the six long, gloomy days is answered by the fact that a glorious event awaits Jesus and Peter, James and John--the Mount of Transfiguration. Notice the reference to six days in both Matthew and Mark's accounts that are immediately following the portion of Scripture upon which is based this present chapter in The Desire of Ages:

Matthew 17:1-2: "And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart, and was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light."

Mark 9:2: "And after six days Jesus taketh with him Peter, and James, and John, and leadeth them up into an high mountain apart by themselves: and he was transfigured before them."

If someone else knows the exact timing from the Mount of Transfiguration to the time of the crucifixion, I would be glad to learn about that. But in context with what was written at the end of the chapter of The Desire of Ages we studied today, it seems to refer to the Transfiguration, and that was such an amazing experience that the disciples with Jesus for a time did forget the earlier gloom of Jesus' prediction of His crucifixion and death. But had they listened intently to what the conversation between Moses and Elijah was with Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration, they would have realized more clearly that it was about His sufferings so soon to befall Jesus--that must come to save us!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--45--The Foreshadowing of the Cross
Post by: Beacon on April 11, 2019, 08:56:53 PM
"The work of Christ on earth was hastening to a close. Before Him, in vivid outline, lay the scenes whither His feet were tending. Even before He took humanity upon Him, He saw the whole length of the path He must travel in order to save that which was lost. Every pang that rent His heart, every insult that was heaped upon His head, every privation that He was called to endure, was open to His view before He laid aside His crown and royal robe, and stepped down from the throne, to clothe His divinity with humanity. The path from the manger to Calvary was all before His eyes. He knew the anguish that would come upon Him. He knew it all, and yet He said, "Lo, I come: in the volume of the Book it is written of Me, I delight to do Thy will, O My God: yea, Thy law is within My heart." Psalm 40:7, 8.


"1 John 3:1 "Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God."

"Ever before Him, Jesus saw the result of His mission. His earthly life, so full of toil and self-sacrifice, was cheered by the prospect that He would not have all this travail for nought. By giving His life for the life of men, He would win back the world to its loyalty to God. Although the baptism of blood must first be received; although the sins of the world were to weigh upon His innocent soul; although the shadow of an unspeakable woe was upon Him; yet for the joy that was set before Him, He chose to endure the cross, and despised the shame.  {DA 410.2}"

Do we really understand and appreciate the Cost of Our Redemption?? The Great Sacrifice & Love that Jesus gave on our behalf to make our redemption possible??  May our prayer today be....All to Jesus I surrender All to Him I Freely Give. We must not let the devil distract us with any of his specious temptations. Let us Turn Our Eyes Upon Jesus - Look Full in His Wonderful Face and the things of Earth Will Grow Strangely Dim in the Light of His Glory and Grace.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--45--The Foreshadowing of the Cross
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on April 12, 2019, 06:19:56 AM
Amen, Beacon! The hymn you referred to is the theme song we are using in our evangelistic meetings as we focus on "Jesus on Prophecy" and point souls to the only one whose grace can save sinners and make them into redeemed saints!!

We can keep our eyes on Jesus amid the trials of life, and thank God that the cross is the evidence of God's infinite love for us. Oh, may we keep our eyes upward!!

Jesus knew the cross was full of suffering, but it was His joy to see us redeemed!!

"Ever before Him He saw the result of His mission. His earthly life, so full of toil and self-sacrifice, was cheered by the prospect that He would not have all this travail for nought. By giving His life for the life of men, He would win back the world to its loyalty to God. Although the baptism of blood must first be received; although the sins of the world were to weigh upon His innocent soul; although the shadow of an unspeakable woe was upon Him; yet for the joy that was set before Him, He chose to endure the cross, and despised the shame."  {The Desire of Ages, page 410, paragraph 2} 

May the cross Jesus gives us today be borne cheerfully with the realization that our faithfulness in the unique sphere where God has us is a part of His great plan to save souls! Glory in the cross!!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--45--The Foreshadowing of the Cross
Post by: Dorine on April 12, 2019, 07:47:20 AM
  "Love for souls for whom Christ died means crucifixion of self. He who is a child of God should henceforth look upon himself as a link in the chain let down to save the world, one with Christ in His plan of mercy, going forth with Him to seek and save the lost. The Christian is ever to realize that he has consecrated himself to God, and that in character he is to reveal Christ to the world. The self-sacrifice, the sympathy, the love, manifested in the life of Christ are to reappear in the life of the worker for God.

When we understand this there will be no need to use external methods to coerce and manipulate people into accepting Christ.  When self is dead, Christ's life will shine through us and people will be drawn to Him because of the genuine love and care they witness in us. The Holy Spirit dwelling in us will produce the fruit of the Spirit that people will be drawn to. love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness and temperance and not one of these will be missing. They will see the love we have for one another and they will know that we are God's true witnesses. This will happen only as we spend time each day beholding the beautiful life and character of Christ.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--45--The Foreshadowing of the Cross
Post by: Richard Myers on April 13, 2019, 05:59:52 AM
Amen dear sister! This is the object of life, to love God and those for whom He suffered and died. And this we will do if we spend time with Jesus each morning beholding His loveliness. We need to die daily or we will experience what the disciples did before the cross. We just receive fresh supplies of grace daily that we remember we are His and who He is.

    Peter had expressed the faith of the twelve. Yet the disciples were still far from understanding Christ's mission. The opposition and misrepresentation of the priests and rulers, while it could not turn them away from Christ, still caused them great perplexity. They did not see their way clearly. The influence of their early training, the teaching of the rabbis, the power of tradition, still intercepted their view of truth. From time to time precious rays of light from Jesus shone upon them, yet often they were like men groping among shadows. But on this day, before they were brought face to face with the great trial of their faith, the Holy Spirit rested upon them in power. For a little time their eyes were turned away from "the things which are seen," to behold "the things which are not seen." 2 Corinthians 4:18. Beneath the guise of humanity they discerned the glory of the Son of God. 

The Spirit rested on them with power. This is our only hope that we be filled with the Holy Spirit. Then we wil keep the commandments of God and have the faith of Jesus. If we allow the mind to wander away from Jesus, then we shall be as the disciples that night long ago when they deserted the Son of God. Did Peter know Jesus to be the Son of God? Yes, but that night after being re-converted in the upper room, he lost his hold on Jesus and denied Him with cursing. O how weak is the carnal heart of man.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--45--The Foreshadowing of the Cross
Post by: Beacon on July 07, 2019, 06:43:31 PM
"It was to Peter a bitter lesson, and one which he learned but slowly, that the path of Christ on earth lay through agony and humiliation. The disciple shrank from fellowship with his Lord in suffering. But in the heat of the furnace fire he was to learn its blessing. Long afterward, when his active form was bowed with the burden of years and labors, he wrote,

"Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: but rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when His glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy."
1 Peter 4:12, 13. 
{DA 416.2}

I have not met anyone during my earthly journey thus far that stated they were looking forward to suffering of any kind or for any reason. But the apostle Paul wrote these encouraging words to show what a privilege it is, if and when we are called upon to suffer for the cause of the Great Gospel Message...  

Romans 5:1-5 "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 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.[/u][/color]
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--45--The Foreshadowing of the Cross
Post by: Dorine on July 08, 2019, 04:22:19 AM
"Jesus did not count heaven a place to be desired while we were lost. He left the heavenly courts for a life of reproach and insult, and a death of shame. He who was rich in heaven's priceless treasure, became poor, that through His poverty we might be rich. We are to follow in the path He trod."  {DA 416.3} 

What a blessing it is to know Jesus and walk with Him each day. We are learning to live the life He lived. I was impressed with the statement that He became poor so that through His poverty we might be rich. Added to that is the fact that we are to follow in the path He trod. Just like the disciples He is preparing us day by day through the little trials in preparation for the greater ones that are to come. Souls are suffering from want of Christ even though they do not know it. We are the means by which Christ uses to bring hope to the hearts of hurting and lost souls. Are we willing to follow in His footsteps? We each have a different journey but we all have the same Saviour and the same truth to live.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--45--The Foreshadowing of the Cross
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on July 08, 2019, 08:57:23 AM
Amen, Brother Beacon and Sister Dorine!

As we contemplate the way Christ foretold the disciples of what was to come upon Him in His suffering and death, and yet how the disciples tried not to believe it would happen, we can see a lesson of the importance of taking God at His word and trusting Him who knows the end from the beginning. Jesus did not tell them about His sufferings because He wanted to overwhelm them with despair, but He shared with them the truth of His sacrifice so that they might be prepared for what was coming. Jesus is doing the same with us day by day. He reveals things of the future to us about the close of probation, the time of trouble, and the seven last plagues in His word not as a means of discouragement, but that our faith might be anchored in Him when what He foretold does come to pass. Let us not yield the temptation to be gloomy or sorrowful about the future when we have the promise that Jesus will be with us even to the end!

 "They were even now journeying along the shores of the Sea of Galilee toward the city where all their hopes were to be crushed. They dared not remonstrate with Christ, but they talked together in low, sorrowful tones in regard to what the future would be. Even amid their questionings they clung to the thought that some unforeseen circumstance might avert the doom which seemed to await their Lord. Thus they sorrowed and doubted, hoped and feared, for six long, gloomy days." {The Desire of Ages, page 417, paragraph 2}

What a different experience the disciples could have had if they had heard His words, believed them to be true, and asked Jesus how they could pray with Him and how they could be in a spiritual state of surrendered, abiding trust to help them weather the trial. God would have us realize our continual need of Jesus to do any good thing, and when we do trust Him--no matter what He reveals to us about our future--we can know that it will be the way that we would choose if we could see the end from the beginning like our loving God does. We can be so thankful that Jesus DID go to the cross, and did die for our sins so we can find pardon and peace with God as we surrender the whole heart to Him. Let us not be moved from our mission in any way as we look upon Jesus continually! 
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--45--The Foreshadowing of the Cross
Post by: Beacon on September 30, 2019, 09:25:38 AM
"The church is built upon Christ as its foundation; it is to obey Christ as its head. It is not to depend upon man, or be controlled by man. Many claim that a position of trust in the church gives them authority to dictate what other men shall believe and what they shall do. This claim God does not sanction. The Saviour declares, "All ye are brethren." All are exposed to temptation, and are liable to error. Upon no finite being can we depend for guidance. The Rock of faith is the living presence of Christ in the church. Upon this the weakest may depend, and those who think themselves the strongest will prove to be the weakest, unless they make Christ their efficiency."

What wonderful counsel this is!!  Let us pray as never before for our Pastor's , Conference Presidents, Union & Division Presidents, and of course our General Conference President and Staff.  They surely carry heavy responsibilities to work for and promote unity in our World Wide Church while maintaining the standards given to us through Scripture & The Spirit of Prophecy. As you know our enemy, Satan, is hard at work but if we keep our eyes turned upon Jesus and are willing to Trust & Obey, WE WILL BE READY TO MEET JESUS. 

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--45--The Foreshadowing of the Cross
Post by: Dorine on October 01, 2019, 06:43:00 AM
.....Although the baptism of blood must first be received; although the sins of the world were to weigh upon His innocent soul; although the shadow of an unspeakable woe was upon Him; yet for the joy that was set before Him, He chose to endure the cross, and despised the shame.  {DA 410.2}
[/color][/size][/color][/size]Oh that I may behold His glory and unfailing love for me/us as I contemplate what Jesus suffered and gave up to rescue me/us. As we accept this ultimate gift this new day we can be assured that His love will carry us through all the unknowns as this day unfolds. He is our precious Saviour who is beyond our understanding but we know it's true because of what He has done and is doing in each of our lives. That's one reason why personal testimonies are so important. They uplift, encourage and strengthen each other's faith in Jesus. If our faith is weak we can pray; I believe, help thou my unbelief. [/color]
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--45--The Foreshadowing of the Cross
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on October 01, 2019, 10:04:39 AM
Amen, Brother Beacon and Sister Dorine!!

What a blessed experience we may gain in Christ as we surrender completely to Him and look beyond outward appearances to the never-failing word of God as our safety and assurance in all the trials that will befall us before Jesus returns!

I am so thankful that God looks not on the outward appearance, but on the hearts that He knew would experience the transforming agency of His word by the Holy Spirit!

"How feeble the church appeared when Christ spoke these words! There was only a handful of believers, against whom all the power of demons and evil men would be directed; yet the followers of Christ were not to fear. Built upon the Rock of their strength, they could not be overthrown."  {The Desire of Ages, page 413, paragraph 3}

We do not need to fear for the future as we remember how God has led and what He has taught us. Let us not look at the appearances and trials that face the church, but at the never-failing word of God that gives clear conviction of what is true--that God will have a people who are described in these words as His church:

"To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne" (Revelation 3:21). We may be tempted to look at "how things seem" in the church, but let us keep our eyes on Christ and individually choose to respond the Savior's invitation to overcome in His strength. Then our witness will encourage others, and we can be experiencing the unity for which Christ prayed in John 17 as our hearts are fully united to the heart of Christ, for just in proportion as we approach Christ will we approach one another.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--45--The Foreshadowing of the Cross
Post by: Beacon on December 25, 2019, 05:13:22 PM
"The church is built upon Christ as its foundation; it is to obey Christ as its head. It is not to depend upon man, or be controlled by man. Many claim that a position of trust in the church gives them authority to dictate what other men shall believe and what they shall do. This claim God does not sanction. The Saviour declares, "All ye are brethren." All are exposed to temptation, and are liable to error. Upon no finite being can we depend for guidance. The Rock of faith is the living presence of Christ in the church. Upon this the weakest may depend, and those who think themselves the strongest will prove to be the weakest, unless they make Christ their efficiency."

"Jesus did not count heaven a place to be desired while we were lost. He left the heavenly courts for a life of reproach and insult, and a death of shame. He who was rich in heaven's priceless treasure, became poor, that through His poverty we might be rich. We are to follow in the path He trod."

Luke 9:23-24 says "And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it." 

Before the Crown, comes a Living Commitment to bear the Cross through a daily surrender to Jesus. As we approach the beginning of a brand new year what a great time to renew our commitment to follow Jesus & Only Jesus every day so that through the power of the Holy Spirit we can be a Bright Beacon of Light to those who are looking and searching for a  " Meaningful " - Purpose Filled Life which will ultimately lead to Life Everlasting!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--45--The Foreshadowing of the Cross
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on December 26, 2019, 01:31:46 AM
Amen, Brother Beacon! What a blessing we have in Jesus!!

What if you cannot see your way clearly? Does God want to unfold His plan and path for you as it is in Jesus? Absolutely! As we learn day by day to spend a "thoughtful hour" upon the life of Christ, Jesus will speak His mysteries to us personally, and our hearts will be warmed, refreshed and encouraged to experience His will for our lives! Jesus has good things in store for us, and the greatest gift He can give us is measured according to our strength and capacity of character. The more we know of God the more intense our happiness will become, so may you enjoy spending time with Jesus and then reflecting the light of His love to others!!

"Peter had expressed the faith of the twelve. Yet the disciples were still far from understanding Christ's mission. The opposition and misrepresentation of the priests and rulers, while it could not turn them away from Christ, still caused them great perplexity. They did not see their way clearly. The influence of their early training, the teaching of the rabbis, the power of tradition, still intercepted their view of truth. From time to time precious rays of light from Jesus shone upon them, yet often they were like men groping among shadows. But on this day, before they were brought face to face with the great trial of their faith, the Holy Spirit rested upon them in power. For a little time their eyes were turned away from 'the things which are seen,' to behold 'the things which are not seen.' 2 Corinthians 4:18. Beneath the guise of humanity they discerned the glory of the Son of God."  {The Desire of Ages, page 412, paragraph 1} 

As Jesus points us to things of eternity, we begin to see the value that God places on each of us in the light of Calvary's cross. Every soul is as fully known to Jesus as if there were no other soul upon this planet; yet His love is so strong and deep that He has minute plans for you today that you can let Him unfold as you behold the loveliness of Jesus' character and experience the blessing of ongoing union and communion with Christ by a continual surrender of your will to Him. In the fruit of such fellowship in the divine nature by receiving and appropriating His promises to your life you will experience all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing, gladly obeying the law of God to the extent that He has revealed it to you in Christ! Hallelujah!

I am so happy today to get to travel to the Pewee Valley Seventh-day Adventist Church in Pewee Valley, Kentucky to be able to fellowship with many other young people who are on the pre-conference Generation of Youth for Christ mission. Thank you for praying that the Holy Spirit will be poured out on all those to whom the Lord gives us to share His grace!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--45--The Foreshadowing of the Cross
Post by: Richard Myers on December 26, 2019, 07:48:25 AM
Amen Pastor Sean and Brother Beacon! Let us pray that God's will be done today.

Today's lesson is very pointed. Selfishness is sin, and like the Bereans we are to not to depend upon humanity, but upon God. We read that the disciples of Jesus had great difficulty in moving past what they had been taught in the church, in their homes, and the traditions of their society which was a theocracy in apostasy.

Do we believe we who have been in the church many years, and some since birth are not influenced by false doctrine? Are we different than Israel? We need to take to heart what we have read this morning. Especially when we read what Jesus has said about the last of the seven churches in Revelation.

 3:17   Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: 
 3:18   I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and [that] the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. 
 3:19   As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. 
 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. 
 3:21   To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. 

Do we see our continual need of Jesus in order to do any good thing? If not, then the message given to the last of the seven churches applies to us individually and to the church as a whole. Do we understand that the greatest honor and the most weighty trust God has given to us is to partake in the sufferings of Christ? Peter did not understand. None of the disciples did as we read today. They had a lot to learn, and so it is today.

     Peter loved his Lord; but Jesus did not commend him for thus manifesting the desire to shield Him from suffering. Peter's words were not such as would be a help and solace to Jesus in the great trial before Him. They were not in harmony with God's purpose of grace toward a lost world, nor with the lesson of self-sacrifice that Jesus had come to teach by His own example. Peter did not desire to see the cross in the work of Christ. The impression which his words would make was directly opposed to that which Christ desired to make on the minds of His followers, and the Saviour was moved to utter one of the sternest rebukes that ever fell from His lips: "Get thee behind Me, Satan: thou art an offense unto Me: for thou savorest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men."

God does not rebuke sin and leave the sinner without hope. When He speaks to His church today, reproving us for being poor, blind, and naked, He also encourages us by telling us what we must do in order to be transformed from selfishness to holiness. "I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and [that] the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. 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. To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne." Rev. 3:18-21.

Gold tried in the fire is faith, saving faith that shines as bright as gold that has been purified by fire. Yes, great trials are God's ordained method to purify our hearts and minds. Are we ready to exclaim that we will glory in tribulations because they work for our good and God's glory as we abide in Christ? If not, then we misunderstand the mission of Christ to this world. God loves us and wants us to experience love, joy, and peace in this world.......today. It is by self surrender that this happens. But, we cannot surrender all we have and all we are until we trust God fully. In order to trust Him, we need to know Him. We need to spend time with Him, reading of His power and love. It is by grace we are saved, grace transforms sinners into saints. Grace surrounds us, but it does no good unless we see it and allow it into the heart. When we do so, then we have purchased the "white raiment" offered to us at such great expense. Yes, the character of our God is not only imputed to repented sinners, but is imparted also. All of the fruits of the Spirit are imparted at conversion, not one is missing.

The last gift offered to us is that which will open blind eyes, the Holy Spirit. He opens our eyes to clearly see the truth about us and our God. He reveals to us that we are evil by nature and can do no good thing until He takes possession of the heart. Though our sins be as scarlet, if we will love Jesus with the whole heart, then our sins will be washed clean, as white as snow. The greatest of all miracles!

As a new year approaches, let us consider taking up Jesus on His offer of gold tried by fire, white raiment, and eye salve. Why not? The love joy and peace that Jesus offers to us it's quite different from what we see in the world today. And not only will we have great joy, so will our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He suffered and died that we might be transformed into His image.


Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--45--The Foreshadowing of the Cross
Post by: Richard Myers on March 22, 2020, 05:21:00 AM
Why is it that so many in the church are unable to understand truth when we share it? Because they have allowed error into their minds. What have they been reading? Who have they been listening to? Spiritual things are spiritually discerned. It is the Holy Spirit that presents the truth to the mind. If not converted, it is hard to understand spiritual things. And when false doctrines are taught in the church it makes it hard to teach the truth.

      Peter had expressed the faith of the twelve. Yet the disciples were still far from understanding Christ's mission. The opposition and misrepresentation of the priests and rulers, while it could not turn them away from Christ, still caused them great perplexity. They did not see their way clearly. The influence of their early training, the teaching of the rabbis, the power of tradition, still intercepted their view of truth. From time to time precious rays of light from Jesus shone upon them, yet often they were like men groping among shadows. But on this day, before they were brought face to face with the great trial of their faith, the Holy Spirit rested upon them in power. For a little time their eyes were turned away from "the things which are seen," to behold "the things which are not seen." 2 Corinthians 4:18. Beneath the guise of humanity they discerned the glory of the Son of God. 
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--45--The Foreshadowing of the Cross
Post by: Dorine on March 22, 2020, 05:39:27 AM
Jesus did not count heaven a place to be desired while we were lost. He left the heavenly courts for a life of reproach and insult, and a death of shame. He who was rich in heaven's priceless treasure, became poor, that through His poverty we might be rich. We are to follow in the path He trod.  {DA 416.3}      

Love for souls for whom Christ died means crucifixion of self. He who is a child of God should henceforth look upon himself as a link in the chain let down to save the world, one with Christ in His plan of mercy, going forth with Him to seek and save the lost. The Christian is ever to realize that he has consecrated himself to God, and that in character he is to reveal Christ to the world. The self-sacrifice, the sympathy, the love, manifested in the life of Christ are to reappear in the life of the worker for God.  {DA 417.1}

Here we read what it means to be called Christian; a follower of Christ. It's a high calling. One in which it is impossible to attain in our own strength. It is a free gift from God as we come humbly before Him surrendering ourselves completely to Him. What joy, what peace is ours when we finally relinquish self to the control of the One who gave His life for us. The works that we do are really the works of Jesus because He dwells within us through the Holy Spirit. There is no freedom like the freedom from the guilt of sin. Praise God for His never failing love.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--45--The Foreshadowing of the Cross
Post by: Beacon on March 22, 2020, 10:09:11 AM
"The work of Christ on earth was hastening to a close. Before Him, in vivid outline, lay the scenes whither His feet were tending.  The path from the manger to Calvary was all before His eyes. He knew the anguish that would come upon Him. He knew it all, and yet He said,

"Lo, I come: in the volume of the Book it is written of Me, I delight to do Thy will, O My God: yea, Thy law is within My heart." Psalm 40:7, 8.
(DA 410.1)

Sometimes we're tempted to feel like we're "ALL ALONE"  and that no one understands what we're going through. The words in this chapter have reinforced my mind once again that WE ARE NEVER ALONE and that our Wonderful Compassionate Jesus, having walked the face of this earth on our behalf understands EVERY TRIAL, EVERY SITUATION, EVERY WEAKNESS , of our human existence  and has given us wonderful promises to cling to.
 
 "Ever before Him He saw the result of His mission. His earthly life, so full of toil and self-sacrifice, was cheered by the prospect that He would not have all this travail for nought. By giving His life for the life of men, He would win back the world to its loyalty to God. Although the baptism of blood must first be received; although the sins of the world were to weigh upon His innocent soul; although the shadow of an unspeakable woe was upon Him; yet for the joy that was set before Him, He chose to endure the cross, and despised the shame."
 
Jesus says to us today...."Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness."  Isaiah 41:10 King James Version (KJV) THANK YOU JESUS!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--45--The Foreshadowing of the Cross
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on March 22, 2020, 10:44:50 AM
Amen, Brother Richard, Sister Dorine, and Brother Beacon!!

Trials mean benefit, and difficulties in this life are but opportunities for us to learn as true disciples if we are willing to be made willing. May we yield the whole heart to Jesus so He can purify it from all iniquity and imbue us with all of the fruits of His Spirit so not one is missing. Though we will be tempted to try to "do life" our way, the best path--though it often is filled with trial and suffering--is the one that Jesus has planned for us. Learn of Him, and let Him lead you day by day.

"It was to Peter a bitter lesson, and one which he learned but slowly, that the path of Christ on earth lay through agony and humiliation. The disciple shrank from fellowship with his Lord in suffering. But in the heat of the furnace fire he was to learn its blessing. Long afterward, when his active form was bowed with the burden of years and labors, he wrote, 'Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: but rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when His glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.' 1 Peter 4:12, 13." {The Desire of Ages, page 416, paragraph 2} 

May we gladly enter into the fellowship of Christ that involves suffering knowing that in the trials we face we may experience a sweet intimacy of understanding the love He has for us as His love flows out through us to others!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--45--The Foreshadowing of the Cross
Post by: Dorine on June 17, 2020, 04:43:55 AM
   "The work of Christ on earth was hastening to a close. Before Him, in vivid outline, lay the scenes whither His feet were tending. Even before He took humanity upon Him, He saw the whole length of the path He must travel in order to save that which was lost. Every pang that rent His heart, every insult that was heaped upon His head, every privation that He was called to endure, was open to His view before He laid aside His crown and royal robe, and stepped down from the throne, to clothe His divinity with humanity. The path from the manger to Calvary was all before His eyes. He knew the anguish that would come upon Him. He knew it all, and yet He said, "Lo, I come: in the volume of the Book it is written of Me, I delight to do Thy will, O My God: yea, Thy law is within My heart." Psalm 40:7, 8.      

Ever before Him He saw the result of His mission. His earthly life, so full of toil and self-sacrifice, was cheered by the prospect that He would not have all this travail for nought. By giving His life for the life of men, He would win back the world to its loyalty to God. Although the baptism of blood must first be received; although the sins of the world were to weigh upon His innocent soul; although the shadow of an unspeakable woe was upon Him; yet for the joy that was set before Him, He chose to endure the cross, and despised the shame." 

What a description of love, mercy and compassion is expressed in these few words. Before coming to this world He already knew what was before Him and He came anyway. Why? because He loves us that much and wants all who will come to Him to spend eternity with Him. Let's not keep this truth to ourselves. The world needs to hear and know our Jesus of the bible. Many will not care to listen. Many have their own master they follow but our work is to plant and the Holy Spirit will nurture and bring to fruit the harvest.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--45--The Foreshadowing of the Cross
Post by: Beacon on June 17, 2020, 06:04:38 AM
"Jesus did not count heaven a place to be desired while we were lost. He left the heavenly courts for a life of reproach and insult, and a death of shame. He who was rich in heaven's priceless treasure, became poor, that through His poverty we might be rich. We are to follow in the path He trod."

Luke 9:23-24 says...."And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it."

Love for souls for whom Christ died means the crucifixion of self

Do " We " --- You & I have a burden for lost souls?  If not - Why not?

Our prayer every morning should be..." Lord lay some soul upon my heart and love that soul through me, and may I humble do my part to win that soul for Thee." Let us renew our commitment to Jesus right now and take up our cross thereby showing our Love for Jesus and Our Follow man.


Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--45--The Foreshadowing of the Cross
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on June 17, 2020, 06:12:43 AM
Amen, Sister Dorine and Brother Beacon!

Love equals death. Really? Yes, true love, the love of Christ, leads to death to selfishness and sin. Love as it is seen in Christ led Him to the cross. When we have His love in our hearts abiding in us by a complete surrender to Him, His love will lead us to go anywhere or do anything that He calls us to do--for His sake and the saving of souls. Let us realize that this love is actually life eternal, though it means death to our fallen nature, and it is so essential that we look unto Jesus constantly--not to self, but to Him and His grace to make us like Him!

"Love for souls for whom Christ died means crucifixion of self. He who is a child of God should henceforth look upon himself as a link in the chain let down to save the world, one with Christ in His plan of mercy, going forth with Him to seek and save the lost. The Christian is ever to realize that he has consecrated himself to God, and that in character he is to reveal Christ to the world. The self-sacrifice, the sympathy, the love, manifested in the life of Christ are to reappear in the life of the worker for God."  {The Desire of Ages, page 417, paragraph 1} 

Let us simply behold Jesus and allow Him to reveal Himself through us! This miracle is what the world needs to see!!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--45--The Foreshadowing of the Cross
Post by: Richard Myers on June 17, 2020, 10:42:23 PM
Why so many difficulties in the church? Who do we as a people seek out for knowledge? Who do we read?  What books are you reading this week? Whose sermons are you listening to? Why do we not go directly to the truth? If we continue to study what other men say about God and His Word, we shall continue to lack spiritual wisdom.

     "The head of every man is Christ." God, who put all things under the Saviour's feet, "gave Him to be the head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him that filleth all in all." 1 Corinthians 11:3; Ephesians 1:22, 23. The church is built upon Christ as its foundation; it is to obey Christ as its head. It is not to depend upon man, or be controlled by man. Many claim that a position of trust in the church gives them authority to dictate what other men shall believe and what they shall do. This claim God does not sanction. The Saviour declares, "All ye are brethren." All are exposed to temptation, and are liable to error. Upon no finite being can we depend for guidance. The Rock of faith is the living presence of Christ in the church. Upon this the weakest may depend, and those who think themselves the strongest will prove to be the weakest, unless they make Christ their efficiency. "Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm." The Lord "is the Rock, His work is perfect." "Blessed are all they that put their trust in Him." Jeremiah 17:5; Deuteronomy 32:4; Psalm 2:12.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--45--The Foreshadowing of the Cross
Post by: Dorine on September 12, 2020, 06:21:18 AM
Sabbath greetings to my TRO family. How blessed it is to set aside all the cares of the week and spend special time in the presence of our living and loving God.

 "Love for souls for whom Christ died means crucifixion of self. He who is a child of God should henceforth look upon himself as a link in the chain let down to save the world, one with Christ in His plan of mercy, going forth with Him to seek and save the lost. The Christian is ever to realize that he has consecrated himself to God, and that in character he is to reveal Christ to the world. The self-sacrifice, the sympathy, the love, manifested in the life of Christ are to reappear in the life of the worker for God."  {DA 417.1}


May God bless us all as we live for Him today and everyday that we may be vessels emptied of self and filled with the Holy Spirit to reveal to the world the beautiful character of Christ.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--45--The Foreshadowing of the Cross
Post by: Beacon on September 12, 2020, 07:17:34 AM
"The church is built upon Christ as its foundation; it is to obey Christ as its head. It is not to depend upon man, or be controlled by man..

Many claim that a position of trust in the church gives them authority to dictate what other men shall believe and what they shall do. This claim God does not sanction. The Saviour declares, "All ye are brethren." All are exposed to temptation, and are liable to error..

Upon no finite being can we depend for guidance. The Rock of faith is the living presence of Christ in the church...

Upon this the weakest may depend, and those who think themselves the strongest will prove to be the weakest, unless they make Christ their efficiency.

"Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm." The Lord "is the Rock, His work is perfect." "Blessed are all they that put their trust in Him." Jeremiah 17:5; Deuteronomy 32:4; Psalm 2:12.


How blessed we are on this Sabbath Day to know that when we Look to Jesus and Accept His Living Word in every aspect of our lives, we can rest assured the all the promises of the His Word belong to us and all His family throughout the whole world. One of my many favorites is...

Psalms 23....The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.


HAPPY SABBATH TO OUR WORLD WIDE FAMILY OF OF GOD :)

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--45--The Foreshadowing of the Cross
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on September 12, 2020, 08:11:06 PM
When we look away from the things which are seen to the things which are not seen, the value of eternal realities as they are manifest in Christ will be seen as infinitely more valuable than anything in this world. Let us value what God values--moral worth--and experience all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing as long as we are in complete surrender to Christ by grace through faith! Then we will affectionally obey God because our lives are being transformed by His love!

"Peter had expressed the faith of the twelve. Yet the disciples were still far from understanding Christ's mission. The opposition and misrepresentation of the priests and rulers, while it could not turn them away from Christ, still caused them great perplexity. They did not see their way clearly. The influence of their early training, the teaching of the rabbis, the power of tradition, still intercepted their view of truth. From time to time precious rays of light from Jesus shone upon them, yet often they were like men groping among shadows. But on this day, before they were brought face to face with the great trial of their faith, the Holy Spirit rested upon them in power. For a little time their eyes were turned away from 'the things which are seen,' to behold 'the things which are not seen.' 2 Corinthians 4:18. Beneath the guise of humanity they discerned the glory of the Son of God." {The Desire of Ages, page 412, paragraph 1} 

Let us see Jesus more clearly each day. Come spend a thoughtful hour upon the life of Christ and taste and see that He is good!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--45--The Foreshadowing of the Cross
Post by: Richard Myers on December 08, 2020, 05:08:37 AM
Amen Pastor Sean. This is an important lesson that humanity, even in the church, is slow to learn. As we labor for the souls of others we must be patient, understanding that as it was then, so it is today."The influence of their early training, the teaching of the rabbis, the power of tradition, still intercepted their view of truth." This is why God is not pleased when we teach that which He has not said. It creates serious problems for the church and those who hear the thing which is contrary to God's Word.

As we read this morning, we find that the lies having been taught to the disciples kept them from understanding that suffering is the most weighty trust and the highest honor God can bestow upon His followers. Humanity shrinks from this powerful truth. Poor Peter is used by Satan in an effort to temp Jesus to turn from the work entrusted to Him.

     Satan was trying to discourage Jesus, and turn Him from His mission; and Peter, in his blind love, was giving voice to the temptation. The prince of evil was the author of the thought. His instigation was behind that impulsive appeal. In the wilderness, Satan had offered Christ the dominion of the world on condition of forsaking the path of humiliation and sacrifice. Now he was presenting the same temptation to the disciple of Christ. He was seeking to fix Peter's gaze upon the earthly glory, that he might not behold the cross to which Jesus desired to turn his eyes. And through Peter, Satan was again pressing the temptation upon Jesus. But the Saviour heeded it not; His thought was for His disciple. Satan had interposed between Peter and his Master, that the heart of the disciple might not be touched at the vision of Christ's humiliation for him. The words of Christ were spoken, not to Peter, but to the one who was trying to separate him from his Redeemer. "Get thee behind Me, Satan." No longer interpose between Me and My erring servant. Let Me come face to face with Peter, that I may reveal to him the mystery of My love.  {DA 416.1}
     It was to Peter a bitter lesson, and one which he learned but slowly, that the path of Christ on earth lay through agony and humiliation. The disciple shrank from fellowship with his Lord in suffering. But in the heat of the furnace fire he was to learn its blessing. Long afterward, when his active form was bowed with the burden of years and labors, he wrote, "Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: but rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when His glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy." 1 Peter 4:12, 13.  {DA 416.2} 

Are we there yet? Do we receive the blessing that comes from suffering with our Master? Do we glory in our tribulation that we might be strengthened for what is just in front of us? It was Jesus' effort to open this truth to His disciples on this agonizing journey to Jerusalem that they might be strengthened to meet this great trial. In this effort God's voice from heaven would soon speak to the three who were closest to Jesus.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--45--The Foreshadowing of the Cross
Post by: Dorine on December 08, 2020, 06:08:13 AM
"It was to Peter a bitter lesson, and one which he learned but slowly, that the path of Christ on earth lay through agony and humiliation. The disciple shrank from fellowship with his Lord in suffering. But in the heat of the furnace fire he was to learn its blessing. Long afterward, when his active form was bowed with the burden of years and labors, he wrote, "Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: but rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when His glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy." 1 Peter 4:12, 13.  {DA 416.2}

In our humanity we are no different than Peter. It's not easy to see the blessing that comes through suffering until we see the suffering of Jesus that He endured because of my sin. We then look upward beyond our own circumstances and filled with the Holy Spirit joyfully endure the cross that is ours. Jesus will always be with us and His strength will be ours at all times. When others see the strength and courage revealed in our lives during oppressive conditions they will know that our foundation is in Jesus and will be drawn to love and follow Him also.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--45--The Foreshadowing of the Cross
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on December 08, 2020, 06:12:58 AM
Praise the Lord, Brother Richard! Amen, Sister Dorine!!

He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose. We are given a probationary life to choose either Christ or self (the power of the devil). We are given every incentive to right-doing as we behold the loveliness of Jesus, and the Holy Spirit leads and woos us to surrender FULLY to Christ so that He can create in us a clean heart and a new mind so that all of the fruits of the Spirit will flow freely through our lives to bless others! As we believe that Christ's blood atones for our sins, there is victory in Jesus for the weakest soul who abides in Him! Let us learn to embrace the principle of self-sacrifice which is the very essence of heaven's bliss!

"'Whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for My sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it.' Selfishness is death. No organ of the body could live should it confine its service to itself. The heart, failing to send its lifeblood to the hand and the head, would quickly lose its power. As our lifeblood, so is the love of Christ diffused through every part of His mystical body. We are members one of another, and the soul that refuses to impart will perish. And 'what is a man profited,' said Jesus, "if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?'" {The Desire of Ages, page 417, paragraph 2} 

Let us choose Christ today on a moment-by-moment basis, knowing that He is faithful to finish what He has begun in our lives!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--45--The Foreshadowing of the Cross
Post by: Beacon on December 08, 2020, 08:53:54 AM
  "The work of Christ on earth was hastening to a close. Before Him, in vivid outline, lay the scenes whither His feet were tending. Even before He took humanity upon Him, He saw the whole length of the path He must travel in order to save that which was lost. Every pang that rent His heart, every insult that was heaped upon His head, every privation that He was called to endure, was open to His view before He laid aside His crown and royal robe, and stepped down from the throne, to clothe His divinity with humanity..

..The path from the manger to Calvary was all before His eyes. He knew the anguish that would come upon Him. He knew it all, and yet He said, "Lo, I come: in the volume of the Book it is written of Me, I delight to do Thy will, O My God: yea, Thy law is within My heart." Psalm 40:7, 8.      

..Ever before Him He saw the result of His mission. His earthly life, so full of toil and self-sacrifice, was cheered by the prospect that He would not have all this travail for nought.

By giving His life for the life of men, He would win back the world to its loyalty to God.

..Although the baptism of blood must first be received; although the sins of the world were to weigh upon His innocent soul; although the shadow of an unspeakable woe was upon Him; Yet for the joy that was set before Him, He chose to endure the cross, and despised the shame."


How can it be that such Amazing Grace can be shunned by those He came to redeem?  We sing " Redeemed How I Love to Proclaim it " but in our daily lives are we showing it in all we say and do?
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--45--The Foreshadowing of the Cross
Post by: Richard Myers on March 05, 2021, 06:29:13 AM
Often I talk about the deceptions Satan brought upon Israel by false teachers, hoping our people will consider the same is true today. In today's reading we see how successful he was in deceiving Israel.

 Hitherto He had refrained from making known to them anything relative to His sufferings and death. In His conversation with Nicodemus He had said, "As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have eternal life." John 3:14, 15. But the disciples did not hear this, and had they heard, would not have understood. But now they have been with Jesus, listening to His words, beholding His works, until, notwithstanding the humility of His surroundings, and the opposition of priests and people, they can join in the testimony of Peter, "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God." Now the time has come for the veil that hides the future to be withdrawn. "From that time forth began Jesus to show unto His disciples, how that He must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day."  {DA 415.2} 

From that day forward Jesus attempted to prepare His disciples for His suffering and death. And, that the life of a true Christian is one of suffering for His glory and the benefit of those seeking truth. Was He successful so that His disciples understood when He hung on the cross? No. Thus, we ought to consider what Satan has prepared for us. If possible even the very elect will be deceived. But, it is not possible since we are looking unto Jesus for our wisdom.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--45--The Foreshadowing of the Cross
Post by: Dorine on March 05, 2021, 06:39:01 AM
"The Rock of faith is the living presence of Christ in the church. Upon this the weakest may depend, and those who think themselves the strongest will prove to be the weakest, unless they make Christ their efficiency. "Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm." The Lord "is the Rock, His work is perfect." "Blessed are all they that put their trust in Him." Jeremiah 17:5; Deuteronomy 32:4; Psalm 2:12.  {DA 414.3}
Our only safety and happiness is to take Jesus at His word and make Him the foundation of our faith. Without Christ we are empty and powerless. Trusting in our own or any man's wisdom brings disappointment and failure. As I ponder once again all that Jesus went through to bring salvation to this lost world my heart is uplifted knowing that He will always be with us through whatever lies ahead. He loves us even beyond what we are able to comprehend. Let us put our complete trust in Him for He is the One worthy of our trust.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--45--The Foreshadowing of the Cross
Post by: Philip T on March 05, 2021, 06:48:55 AM
The work of Christ on earth was hastening to a close. Before Him, in vivid outline, lay the scenes whither His feet were tending. Even before He took humanity upon Him, He saw the whole length of the path He must travel in order to save that which was lost. Every pang that rent His heart, every insult that was heaped upon His head, every privation that He was called to endure, was open to His view before He laid aside His crown and royal robe, and stepped down from the throne, to clothe His divinity with humanity. The path from the manger to Calvary was all before His eyes. He knew the anguish that would come upon Him. He knew it all, and yet He said, "Lo, I come: in the volume of the Book it is written of Me, I delight to do Thy will, O My God: yea, Thy law is within My heart." Psalm 40:7, 8.
     Ever before Him He saw the result of His mission. His earthly life, so full of toil and self-sacrifice, was cheered by the prospect that He would not have all this travail for nought. By giving His life for the life of men, He would win back the world to its loyalty to God. Although the baptism of blood must first be received; although the sins of the world were to weigh upon His innocent soul; although the shadow of an unspeakable woe was upon Him; yet for the joy that was set before Him, He chose to endure the cross, and despised the shame.


The love of Christ to know the whole extent of the suffering, being despised of man, His death on the cross, the difficulty of his life as a human being, this he was willing to give up for Christ, As we read on in this chapter we see his infinite love for his followers, as he works  to change their misunderstanding of the Savior and his mission to his disciples. He wishes them to understand their role in spreading his mission and that their lot would be like His. Are we willing to surrender all to him and walk in these same footsteps? Are we willing to humble ourselves daily to be his disciple and suffer his pain and agony?
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--45--The Foreshadowing of the Cross
Post by: Beacon on March 05, 2021, 07:03:22 AM
 "The work of Christ on earth was hastening to a close. Before Him, in vivid outline, lay the scenes whither His feet were tending. Even before He took humanity upon Him, He saw the whole length of the path He must travel in order to save that which was lost.

"Every pang that rent His heart, every insult that was heaped upon His head, every privation that He was called to endure, was open to His view before He laid aside His crown and royal robe, and stepped down from the throne, to clothe His divinity with humanity..


"The path from the manger to Calvary was all before His eyes. He knew the anguish that would come upon Him. He knew it all, and yet He said, "Lo, I come: in the volume of the Book it is written of Me, I delight to do Thy will, O My God: yea, Thy law is within My heart." Psalm 40:7, 8."

"Ever before Him He saw the result of His mission. His earthly life, so full of toil and self-sacrifice, was cheered by the prospect that He would not have all this travail for nought."

By giving His life for the life of men, He would win back the world to its loyalty to God.

Although the baptism of blood must first be received; although the sins of the world were to weigh upon His innocent soul; although the shadow of an unspeakable woe was upon Him;

Yet for the joy that was set before Him, He chose to endure the cross, and despised the shame."

How can it be that such Amazing Grace can be shunned by those He came to redeem?  We sing " Redeemed How I Love to Proclaim it " but in our daily lives are we showing it in all we say and do?
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--45--The Foreshadowing of the Cross
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on March 05, 2021, 07:49:27 AM
Amen, Brother Richard, Sister Dorine, Brother Philip, and Brother Beacon!

While every failure on the part of God's children is due to a lack of faith, when we live by faith on the Son of God, the fruits of the Spirit will be seen in our lives without one missing, and Christ will live out His life in us, giving us a new heart and mind to reflect His true character of love! Love is selflessness, and God created us to live in selfless union and communion with Him and others!

"'Whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for My sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it.' Selfishness is death. No organ of the body could live should it confine its service to itself. The heart, failing to send its lifeblood to the hand and the head, would quickly lose its power. As our lifeblood, so is the love of Christ diffused through every part of His mystical body. We are members one of another, and the soul that refuses to impart will perish. And 'what is a man profited,' said Jesus, 'if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?'" {The Desire of Ages, page 417, paragraph 2}   

The price paid for our soul is the death of Christ, His perfect life, and His intercession for us in the heavenly sanctuary even now. The Father gave His Son for us, and the Holy Spirit is even now working to draw all to come to Christ who will come. Let us value what heaven values--moral worth, love and purity, and the redeeming of souls from this planet to repopulate heaven!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--45--The Foreshadowing of the Cross
Post by: Beacon on May 31, 2021, 05:28:09 AM
"The church is built upon Christ as its foundation; it is to obey Christ as its head. It is not to depend upon man, or be controlled by man..

"Many claim that a position of trust in the church gives them authority to dictate what other men shall believe and what they shall do. This claim God does not sanction. The Saviour declares, "All ye are brethren." All are exposed to temptation, and are liable to error.."

"Upon no finite being can we depend for guidance. The Rock of faith is the living presence of Christ in the church. Upon this the weakest may depend, and those who think themselves the strongest will prove to be the weakest, unless they make Christ their efficiency.

"Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm." The Lord "is the Rock, His work is perfect." "Blessed are all they that put their trust in Him." Jeremiah 17:5; Deuteronomy 32:4; Psalm 2:12.

How blessed we are on this day of life to know that when we Look to Jesus and Accept His Living Word in every aspect of our lives, we can rest assured the all the promises of the His Word belong to us and all His family throughout the whole world.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--45--The Foreshadowing of the Cross
Post by: Dorine on May 31, 2021, 06:21:24 AM
"From the first, Peter had believed Jesus to be the Messiah. Many others who had been convicted by the preaching of John the Baptist, and had accepted Christ, began to doubt as to John's mission when he was imprisoned and put to death; and they now doubted that Jesus was the Messiah, for whom they had looked so long. Many of the disciples who had ardently expected Jesus to take His place on David's throne left Him when they perceived that He had no such intention. But Peter and his companions turned not from their allegiance. The vacillating course of those who praised yesterday and condemned today did not destroy the faith of the true follower of the Saviour. Peter declared, "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God." He waited not for kingly honors to crown his Lord, but accepted Him in His humiliation." {DA 411.5}

This speaks to us today. Will our faith hold us? Are we spending that thoughtful hour each day in surrender, communion and fellowship with Jesus? Do we trust Him through the conflicts of daily life?  He is preparing a people for the great conflict ahead. May we find our faith steadfast in Jesus no matter what we hear, see or feel. Jesus is the only way and our only hope. We may suffer, we may be alone, friends may forsake us but the surrendered believing soul will cling to Jesus no matter what. If we do that He will never let us be overtaken by the enemy. Then our witness will be such that others will long to know the Jesus we know.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--45--The Foreshadowing of the Cross
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on May 31, 2021, 06:58:33 AM
Amen, Brother Beacon and Sister Dorine!

Look to Jesus, and away from self and others as an unerring source of guidance. Realize that He has grace sufficient for you at this moment for God's will to be done in your life in giving you a true, thorough conversion whereby all of the fruits of the Spirit will be manifest in your life without one missing as you gladly obey the law of God from a heart renewed by the cleansing blood of Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit!

"All are exposed to temptation, and are liable to error. Upon no finite being can we depend for guidance. The Rock of faith is the living presence of Christ in the church. Upon this the weakest may depend, and those who think themselves the strongest will prove to be the weakest, unless they make Christ their efficiency." {The Desire of Ages, page 414, paragraph 3}

As we trust to Christ continually, He will lead us constantly! May this be your experience in Christ today!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--45--The Foreshadowing of the Cross
Post by: Richard Myers on May 31, 2021, 07:24:38 AM
Amen my three friends! It is hard for man to give up seeking truth from man. It is true that God sends teachers, but they over and over teach that the sinners only hope is to not only to pray to Jesus, but to study His Word, not the words of man who says what Jesus said. There is safety in a multitude of counselors who have learned from His inspired Word. They will point all back to His Word. Yes, I do listen to sermons and appreciate what is preached, but it is too rare where there is no error in the teaching. Thus, Satan gains a foothold in the mind and it is very difficult to unlearn what one has believed to be truth.

Today it was a great blessing to see again that Jesus knew what He was going to suffer when He entered into the everlasting covenant with His Father in heaven. What was it that motivated Him to suffer such an ignominious life and death?

Ever before Him He saw the result of His mission. His earthly life, so full of toil and self-sacrifice, was cheered by the prospect that He would not have all this travail for nought. By giving His life for the life of men, He would win back the world to its loyalty to God. Although the baptism of blood must first be received; although the sins of the world were to weigh upon His innocent soul; although the shadow of an unspeakable woe was upon Him; yet for the joy that was set before Him, He chose to endure the cross, and despised the shame.   

Remember daily that as we suffer, it is not for nought. Our motivation is that of Christ's. We shall be cheered also by the prospect that we will be working with Jesus to win back a world that chose to sin. Not all will accept God's grace, but a multitude will and we by the grace of God will be a tool in the hand of God. We are to be His faithful witnesses that grace is more than a Word, it is the power that transforms sinners into saints. Love, joy, and peace will be seen in the lives of all who love God supremely, even amid the great tribulation that we have been told will come.   "Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy." 1 Peter 4:12,13.

And be tender and patient with those who you come in contact. We know not what they may be going through. Let us find an encouraging word to share that it might uplift their spirit.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--45--The Foreshadowing of the Cross
Post by: Philip T on May 31, 2021, 09:19:57 AM

       The work of Christ on earth was hastening to a close. Before Him, in vivid outline, lay the scenes whither His feet were tending. Even before He took humanity upon Him, He saw the whole length of the path He must travel in order to save that which was lost. Every pang that rent His heart, every insult that was heaped upon His head, every privation that He was called to endure, was open to His view before He laid aside His crown and royal robe, and stepped down from the throne, to clothe His divinity with humanity. The path from the manger to Calvary was all before His eyes. He knew the anguish that would come upon Him. He knew it all, and yet He said, "Lo, I come: in the volume of the Book it is written of Me, I delight to do Thy will, O My God: yea, Thy law is within My heart." Psalm 40:7, 8.
     Ever before Him He saw the result of His mission. His earthly life, so full of toil and self-sacrifice, was cheered by the prospect that He would not have all this travail for nought. By giving His life for the life of men, He would win back the world to its loyalty to God. Although the baptism of blood must first be received; although the sins of the world were to weigh upon His innocent soul; although the shadow of an unspeakable woe was upon Him; yet for the joy that was set before Him, He chose to endure the cross, and despised the shame.  {DA 410.2}
     From the chosen companions of His ministry the scenes that lay before Him were as yet hidden; but the time was near when they must behold His agony. They must see Him whom they had loved and trusted, delivered into the hands of His enemies, and hung upon the cross of Calvary. Soon He must leave them to face the world without the comfort of His visible presence. He knew how bitter hate and unbelief would persecute them, and He desired to prepare them for their trials.  {DA 410.3}


Jesus saw all the pain suffering, humiliation he would suffer here on earth, before He came to earth as our Savior, what love! what Compassion! that even knowing all the future He would come and bear it all for us a lost race.  He wanted to let his disciples and followers know that his coming death and death itself was for them that through Him they might be saved. He wanted us to learn to surrender all everything to Him and we would see eternal life. God is Love and that is clear in this chapter.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--45--The Foreshadowing of the Cross
Post by: Beacon on August 25, 2021, 08:06:16 PM
"Jesus did not count heaven a place to be desired while we were lost."

"He left the heavenly courts for a life of reproach and insult, and a death of shame. He who was rich in heaven's priceless treasure, became poor, that through His poverty we might be rich."

"We are to follow in the path He trod."

Luke 9:23-24 says...."And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it."

Love for souls for whom Christ died means the crucifixion of self Do " We " --- You & I have a burden for lost souls?  If not - Why not?

Our prayer every morning should be..." Lord lay some soul upon my heart and love that soul through me, and may I humble do my part to win that soul for Thee." Let us renew our commitment to Jesus right now and take up our cross thereby showing our Love for Jesus and Our Follow man.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--45--The Foreshadowing of the Cross
Post by: Philip T on August 26, 2021, 08:29:20 AM
  Love for souls for whom Christ died means crucifixion of self. He who is a child of God should henceforth look upon himself as a link in the chain let down to save the world, one with Christ in His plan of mercy, going forth with Him to seek and save the lost. The Christian is ever to realize that he has consecrated himself to God, and that in character he is to reveal Christ to the world. The self-sacrifice, the sympathy, the love, manifested in the life of Christ are to reappear in the life of the worker for God.

When we give our lives to Jesus, we are crucifying self, and we should then have a hunger to win soul's to Him, we are a link in the chain from heaven so finish God's work here on earth, so all may know Jesus.  We are consecrated to God, our character grows every day to be more like His character, our character should reflect God's love and mercy to all around us. We are filled with the fruit of the Spirit, all of them as they are a cluster.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--45--The Foreshadowing of the Cross
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on August 26, 2021, 04:58:36 PM
May we let the love of Christ constrain us in doing God's holy will! 

"Love for souls for whom Christ died means crucifixion of self. He who is a child of God should henceforth look upon himself as a link in the chain let down to save the world, one with Christ in His plan of mercy, going forth with Him to seek and save the lost. The Christian is ever to realize that he has consecrated himself to God, and that in character he is to reveal Christ to the world. The self-sacrifice, the sympathy, the love, manifested in the life of Christ are to reappear in the life of the worker for God." {The Desire of Ages, page 417, paragraph 1}

When Jesus lives in our hearts, all of the fruits of the Spirit will be seen in our lives without one missing! We can obey God from a heart renewed by the Holy Spirit!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--45--The Foreshadowing of the Cross
Post by: Richard Myers on August 26, 2021, 08:52:07 PM
     Love for souls for whom Christ died means crucifixion of self. He who is a child of God should henceforth look upon himself as a link in the chain let down to save the world, one with Christ in His plan of mercy, going forth with Him to seek and save the lost. The Christian is ever to realize that he has consecrated himself to God, and that in character he is to reveal Christ to the world. The self-sacrifice, the sympathy, the love, manifested in the life of Christ are to reappear in the life of the worker for God.

We cease being amazed that God is revealing the same truths to His children!   God leaves us on this dark spot in the universe to be His witnesses. How so? "Fear God and give glory to Him...."  We give glory to God by reflecting His character.  We support Satan's charges against God when we sin. We are to reveal His character to a world soon to perish. Let us retain our connection with Jesus that we might reveal His love and grace to others.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--45--The Foreshadowing of the Cross
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on November 21, 2021, 06:21:17 AM
Let's follow Jesus!

 Jesus now explained to His disciples that His own life of self-abnegation was an example of what theirs should be. Calling about Him, with the disciples, the people who had been lingering near, He said, "If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me." The cross was associated with the power of Rome. It was the instrument of the most cruel and humiliating form of death. The lowest criminals were required to bear the cross to the place of execution; and often as it was about to be laid upon their shoulders, they resisted with desperate violence, until they were overpowered, and the instrument of torture was bound upon them. But Jesus bade His followers take up the cross and bear it after Him. To the disciples His words, though dimly comprehended, pointed to their submission to the most bitter humiliation,--submission even unto death for the sake of Christ. No more complete self-surrender could the Saviour's words have pictured. But all this He had accepted for them. Jesus did not count heaven a place to be desired while we were lost. He left the heavenly courts for a life of reproach and insult, and a death of shame. He who was rich in heaven's priceless treasure, became poor, that through His poverty we might be rich. We are to follow in the path He trod.  {DA 416.3}
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--45--The Foreshadowing of the Cross
Post by: Beacon on November 21, 2021, 07:51:16 AM
'The Christian is ever to realize that he has consecrated himself to God, and that in character he is to reveal Christ to the world."

"The self-sacrifice, the sympathy, the love, manifested in the life of Christ are to reappear in the life of the worker for God."

This may seem to be impossible, and it is, if we are relying only upon our own strength but Jesus said in...

Matthew 28

18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:


When we by faith come to Jesus confessing our sinfulness and our strong desire to be forgiven and to be enabled to be His witnesses, then by the power of the Holy Spirit, we will be transformed and enabled to be true disciples willing to share the Good News of His Redeeming Grace. Our prayer will be...

"Lord lay some soul upon my heart and love that soul through me
and may I humbly do my part to win that soul for thee."

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--45--The Foreshadowing of the Cross
Post by: Dorine on November 21, 2021, 08:19:40 AM
  Jesus now explained to His disciples that His own life of self-abnegation was an example of what theirs should be. Calling about Him, with the disciples, the people who had been lingering near, He said, "If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me." The cross was associated with the power of Rome. It was the instrument of the most cruel and humiliating form of death. The lowest criminals were required to bear the cross to the place of execution; and often as it was about to be laid upon their shoulders, they resisted with desperate violence, until they were overpowered, and the instrument of torture was bound upon them. But Jesus bade His followers take up the cross and bear it after Him. To the disciples His words, though dimly comprehended, pointed to their submission to the most bitter humiliation,--submission even unto death for the sake of Christ. No more complete self-surrender could the Saviour's words have pictured. But all this He had accepted for them. Jesus did not count heaven a place to be desired while we were lost. He left the heavenly courts for a life of reproach and insult, and a death of shame. He who was rich in heaven's priceless treasure, became poor, that through His poverty we might be rich. We are to follow in the path He trod.

What a description of amazing grace.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--45--The Foreshadowing of the Cross
Post by: Richard Myers on November 21, 2021, 10:16:53 PM
Amen my dearest friends! We understand what many do not, nor do they want to. But, as we are told, it will be a blessing to partake in the sufferings of Jesus. It is a most weighty trust and a high honor.

   It was to Peter a bitter lesson, and one which he learned but slowly, that the path of Christ on earth lay through agony and humiliation. The disciple shrank from fellowship with his Lord in suffering. But in the heat of the furnace fire he was to learn its blessing. Long afterward, when his active form was bowed with the burden of years and labors, he wrote, "Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: but rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when His glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy." 1 Peter 4:12, 13. 

     Jesus now explained to His disciples that His own life of self-abnegation was an example of what theirs should be. Calling about Him, with the disciples, the people who had been lingering near, He said, "If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me." The cross was associated with the power of Rome. It was the instrument of the most cruel and humiliating form of death. The lowest criminals were required to bear the cross to the place of execution; and often as it was about to be laid upon their shoulders, they resisted with desperate violence, until they were overpowered, and the instrument of torture was bound upon them. But Jesus bade His followers take up the cross and bear it after Him. To the disciples His words, though dimly comprehended, pointed to their submission to the most bitter humiliation,--submission even unto death for the sake of Christ. No more complete self-surrender could the Saviour's words have pictured. But all this He had accepted for them. Jesus did not count heaven a place to be desired while we were lost. He left the heavenly courts for a life of reproach and insult, and a death of shame. He who was rich in heaven's priceless treasure, became poor, that through His poverty we might be rich. We are to follow in the path He trod. 

May we go forth in His strength to give honor and glory to Him who suffered for our sake! Then the world will know there is a God in heaven who has power to transform sinners into saints.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--45--The Foreshadowing of the Cross
Post by: Beacon on February 15, 2022, 08:23:13 PM
"The cross was associated with the power of Rome."

"It was the instrument of the most cruel and humiliating form of death. The lowest criminals were required to bear the cross to the place of execution; and often as it was about to be laid upon their shoulders, they resisted with desperate violence, until they were overpowered, and the instrument of torture was bound upon them."

"But Jesus bade His followers take up the cross and bear it after Him."

"To the disciples His words, though dimly comprehended, pointed to their submission to the most bitter humiliation,--submission even unto death for the sake of Christ."

"No more complete self-surrender could the Saviour's words have pictured."

"But all this He had accepted for them."
 
"Jesus did not count heaven a place to be desired while we were lost.

He left the heavenly courts for a life of reproach and insult, and a death of shame. He who was rich in heaven's priceless treasure, became poor, that through His poverty we might be rich.

"We are to follow in the path He trod."

Are " WE " willing to surrender " ALL " to Jesus? Even to the point of giving up our earthly life for Him?

Jesus, keep me near the cross,
  There a precious fountain,
Free to all—a healing stream,
  Flows from Calv’ry’s mountain.
    In the cross, in the cross,
  Be my glory ever;
From the cross my ransomed soul
    Nothing then shall sever.
2
Near the cross, a trembling soul,
  Love and mercy found me;
There the Bright and Morning Star
  Sheds its beams around me.
3
Near the cross! O Lamb of God,
  Bring its scenes before me;
Help me walk from day to day,
  With its shadow o’er me.
4
Near the cross I’ll watch and wait,
  Hoping, trusting ever,
Till I see my Savior’s face,
  Leave His presence never.

Lyrics:Fanny Jane Crosby (1820-1915)
Music:William Howard Doane (1832-1915)
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--45--The Foreshadowing of the Cross
Post by: Dorine on February 16, 2022, 05:52:06 AM
"Love for souls for whom Christ died means crucifixion of self. He who is a child of God should henceforth look upon himself as a link in the chain let down to save the world, one with Christ in His plan of mercy, going forth with Him to seek and save the lost. The Christian is ever to realize that he has consecrated himself to God, and that in character he is to reveal Christ to the world. The self-sacrifice, the sympathy, the love, manifested in the life of Christ are to reappear in the life of the worker for God."  {DA 417.1}

May God be praised today through the lives we live in Jesus. May we be ready at all times to be used of Him; not fearing the consequences that may come because of our love and loyalty to Him. We are working with Christ to seek and save the lost. With Jesus in the heart we will joyfully pick up our cross and follow Him.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--45--The Foreshadowing of the Cross
Post by: Philip T on February 16, 2022, 07:41:47 AM
The work of Christ on earth was hastening to a close. Before Him, in vivid outline, lay the scenes whither His feet were tending. Even before He took humanity upon Him, He saw the whole length of the path He must travel in order to save that which was lost. Every pang that rent His heart, every insult that was heaped upon His head, every privation that He was called to endure, was open to His view before He laid aside His crown and royal robe, and stepped down from the throne, to clothe His divinity with humanity. The path from the manger to Calvary was all before His eyes. He knew the anguish that would come upon Him. He knew it all, and yet He said, "Lo, I come: in the volume of the Book it is written of Me, I delight to do Thy will, O My God: yea, Thy law is within My heart." Psalm 40:7, 8.

This struck me this morning, knowing the pain, rejection, agony of the cross and taking the worlds sins from the first to the last upon Himself, that they would separate Him from his Father on the cross, yet he took on humanity to save us a fallen world that we might be freed from the grip of Satan and have eternal life. Such love for us his created beings. Yes, God's love for us cannot be measured. How can we turn from Him who gave all for us.  Jesus is our example. We should rejoice in our sufferings and joys the same as Jesus did.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--45--The Foreshadowing of the Cross
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on February 16, 2022, 10:23:36 AM
Amen, Brother Beacon, Sister Dorine, and Brother Philip!! It is good to have you with us, Brother Philip!! We have missed you!! Your posts are a blessing!!

Be a link! Let God use you as you surrender the whole heart to Jesus so you are not only a converted missionary manifesting all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing, but allow God to make you a link to others so they are drawn to Christ by your life, words and example! Be like Jesus all day long by beholding Him continually! That is why it would be well for us to spend a thoughtful hour each day in contemplation of the life of Christ, taking it point by point, and letting our imagination dwell especially upon the closing scenes of His life! By beholding we become changed!

"Love for souls for whom Christ died means crucifixion of self. He who is a child of God should henceforth look upon himself as a link in the chain let down to save the world, one with Christ in His plan of mercy, going forth with Him to seek and save the lost. The Christian is ever to realize that he has consecrated himself to God, and that in character he is to reveal Christ to the world. The self-sacrifice, the sympathy, the love, manifested in the life of Christ are to reappear in the life of the worker for God." {The Desire of Ages, page 417, paragraph 1} 

Praise the Lord for the power of God's grace to transform us from rebellious sinners into repentant, adopted saints of His who love Him wholeheartedly with the new heart He gives us filled with His Spirit! The greatest miracle is the conversion of a soul, and a consistent life in Christ is a great miracle! Let God work that miracle in your life and in reaching others!!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--45--The Foreshadowing of the Cross
Post by: Richard Myers on February 16, 2022, 09:23:51 PM
Amen Brother Beacon! We are to tred the very same path as did our Lord and Savior! We ought not think it strange when fiery trials come. As Bother Philip has shared we are to glory in our sufferings as well as in our joys!

 It was to Peter a bitter lesson, and one which he learned but slowly, that the path of Christ on earth lay through agony and humiliation. The disciple shrank from fellowship with his Lord in suffering. But in the heat of the furnace fire he was to learn its blessing. Long afterward, when his active form was bowed with the burden of years and labors, he wrote, "Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: but rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when His glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy." 1 Peter 4:12, 13.  {DA 416.2} 
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--45--The Foreshadowing of the Cross
Post by: Beacon on May 13, 2022, 08:02:07 PM
"Jesus did not count heaven a place to be desired while we were lost."

"He left the heavenly courts for a life of reproach and insult, and a death of shame. He who was rich in heaven's priceless treasure, became poor, that through His poverty we might be rich."

"We are to follow in the path He trod."

Are " WE " willing to surrender " ALL " to Jesus? Even to the point of giving up our earthly life for Him? Remember....He who fails to prepare -- prepares to fail!

HAPPY SABBATH TO ALL GOD'S FAMILY AROUND THE WORLD AND BEYOND.

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

Jesus, keep me near the cross,
  There a precious fountain,
Free to all—a healing stream,
  Flows from Calv’ry’s mountain.
    In the cross, in the cross,
  Be my glory ever;
From the cross my ransomed soul
    Nothing then shall sever.
2
Near the cross, a trembling soul,
  Love and mercy found me;
There the Bright and Morning Star
  Sheds its beams around me.
3
Near the cross! O Lamb of God,
  Bring its scenes before me;
Help me walk from day to day,
  With its shadow o’er me.
4
Near the cross I’ll watch and wait,
  Hoping, trusting ever,
Till I see my Savior’s face,
  Leave His presence never.

Lyrics:Fanny Jane Crosby (1820-1915)
Music:William Howard Doane (1832-1915)
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--45--The Foreshadowing of the Cross
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on May 14, 2022, 03:57:35 AM
Amen, Brother Beacon!!

Happy Sabbath to you all!

Let us receive the gift of bearing the cross with Jesus, and remember that His love constrains us to go forward in His will to bless others! As long as Christ is reigning in our hearts, all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing will be seen in our lives as we gladly obey God from a new heart!

"Love for souls for whom Christ died means crucifixion of self. He who is a child of God should henceforth look upon himself as a link in the chain let down to save the world, one with Christ in His plan of mercy, going forth with Him to seek and save the lost. The Christian is ever to realize that he has consecrated himself to God, and that in character he is to reveal Christ to the world. The self-sacrifice, the sympathy, the love, manifested in the life of Christ are to reappear in the life of the worker for God."  {The Desire of Ages, page 417, paragraph 1}

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--45--The Foreshadowing of the Cross
Post by: Richard Myers on May 14, 2022, 07:59:23 AM
Amen Pastor Sean and Brother Beacon!  Jesus is coming soon and there shall be no more death, sickness, nor sorrow!! Today we have the privilege of representing our Savior and God. Even when the disciples did not know Jesus was the Lamb that would be slain after suffering for their sins and the sins of the whole world, they still would surrender their hearts to Him as the Holy Spirit rested upon them.

 Peter declared, "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God." He waited not for kingly honors to crown his Lord, but accepted Him in His humiliation.  {DA 411.5}
     Peter had expressed the faith of the twelve. Yet the disciples were still far from understanding Christ's mission. The opposition and misrepresentation of the priests and rulers, while it could not turn them away from Christ, still caused them great perplexity. They did not see their way clearly. The influence of their early training, the teaching of the rabbis, the power of tradition, still intercepted their view of truth. From time to time precious rays of light from Jesus shone upon them, yet often they were like men groping among shadows. But on this day, before they were brought face to face with the great trial of their faith, the Holy Spirit rested upon them in power. For a little time their eyes were turned away from "the things which are seen," to behold "the things which are not seen." 2 Corinthians 4:18. Beneath the guise of humanity they discerned the glory of the Son of God.

This is what God wants for us each day, that we would behold the glory of the Son of God and by beholding His glory we shall be transformed into His image. "But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, [even] as by the Spirit of the Lord." 
 
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--45--The Foreshadowing of the Cross
Post by: Beacon on August 08, 2022, 08:11:54 PM
"Love for souls for whom Christ died means crucifixion of self."

"He who is a child of God should henceforth look upon himself as a link in the chain let down to save the world, one with Christ in His plan of mercy, going forth with Him to seek and save the lost."

"The Christian is ever to realize that he has consecrated himself to God."

"In character he is to reveal Christ to the world.


"The self-sacrifice, the sympathy, the love, manifested in the life of Christ are to reappear in the life of the worker for God."

This is why "WE" are Encouraged to spend at "LEAST" one thoughtful hour per day in Bible Study & Prayer. The Question is?? Are "WE WILLING" to do that?? If not...Which Master "Are WE serving??

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

1
Take my life, and let it be
Consecrated, Lord, to Thee;
Take my moments and my days,
Let them flow in ceaseless praise,.

2
Take my hands, and let them move
At the impulse of Thy love;
Take my feet and let them be
Swift and beautiful for Thee.

3
Take my voice, and let me sing
Always, only, for my King;
Take my lips, and let them be
Filled with messages from Thee.

4
Take my silver and my gold;
Not a mite would I withhold;
Take my intellect, and use
Every power as Thou shalt choose.

5
Take my will, and make it Thine;
It shall be no longer mine.
Take my heart; it is Thine own;
It shall be Thy royal throne.

6
Take my love; my Lord, I pour
At Thy feet its treasure-store.
Take myself, and I will be
Ever, only, all for Thee.


Lyrics:Frances Ridley Havergal (1836-1879)
Music:Henri Abraham Cesar Malan (1787-1864)
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--45--The Foreshadowing of the Cross
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on August 09, 2022, 05:06:13 AM
Amen, Brother Beacon!!

What is most valuable? Life--but the life we now have, apart from Christ, will inevitably perish. That is why living for this life only is only a path to death, for we are sinful and cannot save ourselves. But there is hope. We can look to Christ and receive "life...and [life] more abundantly" (John 10:10). Only in complete surrender to the love of Christ will we experience the unique crucifixion to self and resurrection to His righteousness by faith! Only in Him can we become what we really are meant to be, and apart from Him, we are but ebbing out a short earthly existence that will perish. Choose to look to Christ by a living faith surrender and be motivated by the loveliness of His character to become like Him, for in union and communion with Christ all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing will be manifest, so we can gladly do God's will from the heart!

"Love for souls for whom Christ died means crucifixion of self. He who is a child of God should henceforth look upon himself as a link in the chain let down to save the world, one with Christ in His plan of mercy, going forth with Him to seek and save the lost. The Christian is ever to realize that he has consecrated himself to God, and that in character he is to reveal Christ to the world. The self-sacrifice, the sympathy, the love, manifested in the life of Christ are to reappear in the life of the worker for God."  {The Desire of Ages, page 417, paragraph 1} 

"'Whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for My sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it.' Selfishness is death. No organ of the body could live should it confine its service to itself. The heart, failing to send its lifeblood to the hand and the head, would quickly lose its power. As our lifeblood, so is the love of Christ diffused through every part of His mystical body. We are members one of another, and the soul that refuses to impart will perish. And 'what is a man profited,' said Jesus, 'if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?'"  {The Desire of Ages, page 417, paragraph 2}

When we value souls as Jesus does, our entire priority in life shifts from selfish goals that are "what I want" to the greater joy of seeing souls redeemed and realizing that this is what we REALLY want to do (in a truly converted experience)--for nothing else even makes sense this close to the second coming of Jesus! Jesus is coming! Let us die to self through complete surrender to Him and let Him live out His life in us by the Holy Spirit! What a miracle!!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--45--The Foreshadowing of the Cross
Post by: Richard Myers on August 09, 2022, 07:42:03 AM
Amen my dear brothers! It is a hard lesson to learn, but to be partakers in the sufferings of Jesus is the highest honor and the most weighty trust God can give to us.  When we understand, we will glory in our tribulation knowing it will increase our ability to rightly represent Jesus and even more important we will in the midst of the battle reveal the love of God to those whom we are witnesses of the power of God's grace.

     It was to Peter a bitter lesson, and one which he learned but slowly, that the path of Christ on earth lay through agony and humiliation. The disciple shrank from fellowship with his Lord in suffering. But in the heat of the furnace fire he was to learn its blessing. Long afterward, when his active form was bowed with the burden of years and labors, he wrote, "Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: but rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when His glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy." 1 Peter 4:12, 13. 

     Jesus now explained to His disciples that His own life of self-abnegation was an example of what theirs should be. Calling about Him, with the disciples, the people who had been lingering near, He said, "If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me." The cross was associated with the power of Rome. It was the instrument of the most cruel and humiliating form of death. The lowest criminals were required to bear the cross to the place of execution; and often as it was about to be laid upon their shoulders, they resisted with desperate violence, until they were overpowered, and the instrument of torture was bound upon them. But Jesus bade His followers take up the cross and bear it after Him. To the disciples His words, though dimly comprehended, pointed to their submission to the most bitter humiliation,--submission even unto death for the sake of Christ. No more complete self-surrender could the Saviour's words have pictured. But all this He had accepted for them. Jesus did not count heaven a place to be desired while we were lost. He left the heavenly courts for a life of reproach and insult, and a death of shame. He who was rich in heaven's priceless treasure, became poor, that through His poverty we might be rich. We are to follow in the path He trod. 
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--45--The Foreshadowing of the Cross
Post by: Beacon on November 03, 2022, 08:28:48 PM
"The cross was associated with the power of Rome."

"It was the instrument of the most cruel and humiliating form of death."


"The lowest criminals were required to bear the cross to the place of execution; and often as it was about to be laid upon their shoulders, they resisted with desperate violence, until they were overpowered, and the instrument of torture was bound upon them."

"But Jesus bade His followers take up the cross and bear it after Him."

"To the disciples His words, though dimly comprehended, pointed to their submission to the most bitter humiliation,--submission even unto death for the sake of Christ."

"No more complete self-surrender could the Saviour's words have pictured.

"But all this He had accepted for them."

"Jesus did not count heaven a place to be desired while we were lost."


"He left the heavenly courts for a life of reproach and insult, and a death of shame. He who was rich in heaven's priceless treasure, became poor, that through His poverty we might be rich."

"We are to follow in the path He trod."

The Big question is ......Are "YOU" am " I " Willing to bear " OUR " Cross on His Behalf ??

==================
1
Nearer, my God, to Thee,
  Nearer to Thee;
E’en though it be a cross
  That raiseth me,
Still all my song shall be
Nearer, my God, to Thee,
Nearer, my God, to Thee,
  Nearer to Thee.
2
Though, like a wanderer,
  The sun gone down,
Darkness comes over me,
  My rest a stone;
Yet in my dreams I’d be
Nearer, my God, to Thee,
Nearer, my God, to Thee,
  Nearer to Thee.
3
There let me see the sight,
  An open heaven;
All that Thou sendest me,
  In mercy given;
Angels to beckon me
Nearer, my God, to Thee,
Nearer, my God, to Thee,
  Nearer to Thee.
4
Then, with my waking thoughts
  Bright with Thy praise,
Out of my stony griefs
  Bethel I’ll raise,
So by my woes to be
Nearer, my God, to Thee,
Nearer, my God, to Thee,
  Nearer to Thee.

Lyrics:Sarah Fuller Flower Adams (1805-1848)
Music:Lowell Mason (1792-1872)

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--45--The Foreshadowing of the Cross
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on November 04, 2022, 07:41:48 AM
The abundant life is the one yielded to Christ fully, in which we are available fully for His plans, being in Christ a blessing to others! In true conversion, all of the fruits of the Spirit will be seen in our lives without one missing as the soul is motivated by love to obey all of God's commandments from the heart!

"'Whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for My sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it.' Selfishness is death. No organ of the body could live should it confine its service to itself. The heart, failing to send its lifeblood to the hand and the head, would quickly lose its power. As our lifeblood, so is the love of Christ diffused through every part of His mystical body. We are members one of another, and the soul that refuses to impart will perish. And 'what is a man profited,' said Jesus, 'if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?'" {The Desire of Ages, page 417, paragraph 2}

In light of what Christ paid for us at the cross, the only reasonable service is to surrender all to Him and consent to cooperate with Him daily in His plans of blessing! Joy and gladness flow into a soul where Jesus abides!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--45--The Foreshadowing of the Cross
Post by: Beacon on January 29, 2023, 09:21:09 PM
"Love for souls for whom Christ died means crucifixion of self."

"He who is a child of God should henceforth look upon himself as a link in the chain let down to save the world, one with Christ in His plan of mercy, going forth with Him to seek and save the lost."

"The Christian is ever to realize that he has consecrated himself to God, and that in character he is to reveal Christ to the world."

"The self-sacrifice, the sympathy, the love, manifested in the life of Christ are to reappear in the life of the worker for God."


May our prayer ever be...More about Jesus I would know more His saving Grace to Others Show. How blessed we are,having been invited to be an ambassador for the King of Kings.By God's Grace and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, may we find great joy in His service!

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

Lyrics:Eliza Edmunds Hewitt (1851-1920)
Music:John Robson Sweney (1837-1899)
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--45--The Foreshadowing of the Cross
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on January 30, 2023, 07:27:28 AM
Amen, Brother Beacon!!

With God it is totally possible! As we unite our weakness to His strength and love Him with the whole heart because He first loved us, we are enabled to become like Christ in mind and character who gave Himself for us so we can be fully saved! A complete, continual surrender to Christ is the only way to have all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing in our lives as Christ living in us empowers us to obey God's law because He writes it upon our hearts and minds!

"Love for souls for whom Christ died means crucifixion of self. He who is a child of God should henceforth look upon himself as a link in the chain let down to save the world, one with Christ in His plan of mercy, going forth with Him to seek and save the lost. The Christian is ever to realize that he has consecrated himself to God, and that in character he is to reveal Christ to the world. The self-sacrifice, the sympathy, the love, manifested in the life of Christ are to reappear in the life of the worker for God." {The Desire of Ages, page 417, paragraph 1}

What an incredible gift God is offering us--a character like Jesus!! Will you yield all you have and are to Him? Nothing brings greater joy to God's selfless heart than to be able to reproduce His character in His people!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--45--The Foreshadowing of the Cross
Post by: Richard Myers on January 30, 2023, 01:33:36 PM
Amen my brothers!  We three agree on the same point!  We are to reveal the character of our Lord to a world soon to perish that they may know the character of God (Eze. 36:23).

  Love for souls for whom Christ died means crucifixion of self. He who is a child of God should henceforth look upon himself as a link in the chain let down to save the world, one with Christ in His plan of mercy, going forth with Him to seek and save the lost. The Christian is ever to realize that he has consecrated himself to God, and that in character he is to reveal Christ to the world. The self-sacrifice, the sympathy, the love, manifested in the life of Christ are to reappear in the life of the worker for God.   
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--45--The Foreshadowing of the Cross
Post by: Beacon on April 25, 2023, 10:19:45 PM
"Jesus bade His followers take up the cross and bear it after Him."

"To the disciples His words, though dimly comprehended, pointed to their submission to the most bitter humiliation submission even unto death for the sake of Christ."

"No more complete self-surrender could the Saviour's words have pictured."



"But all this He had accepted for them."

"Jesus did not count heaven a place to be desired while we were lost."

"He left the heavenly courts for a life of reproach and insult, and a death of shame. He who was rich in heaven's priceless treasure, became poor, that through His poverty we might be rich. We are to follow in the path He trod."

Are "WE" Willing to take up the Cross and Follow Jesus

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

   
Jesus, I my cross have taken,
All to leave and follow Thee;
  Destitute, despised, forsaken,
Thou, from hence, my all shalt be.
  Perish every fond ambition,
All I’ve sought, and hoped, and known;
  Yet how rich is my condition,
God and Christ are still my own!
2
Let the world despise and leave me,
They have left my Savior, too;
  Human hearts and looks deceive me;
Thou art not, like man, untrue;
  And, while Thou shalt smile upon me,
God of wisdom, love, and might,
  Foes may hate, and friends disown me;
Show Thy face, and all is bright.
3
Man may trouble and distress me,
’Twill but drive me to Thy breast;
  Life with trials hard may press me,
Christ will bring me sweeter rest.
  O ’tis not in grief to harm me,
While Thy love is left to me;
  O ’twere not in joy to charm me,
Were that joy unmixed with Thee.
4
Haste then on from grace to glory,
Armed by faith and winged by prayer;
  God’s eternal day’s before thee,
God’s own hand shall guide thee there.
  Soon shall close thy earthly mission,
Swift shall pass thy pilgrim days,
  Hope shall change to glad fruition,
Faith to sight, and prayer to praise.

Lyrics:Henry Francis Lyte (1793-1847)
Music:Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791
)


Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--45--The Foreshadowing of the Cross
Post by: Richard Myers on April 26, 2023, 07:28:19 AM
Amen Brother Beacon! We must surrender our ideas of a peaceful life in this world. It is indeed a hard lesson to learn. Jesus did not come to die a peaceful death. He came to suffer for the sins of the whole world. We are to reflect the same character to a world soon to perish.

 "Get thee behind Me, Satan." No longer interpose between Me and My erring servant. Let Me come face to face with Peter, that I may reveal to him the mystery of My love.
     It was to Peter a bitter lesson, and one which he learned but slowly, that the path of Christ on earth lay through agony and humiliation. The disciple shrank from fellowship with his Lord in suffering. But in the heat of the furnace fire he was to learn its blessing. Long afterward, when his active form was bowed with the burden of years and labors, he wrote, "Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: but rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when His glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy." 1 Peter 4:12, 13. 
     Jesus now explained to His disciples that His own life of self-abnegation was an example of what theirs should be. Calling about Him, with the disciples, the people who had been lingering near, He said, "If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me." The cross was associated with the power of Rome. It was the instrument of the most cruel and humiliating form of death. The lowest criminals were required to bear the cross to the place of execution; and often as it was about to be laid upon their shoulders, they resisted with desperate violence, until they were overpowered, and the instrument of torture was bound upon them. But Jesus bade His followers take up the cross and bear it after Him. To the disciples His words, though dimly comprehended, pointed to their submission to the most bitter humiliation,--submission even unto death for the sake of Christ. No more complete self-surrender could the Saviour's words have pictured. But all this He had accepted for them. Jesus did not count heaven a place to be desired while we were lost. He left the heavenly courts for a life of reproach and insult, and a death of shame. He who was rich in heaven's priceless treasure, became poor, that through His poverty we might be rich. We are to follow in the path He trod.   

It has surprised me that many today do not consider that Jesus had to experience pain not just death. It was the type of life and death that enables Him save us. He did not come to just die, but to suffer and die for each and every sin of the whole world. What is the  price He had to pay? In order to understand and appreciate His love for us, we need to know what the wages of sin are. Again, many do not want to know that there is suffering coming for the sinner who rejects God offer of eternal life in a world without sin. He will suffer for each and every sin before he is consumed. This helps us to better understand the sufferings of our Savior and what it means to us in our daily lives when we pick up His cross and follow Him. Count the cost, is it worth love, joy, and peace in this world and eternal life with Jesus in the world to come?
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--45--The Foreshadowing of the Cross
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on April 26, 2023, 07:41:55 AM
Amen, Brother Beacon and Brother Richard!!

While it keeps getting tried over and over again by sinful humanity, sin does not bring lasting pleasure (it's only for a short season, and then fades). Since selfishness is death, it follows that selfless love is life! Only by abiding in Christ and surrendering fully to Him will we experience the fullness of joy and purpose that we were created to fulfill. God loves us and wants us to be saved even more than we are desiring it, for He alone can see the full potential of each soul completely restored from sin. Let us open the heart to Jesus and His word so we can be guided into all truth and unique, beautiful plan God intends for each of us!

"'Whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for My sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it.' Selfishness is death. No organ of the body could live should it confine its service to itself. The heart, failing to send its lifeblood to the hand and the head, would quickly lose its power. As our lifeblood, so is the love of Christ diffused through every part of His mystical body. We are members one of another, and the soul that refuses to impart will perish. And 'what is a man profited,' said Jesus, 'if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?'" {The Desire of Ages, page 417, paragraph 2}

As we impart what we receive from Jesus, we experience joy in seeing the joy of others! All of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing will flow through the life that is fully surrendered to Christ who loved us and gave Himself for us! Obedience up to all the light He has revealed is possible only by a continual, complete surrender to Jesus! Let's value what heaven values--moral worth revealed in love and purity of character empowering the life to reach others for God's eternal kingdom!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--45--The Foreshadowing of the Cross
Post by: Beacon on July 21, 2023, 08:38:49 PM
"The cross was associated with the power of Rome. It was the instrument of the most cruel and humiliating form of death."

"The lowest criminals were required to bear the cross to the place of execution; and often as it was about to be laid upon their shoulders, they resisted with desperate violence, until they were overpowered, and the instrument of torture was bound upon them."

"But Jesus bade His followers take up the cross and bear it after Him. To the disciples His words, though dimly comprehended, pointed to their submission to the most bitter humiliation,--submission even unto death for the sake of Christ."

"No more complete self-surrender could the Saviour's words have pictured."

"But all this He had accepted for them. Jesus did not count heaven a place to be desired while we were lost."

"He left the heavenly courts for a life of reproach and insult, and a death of shame. He who was rich in heaven's priceless treasure, became poor, that through His poverty we might be rich."


We are to follow in the path He trod.

=================================
1
On Thee my heart is resting,
  Ah, this is rest indeed:
What else, Almighty Savior,
  Can a poor sinner need?
Thy light is all my wisdom,
  Thy love is all my stay;
Thy coming back in glory,
  Draws nearer every day.
    On Thee my heart is resting,
  Ah, this is rest indeed:
What else, Almighty Savior,
    Can a poor sinner need?
2
My guilt is great, but greater
  The mercy Thou dost give;
Thyself, a spotless Off’ring,
  Hast died that I should live.
With Thee, my soul unfettered
  Has risen from the dust;
Thy blood is all my treasure,
  Thy word is all my trust.
3
Through me, Thou gentle Master,
  Thy purposes fulfil;
I yield myself forever
  To Thy most holy will.
What though I be but weakness?
  My strength is not in me;
The poorest of Thy people
  Has all things, having Thee.
4
When clouds are darkest round me,
  Thou, Lord, art then most near,
My drooping faith to quicken,
  My weary soul to cheer.
Safe nestling in Thy bosom,
  I gaze upon Thy face;
In vain my foes would drive me
  From Thee, my hiding-place.
5
’Tis Thou hast made me happy,
  ’Tis Thou hast set me free;
To whom shall I give glory
  Forever, but to Thee?
Of earthly love and blessing
  Should every stream run dry,
Thy grace shall still be with me,
  Thy grace, to live and die.

Lyrics:Theodore Monod (1836-1921)
Music:James Mountain (1844-1933)
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--45--The Foreshadowing of the Cross
Post by: Richard Myers on July 22, 2023, 08:16:30 AM
Amen Brother Beacon!  All who love God supremely will follow Jesus. He is our example. The disciples had been so deceived that they did not know the gospel. They did not want Jesus to suffer and die for their sin. They were indeed blind to the plan of salvation, even after all of those sacrifices made in the temple. So it is today. Many have been deceived and do not know the gospel. There are two roads Satan has presented. He cares not which road we take. Both lead away from the  truth. The law will save us or love, love, love. Take your pick. Unless we understand truth and justice met at the cross, we will be as were the disciples when they tried to stop Jesus from going to the cross. Are we ready to give all we have and are for Christ?

 Jesus now explained to His disciples that His own life of self-abnegation was an example of what theirs should be. Calling about Him, with the disciples, the people who had been lingering near, He said, "If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me." The cross was associated with the power of Rome. It was the instrument of the most cruel and humiliating form of death. The lowest criminals were required to bear the cross to the place of execution; and often as it was about to be laid upon their shoulders, they resisted with desperate violence, until they were overpowered, and the instrument of torture was bound upon them. But Jesus bade His followers take up the cross and bear it after Him. To the disciples His words, though dimly comprehended, pointed to their submission to the most bitter humiliation,--submission even unto death for the sake of Christ. No more complete self-surrender could the Saviour's words have pictured. But all this He had accepted for them. Jesus did not count heaven a place to be desired while we were lost. He left the heavenly courts for a life of reproach and insult, and a death of shame. He who was rich in heaven's priceless treasure, became poor, that through His poverty we might be rich. We are to follow in the path He trod.  {DA 416.3}
     Love for souls for whom Christ died means crucifixion of self. He who is a child of God should henceforth look upon himself as a link in the chain let down to save the world, one with Christ in His plan of mercy, going forth with Him to seek and save the lost. The Christian is ever to realize that he has consecrated himself to God, and that in character he is to reveal Christ to the world. The self-sacrifice, the sympathy, the love, manifested in the life of Christ are to reappear in the life of the worker for God.  {DA 417.1} 
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--45--The Foreshadowing of the Cross
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on July 23, 2023, 04:56:49 AM
Amen, Brother Beacon and Brother Richard!!!

Happy new week!!

The Holy Spirit just flashed to me a new spiritual insight regarding the cross as associated with "the power of Rome." What is the symbol NOW associated with the power of Rome? It is clearly not the cross, for crucifixion in not regularly practiced at this time. But there IS A SIGN or MARK that shows Rome's authority in spiritual matters--and that is Sunday!!! Please DO NOT MISS the significance of this. As Jesus was to be CRUCIFIED ON A ROMAN CROSS, the WHOLE WORLD is to be tested on the Sunday law that Rome will enforce globally--leading to a death decree against those who still keep the TRUE SIGN of God's kingdom--the seventh day Sabbath!!! Look at Revelation 14:6-12 more closely:

"And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, saying with a loud voice, fear God, and give glory to Him; for the hour of His judgment is come: and worship Him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters. And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication. And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, the same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: and the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name. Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus."

This will be the testing truth for the whole world. As accepting the cross for Jesus meant crucifixion on a Roman cross, accepting the cross for God's remnant people means resisting the Sunday law, even if one faces physical death and persecution for not compromising! Praise God!! Victory in Jesus is assured to ALL WHO SURRENDER ALL TO HIM!!!

Let us learn to filter EVERY thought through the only safe guide--the word of God! When Peter tried to discourage Jesus from going to the cross, that thought came from Satan, not Peter. We need to realize that Jesus is ever seeking to anchor our thought life in His word which is stable and enduring!

"Peter loved his Lord; but Jesus did not commend him for thus manifesting the desire to shield Him from suffering. Peter's words were not such as would be a help and solace to Jesus in the great trial before Him. They were not in harmony with God's purpose of grace toward a lost world, nor with the lesson of self-sacrifice that Jesus had come to teach by His own example. Peter did not desire to see the cross in the work of Christ. The impression which his words would make was directly opposed to that which Christ desired to make on the minds of His followers, and the Saviour was moved to utter one of the sternest rebukes that ever fell from His lips: 'Get thee behind Me, Satan: thou art an offense unto Me: for thou savorest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.'” {The Desire of Ages, page 415, paragraph 4}

With God it is possible to be fully surrendered, truly converted, willing to see the cross in the life and teachings of Jesus, and happy to be anything or nothing as His providence shall indicate! All of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing--even in the most trying circumstances of life--will be revealed in the life that yields continually and fully to Christ! He empowers the soul to true, affectionate obedience to God's law of love!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--45--The Foreshadowing of the Cross
Post by: Beacon on October 16, 2023, 08:16:39 PM
"Peter loved his Lord; but Jesus did not commend him for thus manifesting the desire to shield Him from suffering."

" Peter's words were not such as would be a help and solace to Jesus in the great trial before Him."

"They were not in harmony with God's purpose of grace toward a lost world, nor with the lesson of self-sacrifice that Jesus had come to teach by His own example".

"Peter did not desire to see the cross in the work of Christ".

"The impression which his words would make was directly opposed to that which Christ desired to make on the minds of His followers, and the Saviour was moved to utter one of the sternest rebukes that ever fell from His lips. "

"Get thee behind Me, Satan: thou art an offense unto Me: for thou savorest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.'”
[/color

Here we can plainly see that suffering, both physically and/or mentally may be part of our experience during our earthly journey but we are not to feel or believe that we are forsaken by God. We are to claim His promise that He will never leave us nor forsake us!! May God give each of us the courage and faith to hold on to Him knowing that He has the power to keep us wrapped up in His love and will see us safely though all the storms of life.

========================================
1
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)
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--45--The Foreshadowing of the Cross
Post by: Richard Myers on October 16, 2023, 09:43:26 PM
Amen Brother Beacon!  The disciples wandered in and out of conversion. They truly loved Jesus and from time to time they trusted Him fully. They did not understand the gospel message nor that Christ had to suffer for each and every one of their sins and the sins of the entire world.
 
Peter had expressed the faith of the twelve. Yet the disciples were still far from understanding Christ's mission. The opposition and misrepresentation of the priests and rulers, while it could not turn them away from Christ, still caused them great perplexity. They did not see their way clearly. The influence of their early training, the teaching of the rabbis, the power of tradition, still intercepted their view of truth. From time to time precious rays of light from Jesus shone upon them, yet often they were like men groping among shadows. But on this day, before they were brought face to face with the great trial of their faith, the Holy Spirit rested upon them in power. For a little time their eyes were turned away from "the things which are seen," to behold "the things which are not seen." 2 Corinthians 4:18. Beneath the guise of humanity they discerned the glory of the Son of God.  {DA 412.1} 
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--45--The Foreshadowing of the Cross
Post by: Dorine on October 17, 2023, 04:43:25 AM
  "Love for souls for whom Christ died means crucifixion of self. He who is a child of God should henceforth look upon himself as a link in the chain let down to save the world, one with Christ in His plan of mercy, going forth with Him to seek and save the lost. The Christian is ever to realize that he has consecrated himself to God, and that in character he is to reveal Christ to the world. The self-sacrifice, the sympathy, the love, manifested in the life of Christ are to reappear in the life of the worker for God."  {DA 417.1}

There is someone today that needs to see the love of Jesus in us towards them. It may be that it will take us out of our comfort zone. If we neglect our God given responsibilities and privileges it may indicate that we have not yet opened our hearts door to let the Holy Spirit in and experience God's love for us. We can not give what we don't have. When Christ reigns in the heart through the Holy Spirit we will labour tirelessly to bring souls to Christ because of His self-sacrificing love for us.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--45--The Foreshadowing of the Cross
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on October 17, 2023, 05:20:52 AM
Amen, Brother Beacon, Brother Richard, and Sister Dorine!

There great controversy between Christ and Satan is raging, and it is manifest in every experience of life. As Christ revealed His sufferings and death, Peter sought to shield His loved Master from such an experience, saying, "Be it far from Thee, Lord: this shall not be unto Thee" (Matthew 16:22). But Peter did not originate that impulsive thought. It came from Satan. We need to be VERY alert to where thoughts are coming from. If ANYTHING that comes to your mind contradicts what God says, IT IS FROM SATAN. Then it is necessary AS SOON AS POSSIBLE to resist that thought and replace it with the truth from God. "Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ" (2 Corinthians 10:5). As we see the way Jesus dealt with the experience with Peter (as Satan was definitely after him), we also realize that Satan was seeking to pull Jesus away from His mission by discouragement.

"Satan was trying to discourage Jesus, and turn Him from His mission; and Peter, in his blind love, was giving voice to the temptation. The prince of evil was the author of the thought. His instigation was behind that impulsive appeal. In the wilderness, Satan had offered Christ the dominion of the world on condition of forsaking the path of humiliation and sacrifice. Now he was presenting the same temptation to the disciple of Christ. He was seeking to fix Peter's gaze upon the earthly glory, that he might not behold the cross to which Jesus desired to turn his eyes. And through Peter, Satan was again pressing the temptation upon Jesus. But the Saviour heeded it not; His thought was for His disciple. Satan had interposed between Peter and his Master, that the heart of the disciple might not be touched at the vision of Christ's humiliation for him. The words of Christ were spoken, not to Peter, but to the one who was trying to separate him from his Redeemer. 'Get thee behind Me, Satan.' No longer interpose between Me and My erring servant. Let Me come face to face with Peter, that I may reveal to him the mystery of My love." {The Desire of Ages, page 416, paragraph 1}

Satan is trying the same tactics on us, too. He seeks to get us so focused on earthly things that we fail to value the self-sacrifice of Christ as manifest in all of His life. It is as we behold Christ's self-sacrifice that renunciation of self can be made possible. Yielding all to His love, our hearts can be converted by His grace so that all of the fruits of the Spirit will be seen in our lives without one missing as we are empowered to obey God's law of love up to the light He has shown us. We will find it our highest delight to do His service as long as we are in continual union and communion with Christ!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--45--The Foreshadowing of the Cross
Post by: Beacon on January 11, 2024, 08:13:01 PM
"Satan had offered Christ the dominion of the world on condition of forsaking the path of humiliation and sacrifice."

"Now he was presenting the same temptation to the disciple of Christ."

"He was seeking to fix Peter's gaze upon the earthly glory, that he might not behold the cross to which Jesus desired to turn his eyes. "

"And through Peter, Satan was again pressing the temptation upon Jesus."

"But the Saviour heeded it not; His thought was for His disciple"

"Satan had interposed between Peter and his Master, that the heart of the disciple might not be touched at the vision of Christ's humiliation for him."

"The words of Christ were spoken, not to Peter, but to the one who was trying to separate him from his Redeemer.


"'Get thee behind Me, Satan."

"No longer interpose between Me and My erring servant.  "

"Let Me come face to face with Peter, that I may reveal to him the mystery of My love."


Isn't it amazing that even when in Human Form The focus of our Lord & Savior was not about Himself...But for Others. Should we not with strong desire for Jesus, follow His example?

===============================
1
Take my life, and let it be
Consecrated, Lord, to Thee;
Take my moments and my days,
Let them flow in ceaseless praise,
2
Take my hands, and let them move
At the impulse of Thy love;
Take my feet and let them be
Swift and beautiful for Thee,
3
Take my voice, and let me sing
Always, only, for my King;
Take my lips, and let them be
Filled with messages from Thee,
4
Take my silver and my gold;
Not a mite would I withhold;
Take my intellect, and use
Every power as Thou shalt choose,
5
Take my will, and make it Thine;
It shall be no longer mine.
Take my heart; it is Thine own;
It shall be Thy royal throne,
6
Take my love; my Lord, I pour
At Thy feet its treasure-store.
Take myself, and I will be
Ever, only, all for Thee,
Ever, only, all for Thee.

Lyrics:Frances Ridley Havergal (1836-1879)
Music:Henri Abraham Cesar Malan (1787-1864)

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--45--The Foreshadowing of the Cross
Post by: Dorine on January 12, 2024, 04:24:25 AM
"Whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for My sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it." Selfishness is death. No organ of the body could live should it confine its service to itself. The heart, failing to send its lifeblood to the hand and the head, would quickly lose its power. As our lifeblood, so is the love of Christ diffused through every part of His mystical body. We are members one of another, and the soul that refuses to impart will perish. And "what is a man profited," said Jesus, "if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?"  {DA 417.2}

May these be more than just words. Drink in deeply of what it means to die to self. What Jesus has to offer will crush the pride and sin in our lives when we yield our whole hearts to Him. Are we determined to know the will of God? Are we intentional about obeying Him as we lay all on the alter for Christ? He has blessings beyond imagination to bestow upon those who humbly submit to Him.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--45--The Foreshadowing of the Cross
Post by: Philip T on January 12, 2024, 10:27:14 AM
Love for souls for whom Christ died means crucifixion of self. He who is a child of God should henceforth look upon himself as a link in the chain let down to save the world, one with Christ in His plan of mercy, going forth with Him to seek and save the lost. The Christian is ever to realize that he has consecrated himself to God, and that in character he is to reveal Christ to the world. The self-sacrifice, the sympathy, the love, manifested in the life of Christ are to reappear in the life of the worker for God. {DA 417.1}

How powerful the word we are a link in a chain from heaven, that is lowered to save the world. When we surrender totally to Jesus, we become co-workers with Him to save the world. We are consecrating ourselves to Christ. Christ through the Holy Spirit will make our character like His character - - - "He will finish the good work He began in us.  May this be the story of all of our lives.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--45--The Foreshadowing of the Cross
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on January 12, 2024, 10:35:12 AM
Amen, Brother Beacon, Sister Dorine, and Brother Philip!

It's not really about us. God is longing and willing to use us, but each member of His church is to love and respect one another, without getting into controversy about who is the greatest. Let us keep our focus on the leadership of our Lord and Savior, letting Him lead us by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God!

"'The head of every man is Christ.' God, who put all things under the Saviour's feet, 'gave Him to be the head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him that filleth all in all.' 1 Corinthians 11:3; Ephesians 1:22, 23. The church is built upon Christ as its foundation; it is to obey Christ as its head. It is not to depend upon man, or be controlled by man. Many claim that a position of trust in the church gives them authority to dictate what other men shall believe and what they shall do. This claim God does not sanction. The Saviour declares, 'All ye are brethren.' All are exposed to temptation, and are liable to error. Upon no finite being can we depend for guidance. The Rock of faith is the living presence of Christ in the church. Upon this the weakest may depend, and those who think themselves the strongest will prove to be the weakest, unless they make Christ their efficiency. 'Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm.' The Lord 'is the Rock, His work is perfect.' 'Blessed are all they that put their trust in Him.' Jeremiah 17:5; Deuteronomy 32:4; Psalm 2:12." {The Desire of Ages, page 414, paragraph 3}

When we partake of the divine nature by a full surrender to Christ, applying His word to our lives, all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing will be revealed in our lives as we are empowered to obey God from the new heart. What a blessing it is to realize that the only true greatness is humility blended with selfless service, which we find and experience in Jesus as we abide in Him.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--45--The Foreshadowing of the Cross
Post by: Richard Myers on January 12, 2024, 09:36:42 PM
Amen!!  Even though the disciples did not know the gospel message, they knew and loved Jesus. They wandered in and out of conversion except for Judas.

Peter had expressed the faith of the twelve. Yet the disciples were still far from understanding Christ's mission. The opposition and misrepresentation of the priests and rulers, while it could not turn them away from Christ, still caused them great perplexity. They did not see their way clearly. The influence of their early training, the teaching of the rabbis, the power of tradition, still intercepted their view of truth. From time to time precious rays of light from Jesus shone upon them, yet often they were like men groping among shadows. But on this day, before they were brought face to face with the great trial of their faith, the Holy Spirit rested upon them in power. For a little time their eyes were turned away from "the things which are seen," to behold "the things which are not seen." 2 Corinthians 4:18. Beneath the guise of humanity they discerned the glory of the Son of God.  Jesus answered Peter, saying, "Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but My Father which is in heaven." 
     The truth which Peter had confessed is the foundation of the believer's faith..... "The secret of the Lord is with them that fear Him;" and the fact that Peter discerned the glory of Christ was an evidence that he had been "taught of God." Psalm 25:14; John 6:45. Ah, indeed, "blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee."