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The King of Kings => The Desire of Ages => Topic started by: Richard Myers on February 14, 2016, 09:00:52 AM

Title: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
Post by: Richard Myers on February 14, 2016, 09:00:52 AM

At Capernaum

     At Capernaum Jesus dwelt in the intervals of His journeys to and fro, and it came to be known as "His own city." It was on the shores of the Sea of Galilee, and near the borders of the beautiful plain of Gennesaret, if not actually upon it.
     The deep depression of the lake gives to the plain that skirts its shores the genial climate of the south. Here in the days of Christ flourished the palm tree and the olive, here were orchards and vineyards, green fields, and brightly blooming flowers in rich luxuriance, all watered by living streams bursting from the cliffs. The shores of the lake, and the hills that at a little distance encircle it, were dotted with towns and villages. The lake was covered with fishing boats. Everywhere was the stir of busy, active life.
     Capernaum itself was well adapted to be the center of the Saviour's work. Being on the highway from Damascus to Jerusalem and Egypt, and to the Mediterranean Sea, it was a great thoroughfare of travel. People from many lands passed through the city, or tarried for rest in their journeyings to and fro. Here Jesus could meet all nations and all ranks, the rich and great as well as the poor and lowly, and His lessons would be carried to other countries and into many households. Investigation of the prophecies would thus be excited, attention would be directed to the Saviour, and His mission would be brought before the world.   
     Notwithstanding the action of the Sanhedrin against Jesus, the people eagerly awaited the development of His mission. All heaven was astir with interest. Angels were preparing the way for His ministry, moving upon men's hearts, and drawing them to the Saviour. 
     In Capernaum the nobleman's son whom Christ had healed was a witness to His power. And the court official and his household joyfully testified of their faith. When it was known that the Teacher Himself was among them, the whole city was aroused. Multitudes flocked to His presence. On the Sabbath the people crowded the synagogue until great numbers had to turn away, unable to find entrance. 
     All who heard the Saviour "were astonished at His doctrine: for His word was with power." "He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes." Luke 4:32; Matthew 7:29. The teaching of the scribes and elders was cold and formal, like a lesson learned by rote. To them the word of God possessed no vital power. Their own ideas and traditions were substituted for its teaching. In the accustomed round of service they professed to explain the law, but no inspiration from God stirred their own hearts or the hearts of their hearers. 
     Jesus had nothing to do with the various subjects of dissension among the Jews. It was His work to present the truth. His words shed a flood of light upon the teachings of patriarchs and prophets, and the Scriptures came to men as a new revelation. Never before had His hearers perceived such a depth of meaning in the word of God. 
     Jesus met the people on their own ground, as one who was acquainted with their perplexities. He made truth beautiful by presenting it in the most direct and simple way. His language was pure, refined, and clear as a running stream. His voice was as music to those who had listened to the monotonous tones of the rabbis. But while His teaching was simple, He spoke as one having authority. This characteristic set His teaching in contrast with that of all others. The rabbis spoke with doubt and hesitancy, as if the Scriptures might be interpreted to mean one thing or exactly the opposite. The hearers were daily involved in greater uncertainty. But Jesus taught the Scriptures as of unquestionable authority. Whatever His subject, it was presented with power, as if His words could not be controverted.   
     Yet He was earnest, rather than vehement. He spoke as one who had a definite purpose to fulfill. He was bringing to view the realities of the eternal world. In every theme God was revealed. Jesus sought to break the spell of infatuation which keeps men absorbed in earthly things. He placed the things of this life in their true relation, as subordinate to those of eternal interest; but He did not ignore their importance. He taught that heaven and earth are linked together, and that a knowledge of divine truth prepares men better to perform the duties of everyday life. He spoke as one familiar with heaven, conscious of His relationship to God, yet recognizing His unity with every member of the human family.   
     His messages of mercy were varied to suit His audience. He knew "how to speak a word in season to him that is weary" (Isaiah 50:4); for grace was poured upon His lips, that He might convey to men in the most attractive way the treasures of truth. He had tact to meet the prejudiced minds, and surprise them with illustrations that won their attention. Through the imagination He reached the heart. His illustrations were taken from the things of daily life, and although they were simple, they had in them a wonderful depth of meaning. The birds of the air, the lilies of the field, the seed, the shepherd and the sheep,--with these objects Christ illustrated immortal truth; and ever afterward, when His hearers chanced to see these things of nature, they recalled His words. Christ's illustrations constantly repeated His lessons. 
     Christ never flattered men. He never spoke that which would exalt their fancies and imaginations, nor did He praise them for their clever inventions; but deep, unprejudiced thinkers received His teaching, and found that it tested their wisdom. They marveled at the spiritual truth expressed in the simplest language. The most highly educated were charmed with His words, and the uneducated were always profited. He had a message for the illiterate; and He made even the heathen to understand that He had a message for them.   
     His tender compassion fell with a touch of healing upon weary and troubled hearts. Even amid the turbulence of angry enemies He was surrounded with an atmosphere of peace. The beauty of His countenance, the loveliness of His character, above all, the love expressed in look and tone, drew to Him all who were not hardened in unbelief. Had it not been for the sweet, sympathetic spirit that shone out in every look and word, He would not have attracted the large congregations that He did. The afflicted ones who came to Him felt that He linked His interest with theirs as a faithful and tender friend, and they desired to know more of the truths He taught. Heaven was brought near. They longed to abide in His presence, that the comfort of His love might be with them continually. 
     Jesus watched with deep earnestness the changing countenances of His hearers. The faces that expressed interest and pleasure gave Him great satisfaction. As the arrows of truth pierced to the soul, breaking through the barriers of selfishness, and working contrition, and finally gratitude, the Saviour was made glad. When His eye swept over the throng of listeners, and He recognized among them the faces He had before seen, His countenance lighted up with joy. He saw in them hopeful subjects for His kingdom. When the truth, plainly spoken, touched some cherished idol, He marked the change of countenance, the cold, forbidding look, which told that the light was unwelcome. When He saw men refuse the message of peace, His heart was pierced to the very depths. 
     Jesus in the synagogue spoke of the kingdom He had come to establish, and of His mission to set free the captives of Satan. He was interrupted by a shriek of terror. A madman rushed forward from among the people, crying out, "Let us alone; what have we to do with Thee, Thou Jesus of Nazareth? art Thou come to destroy us? I know Thee who Thou art; the Holy One of God." 
     All was now confusion and alarm. The attention of the people was diverted from Christ, and His words were unheeded. This was Satan's purpose in leading his victim to the synagogue. But Jesus rebuked the demon, saying, "Hold thy peace, and come out of him. And when the devil had thrown him in the midst, he came out of him, and hurt him not." 
     The mind of this wretched sufferer had been darkened by Satan, but in the Saviour's presence a ray of light had pierced the gloom. He was roused to long for freedom from Satan's control; but the demon resisted the power of Christ. When the man tried to appeal to Jesus for help, the evil spirit put words into his mouth, and he cried out in an agony of fear. The demoniac partially comprehended that he was in the presence of One who could set him free; but when he tried to come within reach of that mighty hand, another's will held him, another's words found utterance through him. The conflict between the power of Satan and his own desire for freedom was terrible. 
     He who had conquered Satan in the wilderness of temptation was again brought face to face with His enemy. The demon exerted all his power to retain control of his victim. To lose ground here would be to give Jesus a victory. It seemed that the tortured man must lose his life in the struggle with the foe that had been the ruin of his manhood. But the Saviour spoke with authority, and set the captive free. The man who had been possessed stood before the wondering people happy in the freedom of self-possession. Even the demon had testified to the divine power of the Saviour.
     The man praised God for his deliverance. The eye that had so lately glared with the fire of insanity, now beamed with intelligence, and overflowed with grateful tears. The people were dumb with amazement. As soon as they recovered speech they exclaimed, one to another, "What is this? a new teaching! with authority He commandeth even the unclean spirits, and they obey Him." Mark 1:27, R. V.
     The secret cause of the affliction that had made this man a fearful spectacle to his friends and a burden to himself was in his own life. He had been fascinated by the pleasures of sin, and had thought to make life a grand carnival. He did not dream of becoming a terror to the world and the reproach of his family. He thought his time could be spent in innocent folly. But once in the downward path, his feet rapidly descended. Intemperance and frivolity perverted the noble attributes of his nature, and Satan took absolute control of him.
     Remorse came too late. When he would have sacrificed wealth and pleasure to regain his lost manhood, he had become helpless in the grasp of the evil one. He had placed himself on the enemy's ground, and Satan had taken possession of all his faculties. The tempter had allured him with many charming presentations; but when once the wretched man was in his power, the fiend became relentless in his cruelty, and terrible in his angry visitations. So it will be with all who yield to evil; the fascinating pleasure of their early career ends in the darkness of despair or the madness of a ruined soul. 
     The same evil spirit that tempted Christ in the wilderness, and that possessed the maniac of Capernaum, controlled the unbelieving Jews. But with them he assumed an air of piety, seeking to deceive them as to their motives in rejecting the Saviour. Their condition was more hopeless than that of the demoniac, for they felt no need of Christ and were therefore held fast under the power of Satan. 
     The period of Christ's personal ministry among men was the time of greatest activity for the forces of the kingdom of darkness. For ages Satan with his evil angels had been seeking to control the bodies and the souls of men, to bring upon them sin and suffering; then he had charged all this misery upon God. Jesus was revealing to men the character of God. He was breaking Satan's power, and setting his captives free. New life and love and power from heaven were moving upon the hearts of men, and the prince of evil was aroused to contend for the supremacy of his kingdom. Satan summoned all his forces, and at every step contested the work of Christ. 
     So it will be in the great final conflict of the controversy between righteousness and sin. While new life and light and power are descending from on high upon the disciples of Christ, a new life is springing up from beneath, and energizing the agencies of Satan. Intensity is taking possession of every earthly element. With a subtlety gained through centuries of conflict, the prince of evil works under a disguise. He appears clothed as an angel of light, and multitudes are "giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils." 1 Timothy 4:1.
     In the days of Christ the leaders and teachers of Israel were powerless to resist the work of Satan. They were neglecting the only means by which they could have withstood evil spirits. It was by the word of God that Christ overcame the wicked one. The leaders of Israel professed to be the expositors of God's word, but they had studied it only to sustain their traditions, and enforce their man-made observances. By their interpretation they made it express sentiments that God had never given. Their mystical construction made indistinct that which He had made plain. They disputed over insignificant technicalities, and practically denied the most essential truths. Thus infidelity was sown broadcast. God's word was robbed of its power, and evil spirits worked their will. 
     History is repeating. With the open Bible before them, and professing to reverence its teachings, many of the religious leaders of our time are destroying faith in it as the word of God. They busy themselves with dissecting the word, and set their own opinions above its plainest statements. In their hands God's word loses its regenerating power. This is why infidelity runs riot, and iniquity is rife. 
     When Satan has undermined faith in the Bible, he directs men to other sources for light and power. Thus he insinuates himself. Those who turn from the plain teaching of Scripture and the convicting power of God's Holy Spirit are inviting the control of demons. Criticism and speculation concerning the Scriptures have opened the way for spiritism and theosophy--those modernized forms of ancient heathenism--to gain a foothold even in the professed churches of our Lord Jesus Christ. 
     Side by side with the preaching of the gospel, agencies are at work which are but the medium of lying spirits. Many a man tampers with these merely from curiosity, but seeing evidence of the working of a more than human power, he is lured on and on, until he is controlled by a will stronger than his own. He cannot escape from its mysterious power. 
     The defenses of the soul are broken down. He has no barrier against sin. When once the restraints of God's word and His Spirit are rejected, no man knows to what depths of degradation he may sink. Secret sin or master passion may hold him a captive as helpless as was the demoniac of Capernaum. Yet his condition is not hopeless. 
     The means by which we can overcome the wicked one is that by which Christ overcame,--the power of the word. God does not control our minds without our consent; but if we desire to know and to do His will, His promises are ours: "Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." "If any man willeth to do His will, he shall know of the teaching." John 8:32; 7:17, R. V. Through faith in these promises, every man may be delivered from the snares of error and the control of sin.
     Every man is free to choose what power he will have to rule over him. None have fallen so low, none are so vile, but that they can find deliverance in Christ. The demoniac, in place of prayer, could utter only the words of Satan; yet the heart's unspoken appeal was heard. No cry from a soul in need, though it fail of utterance in words, will be unheeded. Those who will consent to enter into covenant relation with the God of heaven are not left to the power of Satan or to the infirmity of their own nature. They are invited by the Saviour, "Let him take hold of My strength, that he may make peace with Me; and he shall make peace with Me." Isaiah 27:5. The spirits of darkness will battle for the soul once under their dominion, but angels of God will contend for that soul with prevailing power. The Lord says, "Shall the prey be taken from the mighty, or the lawful captive delivered? . . . Thus saith the Lord, Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered: for I will contend with him that contendeth with thee, and I will save thy children." Isaiah 49:24, 25. 
     While the congregation in the synagogue were still spellbound with awe, Jesus withdrew to the home of Peter for a little rest. But here also a shadow had fallen. The mother of Peter's wife lay sick, stricken with a "great fever." Jesus rebuked the disease, and the sufferer arose, and ministered to the wants of the Master and His disciples. 
     Tidings of the work of Christ spread rapidly throughout Capernaum. For fear of the rabbis, the people dared not come for healing upon the Sabbath; but no sooner had the sun disappeared below the horizon than there was a great commotion. From the homes, the shops, the market places, the inhabitants of the city pressed toward the humble dwelling that sheltered Jesus. The sick were brought upon couches, they came leaning upon staffs, or, supported by friends, they tottered feebly into the Saviour's presence. 
     Hour after hour they came and went; for none could know whether tomorrow would find the Healer still among them. Never before had Capernaum witnessed a day like this. The air was filled with the voice of triumph and shouts of deliverance. The Saviour was joyful in the joy He had awakened. As He witnessed the sufferings of those who had come to Him, His heart was stirred with sympathy, and He rejoiced in His power to restore them to health and happiness. 
     Not until the last sufferer had been relieved did Jesus cease His work. It was far into the night when the multitude departed, and silence settled down upon the home of Simon. The long, exciting day was past, and Jesus sought rest. But while the city was still wrapped in slumber, the Saviour, "rising up a great while before day, . . . went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed." 
     Thus were spent the days in the earthly life of Jesus. He often dismissed His disciples to visit their homes and rest; but He gently resisted their efforts to draw Him away from His labors. All day He toiled, teaching the ignorant, healing the sick, giving sight to the blind, feeding the multitude; and at the eventide or in the early morning, He went away to the sanctuary of the mountains for communion with His Father. Often He passed the entire night in prayer and meditation, returning at daybreak to His work among the people. 
     Early in the morning, Peter and his companions came to Jesus, saying that already the people of Capernaum were seeking Him. The disciples had been bitterly disappointed at the reception which Christ had met hitherto. The authorities at Jerusalem were seeking to murder Him; even His own townsmen had tried to take His life; but at Capernaum He was welcomed with joyful enthusiasm, and the hopes of the disciples kindled anew. It might be that among the liberty-loving Galileans were to be found the supporters of the new kingdom. But with surprise they heard Christ's words, "I must preach the kingdom of God to other cities also: for therefore am I sent."
     In the excitement which then pervaded Capernaum, there was danger that the object of His mission would be lost sight of. Jesus was not satisfied to attract attention to Himself merely as a wonder worker or a healer of physical diseases. He was seeking to draw men to Him as their Saviour. While the people were eager to believe that He had come as a king, to establish an earthly reign, He desired to turn their minds away from the earthly to the spiritual. Mere worldly success would interfere with His work. 
     And the wonder of the careless crowd jarred upon His spirit. In His life no self-assertion mingled. The homage which the world gives to position, or wealth, or talent, was foreign to the Son of man. None of the means that men employ to win allegiance or command homage did Jesus use. Centuries before His birth, it had been prophesied of Him, "He shall not cry, nor lift up, nor cause His voice to be heard in the street. A bruised reed shall He not break, and the dimly burning flax shall He not quench: He shall bring forth judgment unto truth. He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till He have set judgment in the earth." Isaiah 42:2-4, margin. 
     The Pharisees sought distinction by their scrupulous ceremonialism, and the ostentation of their worship and charities. They proved their zeal for religion by making it the theme of discussion. Disputes between opposing sects were loud and long, and it was not unusual to hear on the streets the voice of angry controversy from learned doctors of the law. 
     In marked contrast to all this was the life of Jesus. In that life no noisy disputation, no ostentatious worship, no act to gain applause, was ever witnessed. Christ was hid in God, and God was revealed in the character of His Son. To this revelation Jesus desired the minds of the people to be directed, and their homage to be given.  {DA 261.2} 
     The Sun of Righteousness did not burst upon the world in splendor, to dazzle the senses with His glory. It is written of Christ, "His going forth is prepared as the morning." Hosea 6:3. Quietly and gently the daylight breaks upon the earth, dispelling the shadow of darkness, and waking the world to life. So did the Sun of Righteousness arise, "with healing in His wings." Malachi 4:2. 

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
Post by: Richard Myers on February 15, 2016, 06:42:38 AM

  In the days of Christ the leaders and teachers of Israel were powerless to resist the work of Satan. They were neglecting the only means by which they could have withstood evil spirits. It was by the word of God that Christ overcame the wicked one. The leaders of Israel professed to be the expositors of God's word, but they had studied it only to sustain their traditions, and enforce their man-made observances. By their interpretation they made it express sentiments that God had never given. Their mystical construction made indistinct that which He had made plain. They disputed over insignificant technicalities, and practically denied the most essential truths. Thus infidelity was sown broadcast. God's word was robbed of its power, and evil spirits worked their will.
     History is repeating. With the open Bible before them, and professing to reverence its teachings, many of the religious leaders of our time are destroying faith in it as the word of God. They busy themselves with dissecting the word, and set their own opinions above its plainest statements. In their hands God's word loses its regenerating power. This is why infidelity runs riot, and iniquity is rife.
     When Satan has undermined faith in the Bible, he directs men to other sources for light and power. Thus he insinuates himself. Those who turn from the plain teaching of Scripture and the convicting power of God's Holy Spirit are inviting the control of demons. Criticism and speculation concerning the Scriptures have opened the way for spiritism and theosophy--those modernized forms of ancient heathenism--to gain a foothold even in the professed churches of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

No comment necessary.

God does not control our minds without our consent; but if we desire to know and to do His will, His promises are ours: "Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." "If any man willeth to do His will, he shall know of the teaching." John 8:32; 7:17, R. V. Through faith in these promises, every man may be delivered from the snares of error and the control of sin.
     Every man is free to choose what power he will have to rule over him. None have fallen so low, none are so vile, but that they can find deliverance in Christ. The demoniac, in place of prayer, could utter only the words of Satan; yet the heart's unspoken appeal was heard. No cry from a soul in need, though it fail of utterance in words, will be unheeded. Those who will consent to enter into covenant relation with the God of heaven are not left to the power of Satan or to the infirmity of their own nature. They are invited by the Saviour, "Let him take hold of My strength, that he may make peace with Me; and he shall make peace with Me." Isaiah 27:5.

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
Post by: Richard Myers on May 14, 2016, 06:32:54 AM

Jesus met the people on their own ground, as one who was acquainted with their perplexities. He made truth beautiful by presenting it in the most direct and simple way. His language was pure, refined, and clear as a running stream. His voice was as music to those who had listened to the monotonous tones of the rabbis. But while His teaching was simple, He spoke as one having authority. This characteristic set His teaching in contrast with that of all others. The rabbis spoke with doubt and hesitancy, as if the Scriptures might be interpreted to mean one thing or exactly the opposite. The hearers were daily involved in greater uncertainty. But Jesus taught the Scriptures as of unquestionable authority. Whatever His subject, it was presented with power, as if His words could not be controverted.   

So it ought to be with us. He is our example in all things. What our people need is the "simplicity of the gospel". And, it needs to be presented from the Bible, not by quoting erring man. Let us be as the faithful Bereans who after having been taught by erring man, went to the Bible to see if it were so. And, then present Bible truth to others with the authority of Scripture.

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on May 14, 2016, 06:45:56 AM

Amen, Richard! Those are indeed powerful statements that spoke to me as well as I read this chapter again this morning! I love how the things of God are ever fresh and new! Jesus has new vistas of His presence to experience, new depths of appreciation to grow in as we behold the Lamb of God.

The simplicity of the gospel reveals our sinfulness, our need of Jesus constantly, and His grace/power to transform the heart, so that when we surrender fully to Him, He gives us a new heart, and the new heart will be filled with the Holy Spirit, so that all the fruits of the Spirit are seen in the life--without one missing! This is only possible through a constant connection with Jesus! I pray that we as a church will more fully sense our constant need of Jesus, and present His life in our daily words and acts! He is able to do more than we ask or think!

As I was reading I was moved by the power and beauty of the last two paragraphs in this chapter:

"In marked contrast to all this was the life of Jesus. In that life no noisy disputation, no ostentatious worship, no act to gain applause, was ever witnessed. Christ was hid in God, and God was revealed in the character of His Son. To this revelation Jesus desired the minds of the people to be directed, and their homage to be given."  {DA 261.2} 
     "The Sun of Righteousness did not burst upon the world in splendor, to dazzle the senses with His glory. It is written of Christ, 'His going forth is prepared as the morning.' Hosea 6:3. Quietly and gently the daylight breaks upon the earth, dispelling the shadow of darkness, and waking the world to life. So did the Sun of Righteousness arise, 'with healing in His wings.' Malachi 4:2." {DA 261.3}

As Christ is our pattern in all things, it would be well for us to also be hid in God, to allow God's character to be revealed in our lives. When we do make an unreserved surrender to live by faith upon Jesus Christ, He fills us with HIs Spirit--and all the fruits of the Spirit will be seen in our lives--not one will be missing! Hallelujah!

Last night I was reading in the last few pages Ministry of Healing (it can be helpful to remember that much of the content of that book is similar to the Desire of Ages as some of the underlying aspects of Christ's life were its basis from her prolific writings), and I was so moved by how intimately God wants us to be abiding in Him:

"Christ saw of the travail of His soul and was satisfied. He viewed the expanse of eternity and saw the happiness of those who through His humiliation should receive pardon and everlasting life. He was wounded for their transgressions, bruised for their iniquities. The chastisement of their peace was upon Him, and with His stripes they were healed. He heard the shout of the redeemed. He heard the ransomed ones singing the song of Moses and the Lamb. 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." {MH 504.3} Wow! Think of this! I believe He saw you and me--how He longs to allow us to share in blessing others! It is the greatest joy we can ever have!
"This joy all His followers are to share. However great and glorious hereafter, our reward is not all to be reserved for the time of final deliverance. Even here we are by faith to enter into the Saviour's joy. Like Moses, we are to endure as seeing the Invisible." {MH 504.4} Amen! Amen! The joy of heaven begins here in personal, living contact with our Savior! Let us go higher in our Christian experience! Let us hunger and thirst for fresh revelations of divine things in Christ! He has infinitely more for us than we can ask or think!

A few pages later it was so powerful: "When we are humble and contrite we stand where God can and will manifest Himself to us. He is well pleased when we urge past mercies and blessings as a reason why He should bestow on us greater blessings. He will more than fulfill the expectations of those who trust fully in Him. The Lord Jesus knows just what His children need, how much divine power we will appropriate for the blessing of humanity; and He bestows upon us all that we will employ in blessing others and ennobling our own souls." {MH 513.3}
"We must have less trust in what we ourselves can do, and more trust in what the Lord can do for and through us. You are not engaged in your own work; you are doing the work of God. Surrender your will and way to Him. Make not a single reserve, not a single compromise with self. Know what it is to be free in Christ." {MH 513.4}
"The mere hearing of sermons Sabbath after Sabbath, the reading of the Bible through and through, or the explanation of it verse by verse, will not benefit us or those who hear us, unless we bring the truths of the Bible into our individual experience. The understanding, the will, the affections, must be yielded to the control of the word of God. Then through the work of the Holy Spirit the precepts of the word will become the principles of the life." {MH 514.1} Amen! We are to DO the words of Christ by abiding!
"As you ask the Lord to help you, honor your Saviour by believing that you do receive His blessing. All power, all wisdom, are at our command. We have only to ask. {MH 514.2}
Walk continually in the light of God. Meditate day and night upon His character. Then you will see His beauty and rejoice in His goodness. Your heart will glow with a sense of His love. You will be uplifted as if borne by everlasting arms. With the power and light that God imparts, you can comprehend more and accomplish more than you ever before deemed possible. {MH 514.3}

As this is God's holy Sabbath day, I am praising the Lord that the experience of the divine life is to be one like Christ's--a series of uninterrupted victories known and experienced by faith. May God bless you in beholding Jesus and letting Him change you more and more! Onward Christian soldiers! The divine warfare against self is a joy when our eyes are on the Savior!

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on August 09, 2016, 06:08:02 AM

I was so blessed by beholding Jesus this morning, and getting to see His loveliness. The simple beauty of His countenance that I by faith behold in these words tenderly draws my heart to Him, leading me to desire Jesus more, as my soul cries out "More of Thee."

His tender compassion fell with a touch of healing upon weary and troubled hearts. Even amid the turbulence of angry enemies He was surrounded with an atmosphere of peace. The beauty of His countenance, the loveliness of His character, above all, the love expressed in look and tone, drew to Him all who were not hardened in unbelief. Had it not been for the sweet, sympathetic spirit that shone out in every look and word, He would not have attracted the large congregations that He did. The afflicted ones who came to Him felt that He linked His interest with theirs as a faithful and tender friend, and they desired to know more of the truths He taught. Heaven was brought near. They longed to abide in His presence, that the comfort of His love might be with them continually. 

May we pray that Jesus will soften our hearts today, that no unbelief would prevent Him from doing in us what He longs to do--to impart to us the precious graces of His Spirit. When we behold Christ, we are changed as we surrender to the revelation from day to day. This is once again a reason why I love to spend this "thoughtful hour" with my loving Savior.

I was reflecting today upon the fact that all the love my mom showed me before she died when I was 15 (in 2002) was but a tiny rill in comparison with the boundless, shoreless love of God in Christ, and that the love my mom showed me was an outflow of God's love to me. As I prayed this morning, I was thanking God for all the people who have shown me love, for God was working through them. Let us today find reasons to be thankful for all Jesus is to us, that our lives may be perfumed with the sweet aroma of His love by the divine work of the Holy Spirit!

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
Post by: Richard Myers on August 09, 2016, 06:56:50 AM

Amen, Pastor Sean!

We come into this world in need of a Savior. And, we have one. If our parents are converted, we have the aid of the Holy Spirit to help them rear us. If not, then we are being led in the wrong direction. While some may understand how evil our fallen nature is, many have no idea what is being done to a baby who comes into the world without converted parents. We ought to understand from reading our Bibles, but the twisting of Scripture makes it hard to understand just how far removed from holiness is humanity separated from God. It is the love of those who are converted that brings light into this wicked world. We have much to be thankful for. God's Spirit works throughout the world to bless even the wicked. They receive sun and rain, and a probationary period in which to learn of His love.  That Spirit is being withdrawn from the world today. But, at the same time, Jesus is pouring out His Spirit upon His church. He is drawing all unto Himself that will be drawn. It is causing a shaking. Some appreciate His truth and love, others reject it.

Your quote from MH yesterday is so important. "Meditate day and night upon His character. Then you will see His beauty and rejoice in His goodness. Your heart will glow with a sense of His love. You will be uplifted as if borne by everlasting arms. With the power and light that God imparts, you can comprehend more and accomplish more than you ever before deemed possible."  I like the opening paragraph of Ministry of Healing. It expresses the same truth that God wants our hearts, He will impart His character to all who give it.

   Our Lord Jesus Christ came to this world as the unwearied servant of man's necessity. He "took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses," that He might minister to every need of humanity. Matthew 8:17. The burden of disease and wretchedness and sin He came to remove. It was His mission to bring to men complete restoration; He came to give them health and peace and perfection of character.  MH 17.
 
This is not reserved for a few, but for all who submit wholly to Christ by making a full surrender. Many will not. From today's lesson:

     History is repeating. With the open Bible before them, and professing to reverence its teachings, many of the religious leaders of our time are destroying faith in it as the word of God. They busy themselves with dissecting the word, and set their own opinions above its plainest statements. In their hands God's word loses its regenerating power. This is why infidelity runs riot, and iniquity is rife. 

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
Post by: Richard Myers on November 04, 2016, 07:49:56 AM

  Jesus met the people on their own ground, as one who was acquainted with their perplexities. He made truth beautiful by presenting it in the most direct and simple way. His language was pure, refined, and clear as a running stream. His voice was as music to those who had listened to the monotonous tones of the rabbis. But while His teaching was simple, He spoke as one having authority. This characteristic set His teaching in contrast with that of all others. The rabbis spoke with doubt and hesitancy, as if the Scriptures might be interpreted to mean one thing or exactly the opposite. The hearers were daily involved in greater uncertainty. But Jesus taught the Scriptures as of unquestionable authority. Whatever His subject, it was presented with power, as if His words could not be controverted.    

This passage has always been instructive. Many believe one is arrogant or conceited if they present the Word of God with authority, that they will not allow for another interpretation. Of course we all understand that is wrong, but it does not stop many from reacting in a negative manner when it crosses their cherished error.  If we present the gospel in its simplicity as having power to cleanse one from sin, then that is too much for some.

But, if that one who condemns the teacher sent of God, were to be discussing Jesus with an unbeliever and was met with "there is no God", what would he then say? "Maybe you are right"? No, few would allow the unbeliever to think there is no God. We would take a strong stand that there is a God.

Or, if a fellow professing Christian were to say the Sabbath is the first day of the week, what would this same person say, maybe? Of course not. If one were to tell another that Jesus is the Son of God, and someone else would say, maybe not, what would a Seventh-day Adventist say in return? Would we not make a positive statement from the Bible? Under these conditions, all is acceptable  to church members, but not if you speak truth in a manner that cannot be controverted when it opposes what they believe. This is what brings strife. This is why Jesus had to die at the hands of religious leaders. The truth could not be tolerated when it was contrary to that which had been taught by the Jews.

When we are in a converted state, how do we react to those with whom we disagree? Are we long-suffering, loving, and kind, but firm not to give up the truth? Are we fearful to not offend our friends, but rather will offend God when these situations come up? Not if we love God with all the heart, soul, and mind. Jesus was firm because He was defending His Father's truth, not because He was defending self. We will do likewise when put into a difficult situation if we are defending God's character and not our own. As we read in our Sabbath School lesson this quarter, Job forgot about Christ and set about to defend self when attacked by his three friends. Even after having been so long faithful to serve God, when he took his eyes off of Christ, self was ready to take over.

Let us be careful today to cling to Christ, to abide in Him continually. Then we will bring honor and glory to the One who gave all for us.

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on November 04, 2016, 08:17:57 AM

Amen, Richard! Truly, we need to let the truth convict us, convert us, and then be willing to share it with clearness and power as did Jesus. We can acknowledge Christ to give us a loving, holy boldness to present the truth, and to help those who are in a life-or-death struggle with the evil one as our chapter also presented today. I am thankful that God gives the weakest of the weak true hope:

  The defenses of the soul are broken down. He has no barrier against sin. When once the restraints of God's word and His Spirit are rejected, no man knows to what depths of degradation he may sink. Secret sin or master passion may hold him a captive as helpless as was the demoniac of Capernaum. Yet his condition is not hopeless. 
     The means by which we can overcome the wicked one is that by which Christ overcame,--the power of the word. God does not control our minds without our consent; but if we desire to know and to do His will, His promises are ours: "Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." "If any man willeth to do His will, he shall know of the teaching." John 8:32; 7:17, R. V. Through faith in these promises, every man may be delivered from the snares of error and the control of sin.

There are no exceptions to God's promises. But unbelief will lurk to cause us to lose the blessing of the presence of Jesus by His Spirit, which is revealed in all of the fruits of the Spirit being seen in the life--without one missing. I am reminded of how we are encouraged in Steps to Christ to a simple, personal, direct faith:

"Here is where thousands fail; they do not believe that Jesus pardons them personally, individually. They do not take God at His word. It is the privilege of all who comply with the conditions to know for themselves that pardon is freely extended for every sin. Put away the suspicion that God's promises are not meant for you. They are for every repentant transgressor. Strength and grace have been provided through Christ to be brought by ministering angels to every believing soul. None are so sinful that they cannot find strength, purity, and righteousness in Jesus, who died for them. He is waiting to strip them of their garments stained and polluted with sin, and to put upon them the white robes of righteousness; He bids them live and not die. {SC 52.3}

Amen! Such encouragement to make a full surrender, and to believe that when we have confessed our sins to Jesus, He truly DOES cleanse the heart and mind, and make us new creatures! What an amazing gift is given us in Christ Jesus! Every promise is ours by a living-faith surrender to Him!

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
Post by: Richard Myers on November 04, 2016, 07:13:46 PM

Amen, Pastor Sean!

I cannot help but respond to the quote from Steps to Christ. When we see precious souls for whom Christ died being fed with poisoned provender, who can remain quiet. It is a common teaching within God's church that Christ's robe of righteousness is ours even though we sin. That it covers our sin stained polluted heart. Such a lie designed to keep Laodiceans in their miserable, wretched, blind condition thinking they have life when they sin a known sin.

"None are so sinful that they cannot find strength, purity, and righteousness in Jesus, who died for them. He is waiting to strip them of their garments stained and polluted with sin, and to put upon them the white robes of righteousness; He bids them live and not die." Steps to Christ, pg 52.

We cannot serve two masters. We either are serving sin and Satan or Christ and righteousness. It is impossible to get bad fruit off of a good tree. A statement made by Jesus. The righteousness of Christ will not cover one unconfessed or unrepented sin. Let us set aside the Satanic delusion that has taken captive so many even in God's church. In context an inspired statement:

     After Satan leads men into wrong positions, he stands at the right hand of the angel as the adversary of man, to resist every effort made to save the purchase of the blood of the Lamb of God. The devil persecutes those whom he has caused to sin. He is the accuser of the brethren. Day and night he accuses them before God. This is his special work.
     A perversion of right principles is a transgression of God's law. Those who in their actions pervert the grand principles of His holy law are under condemnation, for the righteousness of Christ cannot cover one unconfessed sin. The law has been lightly regarded. "Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil." We must obey God's law, if we are loyal to Him and accepted by Him.
     The first step toward obedience is to examine ourselves in the light of the law, thus discovering the penalty of transgression. Those of God's people who do not purify their souls by coming into clearer and still clearer light are a reproach to His glorious cause. Too often those who should remain true and faithful to principle are obnoxious to God, because in His justice He cannot endure the sins that they cherish--sins that not only lead them into false paths but cause others also to be led astray. 
     Carefully reread these two verses: "And He showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right hand to resist him. And the Lord said unto Satan, The Lord rebuke thee, O Satan; even the Lord that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee: is not this a brand plucked out of the fire?" Joshua was the representative of an imperfect, sinful people, those who had become contaminated with sin. Satan accused Joshua of being a criminal. What, then, is the only hope of the people of God in their defection of Christian character? Their only hope is reconversion, repentance toward God, and faith in our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, who is made unto us righteousness and sanctification. In heaven Joshua was accounted as a justified sinner. 
     Here, then, comes in the Redeemer's work. Satan stood by the side of the angel as an adversary, to accuse Joshua as a transgressor of the law. This angel, who is our Saviour, was seen by John the Revelator and represented as standing in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the breast with a golden girdle. Christ is represented in actual ministry for His people, as was Joshua in the day of atonement in behalf of the children of Israel. 
     As at that time Satan pointed to the defilement of God's people and triumphed in their discomfiture, so he is doing now. Joshua was accused as a sinner; but Jesus Christ, the Sin-bearer, the Substitute for the offender, to whom all types point, cannot be thus accused. He is the one who takes away the sin of the repentant, believing transgressor. How sad it is that human agencies, by their loss of spirituality, make it possible for Satan to accuse them of being unworthy!--Manuscript 124, 1901.

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on January 30, 2017, 05:45:55 AM

If we would but meditate upon the perfections of our Savior's character continually, we would be more like Him and be enabled through divine grace to reach hearts as He did. Let us pray that by beholding Him we shall be changed, and minister to sin-sick souls even as He did!

    His tender compassion fell with a touch of healing upon weary and troubled hearts. Even amid the turbulence of angry enemies He was surrounded with an atmosphere of peace. The beauty of His countenance, the loveliness of His character, above all, the love expressed in look and tone, drew to Him all who were not hardened in unbelief. Had it not been for the sweet, sympathetic spirit that shone out in every look and word, He would not have attracted the large congregations that He did. The afflicted ones who came to Him felt that He linked His interest with theirs as a faithful and tender friend, and they desired to know more of the truths He taught. Heaven was brought near. They longed to abide in His presence, that the comfort of His love might be with them continually.

AMEN! What a Savior! I love Jesus, and I pray that your love for Him will be quickened as you behold Him today!

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
Post by: Richard Myers on January 30, 2017, 09:53:04 AM

Amen, Pastor Sean. How can we not love Jesus!
 
I noted something important that many do not discern. We cannot serve two masters. We are either slaves to Satan or Christ. The difference is that when we allow Christ to take control of our minds and hearts, we retain the will and power to leave Him. Not so when Satan has gained the entire control of a human mind. 

     The means by which we can overcome the wicked one is that by which Christ overcame,--the power of the word. God does not control our minds without our consent; but if we desire to know and to do His will, His promises are ours: "Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." "If any man willeth to do His will, he shall know of the teaching." John 8:32; 7:17, R. V. Through faith in these promises, every man may be delivered from the snares of error and the control of sin.
     Every man is free to choose what power he will have to rule over him. None have fallen so low, none are so vile, but that they can find deliverance in Christ.

God leaves us with free will when we allow Him to "control our minds." If we neglect to cling to Christ, we do not have to choose to leave Him, He will not stay. Because we live in fallen flesh, we must cling to Christ to keep from reverting back to our default nature, which is evil.

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
Post by: Richard Myers on April 27, 2017, 06:21:09 AM

Lessons for us in how to reach the world with the truth:

  Jesus met the people on their own ground, as one who was acquainted with their perplexities. He made truth beautiful by presenting it in the most direct and simple way. His language was pure, refined, and clear as a running stream. His voice was as music to those who had listened to the monotonous tones of the rabbis. But while His teaching was simple, He spoke as one having authority. This characteristic set His teaching in contrast with that of all others. The rabbis spoke with doubt and hesitancy, as if the Scriptures might be interpreted to mean one thing or exactly the opposite. The hearers were daily involved in greater uncertainty. But Jesus taught the Scriptures as of unquestionable authority. Whatever His subject, it was presented with power, as if His words could not be controverted.   
     Yet He was earnest, rather than vehement. He spoke as one who had a definite purpose to fulfill. He was bringing to view the realities of the eternal world. In every theme God was revealed. Jesus sought to break the spell of infatuation which keeps men absorbed in earthly things. He placed the things of this life in their true relation, as subordinate to those of eternal interest; but He did not ignore their importance. He taught that heaven and earth are linked together, and that a knowledge of divine truth prepares men better to perform the duties of everyday life. He spoke as one familiar with heaven, conscious of His relationship to God, yet recognizing His unity with every member of the human family.   
     His messages of mercy were varied to suit His audience. He knew "how to speak a word in season to him that is weary" (Isaiah 50:4); for grace was poured upon His lips, that He might convey to men in the most attractive way the treasures of truth. He had tact to meet the prejudiced minds, and surprise them with illustrations that won their attention. Through the imagination He reached the heart. His illustrations were taken from the things of daily life, and although they were simple, they had in them a wonderful depth of meaning. The birds of the air, the lilies of the field, the seed, the shepherd and the sheep,--with these objects Christ illustrated immortal truth; and ever afterward, when His hearers chanced to see these things of nature, they recalled His words. Christ's illustrations constantly repeated His lessons. 

That we would be like Jesus!

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on April 27, 2017, 06:21:29 AM

It is such a blessing to behold the loveliness of Jesus and to be able to look to Him and to learn how He taught the people that came to Him. May we follow His methods and also see hearts changed by the power of the Holy Spirit, because God is just as willing to use us today! As long as we stay connected to Christ by a living-faith surrender, God will teach us how to help others!

  Jesus met the people on their own ground, as one who was acquainted with their perplexities. He made truth beautiful by presenting it in the most direct and simple way. His language was pure, refined, and clear as a running stream. His voice was as music to those who had listened to the monotonous tones of the rabbis. But while His teaching was simple, He spoke as one having authority. This characteristic set His teaching in contrast with that of all others. The rabbis spoke with doubt and hesitancy, as if the Scriptures might be interpreted to mean one thing or exactly the opposite. The hearers were daily involved in greater uncertainty. But Jesus taught the Scriptures as of unquestionable authority. Whatever His subject, it was presented with power, as if His words could not be controverted. 

May our voices, our words, and our expressions help people to see Jesus today--as long as we are connected to Him by an entire surrender, we can rejoice that God delights to use us! What a privilege we have in Jesus!

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on July 23, 2017, 04:56:03 AM

I love Jesus and His life and character example in ministry. At conversion (full surrender of the mind and heart to experience justification), we receive all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing, but it is the work of sanctification as we continue to abide in Jesus Christ that brings us into harmony with His pattern of life. We need more earnest communion with God!!!

Not until the last sufferer had been relieved did Jesus cease His work. It was far into the night when the multitude departed, and silence settled down upon the home of Simon. The long, exciting day was past, and Jesus sought rest. But while the city was still wrapped in slumber, the Saviour, "rising up a great while before day, . . . went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed." 

The Savior communed with His Fatger to receive grace and power to impart to the suffering multitudes. As we spend this beautiful and much needed "thoughtful hour" with Jesus morning by morning, we are enabled by the infinite power of the Holy Spirit to go and do likewise.

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
Post by: Richard Myers on July 23, 2017, 03:48:47 PM

Amen!! If Jesus needed this time of communion, how much more do we. But, it is not a matter of needing it for those who understand the blessings that come. We do it because we want to. To behold Jesus is to love Him. If we neglect to be reconciled with God, there is another power which seeks to keep us in bondage.

     In the days of Christ the leaders and teachers of Israel were powerless to resist the work of Satan. They were neglecting the only means by which they could have withstood evil spirits. It was by the word of God that Christ overcame the wicked one. The leaders of Israel professed to be the expositors of God's word, but they had studied it only to sustain their traditions, and enforce their man-made observances. By their interpretation they made it express sentiments that God had never given. Their mystical construction made indistinct that which He had made plain. They disputed over insignificant technicalities, and practically denied the most essential truths. Thus infidelity was sown broadcast. God's word was robbed of its power, and evil spirits worked their will.
     History is repeating. With the open Bible before them, and professing to reverence its teachings, many of the religious leaders of our time are destroying faith in it as the word of God. They busy themselves with dissecting the word, and set their own opinions above its plainest statements. In their hands God's word loses its regenerating power. This is why infidelity runs riot, and iniquity is rife. 

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
Post by: Richard Myers on October 18, 2017, 07:03:35 AM

How successful are we at evangelism? Are we helped, or are we working by ourselves? Do we ask for help?

All heaven was astir with interest. Angels were preparing the way for His ministry, moving upon men's hearts, and drawing them to the Saviour. 
So it is today. Angels and the Holy Spirit move upon men's hearts, opening their minds to what we say when we speak of the loveliness of Jesus. And when we present the truth, do we speak with authority, or do we leave those who listen with the idea we may be wrong? After all, some would think you better than others if you did not allow them to think you might be wrong. Jesus is our example. How did He present the truth?

But while His teaching was simple, He spoke as one having authority. This characteristic set His teaching in contrast with that of all others. The rabbis spoke with doubt and hesitancy, as if the Scriptures might be interpreted to mean one thing or exactly the opposite. The hearers were daily involved in greater uncertainty. But Jesus taught the Scriptures as of unquestionable authority. Whatever His subject, it was presented with power, as if His words could not be controverted.   

It is not our authority we extol, but the authority of the Bible. We are not to teach error, but truth. God is not pleased when we open our mouths and speak things He never said. "Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said, Who [is] this that darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge?" Job 38:1,2.

As erring mortals, we may be wrong. We ought to restrict our teaching to what we understand to be truth because it is not coming from one verse, but from our study of the whole Bible. And, when questioned, in humility we are to listen to the concern if the Bible is presented in argument. We are to give a Bible reason for our teaching, and if it is truth, it can stand close examination.

Why do we have so many problems in the church? Because the Bible is not the foundation of many who are in leadership positions.

    History is repeating. With the open Bible before them, and professing to reverence its teachings, many of the religious leaders of our time are destroying faith in it as the word of God. They busy themselves with dissecting the word, and set their own opinions above its plainest statements. In their hands God's word loses its regenerating power. This is why infidelity runs riot, and iniquity is rife. 

This is how rebellion has gained a foothold in God's church. If we desire to know the truth that we would do the truth, then God will reveal the truth to us.

     God does not control our minds without our consent; but if we desire to know and to do His will, His promises are ours: "Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." "If any man willeth to do His will, he shall know of the teaching." John 8:32; 7:17, R. V. Through faith in these promises, every man may be delivered from the snares of error and the control of sin.

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on October 18, 2017, 07:37:31 AM

Amen, Richard! The Bible is to be our foundation, in such a way that we present the truth as it is in Jesus, as of unquestionable authority. We can know what the Bible teaches about conversion, the new heart, the divine nature, and the fallen sinful nature of man and our continual need of a Savior! We can clearly present Jesus in His divine-human nature, and share how He came to be our brother, and that He is also able to impart to us the divine nature to give us power to obey Him when the heart is yielded to Him. The evidence that we truly believe on Him with saving faith is that He uproots all selfishness and unbelief, and imparts to us His character--the fruits of the Spirit--so that not one is missing. We can know for ourselves whether we are teaching truth or error if we will follow a plain "Thus saith the Lord" in the place of human suppositions. It is so encouraging to know Jesus by a personal experience!

     In marked contrast to all this was the life of Jesus. In that life no noisy disputation, no ostentatious worship, no act to gain applause, was ever witnessed. Christ was hid in God, and God was revealed in the character of His Son. To this revelation Jesus desired the minds of the people to be directed, and their homage to be given.  {DA 261.2} 

When we abide in Christ, we also are hidden in God, and He will reveal His loveliness of character through us. That is the greatest privilege that we can have--to enter into fellowship with Christ and His sufferings by personal ministry for the salvation of souls.

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
Post by: Dorine on January 13, 2018, 06:26:48 AM

This passage brings such sweet peace to my soul this morning.....
"Even amid the turbulence of angry enemies He (Jesus) was surrounded with an atmosphere of peace. The beauty of His countenance, the loveliness of His character, above all, the love expressed in look and tone, drew to Him all who were not hardened in unbelief. Had it not been for the sweet sympathetic spirit that shone out in every look and word, He would not have attracted the large congregations that He did.The afflicted ones who came to Him felt that He linked His interest with theirs as a faithful and tender friend, and they desired to know more of the truths He taught. Heaven was brought near. They longed to abide in His presence, that the comfort of His love might be with them continually."

I've often thought how wonderful it would be to have the opportunity to walk and talk with Jesus as those that lived when He was on earth. After reading this chapter I feel that I have done just that. What a blessing.

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on January 13, 2018, 06:50:23 AM

Amen, Sister Dorine!!

What a blessing it is to meet Jesus in His word! What a blessing to learn to teach and share truth as He did!!

His messages of mercy were varied to suit His audience. He knew “how to speak a word in season to him that is weary” (Isaiah 50:4); for grace was poured upon His lips, that He might convey to men in the most attractive way the treasures of truth. He had tact to meet the prejudiced minds, and surprise them with illustrations that won their attention. Through the imagination He reached the heart. His illustrations were taken from the things of daily life, and although they were simple, they had in them a wonderful depth of meaning. The birds of the air, the lilies of the field, the seed, the shepherd and the sheep,—with these objects Christ illustrated immortal truth; and ever afterward, when His hearers chanced to see these things of nature, they recalled His words. Christ’s illustrations constantly repeated His lessons. – {DA 254.2}

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
Post by: Richard Myers on January 13, 2018, 09:19:12 PM

Amen, Dear Sister and Pastor. We learn so much by beholding the life of Christ! I was also moved by the paragraph Sister Doreen has shared. It was not just the truth Jesus shared, but the love He reveaed by word and look. May God's Spirit so move us that we might be faithful witnesses for our Lord.

     Jesus had nothing to do with the various subjects of dissension among the Jews. It was His work to present the truth. His words shed a flood of light upon the teachings of patriarchs and prophets, and the Scriptures came to men as a new revelation. Never before had His hearers perceived such a depth of meaning in the word of God.
     Jesus met the people on their own ground, as one who was acquainted with their perplexities. He made truth beautiful by presenting it in the most direct and simple way. His language was pure, refined, and clear as a running stream. His voice was as music to those who had listened to the monotonous tones of the rabbis. But while His teaching was simple, He spoke as one having authority. This characteristic set His teaching in contrast with that of all others. The rabbis spoke with doubt and hesitancy, as if the Scriptures might be interpreted to mean one thing or exactly the opposite. The hearers were daily involved in greater uncertainty. But Jesus taught the Scriptures as of unquestionable authority. Whatever His subject, it was presented with power, as if His words could not be controverted.   
     Yet He was earnest, rather than vehement. He spoke as one who had a definite purpose to fulfill. He was bringing to view the realities of the eternal world. In every theme God was revealed. Jesus sought to break the spell of infatuation which keeps men absorbed in earthly things.

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on April 10, 2018, 06:00:24 AM

God is so gentle with us. Do you and I understand all there is to know of God and His word? Not yet! There is still more light to shine upon us. Like a faithful gardener, God comes to us and sows in our hearts the truth of His word. As soon as it germinates (when we surrender our will fully to Him so He can give us a new heart and a new mind) we are given an experience of revealing all of the fruits of the Spirit and our life is brought into harmony with all of God's law as we know it because we love Him. But be not discouraged as it can take time for Him to weed out all the influences in our lives that are not of Him; it can take time for Him to teach us more truth as we are able to bear it. But we are not to resist the influence of increased light and truth, for the more we know of Christ and His infinite loveliness of character, the more intense will be our happiness! Let us learn of how Christ ministered that we also may gently help dispel the false ideas that have clouded our comprehension of God, His word, and the mission He has for us to fulfill as we surrender fully to Him and abide in Him.

"The Sun of Righteousness did not burst upon the world in splendor, to dazzle the senses with His glory. It is written of Christ, 'His going forth is prepared as the morning.' Hosea 6:3. Quietly and gently the daylight breaks upon the earth, dispelling the shadow of darkness, and waking the world to life. So did the Sun of Righteousness arise, 'with healing in His wings.' Malachi 4:2." {The Desire of Ages, page 261, paragraph 3}

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
Post by: Dorine on April 10, 2018, 09:31:58 AM

"History is repeating. With the open Bible before them, and professing to reverence its teachings, many of the religious leaders of our time are destroying faith in it as the word of God. They busy themselves with dissecting the word, and set their own opinions above its plainest statements. In their hands God's word loses its regenerating power. This is why infidelity runs riot, and iniquity is rife. 
     When Satan has undermined faith in the Bible, he directs men to other sources for light and power. Thus he insinuates himself. Those who turn from the plain teaching of Scripture and the convicting power of God's Holy Spirit are inviting the control of demons. Criticism and speculation concerning the Scriptures have opened the way for spiritism and theosophy--those modernized forms of ancient heathenism--to gain a foothold even in the professed churches of our Lord Jesus Christ. 
     Side by side with the preaching of the gospel, agencies are at work which are but the medium of lying spirits. Many a man tampers with these merely from curiosity, but seeing evidence of the working of a more than human power, he is lured on and on, until he is controlled by a will stronger than his own. He cannot escape from its mysterious power. 
     The defenses of the soul are broken down. He has no barrier against sin. When once the restraints of God's word and His Spirit are rejected, no man knows to what depths of degradation he may sink. Secret sin or master passion may hold him a captive as helpless as was the demoniac of Capernaum. Yet his condition is not hopeless." 
   
I'm sorry my post is so long this morning but this is the section that spoke strongly to me this morning. It shows the devils plan for our lives and we are seeing the results all  around us of so many that are falling into his trap. But it also gives us the remedy.

"The means by which we can overcome the wicked one is that by which Christ overcame,--the power of the word. God does not control our minds without our consent; but if we desire to know and to do His will, His promises are ours: "Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." "If any man willeth to do His will, he shall know of the teaching." John 8:32; 7:17, R. V. Through faith in these promises, every man may be delivered from the snares of error and the control of sin"

May we through obedience and faith in Jesus be found in prayer for ourselves, our families, our church and in God's word every day. This is where my victory is.

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
Post by: Richard Myers on April 10, 2018, 09:06:04 PM

I love the character of Jesus!

     His tender compassion fell with a touch of healing upon weary and troubled hearts. Even amid the turbulence of angry enemies He was surrounded with an atmosphere of peace. The beauty of His countenance, the loveliness of His character, above all, the love expressed in look and tone, drew to Him all who were not hardened in unbelief. Had it not been for the sweet, sympathetic spirit that shone out in every look and word, He would not have attracted the large congregations that He did. The afflicted ones who came to Him felt that He linked His interest with theirs as a faithful and tender friend, and they desired to know more of the truths He taught. Heaven was brought near. They longed to abide in His presence, that the comfort of His love might be with them continually. 

Thus, we too may win the hearts of those who we seek to serve by ministering to their physical needs with a sweet, sympathetic spirit.

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
Post by: JimB on April 11, 2018, 04:53:04 AM

Richard, your words reminded of this from another of my favorite books....

The Saviour’s work was not restricted to any time or place. His compassion knew no limit. On so large a scale did He conduct His work of healing and teaching that there was no building in Palestine large enough to receive the multitudes that thronged to Him. On the green hill slopes of Galilee, in the thoroughfares of travel, by the seashore, in the synagogues, and in every other place where the sick could be brought to Him, was to be found His hospital. In every city, every town, every village, through which He passed, He laid His hands upon the afflicted ones and healed them. Wherever there were hearts ready to receive His message, He comforted them with the assurance of their heavenly Father’s love. All day He ministered to those who came to Him; in the evening He gave attention to such as through the day must toil to earn a pittance for the support of their families. {MH 17.3}

What a Savior we have!! Even if the religious leaders didn't find Him the one altogether lovely apparently a of others did. The beauty of His character will draw all men if we allow it.

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
Post by: Richard Myers on April 11, 2018, 05:24:09 AM

Amen Jim. Many don't have the opportunity to see Jesus like we do. But like Saul of Tarsus, they may see Him through his Witnesses.

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on July 06, 2018, 07:02:33 AM

We are living in the closing moments of earth's history before Jesus returns. Well would it be for us daily to spend a thoughtful hour upon the life and ministry, the death and sufferings of Jesus--for as we behold Him, our comprehension of the life and experience that is before us unfolds with greater clarity and power to accomplish the work He has for us when we abide in Him. I am so amazed that of all the times I could be alive in the drama of this earth's history that I could live right before Jesus comes, and have a part to play in His great plan. Is there anything more important than being fully surrendered to Christ so He can, by giving us a new heart and mind, and filling us with all the fruits of His Spirit so that not one is missing, enable us to faithfully win souls and resist the power of the evil one? Let us consider what a privilege it is to suffer with Christ and to have an experience of oneness with Him by continual union and communion of the soul with Him. Nothing in this world can make us truly happy like Jesus.

     "The period of Christ's personal ministry among men was the time of greatest activity for the forces of the kingdom of darkness. For ages Satan with his evil angels had been seeking to control the bodies and the souls of men, to bring upon them sin and suffering; then he had charged all this misery upon God. Jesus was revealing to men the character of God. He was breaking Satan's power, and setting his captives free. New life and love and power from heaven were moving upon the hearts of men, and the prince of evil was aroused to contend for the supremacy of his kingdom. Satan summoned all his forces, and at every step contested the work of Christ." {The Desire of Ages, page 257, paragraph 1}
     "So it will be in the great final conflict of the controversy between righteousness and sin. While new life and light and power are descending from on high upon the disciples of Christ, a new life is springing up from beneath, and energizing the agencies of Satan. Intensity is taking possession of every earthly element. With a subtlety gained through centuries of conflict, the prince of evil works under a disguise. He appears clothed as an angel of light, and multitudes are 'giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils.' 1 Timothy 4:1." {The Desire of Ages, page 257, paragraph 2}

To be truly happy in these times we need a constant connection with Christ, so no matter how strong the temptation, we are enabled through Him, the "way of escape" (1 Corinthians 10:13), to overcome as He overcame, relying implicitly upon His grace and putting all the energies of our soul into the battle before us--the battle of wresting one more soul from the camp of the enemy to be eternally redeemed in glory!

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on October 01, 2018, 04:16:28 AM

Let us behold the loveliness of Jesus' character and let Him live out His life in us. As Jesus manifested the character of the Father, so we, abiding in Him by a continual connection by grace through "the faith of Jesus" (Revelation 14:12) may shed the light of Jesus' character to a world that does not know His tender, pardoning love. By continual union and communion with God in Christ, the Holy Spirit will guide us aright to shed forth His grace to a world soon to perish, but that first is to receive the last rays of merciful light as manifest in His children who reveal His character--all of the fruits of His Spirit without one missing as His obedience is wrought out in us!

 "The Sun of Righteousness did not burst upon the world in splendor, to dazzle the senses with His glory. It is written of Christ, 'His going forth is prepared as the morning.' Hosea 6:3. Quietly and gently the daylight breaks upon the earth, dispelling the shadow of darkness, and waking the world to life. So did the Sun of Righteousness arise, 'with healing in His wings.' Malachi 4:2."  {The Desire of Ages, page 261, paragraph 3}

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
Post by: JimB on October 01, 2018, 05:37:17 AM

Speaking of beholding the character of Jesus, I love this part this morning.

...yet the heart's unspoken appeal was heard. No cry from a soul in need, though it fail of utterance in words, will be unheeded. Those who will consent to enter into covenant relation with the God of heaven are not left to the power of Satan or to the infirmity of their own nature. They are invited by the Saviour, "Let him take hold of My strength, that he may make peace with Me; and he shall make peace with Me." Isaiah 27:5. The spirits of darkness will battle for the soul once under their dominion, but angels of God will contend for that soul with prevailing power. The Lord says, "Shall the prey be taken from the mighty, or the lawful captive delivered? . . . Thus saith the Lord, Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered: for I will contend with him that contendeth with thee, and I will save thy children." Isaiah 49:24, 25. 

This guy couldn't speak his own desire to be set free but Jesus in His loving compassionate ways set him free in spite of this because He could read the longings of the man's heart.

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
Post by: Richard Myers on October 01, 2018, 09:46:39 AM

These are precious verses for many of us. All who have children understand these verses in their context.They not only apply to us, but in context to our children. Of course their are conditions to the promise which are revealed in our reading. What a precious promise!!

I believe you, Jim, have shared this thought in the past. It is beautiful.

   His tender compassion fell with a touch of healing upon weary and troubled hearts. Even amid the turbulence of angry enemies He was surrounded with an atmosphere of peace. The beauty of His countenance, the loveliness of His character, above all, the love expressed in look and tone, drew to Him all who were not hardened in unbelief. Had it not been for the sweet, sympathetic spirit that shone out in every look and word, He would not have attracted the large congregations that He did. The afflicted ones who came to Him felt that He linked His interest with theirs as a faithful and tender friend, and they desired to know more of the truths He taught. Heaven was brought near. They longed to abide in His presence, that the comfort of His love might be with them continually.

So it will be with all who love Jesus supremely. That love which is spoken of will fill all who are truly converted. It is called in Scripture "living water."

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on December 27, 2018, 04:28:27 AM

How did He do it? What was it that drew people to Jesus?

"His tender compassion fell with a touch of healing upon weary and troubled hearts. Even amid the turbulence of angry enemies He was surrounded with an atmosphere of peace. The beauty of His countenance, the loveliness of His character, above all, the love expressed in look and tone, drew to Him all who were not hardened in unbelief. Had it not been for the sweet, sympathetic spirit that shone out in every look and word, He would not have attracted the large congregations that He did. The afflicted ones who came to Him felt that He linked His interest with theirs as a faithful and tender friend, and they desired to know more of the truths He taught. Heaven was brought near. They longed to abide in His presence, that the comfort of His love might be with them continually." {The Desire of Ages, page 254, paragraph 4} 

Jesus' character is being reproduced in our experience as we behold Him, and His life becomes ours by a living-faith surrender so His attributes--the fruits of His Spirit (not one missing)--are being wrought out through us. He receives the glory and we are filled with joy to see how Christ through us speaks to the hearts of those around us who need hope and healing of soul! Let us live in continual union and communion with Christ today! "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 2:5).

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
Post by: Dorine on December 27, 2018, 06:46:25 AM

"Every man is free to choose what power he will have to rule over him. None have fallen so low, none are so vile, but that they can find deliverance in Christ. The demoniac, in place of prayer, could utter only the words of Satan; yet the heart's unspoken appeal was heard. No cry from a soul in need, though it fail of utterance in words, will be unheeded. Those who will consent to enter into covenant relation with the God of heaven are not left to the power of Satan or to the infirmity of their own nature. They are invited by the Saviour, "Let him take hold of My strength, that he may make peace with Me; and he shall make peace with Me." Isaiah 27:5. The spirits of darkness will battle for the soul once under their dominion, but angels of God will contend for that soul with prevailing power. The Lord says, "Shall the prey be taken from the mighty, or the lawful captive delivered? . . . Thus saith the Lord, Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered: for I will contend with him that contendeth with thee, and I will save thy children." Isaiah 49:24, 25."

Isn't this the most heartwarming and encouraging promise for every man, woman and child! God's love is beyond explanation and understanding. It is said that actions speak louder than words but in the life of Jesus we see that both His words and His actions work together to reveal His great love for mankind.

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
Post by: Beacon on December 27, 2018, 08:21:28 AM

 Every man is free to choose what power he will have to rule over him. None have fallen so low, none are so vile, but that they can find deliverance in Christ. The demoniac, in place of prayer, could utter only the words of Satan; yet the heart's unspoken appeal was heard. No cry from a soul in need, though it fail of utterance in words, will be unheeded. Those who will consent to enter into covenant relation with the God of heaven are not left to the power of Satan or to the infirmity of their own nature. They are invited by the Saviour, "Let him take hold of My strength, that he may make peace with Me; and he shall make peace with Me." Isaiah 27:5

Jesus says to us today " Come unto me all ye who labour and are heavy laden and I WILL GIVE YOU REST.  We are invited to come as we are and Jesus will forgive us and cover us with His righteousness.  What a wonderful promise it is to us to know that " None are so vile, but that they can find deliverance in Christ!! What ever is in our past---Jesus is willing to forgive and restore. Come without delay. Time is running out and probation is about to close.  How awful it would be to hear the words.." Depart from me - I never knew you " There is nothing in this sin sick world that's worth hanging on to....

LORD - "TAKE MY LIFE AND LET IT BE CONSECRATED LORD TO THEE"  :)

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on March 24, 2019, 06:11:39 AM

There is hope for us only in God. We can turn our eyes upon Jesus, find in His grace the strength to transform our hearts and minds to have pure motives of self-sacrificing love, and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit who will reveal Himself in love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, and meekness so not one of these fruits of His presence is missing in our experience of living by faith upon Jesus!

The demoniac was trapped by the enemy, but Christ came to deliver!!

"Every man is free to choose what power he will have to rule over him. None have fallen so low, none are so vile, but that they can find deliverance in Christ." {The Desire of Ages, page 258, paragraph 6}

I choose Jesus today, and I am so grateful for His loveliness of character that inspires us with with and hope to overcome in Him!

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
Post by: Beacon on March 24, 2019, 06:56:11 AM

"Jesus had nothing to do with the various subjects of dissension among the Jews. It was His work to present the truth. His words shed a flood of light upon the teachings of patriarchs and prophets, and the Scriptures came to men as a new revelation. Never before had His hearers perceived such a depth of meaning in the word of God."

Isaiah 8:20 says,,,"To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them." We need to be led by the Spirit of God and not get caught up in controversy within the ranks of Christianity and more specifically within the ranks of our own church.  Remember that when the devil tempted Jesus, He was victorious base on the theme of  " IT IS WRITTEN " Then the Holy Spirit will guide the listener to a deeper understanding which leads to truth..
[/b][/u]
"Jesus met the people on their own ground, as one who was acquainted with their perplexities. He made truth beautiful by presenting it in the most direct and simple way. His language was pure, refined, and clear as a running stream. His voice was as music to those who had listened to the monotonous tones of the rabbis. But while His teaching was simple, He spoke as one having authority.This characteristic set His teaching in contrast with that of all others."

It has been my privilege to conduct several funeral services for families that were not of our faith and each time they heard a solid truth filled message several of the ones present came up to me after the service and told me they had never heard such a comforting message based on the Word of God. It was a humbling experience and made me realize even more what a wonderful treasure we hold in our hands when we and have opportunities to share with others God's truth filled messages. I encourage all you reading this blog day by day to adapt this motto. If God said it - I believe it, and that's good enough for me "[/color]

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
Post by: JimB on March 24, 2019, 10:38:14 AM

Had it not been for the sweet, sympathetic spirit that shone out in every look and word, He would not have attracted the large congregations that He did. The afflicted ones who came to Him felt that He linked His interest with theirs as a faithful and tender friend, and they desired to know more of the truths He taught. Heaven was brought near. They longed to abide in His presence, that the comfort of His love might be with them continually.

I just love this description of Christ. How a sympathetic spirit shone out of every look and word! What a kind and loving Savior we have! No wonder they were attracted to Him!

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
Post by: Richard Myers on March 24, 2019, 11:59:21 AM

Amen Jim. And we are to witness that same loving character in dealing with people. God loves us. He allowed His innocent Son to come to this dark spot in the universe a helpless babe subject to the weakness of humanity to fight the battle of life as we must fight it, at the risk of failure and eternal loss. In today's reading we find just what was waiting for Him when He got here.

     The period of Christ's personal ministry among men was the time of greatest activity for the forces of the kingdom of darkness. For ages Satan with his evil angels had been seeking to control the bodies and the souls of men, to bring upon them sin and suffering; then he had charged all this misery upon God. Jesus was revealing to men the character of God. He was breaking Satan's power, and setting his captives free. New life and love and power from heaven were moving upon the hearts of men, and the prince of evil was aroused to contend for the supremacy of his kingdom. Satan summoned all his forces, and at every step contested the work of Christ.

We see this today in the world and in the church. Satan has been preparing for us. He has had another two thousand years to set the stage for the final battle between good and evil.

     So it will be in the great final conflict of the controversy between righteousness and sin. While new life and light and power are descending from on high upon the disciples of Christ, a new life is springing up from beneath, and energizing the agencies of Satan. Intensity is taking possession of every earthly element. With a subtlety gained through centuries of conflict, the prince of evil works under a disguise. He appears clothed as an angel of light, and multitudes are "giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils." 1 Timothy 4:1.

We face more danger from within than without. As it was with Israel, Satan has been working the church to deceive about the character of God and the plan of salvation. Laodiceans are deceived in a very bad way. There is error surrounding us, both from the liberal side and the conservative side. Our only safety is in Christ and His Word.

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
Post by: Beacon on June 18, 2019, 06:32:40 PM

"A perversion of right principles is a transgression of God's law. Those who in their actions pervert the grand principles of His Holy Law are under condemnation, for the righteousness of Christ cannot cover one unconfessed sin. The law has been lightly regarded. "Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil." We must obey God's law, if we are loyal to Him and accepted by Him."

"The first step toward obedience is to examine ourselves in the light of the law, thus discovering the penalty of transgression. Those of God's people who do not purify their souls by coming into clearer and still clearer light are a reproach to His glorious cause. Too often those who should remain true and faithful to principle are obnoxious to God, because in His justice He cannot endure the sins that they cherish--sins that not only lead them into false paths but cause others also to be led astray."

It is an sobering thought to me that by my actions or by my thoughts, if not sanctified by the Holy Spirit, can cause Jesus soo much sadness and may result in myself and others losing out in the great gift of Eternal Life that Jesus has made possible through His death on the Cross of Calvary. I love the wonderful promises given to us as stated in the book " THOUGHTS FROM THE MOUNT OF BLESSING. " It would be great to read it often and remember that the one who promised it also said...All Power is given to me in Heaven and on Earth. Matthew 28:18

"If you will seek the Lord and be converted every day; if you will of your own spiritual choice be free and joyous in God; if with gladsome consent of heart to His gracious call you come wearing the yoke of Christ,—the yoke of obedience and service,—all your murmurings will be stilled, all your difficulties will be removed, all the perplexing problems that now confront you will be solved. {MB 101.3}"

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on June 19, 2019, 02:17:21 AM

Hallelujah! Amen, Brother Beacon!! We can turn our eyes upon Jesus and find the healing experience of His character, which He promises to work out in us as a divine miracle--the miracle of grace that makes us partakers of the divine nature so we may escape the corruption that is in the world through lust.

It is a beautiful thought to reflect on what Jesus' countenance was like as He walked the earth--and to know that we also may have a beaming smile, a joyful heart, and a song on our lips! As we rejoice in all that Jesus is to us and invite others to get to know Him, they will be attracted to Him for they will behold Christ in us the hope of glory through the manifestation of all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing!

"His tender compassion fell with a touch of healing upon weary and troubled hearts. Even amid the turbulence of angry enemies He was surrounded with an atmosphere of peace. The beauty of His countenance, the loveliness of His character, above all, the love expressed in look and tone, drew to Him all who were not hardened in unbelief. Had it not been for the sweet, sympathetic spirit that shone out in every look and word, He would not have attracted the large congregations that He did. The afflicted ones who came to Him felt that He linked His interest with theirs as a faithful and tender friend, and they desired to know more of the truths He taught. Heaven was brought near. They longed to abide in His presence, that the comfort of His love might be with them continually." {The Desire of Ages, page 254, paragraph 4}

May the comfort of Jesus' love be with us continually today as we see Him in His beauty by faith. Let us choose the experience of David all the days of our life, for this will be our experience also in eternity: "One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in his temple" (Psalm 27:4).   

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
Post by: Dorine on June 19, 2019, 06:11:21 AM

"He (Jesus) spoke as one who had a definite purpose to fulfill. He was bringing to view the realities of the eternal world. In every theme God was revealed. Jesus sought to break the spell of infatuation which keeps men absorbed in earthly things. He placed the things of this life in their true relation, as subordinate to those of eternal interest; but He did not ignore their importance. He taught that heaven and earth are linked together, and that a knowledge of divine truth prepares men better to perform the duties of everyday life. He spoke as one familiar with heaven, conscious of His relationship to God, yet recognizing His unity with every member of the human family.

May God help us to do the same. There are many distractions in life. They may be good in and of themselves but not when they come first before God. I thank Him for His example in showing us the order of their importance. I thank Him for being our link to heaven. We are so blessed in every way. May we show it in the way we think, speak and act. Make Jesus our first thoughts upon waking and the last thoughts before falling asleep and the center of all our comings and goings through out the day.

I was also touched this morning by this description of Jesus.

"His tender compassion fell with a touch of healing upon wary and troubled hearts. Even amid the turbulence of angry enemies He was surrounded with an atmosphere of peace. The beauty of His countenance, the loveliness of His character, above all, the love expressed in look and tone, drew to Him all who were not hardened in unbelief. Had it not been for the sweet, sympathetic spirit that shone out in every look and word, He would not have attracted the large congregations that he did."

Oh the dangers of unbelief.  Come into my heart this morning Lord Jesus. Cleanse it and renew a right spirit within me. Amen.

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
Post by: Richard Myers on June 19, 2019, 05:02:36 PM

What if a person were to live their whole life teaching the truth and at the end could not count very many who accepted the message of God's grace? Think of the prophets who not only did not see the coming of Christ, but saw little good from their efforts. How was it with Ellen White? In 1897 she said it was rare.

The new birth is a rare experience in this age of the world. This is the reason why there are so many perplexities in the churches. Many, so many, who assume the name of Christ are unsanctified and unholy. They have been baptized, but they were buried alive. Self did not die, and therefore they did not rise to newness of life in Christ (Manuscript 148, 1897).

How did it make her feel? She wanted to die.

The message to the Laodiceans has not accomplished that zealous repentance among God’s people which I expected to see, and my perplexity of mind has been great. Disease seemed to make continual progress upon me, and I thought that I must lie down in the grave. I had no desire to live,

Why share this today? As I read what all have shared this morning, I am so thankful that I will not go into the grave without seeing some who have accepted the gospel of grace. It is such a simple message, but ever so powerful! The church remains in a Laodicean condition and many, so very many have no idea what it means to be a Laodicean. So many close friends, I cannot speak openly about this. They cannot see.

Yes, each day we must be re-converted by beholding God's wonderful grace. As we look upon Him who was lifted up for my sins, we become changed in character. We are filled with the Holy Spirit and reveal all of the fruits of His Spirit, not one is missing. Amazing grace! More than a word, it is the power that transforms sinners into saints. And all of this power came to us a helpless baby bearing fallen flesh to fight the battle as we must fight it at the risk of failure and eternal loss! He came with healing in His wings.

The Sun of Righteousness did not burst upon the world in splendor, to dazzle the senses with His glory. It is written of Christ, "His going forth is prepared as the morning." Hosea 6:3. Quietly and gently the daylight breaks upon the earth, dispelling the shadow of darkness, and waking the world to life. So did the Sun of Righteousness arise, "with healing in His wings." Malachi 4:2. 

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on September 12, 2019, 07:13:54 AM

From Jesus' word comes the deliverance we need. It is only by uniting our hearts and minds to Christ by His word in fully surrender that we can present a true witness (all of the fruits of the Spirit manifest in the life in true affectionate obedience to all of God's law of love that we know).

"History is repeating. With the open Bible before them, and professing to reverence its teachings, many of the religious leaders of our time are destroying faith in it as the word of God. They busy themselves with dissecting the word, and set their own opinions above its plainest statements. In their hands God's word loses its regenerating power. This is why infidelity runs riot, and iniquity is rife." {The Desire of Ages, page 258, paragraph 1}

God desires us to live by faith--to express and live the truth as it is in Jesus so that we come to His word with a heart desiring to know and follow all that it reveals!

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
Post by: Dorine on September 12, 2019, 10:59:32 AM

The means by which we can overcome the wicked one is that by which Christ overcame,--the power of the word. God does not control our minds without our consent; but if we desire to know and to do His will, His promises are ours: "Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." "If any man willeth to do His will, he shall know of the teaching." John 8:32; 7:17, R. V. Through faith in these promises, every man may be delivered from the snares of error and the control of sin.

What a chapter of divine deliverance. We are not left to struggle and fail over and over. Jesus has set an example of continual victory over sin by a total surrender to his will.

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
Post by: Richard Myers on September 12, 2019, 09:16:16 PM

Amen!! Over and over we read the same thing, God delivers from sin if we will give Him the whole heart. Yet, it is like the the church has been reading another Book. So it was with Israel. When Jesus came to His own, His own knew Him not. :(

     Jesus met the people on their own ground, as one who was acquainted with their perplexities. He made truth beautiful by presenting it in the most direct and simple way. His language was pure, refined, and clear as a running stream. His voice was as music to those who had listened to the monotonous tones of the rabbis. But while His teaching was simple, He spoke as one having authority. This characteristic set His teaching in contrast with that of all others. The rabbis spoke with doubt and hesitancy, as if the Scriptures might be interpreted to mean one thing or exactly the opposite. The hearers were daily involved in greater uncertainty. But Jesus taught the Scriptures as of unquestionable authority. Whatever His subject, it was presented with power, as if His words could not be controverted.   
     Yet He was earnest, rather than vehement. He spoke as one who had a definite purpose to fulfill. He was bringing to view the realities of the eternal world. In every theme God was revealed. Jesus sought to break the spell of infatuation which keeps men absorbed in earthly things. He placed the things of this life in their true relation, as subordinate to those of eternal interest;

So it ought to be with as we share the gospel of grace. So it will be when we are filled with the Spirit and understand what is written.

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
Post by: Beacon on December 06, 2019, 04:27:21 PM

"Those who will consent to enter into covenant relation with the God of heaven are not left to the power of Satan or to the infirmity of their own nature. They are invited by the Saviour,...

"Let him take hold of My strength, that he may make peace with Me; and he shall make peace with Me." Isaiah 27:5.


 The spirits of darkness will battle for the soul once under their dominion, but angels of God will contend for that soul with prevailing power.

but the Lord says,

"Shall the prey be taken from the mighty, or the lawful captive delivered? . . . Thus saith the Lord, Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered: for I will contend with him that contendeth with thee, and I will save thy children." Isaiah 49:24, 25.

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ - Let us not become discouraged or distracted - What wonderful, powerful and strong promises we have! When Peter walked on the water he was fine until he took his eyes off Jesus. But when he cried out..."Lord Save Me "- Jesus immediately reached down and took Peter's hand and they walked together back to the safety of the  boat.  Let us keep our eyes fixed upon Jesus and He will guide us safely home.  HAPPY SABBATH

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on December 07, 2019, 03:28:03 AM

Amen, Brother Beacon!!

Happy Sabbath to all, and may you learn of Christ today in His gracious way! As you behold the loveliness of Jesus, yield your whole heart to Him so He can live out His perfect life in you! He longs to give you the joy of His experience!!

"His messages of mercy were varied to suit His audience. He knew "how to speak a word in season to him that is weary" (Isaiah 50:4); for grace was poured upon His lips, that He might convey to men in the most attractive way the treasures of truth. He had tact to meet the prejudiced minds, and surprise them with illustrations that won their attention. Through the imagination He reached the heart. His illustrations were taken from the things of daily life, and although they were simple, they had in them a wonderful depth of meaning. The birds of the air, the lilies of the field, the seed, the shepherd and the sheep,--with these objects Christ illustrated immortal truth; and ever afterward, when His hearers chanced to see these things of nature, they recalled His words. Christ's illustrations constantly repeated His lessons." {The Desire of Ages, page 254, paragraph 2}

Jesus loves to take the simplest things and turn them into beautiful illustrations of His kingdom. May we pray that today our minds and hearts will be open to the precious lessons He has for us!!

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
Post by: Dorine on December 07, 2019, 05:51:57 AM

If we are not spending that thoughtful hour each day with Jesus in study and prayer we can never appreciate or love Him or know Him as our Saviour and friend. If only I had made this a habit all my life. But thank God He takes us where we are. He knows our weaknesses and when we realize our great need of Him He responds to our cry for help, and transforms us into His character. Praise God.

His tender compassion fell with a touch of healing upon weary and troubled hearts. Even amid the turbulence of angry enemies He was surrounded with an atmosphere of peace. The beauty of His countenance, the loveliness of His character, above all, the love expressed in look and tone, drew to Him all who were not hardened in unbelief. Had it not been for the sweet, sympathetic spirit that shone out in every look and word, He would not have attracted the large congregations that He did. The afflicted ones who came to Him felt that He linked His interest with theirs as a faithful and tender friend, and they desired to know more of the truths He taught. Heaven was brought near. They longed to abide in His presence, that the comfort of His love might be with them continually.

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
Post by: Richard Myers on December 07, 2019, 08:54:14 AM

Amen Sister Dorine. I too was impressed with what you have shared. Do we indeed want to be in His presence? Do we recognize His loveliness of character? If we will spend that thoughtful hour each day with Him, beholding Him, we shall see His grace towards the sinner. We all are being drawn towards Him if we are not hardened in sin. And, even the unfallen worlds are being drawn ever closer to Him as they witness how He deals with the children of man.

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
Post by: Beacon on March 02, 2020, 05:47:54 PM

"The tender compassion of Jesus fell with a touch of healing upon wary and troubled hearts. Even amid the turbulence of angry enemies He was surrounded with an atmosphere of peace. The beauty of His countenance, the loveliness of His character, above all, the love expressed in look and tone, drew to Him all who were not hardened in unbelief. Had it not been for the sweet, sympathetic spirit that shone out in every look and word, He would not have attracted the large congregations that he did."

The words of this song is my prayer for today for all who read this post


Teach, me, Father, what to say;
Teach me, Father, how to pray;
Teach me all along the way
How to be like Jesus.

Refrain:
I would be like Jesus,
I would be like Jesus!
Help me, Lord, to daily grow
More and more like Jesus!

Is this your prayer?  If not why not?  What do others hear and see when they interact with us who claim to love Jesus?

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on March 03, 2020, 03:01:04 AM

Amen, Brother Beacon!! I pray that I may be like Jesus!!

As we learn of Christ, we may willingly enjoy the blessing of complete surrender that brings true conversion, a supernatural recreation of the heart and mind to be filled with His Spirit and the witness of all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing! Gladly we obey all the light of His holy law that God sends upon our path, that we may be like Him who left heaven to seek and save the lost!

 "The means by which we can overcome the wicked one is that by which Christ overcame,--the power of the word. God does not control our minds without our consent; but if we desire to know and to do His will, His promises are ours: 'Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.' 'If any man willeth to do His will, he shall know of the teaching.' John 8:32; 7:17, R. V. Through faith in these promises, every man may be delivered from the snares of error and the control of sin." {The Desire of Ages, page 258, paragraph 5}

What a joy it is to walk in the victory of Jesus today! We may allow Him to set us free by His word, and the more we feed upon the word of God and allow it to become our own experience, the more fully we will reflect His likeness as He matures us and prepares us for eternity with Him!!

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
Post by: Dorine on March 03, 2020, 06:17:46 AM

"There are many who believe that if they are careful they can play with fire and not get burned. Here is a quote from the story of the demoniac to show how dangerous such a thought is."

"The secret cause of the affliction that had made this man a fearful spectacle to his friends and a burden to himself was in his own life. He had been fascinated by the pleasures of sin, and had thought to make life a grand carnival. He did not dream of becoming a terror to the world and the reproach of his family. He thought his time could be spent in innocent folly. But once in the downward path, his feet rapidly descended. Intemperance and frivolity perverted the noble attributes of his nature, and Satan took absolute control of him."

Even so called innocent sinful pleasure (of which there is no such thing) if fed will lead a soul into a position where Satan has complete control of them.

What I love about this story and what brings me such joy is to know that even when over come with evil Jesus is there to rescue. When we can not speak our hearts desire He reads our minds and knows our thoughts and will heal us from the evil that has us trapped when from our heart we cry out to Him; save me.

"Every man is free to choose what power he will have to rule over him. None have fallen so low, none are so vile, but that they can find deliverance in Christ."

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
Post by: Richard Myers on March 03, 2020, 11:21:49 AM

Amen Sister Dorine and Pastor Sean! God can and wants to deliver us all from self and sin!

Why is it that so many who profess to serve God cannot? They are not truly converted and thus lack spiritual discernment. They then refuse to accept Scripture as it is written. What is simple to you and me, they prefer to keep their own opinion.   Pride is where this all began and remains at the heart of all sin. Self is evil by nature.

     By their interpretation they made it express sentiments that God had never given. Their mystical construction made indistinct that which He had made plain. They disputed over insignificant technicalities, and practically denied the most essential truths. Thus infidelity was sown broadcast. God's word was robbed of its power, and evil spirits worked their will.
     History is repeating. With the open Bible before them, and professing to reverence its teachings, many of the religious leaders of our time are destroying faith in it as the word of God. They busy themselves with dissecting the word, and set their own opinions above its plainest statements. In their hands God's word loses its regenerating power. This is why infidelity runs riot, and iniquity is rife. 

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
Post by: Richard Myers on May 29, 2020, 07:19:13 AM

  Jesus had nothing to do with the various subjects of dissension among the Jews. It was His work to present the truth. His words shed a flood of light upon the teachings of patriarchs and prophets, and the Scriptures came to men as a new revelation. Never before had His hearers perceived such a depth of meaning in the word of God. 

So it is our privilege to share the truth as Jesus did. Today, when there is so much wrong in our world, we may be tempted to enter into the discussions involving society, but we ought to learn the lesson from Jesus, that the problems with people deal with the heart. It is the truth that God has entrusted to His church that will touch the hearts of man. Today when good is called evil and evil is called good, it was prophesied. Then we ought not be surprised. Let us present Jesus as the solution to each and every one of our problems. When we love Him with the whole heart, then we shall have love, joy, and peace in the middle of the storm.

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
Post by: Beacon on May 29, 2020, 12:53:31 PM

"His tender compassion fell with a touch of healing upon weary and troubled hearts. Even amid the turbulence of angry enemies He was surrounded with an atmosphere of peace. The beauty of His countenance, the loveliness of His character, above all, the love expressed in look and tone, drew to Him all who were not hardened in unbelief. Had it not been for the sweet, sympathetic spirit that shone out in every look and word, He would not have attracted the large congregations that He did. The afflicted ones who came to Him felt that He linked His interest with theirs as a faithful and tender friend, and they desired to know more of the truths He taught. Heaven was brought near. They longed to abide in His presence, that the comfort of His love might be with them continually."

Should we not emulate the same character if we are truly connected to Him?

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on May 29, 2020, 01:12:37 PM

Amen, Brother Richard and Brother Beacon!

Praise the Lord for the opportunity we have to reflect Jesus!

Simplicity and purity, sincerity and devotion, resolute purpose and strict abeyance to the Father’s will marked every moment of the life of Jesus! The keynote of His life is found in His words: “I must be about my Father’s business” (Luke 2:49). It is only as we behold Him in His infinite loveliness, yield the entire heart to Him, and continuously abide in Him by His word through continual union and communion that His life becomes ours and His love is defused through the world as a witness to the onlooking universe. Oh, let us be like Jesus!

“In marked contrast to all this was the life of Jesus. In that life no noisy disputation, no ostentatious worship, no act to gain applause, was ever witnessed. Christ was hid in God, and God was revealed in the character of His Son. To this revelation Jesus desired the minds of the people to be directed, and their homage to be given.” {The Desire of Ages, page 261, paragraph 2}

As we look upward by faith to Jesus completing His ministry in the heavenly sanctuary, we can rejoice that tribulation here prepares the soul for the rest that He has for us—a rest that only comes in perfect acquiescence to His will. I choose to yield fully Jesus. Will you?

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
Post by: Beacon on August 24, 2020, 05:22:00 AM

"Those who will consent to enter into covenant relation with the God of heaven are not left to the power of Satan or to the infirmity of their own nature. They are invited by the Saviour,...

"Let him take hold of My strength, that he may make peace with Me; and he shall make peace with Me." Isaiah 27:5.


"The spirits of darkness will battle for the soul once under their dominion, but angels of God will contend for that soul with prevailing power.

but the Lord says..

"Shall the prey be taken from the mighty, or the lawful captive delivered? . . . Thus saith the Lord, Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered: for I will contend with him that contendeth with thee, and I will save thy children." Isaiah 49:24, 25.

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ - Let us not become discouraged or distracted - What wonderful, powerful and strong promises we have! When Peter walked on the water he was fine until he took his eyes off Jesus. But when he cried out..."Lord Save Me "- Jesus immediately reached down and took Peter's hand and they walked together back to the safety of the  boat.  Let us keep our eyes fixed upon Jesus and He will guide us safely home.

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
Post by: Dorine on August 24, 2020, 06:07:01 AM

..."Thus were spent the days in the earthly life of Jesus. He often dismissed His disciples to visit their homes and rest; but He gently resisted their efforts to draw Him away from His labors. All day He toiled, teaching the ignorant, healing the sick, giving sight to the blind, feeding the multitude; and at the eventide or in the early morning, He went away to the sanctuary of the mountains for communion with His Father. Often He passed the entire night in prayer and meditation, returning at daybreak to His work among the people."

We all have 24 hours in a day as did Jesus. Time is a gift that God has given to us to use for Him. As we go about our tasks and duties of the day there are opportunities to reach those in need. Life can be very stressful on the mind and body. We have the same source of strength as Jesus did. We may go to God in prayer at any time and He will refresh us to face another day. If we are falling into temptation over and over it would be well to do as Jesus did and spend much more time in prayer.

Isaiah 40:31 says..."But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not  be weary; and they shall  walk, and not faint.

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
Post by: Richard Myers on August 24, 2020, 07:59:56 AM

Amen Sister Dorine!  What we do with our time is more important than most understand.

     The secret cause of the affliction that had made this man a fearful spectacle to his friends and a burden to himself was in his own life. He had been fascinated by the pleasures of sin, and had thought to make life a grand carnival. He did not dream of becoming a terror to the world and the reproach of his family. He thought his time could be spent in innocent folly. But once in the downward path, his feet rapidly descended. Intemperance and frivolity perverted the noble attributes of his nature, and Satan took absolute control of him.

Daily we are creating habits, and our habits reveal our character. Let us form habits of spending time with Jesus in study and prayer.

And, as Brother Beacon has pointed out, we have a Savior that will contend with him who is contending with us for the salvation of our children. Praise God!!

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on August 25, 2020, 06:11:44 AM

Amen, Brother Beacon, Sister Dorine and Brother Richard!

The light of the glory of God as seen in the face of Jesus Christ is shining brighter and brighter in our world! Let us surrender unreservedly to Christ today so He may shine the light of His love through us whereby all of the fruits of the Holy Spirit's presence may be revealed in our lives! Then we will go forth in affectionate obedience to God's law of love, for our highest delight when we are truly converted is in doing His service!

"The Sun of Righteousness did not burst upon the world in splendor, to dazzle the senses with His glory. It is written of Christ, 'His going forth is prepared as the morning.' Hosea 6:3. Quietly and gently the daylight breaks upon the earth, dispelling the shadow of darkness, and waking the world to life. So did the Sun of Righteousness arise, 'with healing in His wings.' Malachi 4:2." {The Desire of Ages, page 261, paragraph 3}

The gradually increasing brightness of the sunlight is a reminder of how God keeps shedding more and more light upon our life path as we follow Christ, the Light of the world! May this be your experience today so others are drawn to Jesus, too!

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on November 19, 2020, 05:42:07 AM

God's word is so powerful and can subdue our iniquities as we learn of Christ and abide in Him! Then He will manifest in and through us all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing!

"The means by which we can overcome the wicked one is that by which Christ overcame,--the power of the word. God does not control our minds without our consent; but if we desire to know and to do His will, His promises are ours: 'Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.' 'If any man willeth to do His will, he shall know of the teaching.' John 8:32; 7:17, R. V. Through faith in these promises, every man may be delivered from the snares of error and the control of sin." {The Desire of Ages, page 258, paragraph 5}

The victory is in Christ! Let us experience all God has for us!

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
Post by: Dorine on November 19, 2020, 07:08:46 AM

"The Sun of Righteousness did not burst upon the world in splendor, to dazzle the senses with His glory. It is written of Christ, "His going forth is prepared as the morning." Hosea 6:3. Quietly and gently the daylight breaks upon the earth, dispelling the shadow of darkness, and waking the world to life. So did the Sun of Righteousness arise, "with healing in His wings." Malachi 4:2.

There is such quiet hope and peace in these words. Not through loud and harsh arguments does He seek to win our hearts but by tender, loving touch and gentle words. His wings are wide enough to cover all who need his healing touch.

As I read today's chapter I was reminded of how God yearns for our hearts to love Him. He weeps when we take our eyes off Him. He knows we are headed for disaster without Him. No matter how we fight against Him He waits and waits for that moment that He may reach us. If He had given up on me when I was at my lowest point I would be lost forever. Praise God He stuck with me through thick and thin until He was able through His patient, tender love and grace win my heart again. What would we do without Him? Why do we wound Jesus so by taking our eyes off Him for a moment of selfishness?   My heart has been warmed again by the Sun of Righteousness Who has His children engraved in the palm of His loving hands. He does not ever want to let us go.

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
Post by: Richard Myers on November 19, 2020, 08:05:12 AM

Amen dear sister!  Jesus manifested all of the fruits of the Spirit. Those seeking truth were thus drawn to Him.

     Jesus met the people on their own ground, as one who was acquainted with their perplexities. He made truth beautiful by presenting it in the most direct and simple way. His language was pure, refined, and clear as a running stream. His voice was as music to those who had listened to the monotonous tones of the rabbis. But while His teaching was simple, He spoke as one having authority. This characteristic set His teaching in contrast with that of all others. The rabbis spoke with doubt and hesitancy, as if the Scriptures might be interpreted to mean one thing or exactly the opposite. The hearers were daily involved in greater uncertainty. But Jesus taught the Scriptures as of unquestionable authority. Whatever His subject, it was presented with power, as if His words could not be controverted.  

So it will be with all love Jesus supremely.

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
Post by: Dorine on February 14, 2021, 04:20:18 AM

What a blessing it is to spend this time with Jesus and then be able to share with others what the Holy Spirit has impressed us with. Sometimes it is difficult to choose what has impressed me the most because it is all so vital to know and understand. Today this quote stood out to me because of the challenges we face today in the church with controversies. Jesus' life shows us how we are to relate to those who are teaching error. Like Jesus it is our work to always present truth while our lives will reveal love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance without one of them missing. This is the work of the Holy Spirit and searching hearts will be drawn to Christ just as they were when He was here on earth.

Jesus had nothing to do with the various subjects of dissension among the Jews. It was His work to present the truth. His words shed a flood of light upon the teachings of patriarchs and prophets, and the Scriptures came to men as a new revelation. Never before had His hearers perceived such a depth of meaning in the word of God."

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
Post by: Richard Myers on February 14, 2021, 08:55:55 AM

Amen Sister Dorine. And it was the manner in which He presented the truth that attracted so many to Him.  You quoted this paragraph in January three years ago. It is my hope that as I share truth that it is in the same manner.

"Even amid the turbulence of angry enemies He (Jesus) was surrounded with an atmosphere of peace. The beauty of His countenance, the loveliness of His character, above all, the love expressed in look and tone, drew to Him all who were not hardened in unbelief. Had it not been for the sweet sympathetic spirit that shone out in every look and word, He would not have attracted the large congregations that He did.The afflicted ones who came to Him felt that He linked His interest with theirs as a faithful and tender friend, and they desired to know more of the truths He taught. Heaven was brought near. They longed to abide in His presence, that the comfort of His love might be with them continually."

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
Post by: Beacon on February 14, 2021, 10:21:44 AM

"In the days of Christ the leaders and teachers of Israel were powerless to resist the work of Satan. They were neglecting the only means by which they could have withstood evil spirits. It was by the word of God that Christ overcame the wicked one.
The leaders of Israel professed to be the expositors of God's word, but they had studied it only to sustain their traditions, and enforce their man-made observances. By their interpretation they made it express sentiments that God had never given. Their mystical construction made indistinct that which He had made plain. They disputed over insignificant technicalities, and practically denied the most essential truths.

Thus infidelity was sown broadcast. God's word was robbed of its power, and evil spirits worked their will.
     
History is repeating..

..With the open Bible before them, and professing to reverence its teachings, many of the religious leaders of our time are destroying faith in it as the word of God. They busy themselves with dissecting the word, and set their own opinions above its plainest statements..

..In their hands God's word loses its regenerating power. This is why infidelity runs riot, and iniquity is rife.

Jesus has set before us a most excellent pattern of true learning and practical sharing for our daily lives. 2 Corinthians 3:18 says..."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."


I saw a sign one time that said...If you were arrested for being a Christian - "Would there be enough evidence to convict you." Hopefully the answer would be " YES "  but it would only possible IF we are now spending enough time in His Word and Sharing it with others!!

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on February 14, 2021, 03:50:59 PM

Amen, Sister Dorine, Brother Richard, and Brother Beacon!

God's word is our victory place! God gives us the word to have abiding in our heart to overcome sin!

"The means by which we can overcome the wicked one is that by which Christ overcame,--the power of the word. God does not control our minds without our consent; but if we desire to know and to do His will, His promises are ours: 'Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.' 'If any man willeth to do His will, he shall know of the teaching.' John 8:32; 7:17, R. V. Through faith in these promises, every man may be delivered from the snares of error and the control of sin." {The Desire of Ages, page 258, paragraph 5}

We need Jesus continually! Let us yield the whole heart to Christ and allow Him to work in us to will and to do of His good pleasure! All of the fruits of the Spirit will be seen in our lives without one missing as long as we are in complete surrender to Christ and allow Him to abide in our hearts by grace through faith!

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on May 12, 2021, 04:29:42 AM

Let us make the focus of our lives what Christ made His focus--the spiritual and eternal. As we look to the loveliness of Jesus and surrender the whole heart to Him, He cleanses us from sin and gives us a new heart imbued with all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing so we can be true missionaries who live to bless others as did Jesus!

"In the excitement which then pervaded Capernaum, there was danger that the object of His mission would be lost sight of. Jesus was not satisfied to attract attention to Himself merely as a wonder worker or a healer of physical diseases. He was seeking to draw men to Him as their Saviour. While the people were eager to believe that He had come as a king, to establish an earthly reign, He desired to turn their minds away from the earthly to the spiritual. Mere worldly success would interfere with His work." {The Desire of Ages, page 260, paragraph 2} 

May our eyes be ever upon Jesus and not think upon mere world success, but realize that a character actuated by moral worth--love and purity--is what God most desires! This He offers us by abiding in Christ!

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
Post by: Dorine on May 12, 2021, 06:14:49 AM

"The means by which we can overcome the wicked one is that by which Christ overcame,--the power of the word. God does not control our minds without our consent; but if we desire to know and to do His will, His promises are ours: "Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." "If any man willeth to do His will, he shall know of the teaching." John 8:32; 7:17, R. V. Through faith in these promises, every man may be delivered from the snares of error and the control of sin."

Victory in Jesus is not complicated. God has made it very simple and very plain. May our hearts be open to His truth and trust His word, as we commit to memory His promises.

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
Post by: Beacon on May 12, 2021, 07:40:47 AM

"The means by which we can overcome the wicked one is that by which Christ overcame,--the power of the word. God does not control our minds without our consent; but if we desire to know and to do His will, His promises are ours: 'Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.' 'If any man willeth to do His will, he shall know of the teaching.' John 8:32; 7:17, R. V. 

Through faith in these promises, every man may be delivered from the snares of error and the control of sin."
Let us remember that Jesus said and as recorded for our ministration in Matthew 4:4 "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God."

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
Post by: Richard Myers on May 12, 2021, 09:29:11 PM

Quote from: Beacon on May 12, 2021, 07:40:47 AM

God does not control our minds without our consent; but if we desire to know and to do His will, His promises are ours: 'Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.' 'If any man willeth to do His will, he shall know of the teaching.' John 8:32; 7:17, R. V. 

Amen Sister Dorine and Brother Beacon. Your minds are running in the same channel.

Jesus met the people on their own ground, as one who was acquainted with their perplexities. He made truth beautiful by presenting it in the most direct and simple way. His language was pure, refined, and clear as a running stream. His voice was as music to those who had listened to the monotonous tones of the rabbis. But while His teaching was simple, He spoke as one having authority. This characteristic set His teaching in contrast with that of all others. The rabbis spoke with doubt and hesitancy, as if the Scriptures might be interpreted to mean one thing or exactly the opposite. The hearers were daily involved in greater uncertainty. But Jesus taught the Scriptures as of unquestionable authority. Whatever His subject, it was presented with power, as if His words could not be controverted.   

He turned the people to see the unseen world which is eternal As Pastor Sean has shared: It is "the spiritual and eternal" that we ought to focus on.

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
Post by: Dorine on August 07, 2021, 06:28:44 AM

Happy Sabbath to all. May we learn important lessons from today's reading that will guide us in our walk with Jesus.

"The Pharisees sought distinction by their scrupulous ceremonialism, and the ostentation of their worship and charities. They proved their zeal for religion by making it the theme of discussion. Disputes between opposing sects were loud and long, and it was not unusual to hear on the streets the voice of angry controversy from learned doctors of the law.    
In marked contrast to all this was the life of Jesus. In that life no noisy disputation, no ostentatious worship, no act to gain applause, was ever witnessed."

Jesus is still drawing hearts and minds from the earthly to the spiritual. As important as the earthly may be it must never come before our allegiance to God. "Christ was hid in God, and God was revealed in the character of His Son. To this revelation Jesus desired the minds of the people to be directed, and their homage to be given."

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
Post by: Beacon on August 07, 2021, 12:29:30 PM

"His tender compassion fell with a touch of healing upon weary and troubled hearts. Even amid the turbulence of angry enemies He was surrounded with an atmosphere of peace. The beauty of His countenance, the loveliness of His character, above all, the love expressed in look and tone, drew to Him all who were not hardened in unbelief.


"Had it not been for the sweet, sympathetic spirit that shone out in every look and word, He would not have attracted the large congregations that He did. The afflicted ones who came to Him felt that He linked His interest with theirs as a faithful and tender friend, and they desired to know more of the truths He taught. Heaven was brought near. "

"They longed to abide in His presence, that the comfort of His love might be with them continually."

Teach, me, Father, what to say;
Teach me, Father, how to pray;
Teach me all along the way
How to be like Jesus.

Refrain:
I would be like Jesus,
I would be like Jesus!
Help me, Lord, to daily grow
More and more like Jesus!

As we spend time with Jesus every day reflecting on His Love, Compassion, and Grace to us, may the words of this song be reflected to others and draw them closer to Jesus.

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
Post by: Philip T on August 07, 2021, 01:44:35 PM

  The period of Christ's personal ministry among men was the time of greatest activity for the forces of the kingdom of darkness. For ages Satan with his evil angels had been seeking to control the bodies and the souls of men, to bring upon them sin and suffering; then he had charged all this misery upon God. Jesus was revealing to men the character of God. He was breaking Satan's power, and setting his captives free. New life and love and power from heaven were moving upon the hearts of men, and the prince of evil was aroused to contend for the supremacy of his kingdom. Satan summoned all his forces, and at every step contested the work of Christ.
    So it will be in the great final conflict of the controversy between righteousness and sin. While new life and light and power are descending from on high upon the disciples of Christ, a new life is springing up from beneath, and energizing the agencies of Satan. Intensity is taking possession of every earthly element. With a subtlety gained through centuries of conflict, the prince of evil works under a disguise. He appears clothed as an angel of light, and multitudes are "giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils." 1 Timothy 4:1.

This is a statement worth studying on considering and putting into our hearts. At the end of time as God is giving us new life, light and power. The pouring out of the latter rain, Satan is just a busy energizing his disciples/followers to present his teachings.  So we need not be discouraged as time draws short and we find fresh opisitions to our work to win souls to Christ in the end of time which I believe is now.

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
Post by: Beacon on November 01, 2021, 08:36:05 PM

New life and love and power from heaven were moving upon the hearts of men, and the prince of evil was aroused to contend for the supremacy of his kingdom."

"Satan summoned all his forces, and at every step contested the work of Christ."

"So it will be in the great final conflict of the controversy between righteousness and sin. While new life and light and power are descending from on high upon the disciples of Christ, a new life is springing up from beneath, and energizing the agencies of Satan."


"Intensity is taking possession of every earthly element."


"With a subtlety gained through centuries of conflict, the prince of evil works under a disguise. He appears clothed as an angel of light, and multitudes are "giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils." 1 Timothy 4:1.

If we have Jesus in our lives on a daily basis filling us with all the fruits of the Sprint we had no need to fear!

"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid" John 14:27

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on November 02, 2021, 06:53:43 AM

Amen, Brother Beacon!!

Jesus offers us His character experience! Let’s behold Him, yield the whole heart to Him, and let Him manifest through us all of the fruits of the Holy Spirit without one missing! Then affectionate obedience is the sure result of constant union and communion with our Savior!

“His tender compassion fell with a touch of healing upon weary and troubled hearts. Even amid the turbulence of angry enemies He was surrounded with an atmosphere of peace. The beauty of His countenance, the loveliness of His character, above all, the love expressed in look and tone, drew to Him all who were not hardened in unbelief. Had it not been for the sweet, sympathetic spirit that shone out in every look and word, He would not have attracted the large congregations that He did. The afflicted ones who came to Him felt that He linked His interest with theirs as a faithful and tender friend, and they desired to know more of the truths He taught. Heaven was brought near. They longed to abide in His presence, that the comfort of His love might be with them continually.” {The Desire of Ages, page 254, paragraph 4}

Praise the Lord!

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
Post by: Dorine on November 02, 2021, 07:52:56 AM

"His tender compassion fell with a touch of healing upon weary and troubled hearts. Even amid the turbulence of angry enemies He was surrounded with an atmosphere of peace. The beauty of His countenance, the loveliness of His character, above all, the love expressed in look and tone, drew to Him all who were not hardened in unbelief. Had it not been for the sweet, sympathetic spirit that shone out in every look and word, He would not have attracted the large congregations that He did. The afflicted ones who came to Him felt that He linked His interest with theirs as a faithful and tender friend, and they desired to know more of the truths He taught. Heaven was brought near. They longed to abide in His presence, that the comfort of His love might be with them continually."

The more time we spend in the presence of Jesus the more in love with Him we become. We never want to be apart from Him. So why at times do we find ourselves outside of His care?  James 1:14 tells us...."But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed." Jesus never wants to be apart from us so lets keep our eyes on Him continually.

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
Post by: Richard Myers on November 02, 2021, 09:22:27 PM

Amen!!  We must cling to Jesus if we want to have power over the temptations that will come. This chapter quotes Isaiah where we have the promise that Jesus will contend with him who contends with us and save our children. Yes, there are conditions, but we all may fulfill that condition.

Why do we see infidelity in the church? Why is there rebellion in the church? Religious leaders put their opinions above the plain teachings  in Scripture.


   History is repeating. With the open Bible before them, and professing to reverence its teachings, many of the religious leaders of our time are destroying faith in it as the word of God. They busy themselves with dissecting the word, and set their own opinions above its plainest statements. In their hands God's word loses its regenerating power. This is why infidelity runs riot, and iniquity is rife. 

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
Post by: Beacon on January 27, 2022, 08:36:41 PM

"The beauty of His countenance, the loveliness of His character, above all, the love expressed in look and tone, drew to Him all who were not hardened in unbelief."

"Had it not been for the sweet, sympathetic spirit that shone out in every look and word, He would not have attracted the large congregations that He did. The afflicted ones who came to Him felt that He linked His interest with theirs as a faithful and tender friend, and they desired to know more of the truths He taught."

"Heaven was brought near. They longed to abide in His presence, that the comfort of His love might be with them continually."

"Jesus met the people on their own ground, as one who was acquainted with their perplexities. He made truth beautiful by presenting it in the most direct and simple way. His language was pure, refined, and clear as a running stream.'

Oh what a strong longing I have in my heart that others who see and hear me in my daily life... -

MAY HEAR AND SEE JESUS and be DRAWN TO HIM.
 
I'm hoping that is your prayer also.

Earthly pleasures vainly call me,
  I would be like Jesus;
Nothing worldly shall enthrall me,
  I would be like Jesus.
    Be like Jesus, this my song,
  In the home and in the throng;
Be like Jesus, all day long!
    I would be like Jesus.
2
He has broken every fetter,
  I would be like Jesus;
That my soul may serve Him better,
  I would be like Jesus.
3
All the way from earth to glory,
  I would be like Jesus;
Telling o’er and o’er the story,
  I would be like Jesus.

Lyrics:James Rowe (1866-1933)
Music:Bentley DeForest Ackley (1872-

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
Post by: Dorine on January 28, 2022, 06:51:46 AM

     "Side by side with the preaching of the gospel, agencies are at work which are but the medium of lying spirits. Many a man tampers with these merely from curiosity, but seeing evidence of the working of a more than human power, he is lured on and on, until he is controlled by a will stronger than his own. He cannot escape from its mysterious power.

The defenses of the soul are broken down. He has no barrier against sin. When once the restraints of God's word and His Spirit are rejected, no man knows to what depths of degradation he may sink. Secret sin or master passion may hold him a captive as helpless as was the demoniac of Capernaum. "Yet his condition is not hopeless."

I love these words "Yet his condition is not hopeless."  There are many souls today who are in the same condition who need to meet Jesus. Not every case will look the same but never the less they are completely chained in their habits and vices unable to do anything about it. They don't know that there is a way to escape.

It reminds me of a spider in her web waiting patiently for that careless fly to come too close. First a wing, then a leg is stuck and with a swift movement the spider has it and encircles it with it's webbing to feast upon. That's how Satan works. He puts up an enticing and curious web waiting for His prey to happen by. But unlike the fly caught in the spider web, Jesus has made a way of escape for those who cry out to Him. What a wonderful Saviour we serve. There is always hope and it's this hope that God wants us to share with those who are lost.

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
Post by: Richard Myers on January 28, 2022, 06:41:00 PM

Amen dear sister!  The evil one knows our weaknesses and weaves a web around us hoping we will take his bait. All may be delivered from the captivity of sin. We havea Savior who loves us and gave Himself for us!!

  And the wonder of the careless crowd jarred upon His spirit. In His life no self-assertion mingled. The homage which the world gives to position, or wealth, or talent, was foreign to the Son of man. None of the means that men employ to win allegiance or command homage did Jesus use. Centuries before His birth, it had been prophesied of Him, "He shall not cry, nor lift up, nor cause His voice to be heard in the street. A bruised reed shall He not break, and the dimly burning flax shall He not quench: He shall bring forth judgment unto truth. He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till He have set judgment in the earth." Isaiah 42:2-4, margin. 

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
Post by: Beacon on April 24, 2022, 08:06:45 PM

"When once the restraints of God's word and His Spirit are rejected, no man knows to what depths of degradation he may sink."

Secret sin or master passion may hold him a captive as helpless as was the demoniac of Capernaum."

"Yet his condition is not hopeless."

Jesus says to such a one....."Come Unto Me, All Ye that Labor & are Heavy Laden and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28,29

The question is:  Are We Willing to acknowledge our sinfulness and Great Need?

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

1
I’ve wandered far away from God,
  Now I’m coming home;
The paths of sin too long I’ve trod,
  Lord, I’m coming home.
    Coming home, coming home,
  Nevermore to roam;
Open wide Thine arms of love;
    Lord, I’m coming home.
2
I’ve wasted many precious years,
  Now I’m coming home;
I now repent with bitter tears,
  Lord, I’m coming home.
3
I’m tired of sin and straying, Lord,
  Now I’m coming home;
I’ll trust Thy love, believe Thy word;
  Lord, I’m coming home.
4
My soul is sick, my heart is sore,
  Now I’m coming home;
My strength renew, my hope restore:
  Lord, I’m coming home.
5
My only hope, my only plea,
  Now I’m coming home;
That Jesus died, and died for me;
  Lord, I’m coming home.
6
I need His cleansing blood, I know,
  Now I’m coming home;
O wash me whiter than the snow;
  Lord, I’m coming home.

Lyrics:William James Kirkpatrick (1838-1921)
Music:William James Kirkpatrick (1838-1921)

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on April 25, 2022, 05:00:21 AM

Let us choose to have Christ rule in our hearts by His word through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit! As we do, all of the fruits of the Spirit will be present in the character that is in constant union and communion with God by a living faiths surrender! There is no greater joy than to be in God's will!

"Every man is free to choose what power he will have to rule over him. None have fallen so low, none are so vile, but that they can find deliverance in Christ. The demoniac, in place of prayer, could utter only the words of Satan; yet the heart's unspoken appeal was heard. No cry from a soul in need, though it fail of utterance in words, will be unheeded. Those who will consent to enter into covenant relation with the God of heaven are not left to the power of Satan or to the infirmity of their own nature. They are invited by the Saviour, 'Let him take hold of My strength, that he may make peace with Me; and he shall make peace with Me.' Isaiah 27:5. The spirits of darkness will battle for the soul once under their dominion, but angels of God will contend for that soul with prevailing power. The Lord says, 'Shall the prey be taken from the mighty, or the lawful captive delivered? . . . Thus saith the Lord, Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered: for I will contend with him that contendeth with thee, and I will save thy children.' Isaiah 49:24, 25." {The Desire of Ages, page 258, paragraph 6} 

May we learn continually how much we need Jesus and how His power can lift us above the clamors of our fallen nature, no matter how strong the temptations may seem, for Christ has defeated the devil and taken our fallen humanity to Calvary to let us know that self can be subdued through continual submission of the will to God! Then in death to self in Christ we can rejoice in the resurrection power of His endless life!

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
Post by: Dorine on April 25, 2022, 06:48:20 AM

"...Quietly and gently the daylight breaks upon the earth, dispelling the shadow of darkness, and waking the world to life. So did the Sun of Righteousness arise, "with healing in His wings." Malachi 4:2.

The world is wound up tight, depleting their physical and mental reserves.

We read in the book, Ministry Of Healing, "The Saviour in His miracles revealed the power that is continually at work in man's behalf, to sustain and to heal him. Through the agencies of nature, God is working, day by day, hour by hour, moment by moment, to keep us alive, to build up and restore us. When any part of the body sustains injury, a healing process is at once begun; nature's agencies are set at work to restore soundness. But the power working through these agencies is the power of God. All life-giving power is from Him. When one recovers from disease, it is God who restores him.  {MH 112.1}

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
Post by: Richard Myers on April 25, 2022, 08:08:10 AM

Quote from: Beacon on April 24, 2022, 08:06:45 PM

"When once the restraints of God's word and His Spirit are rejected, no man knows to what depths of degradation he may sink."

Secret sin or master passion may hold him a captive as helpless as was the demoniac of Capernaum."

"Yet his condition is not hopeless."

Amen Brother Beacon!!  When we those like Saul the Persecutor in the church, we ought judge him hopeless. If God has power transform Saul and the demoniac, and He does, then how can we judge any man hopeless.  Every man is free to choose what power he will have to rule over him. None have fallen so low, none are so vile, but that they can find deliverance in Christ.

Quote from: Pastor Sean Brizendine on April 25, 2022, 05:00:21 AM

May we learn continually how much we need Jesus and how His power can lift us above the clamors of our fallen nature, no matter how strong the temptations may seem, for Christ has defeated the devil and taken our fallen humanity to Calvary to let us know that self can be subdued through continual submission of the will to God! Then in death to self in Christ we can rejoice in the resurrection power of His endless life!

Amen  Pastor Sean!!

Quote from: Dorine on April 25, 2022, 06:48:20 AM

Through the agencies of nature, God is working, day by day, hour by hour, moment by moment, to keep us alive, to build up and restore us.

Amen Sister Dorine!! He keeps us alive that we might have time to learn of Him, that by beholding His glory (character) we be transformed into His image (character). See 2 Cor. 3:18.

I found an important statement this morning that ought to help us as we labor for others:

The rabbis spoke with doubt and hesitancy, as if the Scriptures might be interpreted to mean one thing or exactly the opposite. The hearers were daily involved in greater uncertainty. But Jesus taught the Scriptures as of unquestionable authority. Whatever His subject, it was presented with power, as if His words could not be controverted.   
     Yet He was earnest, rather than vehement. He spoke as one who had a definite purpose to fulfill. He was bringing to view the realities of the eternal world. In every theme God was revealed. Jesus sought to break the spell of infatuation which keeps men absorbed in earthly things. He placed the things of this life in their true relation, as subordinate to those of eternal interest; but He did not ignore their importance. He taught that heaven and earth are linked together, and that a knowledge of divine truth prepares men better to perform the duties of everyday life. He spoke as one familiar with heaven, conscious of His relationship to God, yet recognizing His unity with every member of the human family.   

Yes, we know we ought to teach with the authority of Scripture as did Jesus, but that  was not what I saw this morning. It was what happens when we share the truth. It works for us in our daily devotions, and with others as we share the truth. "....that a knowledge of divine truth prepares men better to perform the duties of everyday life."

We make an example of our lives when we spend a thoughtful hour with Jesus obtaining a knowledge of divine truth daily. And, by so doing we are being transformed into His character daily, we are dying to self daily, and we are being prepared to perform the duties of everyday life this one day.

May God bless our work today that in some way we can hasten the soon coming of Jesus!

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
Post by: Beacon on July 20, 2022, 08:00:59 PM

"In every theme Jesus talked about God was revealed."

"Jesus sought to break the spell of infatuation which keeps men absorbed in earthly things."

"He placed the things of this life in their true relation, as subordinate to those of eternal interest.

"He did not ignore their importance."


"He taught that heaven and earth are linked together, and that a knowledge of divine truth prepares men better to perform the duties of everyday life."

"None have fallen so low, none are so vile, but that they can find deliverance in Christ."

What a wonderful promise in included in the above statement. Let "US" claim it "TODAY ".

==============================
1
Not I, but Christ be honored, loved, exalted,
Not I, but Christ be seen, be known and heard;
Not I, but Christ in every look and action,
Not I, but Christ in every thought and word.
    Oh, to be saved from myself, dear Lord,
  Oh, to be lost in Thee,
Oh, that it may be no more I,
    But Christ that lives in me.
2
Not I, but Christ to gently soothe in sorrow,
Not I, but Christ to wipe the falling tear;
Not I, but Christ to lift the weary burden,
Not I, but Christ to hush away all fear.
3
Christ, only Christ, no idle word e’er falling,
Christ, only Christ, no needless bustling sound;
Christ, only Christ, no self-important bearing,
Christ, only Christ, no trace of I be found.
4
Not I, but Christ my every need supplying,
Not I, but Christ my strength and health to be;
Christ, only Christ, for spirit, soul, and body,
Christ, only Christ, live then Thy life in me.
5
Christ, only Christ, ere long will fill my vision,
Glory excelling soon, full soon I’ll see;
Christ, only Christ, my every wish fulfilling,
Christ, only Christ, my all in all to be.

Lyrics:Mrs. Ada A. Whiddington (1891)
Music:Albert Benjamin Simpson (1843-1919)

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on July 21, 2022, 04:32:11 AM

Amen, Brother Beacon!!

Freedom is what we need. And freedom from sin can only be found in Christ. Through a complete surrender of the heart, mind and will to Him, all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing will be manifest in the life that is centered in Him. Christ living in the soul then constrains us out of love to obey Him up to the light He has revealed to us! Let us walk in this glorious freedom!!

"Every man is free to choose what power he will have to rule over him. None have fallen so low, none are so vile, but that they can find deliverance in Christ. The demoniac, in place of prayer, could utter only the words of Satan; yet the heart's unspoken appeal was heard. No cry from a soul in need, though it fail of utterance in words, will be unheeded. Those who will consent to enter into covenant relation with the God of heaven are not left to the power of Satan or to the infirmity of their own nature. They are invited by the Saviour, 'Let him take hold of My strength, that he may make peace with Me; and he shall make peace with Me.' Isaiah 27:5. The spirits of darkness will battle for the soul once under their dominion, but angels of God will contend for that soul with prevailing power. The Lord says, 'Shall the prey be taken from the mighty, or the lawful captive delivered? . . . Thus saith the Lord, Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered: for I will contend with him that contendeth with thee, and I will save thy children.' Isaiah 49:24, 25." {The Desire of Ages, page 258, paragraph 6}

What promises God offers us! Let us keep our eyes of faith fixed on Christ and overcome even as He did--by the power of the word of God!!

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
Post by: Dorine on July 21, 2022, 04:47:25 AM

"The means by which we can overcome the wicked one is that by which Christ overcame,--the power of the word. God does not control our minds without our consent; but if we desire to know and to do His will, His promises are ours: "Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." "If any man willeth to do His will, he shall know of the teaching." John 8:32; 7:17, R. V. Through faith in these promises, every man may be delivered from the snares of error and the control of sin."

To be an overcomer we must commit quality time to God's word everyday. It's doesn't come from just the act of reading but from surrendering our will to God and digesting the truths that are there. He then transforms our characters and gives us power to resist temptation. We may need to go to Him many times through out the day to maintain that saving relationship. There is such joy and happiness in obedience to His word and others will be blessed by our company for Jesus will be revealed in our words and actions through the abundance of fruit given through the Holy spirit.

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
Post by: Richard Myers on July 21, 2022, 09:41:03 AM

Amen my brothers and sister! The world unseen is what Jesus wants us to see. It would be well if we were to spend a thoughtful hour each contemplating the life of Jesus. We testify that it is well when we spend this time with Jesus.

"If we desire to know and do His will...." If we do not want to do His will then why would He reveal His truth? The leaders of Israel were not interested in knowing or doing the will of God, thus they fell under the control of Satan. So it is today with many leaders and teachers who profess to love and serve God.

    In the days of Christ the leaders and teachers of Israel were powerless to resist the work of Satan. They were neglecting the only means by which they could have withstood evil spirits. It was by the word of God that Christ overcame the wicked one. The leaders of Israel professed to be the expositors of God's word, but they had studied it only to sustain their traditions, and enforce their man-made observances. By their interpretation they made it express sentiments that God had never given. Their mystical construction made indistinct that which He had made plain. They disputed over insignificant technicalities, and practically denied the most essential truths. Thus infidelity was sown broadcast. God's word was robbed of its power, and evil spirits worked their will.
     History is repeating. With the open Bible before them, and professing to reverence its teachings, many of the religious leaders of our time are destroying faith in it as the word of God. They busy themselves with dissecting the word, and set their own opinions above its plainest statements. In their hands God's word loses its regenerating power. This is why infidelity runs riot, and iniquity is rife. 

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
Post by: Beacon on October 15, 2022, 08:32:38 PM

"No cry from a soul in need, though it fail of utterance in words, will be unheeded."

"Those who will consent to enter into covenant relation with the God of heaven are not left to the power of Satan or to the infirmity of their own nature".

"They are invited by the Saviour, 'Let him take hold of My strength, that he may make peace with Me; and he shall make peace with Me." Isaiah 27:5.

"The spirits of darkness will battle for the soul once under their dominion."

"However the angels of God will contend for that soul with prevailing power."

"The Lord says, 'Shall the prey be taken from the mighty, or the lawful captive delivered? . . . Thus saith the Lord, Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered: for I will contend with him that contendeth with thee, and I will save thy children.' Isaiah 49:24, 25."

What awesome promises are given by Jesus. My prayer today is that " All of Us may have the Courage and Faith to take Him at His Word. I think this would be a good time for all of us to re-read Ps.23 again.

===============================
1
Standing on the promises of Christ my King,
Through eternal ages let His praises ring,
Glory in the highest, I will shout and sing,
  Standing on the promises of God.
    Standing, standing,
Standing on the promises of God my Savior;
Standing, standing,
  I’m standing on the promises of God.
2
Standing on the promises that cannot fail,
When the howling storms of doubt and fear assail,
By the living Word of God I shall prevail,
  Standing on the promises of God.
3
Standing on the promises I now can see
Perfect, present cleansing in the blood for me;
Standing in the liberty where Christ makes free,
  Standing on the promises of God.
4
Standing on the promises of Christ the Lord,
Bound to Him eternally by love’s strong cord,
Overcoming daily with the Spirit’s sword,
  Standing on the promises of God.
5
Standing on the promises I shall not fall,
List’ning every moment to the Spirit’s call.
Resting in my Savior as my All in all,
  Standing on the promises of God.

Lyrics & Music : Russell Kelso Carter (1849-1928)

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
Post by: Dorine on October 16, 2022, 05:59:57 AM

  "Not until the last sufferer had been relieved did Jesus cease His work. It was far into the night when the multitude departed, and silence settled down upon the home of Simon. The long, exciting day was past, and Jesus sought rest. But while the city was still wrapped in slumber, the Saviour, "rising up a great while before day, . . . went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed."

Could this be the key to receiving victory in our daily lives? Early morning appointments with Jesus is a very special sacred time spent in His presence. We have a personal audience with God. In those quiet moments we may pour out our hearts to Him and through His word hear Him speak to us. Then throughout the day the Holy Spirit will bring to our memory that sweet, divinely intimate occasion. There is power in prayer and time spent with God first thing each day that protects us from the enemy and infuses us with the fruits of the Spirit. What joy it is to walk with Jesus.

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
Post by: Philip T on October 16, 2022, 08:20:03 AM

  Jesus met the people on their own ground, as one who was acquainted with their perplexities. He made truth beautiful by presenting it in the most direct and simple way. His language was pure, refined, and clear as a running stream. His voice was as music to those who had listened to the monotonous tones of the rabbis. But while His teaching was simple, He spoke as one having authority. This characteristic set His teaching in contrast with that of all others. The rabbis spoke with doubt and hesitancy, as if the Scriptures might be interpreted to mean one thing or exactly the opposite. The hearers were daily involved in greater uncertainty. But Jesus taught the Scriptures as of unquestionable authority. Whatever His subject, it was presented with power, as if His words could not be controverted.   

    Just as Jesus presented the word of God, as our example, we should present his word to others in the same way. using simple direct words, presenting the truth with love and kindness in our voices, speaking with authority keeping the message simple on a level that the listener can understand.

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on October 16, 2022, 11:05:15 AM

Amen, Brother Beacon, Sister Dorine, and Brother Philip!!

What a joy it is to let Christ by His word transform our character experience into that which is victorious in Him! He offers us His presence in His word and by yielding fully to His divine nature in His word we are imbued with all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing, empowered simultaneously to obey God gladly up to the light He has revealed on our pathway!

"The means by which we can overcome the wicked one is that by which Christ overcame,—the power of the word. God does not control our minds without our consent; but if we desire to know and to do His will, His promises are ours: 'Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.' 'If any man willeth to do His will, he shall know of the teaching.' John 8:32; 7:17, R. V. Through faith in these promises, every man may be delivered from the snares of error and the control of sin." {The Desire of Ages, page 258, paragraph 5}

Jesus will not fail us; He is able to keep us from falling, and by His grace we are strengthened for the daily tests and trials to reflect Him and not the weakness of self. Praise the Lord for such a Savior who is now interceding in heaven for us and soon to return to take us to the home He has prepared for us! It is all promised in His word!!

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
Post by: Richard Myers on October 18, 2022, 08:45:19 PM

Love, joy, and peace is ours for the taking. One of the great joys we experience is when seeking we find one who is looking for truth.....and as we share it, the countenance reveals they understand and appreciate it. Every day are we seeking for the lost? If not, we are forgoing much joy!

  Jesus watched with deep earnestness the changing countenances of His hearers. The faces that expressed interest and pleasure gave Him great satisfaction. As the arrows of truth pierced to the soul, breaking through the barriers of selfishness, and working contrition, and finally gratitude, the Saviour was made glad. When His eye swept over the throng of listeners, and He recognized among them the faces He had before seen, His countenance lighted up with joy. He saw in them hopeful subjects for His kingdom. When the truth, plainly spoken, touched some cherished idol, He marked the change of countenance, the cold, forbidding look, which told that the light was unwelcome. When He saw men refuse the message of peace, His heart was pierced to the very depths. 

Not only was Jesus lighted up with joy then, so it is today when you and I thank Him for revealing truth to us each and every day!! Let us not forget how much we please Him when we walk in His path!

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
Post by: Beacon on January 10, 2023, 08:24:20 PM

"It was by the word of God that Christ overcame the wicked one."

"The leaders of Israel professed to be the expositors of God's word, but they had studied it only to sustain their traditions, and enforce their man-made observances."

""By their interpretation they made it express sentiments that God had never given."

"Their mystical construction made indistinct that which He had made plain."

"They disputed over insignificant technicalities, and practically denied the most essential truths."

"Thus infidelity was sown broadcast."
 
"God's word was robbed of its power, and evil spirits worked their will."

"History is repeating."

"With the open Bible before them, and professing to reverence its teachings, many of the religious leaders of our time are destroying faith in it as the word of God. They busy themselves with dissecting the word, and set their own opinions above its plainest statements. In their hands God's word loses its regenerating power."

"This is why infidelity runs riot, and iniquity is rife."

I pray that each one of "US" will "Take Time to be Holy and Speak Oft with Our Lord." Thus placing our feet and mind on and in the right path so that "WE" will correctly and lovingly truly represent our Jesus in the manner and thereby draw others to " HIM".

=======================
1
Open my eyes that I may see
Glimpses of truth Thou hast for me;
Place in my hands the wonderful key
That shall unclasp and set me free.
  Silently now I wait for Thee,
Ready, my God, Thy will to see;
Open my eyes, illumine me,
    Spirit Divine!
2
Open my ears that I may hear
Voices of truth Thou sendest clear;
And while the wave notes fall on my ear,
Everything false will disappear.
3
Open my mouth and let me bear
Tidings of mercy everywhere;
Open my heart and let me prepare
Love with Thy children thus to share.
4
Open my mind that I may read
More of Thy love in word and deed;
What shall I fear while yet Thou dost lead?
Only for light from Thee I plead.

Lyrics:Clara H. Scott
Music:Clara H. Scott

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on January 11, 2023, 05:55:16 AM

Amen, Brother Beacon!!

What a wonderful Savior we have in Jesus! Look to Him and be saved, yield the whole heart to Him to have Him convert it from selfishness to unselfish, holy love that delights to obey God! Allow Him to lead you into all truth by the Holy Spirit, and expect God to do great things!

"His tender compassion fell with a touch of healing upon weary and troubled hearts. Even amid the turbulence of angry enemies He was surrounded with an atmosphere of peace. The beauty of His countenance, the loveliness of His character, above all, the love expressed in look and tone, drew to Him all who were not hardened in unbelief. Had it not been for the sweet, sympathetic spirit that shone out in every look and word, He would not have attracted the large congregations that He did. The afflicted ones who came to Him felt that He linked His interest with theirs as a faithful and tender friend, and they desired to know more of the truths He taught. Heaven was brought near. They longed to abide in His presence, that the comfort of His love might be with them continually." {The Desire of Ages, page 254, paragraph 4}

All of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing come into the life of one who surrenders fully to Jesus and follows in true obedience all the light shining on the pathway to heaven! Let's look up to Jesus and remember how He lived His life on earth--for His experience may be ours!

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
Post by: Dorine on January 12, 2023, 07:26:40 AM

"His tender compassion fell with a touch of healing upon weary and troubled hearts. Even amid the turbulence of angry enemies He was surrounded with an atmosphere of peace. The beauty of His countenance, the loveliness of His character, above all, the love expressed in look and tone, drew to Him all who were not hardened in unbelief. Had it not been for the sweet, sympathetic spirit that shone out in every look and word, He would not have attracted the large congregations that He did. The afflicted ones who came to Him felt that He linked His interest with theirs as a faithful and tender friend, and they desired to know more of the truths He taught. Heaven was brought near. They longed to abide in His presence, that the comfort of His love might be with them continually.

May we abide in the presence of Jesus every day so that what others see in us is a people that know Jesus and have been transformed by Him into His character.

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
Post by: Beacon on April 06, 2023, 08:14:20 PM

"Even amid the turbulence of angry enemies, Jesus was surrounded with an atmosphere of peace. "

"The beauty of His countenance, the loveliness of His character, above all, the love expressed in look and tone, drew to Him all who were not hardened in unbelief."

"Had it not been for the sweet, sympathetic spirit that shone out in every look and word, He would not have attracted the large congregations that He did.

"The afflicted ones who came to Him felt that He linked His interest with theirs as a faithful and tender friend, and they desired to know more of the truths He taught."

"Heaven was brought near."

"They longed to abide in His presence, that the comfort of His love might be with them continually."

"The faces that expressed interest and pleasure gave Him great satisfaction."

'As the arrows of truth pierced to the soul, breaking through the barriers of selfishness, and working contrition, and finally gratitude, the Saviour was made glad."

"He saw in them hopeful subjects for His kingdom."

" But when the truth, plainly spoken, touched some cherished idol, He marked the change of countenance, the cold, forbidding look, which told that the light was unwelcome."

"When He saw men refuse the message of peace, His heart was pierced to the very depths."

Jesus said, " You are either for me or against me."  I chose to Surrender All To Jesus how about "YOU"?

=======================
1
All to Jesus I surrender,
All to Him I freely give;
I will ever love and trust Him,
In His presence daily live.
    I surrender all,
  I surrender all.
All to Thee, my blessed Savior,
    I surrender all.
2
All to Jesus I surrender,
Humbly at His feet I bow,
Worldly pleasures all forsaken;
Take me, Jesus, take me now.
3
All to Jesus I surrender,
Make me, Savior, wholly Thine;
Let me feel Thy Holy Spirit,
Truly know that Thou art mine.
4
All to Jesus I surrender,
Lord, I give myself to Thee;
Fill me with Thy love and power,
Let Thy blessing fall on me.
5
All to Jesus I surrender,
Now I feel the sacred flame.
Oh, the joy of full salvation!
Glory, glory to His name!

Lyrics:Judson W. Van de Venter (1855-1939)
Music:Winfield Scott Weeden (1847-1908)

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
Post by: Richard Myers on April 07, 2023, 08:11:16 AM

Amen Brother Beacon!!  It is also our great joy to find those who appreciate truth!  All who desire to know truth that we might walk in it will be given the truth and set free from sin.

The means by which we can overcome the wicked one is that by which Christ overcame,--the power of the word. God does not control our minds without our consent; but if we desire to know and to do His will, His promises are ours: "Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." "If any man willeth to do His will, he shall know of the teaching." John 8:32; 7:17, R. V. Through faith in these promises, every man may be delivered from the snares of error and the control of sin.

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on April 07, 2023, 09:42:11 AM

Amen, Brother Beacon and Brother Richard!!!

As we remember Jesus this Good Friday, let's remember that His salvation is accessible to ALL of us! Let's choose to accept His grace and power to deliver us from Satan and set us free from all sin! By surrendering fully to Christ, all of the fruits of the Spirit will be manifest in our lives without one missing!

"Every man is free to choose what power he will have to rule over him. None have fallen so low, none are so vile, but that they can find deliverance in Christ. The demoniac, in place of prayer, could utter only the words of Satan; yet the heart's unspoken appeal was heard. No cry from a soul in need, though it fail of utterance in words, will be unheeded. Those who will consent to enter into covenant relation with the God of heaven are not left to the power of Satan or to the infirmity of their own nature. They are invited by the Saviour, 'Let him take hold of My strength, that he may make peace with Me; and he shall make peace with Me.' Isaiah 27:5. The spirits of darkness will battle for the soul once under their dominion, but angels of God will contend for that soul with prevailing power. The Lord says, 'Shall the prey be taken from the mighty, or the lawful captive delivered? ... Thus saith the Lord, Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered: for I will contend with him that contendeth with thee, and I will save thy children.' Isaiah 49:24, 25." {The Desire Ages, page 258, paragraph 6}

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
Post by: Richard Myers on July 03, 2023, 06:23:43 AM

Amen Pastor Sean! That promise is so very precious to all who have children! Another precious promise is revealed in today's reading.  "If any man willeth to do His will, he shall know of the teaching."  John 7:17.

Side by side with the preaching of the gospel, agencies are at work which are but the medium of lying spirits. Many a man tampers with these merely from curiosity, but seeing evidence of the working of a more than human power, he is lured on and on, until he is controlled by a will stronger than his own. He cannot escape from its mysterious power.
     The defenses of the soul are broken down. He has no barrier against sin. When once the restraints of God's word and His Spirit are rejected, no man knows to what depths of degradation he may sink. Secret sin or master passion may hold him a captive as helpless as was the demoniac of Capernaum. Yet his condition is not hopeless.
     The means by which we can overcome the wicked one is that by which Christ overcame,--the power of the word. God does not control our minds without our consent; but if we desire to know and to do His will, His promises are ours: "Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." "If any man willeth to do His will, he shall know of the teaching." John 8:32; 7:17, R. V. Through faith in these promises, every man may be delivered from the snares of error and the control of sin.

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on July 03, 2023, 06:42:59 AM

Amen, Brother Richard!

Let us follow Jesus and remember why He came to this earth! He did a lot of ministry in Capernaum, but He yearned to turn people's attention to what was spiritual and eternal, away from the sensational and popular errors of his time. So it is today. Rather than getting caught up in the confusion of society, let us seek to implant eternal principles by sharing the word of God that helps people to see God's love and trust Him no matter what their circumstances may be. When we fully surrender to Jesus, because of His sacrifice of Himself on the cross in shedding His blood to save and cleanse us, we can experience a new heart and mind imbued with all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing! Christ living in the soul, the hope of glory, makes true obedience to God's commandments a joyful reality!

"In the excitement which then pervaded Capernaum, there was danger that the object of His mission would be lost sight of. Jesus was not satisfied to attract attention to Himself merely as a wonder worker or a healer of physical diseases. He was seeking to draw men to Him as their Saviour. While the people were eager to believe that He had come as a king, to establish an earthly reign, He desired to turn their minds away from the earthly to the spiritual. Mere worldly success would interfere with His work." {The Desire of Ages, page 260, paragraph 2}

Praise God that Jesus came in the manner that He did to help guide our priorities and focus if we will but trust and follow Him based on His word. Each day presents new opportunities for implanting truth in the minds of those around us. May we do so because we rely on Jesus working in and through us by the Holy Spirit to the glory of our Father in heaven!

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
Post by: Philip T on July 03, 2023, 09:03:59 AM

    Amen brother Sean and Richard, thank you for the kinds words of welcome it is nice to be back.

  In marked contrast to all this was the life of Jesus. In that life no noisy disputation, no ostentatious worship, no act to gain applause, was ever witnessed. Christ was hid in God, and God was revealed in the character of His Son. To this revelation Jesus desired the minds of the people to be directed, and their homage to be given.  {DA 261.2}
     The Sun of Righteousness did not burst upon the world in splendor, to dazzle the senses with His glory. It is written of Christ, "His going forth is prepared as the morning." Hosea 6:3. Quietly and gently the daylight breaks upon the earth, dispelling the shadow of darkness, and waking the world to life. So did the Sun of Righteousness arise, "with healing in His wings." Malachi 4:2.

    Jesus is our example; we should be doing the work he left us upon His return to heaven. we should do it in the same way Jesus did on earth, with humble hearts giving all glory to God and not ourselves. Directing their hearts to God, planting the seeds and allowing their fruition to be of the Holy Spirit.

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
Post by: Beacon on July 03, 2023, 12:32:57 PM

"No cry from a soul in need, though it fail of utterance in words, will be unheeded."

"Those who will consent to enter into covenant relation with the God of heaven are not left to the power of Satan or to the infirmity of their own nature."

"They are invited by the Saviour, 'Let him take hold of My strength, that he may make peace with Me; and he shall make peace with Me.' Isaiah 27:5."

"The spirits of darkness will battle for the soul once under their dominion, but angels of God will contend for that soul with prevailing power. "

"The Lord says, 'Shall the prey be taken from the mighty, or the lawful captive delivered? ... Thus saith the Lord, Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered: for I will contend with him that contendeth with thee, and I will save thy children.' Isaiah 49:24, 25."

What a Friend we can have in Jesus!! I pray that you will make Him the King of Kings and Lord of Lords in your daily life.
===========================
1
Not I, but Christ be honored, loved, exalted,
Not I, but Christ be seen, be known and heard;
Not I, but Christ in every look and action,
Not I, but Christ in every thought and word.
    Oh, to be saved from myself, dear Lord,
  Oh, to be lost in Thee,
Oh, that it may be no more I,
    But Christ that lives in me.
2
Not I, but Christ to gently soothe in sorrow,
Not I, but Christ to wipe the falling tear;
Not I, but Christ to lift the weary burden,
Not I, but Christ to hush away all fear.
3
Christ, only Christ, no idle word e’er falling,
Christ, only Christ, no needless bustling sound;
Christ, only Christ, no self-important bearing,
Christ, only Christ, no trace of I be found.
4
Not I, but Christ my every need supplying,
Not I, but Christ my strength and health to be;
Christ, only Christ, for spirit, soul, and body,
Christ, only Christ, live then Thy life in me.
5
Christ, only Christ, ere long will fill my vision,
Glory excelling soon, full soon I’ll see;
Christ, only Christ, my every wish fulfilling,
Christ, only Christ, my all in all to be.

Lyrics:Mrs. Ada A. Whiddington (1891)
Music:Albert Benjamin Simpson (1843-1919)
 

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
Post by: Beacon on September 27, 2023, 09:19:06 PM

"Every man is free to choose what power he will have to rule over him."

"None have fallen so low, none are so vile, but that they can find deliverance in Christ."

The demoniac, in place of prayer, could utter only the words of Satan; yet the heart's unspoken appeal was heard.

"No cry from a soul in need, though it fail of utterance in words, will be unheeded."

"Those who will consent to enter into covenant relation with the God of heaven are not left to the power of Satan or to the infirmity of their own nature."

" They are invited by the Saviour, 'Let him take hold of My strength, that he may make peace with Me; and he shall make peace with Me.' Isaiah 27:5".

" The spirits of darkness will battle for the soul once under their dominion, but angels of God will contend for that soul with prevailing power."

 "The Lord says, 'Shall the prey be taken from the mighty, or the lawful captive delivered? ..."
.' Isaiah 49:24, 25
"Thus saith the Lord, Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered: for I will contend with him that contendeth with thee, and I will save thy children.' Isaiah 49:24, 25."

My own two children who were raised and educated in our school environment have chosen to leave church of their youth -- Will you join with me and pray that the promise of  Isaiah 49:24, 25 will be fulfilled for them? -Thank You in advance for joining with me on their behalf.

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on September 28, 2023, 04:10:10 AM

Amen, Brother Beacon! I gladly join you in intercessory prayer for your children, trusting God to lead them back to the fold of truth and righteousness!!

"It is written" (Matthew 4:4). We can always safely rely on the word of God, and that is why Jesus, the Word, taught the Scriptures as of unquestionable authority and called all to make it the rule of life, surrendering the will to the sovereignty of unselfish love whereby the life is transformed by His converting, redeeming grace. A living faith union and communion with Christ brings love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance in all righteousness, goodness and truth into the life without one missing because the abiding power in the soul is "Christ in you, the hope of glory." (Colossians 1:27).

"Jesus met the people on their own ground, as one who was acquainted with their perplexities. He made truth beautiful by presenting it in the most direct and simple way. His language was pure, refined, and clear as a running stream. His voice was as music to those who had listened to the monotonous tones of the rabbis. But while His teaching was simple, He spoke as one having authority. This characteristic set His teaching in contrast with that of all others. The rabbis spoke with doubt and hesitancy, as if the Scriptures might be interpreted to mean one thing or exactly the opposite. The hearers were daily involved in greater uncertainty. But Jesus taught the Scriptures as of unquestionable authority. Whatever His subject, it was presented with power, as if His words could not be controverted." {The Desire of Ages, page 253, paragraph 5}

We would do well to follow the Example of Jesus in how we share His word. Uplift the Bible as the rule of faith and practice, bring its words of life into the daily experience, and souls will be blessed and refreshed to have new life and power from above--the power of God's love in the soul!

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
Post by: Richard Myers on September 28, 2023, 05:49:15 AM

Amen Brother Beacon, we will pray for your children and our children. Such a precious promise that God will save our children!

     Christ never flattered men. He never spoke that which would exalt their fancies and imaginations, nor did He praise them for their clever inventions; but deep, unprejudiced thinkers received His teaching, and found that it tested their wisdom. They marveled at the spiritual truth expressed in the simplest language. The most highly educated were charmed with His words, and the uneducated were always profited. He had a message for the illiterate; and He made even the heathen to understand that He had a message for them.   
     His tender compassion fell with a touch of healing upon weary and troubled hearts. Even amid the turbulence of angry enemies He was surrounded with an atmosphere of peace. The beauty of His countenance, the loveliness of His character, above all, the love expressed in look and tone, drew to Him all who were not hardened in unbelief. Had it not been for the sweet, sympathetic spirit that shone out in every look and word, He would not have attracted the large congregations that He did. The afflicted ones who came to Him felt that He linked His interest with theirs as a faithful and tender friend, and they desired to know more of the truths He taught. Heaven was brought near. They longed to abide in His presence, that the comfort of His love might be with them continually. 

Yes, Pastor Sean, we would do well to learn from the example of Jesus. We ought not  "burst upon the world in splendor," but be gentle and quiet as we minister to a world soon to perish.

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
Post by: Beacon on December 23, 2023, 08:01:02 PM

"His tender compassion fell with a touch of healing upon weary and troubled hearts."

"Even amid the turbulence of angry enemies He was surrounded with an atmosphere of peace."

" The beauty of His countenance, the loveliness of His character, above all, the love expressed in look and tone, drew to Him all who were not hardened in unbelief."

"Had it not been for the sweet, sympathetic spirit that shone out in every look and word, He would not have attracted the large congregations that He did."

"The afflicted ones who came to Him felt that He linked His interest with theirs as a faithful and tender friend, and they desired to know more of the truths He taught."

"Heaven was brought near."

"They longed to abide in His presence, that the comfort of His love might be with them continually."

Do "WE" long to abide in His presence?? IF NOT---WHY NOT?? ARE THE THINGS OF "THIS WORLD" DISTRACTING US??

==========================
1
Beneath the cross of Jesus
  I fain would take my stand,
The shadow of a mighty Rock
  Within a weary land;
A home within the wilderness,
  A rest upon the way,
From the burning of the noontide heat,
  And the burden of the day.
2
Oh, safe and happy shelter!
  Oh, refuge tried and sweet!
Oh, trysting place where heaven’s love
  And heaven’s justice meet.
As to the holy patriarch
  That wondrous dream was given,
So is my Savior by the cross
  A ladder up to heaven.
3
There lies beneath its shadow,
  But on the farther side,
The darkness of an awful grave
  That gapes both deep and wide;
And there between us stands the cross,
  Two arms outstretched to save,
Like a watchman set to guard the way
  From that eternal grave.
4
Upon that cross of Jesus
  Mine eye at times can see
The very dying form of One,
  Who suffered there for me;
And from my smitten heart, with tears,
  Two wonders I confess,
The wonders of His glorious love,
  And my own worthlessness.
5
I take, O cross, thy shadow
  For my abiding place;
I ask no other sunshine than
  The sunshine of His face;
Content to let the world go by,
  To know no gain nor loss,
My sinful self my only shame,
  My glory all the cross.

Lyrics:Elizabeth Cecilia Clephane (1830-1869)
Music:Frederick Charles Maker (1844-1927)

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on December 24, 2023, 04:17:13 AM

Amen, Brother Beacon!!

Beholding the loveliness of Jesus, who Himself is the word of God, reveals to us the way of victory over Satan, sin, this fallen evil world, and our own fallen nature. We need to surrender to and abide in the word of God so its eternal principles of love enter into our thoughts and feelings, making us partakers of the divine nature, giving us continual access to God's strength and grace for His purposes to be fulfilled.

"The means by which we can overcome the wicked one is that by which Christ overcame,—the power of the word. God does not control our minds without our consent; but if we desire to know and to do His will, His promises are ours: 'Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.' 'If any man willeth to do His will, he shall know of the teaching.' John 8:32; 7:17, R. V. Through faith in these promises, every man may be delivered from the snares of error and the control of sin." {The Desire of Ages, page 258, paragraph 5}

Jesus is coming again very soon, and He is preparing a people who will rely fully on His word for the plan and purpose of life. What a joy to have clarity and victory in Jesus by His word, for the Holy Spirit who inspired the word of God brings to the converted soul all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing as we are simultaneously empowered to obey God's law up to the light He has revealed!

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
Post by: Richard Myers on December 24, 2023, 06:32:33 AM

Amen Pastor Sean and Brother Beacon!

     The means by which we can overcome the wicked one is that by which Christ overcame,--the power of the word. God does not control our minds without our consent; but if we desire to know and to do His will, His promises are ours: "Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." "If any man willeth to do His will, he shall know of the teaching." John 8:32; 7:17, R. V. Through faith in these promises, every man may be delivered from the snares of error and the control of sin.
     Every man is free to choose what power he will have to rule over him. None have fallen so low, none are so vile, but that they can find deliverance in Christ. The demoniac, in place of prayer, could utter only the words of Satan; yet the heart's unspoken appeal was heard. No cry from a soul in need, though it fail of utterance in words, will be unheeded. Those who will consent to enter into covenant relation with the God of heaven are not left to the power of Satan or to the infirmity of their own nature. They are invited by the Saviour, "Let him take hold of My strength, that he may make peace with Me; and he shall make peace with Me." Isaiah 27:5. The spirits of darkness will battle for the soul once under their dominion, but angels of God will contend for that soul with prevailing power. The Lord says, "Shall the prey be taken from the mighty, or the lawful captive delivered? . . . Thus saith the Lord, Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered: for I will contend with him that contendeth with thee, and I will save thy children." Isaiah 49:24, 25. 

Even though they may be possessed by Satan.

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
Post by: Philip T on December 24, 2023, 08:36:13 AM

  The Pharisees sought distinction by their scrupulous ceremonialism, and the ostentation of their worship and charities. They proved their zeal for religion by making it the theme of discussion. Disputes between opposing sects were loud and long, and it was not unusual to hear on the streets the voice of angry controversy from learned doctors of the law.
     In marked contrast to all this was the life of Jesus. In that life no noisy disputation, no ostentatious worship, no act to gain applause, was ever witnessed. Christ was hid in God, and God was revealed in the character of His Son. To this revelation Jesus desired the minds of the people to be directed, and their homage to be given.  {DA 261.2}


Jesus is to be our example, and we see His gentle, kind, loving character, never drawing attention to Himself for self aggrandizement, so should we be in our lives, and doing the work God gives us to accomplish, we need to surrender all to him, and with a humble heart go forth to share Jesus with the world.

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
Post by: Beacon on March 18, 2024, 08:01:56 PM

"Every man is free to choose what power he will have to rule over him. None have fallen so low, none are so vile, but that they can find deliverance in Christ. The demoniac, in place of prayer, could utter only the words of Satan; yet the heart's unspoken appeal was heard." "

No cry from a soul in need, though it fail of utterance in words, will be unheeded."

"Those who will consent to enter into covenant relation with the God of heaven are not left to the power of Satan or to the infirmity of their own nature. They are invited by the Saviour, "Let him take hold of My strength, that he may make peace with Me; and he shall make peace with Me." Isaiah 27:5."

"The spirits of darkness will battle for the soul once under their dominion, but angels of God will contend for that soul with prevailing power."

"The Lord says, "Shall the prey be taken from the mighty, or the lawful captive delivered? . . . Thus saith the Lord, Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered: for I will contend with him that contendeth with thee, and I will save thy children." Isaiah 49:24, 25.

Isn't that an amazing promise!! " I will save thy children." It's a promise that I claim everyday for my two daughters who are currently no longer members of God's Remnant Church.
========================
1
Trust Him when thy wants are many;
  Trust Him when thy friends are few;
And the time of swift temptation
  Is the time to trust Him too.
2
Trust Him when thy soul is burdened
  With the sense of all its sin;
He will speak the word of pardon,
  He will make thee clean within.
3
Trust Him for the grace sufficient,
  Ever equal to thy need;
Trust Him always for the answer,
  When in His dear name you plead.
4
Trust Him for the grace to conquer,
  He is able to subdue;
Trust Him for the power for service;
  Trust Him for the blessing too.
5
Trust Him when dark doubts assail thee,
  Trust Him when thy strength is small,
Trust Him when to simply trust Him
  Seems the hardest thing of all.
6
Trust Him; He is ever faithful;
  Trust Him, for His will is best;
Trust Him, for the heart of Jesus
  Is the only place of rest.
7
Trust Him, then, through cloud or sunshine,
  All thy cares upon Him cast,
Till the storm of life is over,
  And the trusting days are past.

Lyrics:Lucy Ann Bennett (1850-1927)
Music:T. A. Willis

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
Post by: Richard Myers on March 19, 2024, 05:40:30 AM

Amen my dear Brother Beacon. Our only hope is to trust Him who gave all that we might live. There is hope for our children who have gone astray. Even the captives of Satan who have lost all control can be drawn back into the fold if they want to turn way from sin.

     The means by which we can overcome the wicked one is that by which Christ overcame,--the power of the word. God does not control our minds without our consent; but if we desire to know and to do His will, His promises are ours: "Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." "If any man willeth to do His will, he shall know of the teaching." John 8:32; 7:17, R. V. Through faith in these promises, every man may be delivered from the snares of error and the control of sin.
     Every man is free to choose what power he will have to rule over him. None have fallen so low, none are so vile, but that they can find deliverance in Christ. The demoniac, in place of prayer, could utter only the words of Satan; yet the heart's unspoken appeal was heard. No cry from a soul in need, though it fail of utterance in words, will be unheeded. Those who will consent to enter into covenant relation with the God of heaven are not left to the power of Satan or to the infirmity of their own nature. They are invited by the Saviour, "Let him take hold of My strength, that he may make peace with Me; and he shall make peace with Me." Isaiah 27:5. The spirits of darkness will battle for the soul once under their dominion, but angels of God will contend for that soul with prevailing power. The Lord says, "Shall the prey be taken from the mighty, or the lawful captive delivered? . . . Thus saith the Lord, Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered: for I will contend with him that contendeth with thee, and I will save thy children." Isaiah 49:24, 25. 

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on March 19, 2024, 08:09:40 AM

Amen, Brother Beacon and Brother Richard!

May we never forget the loveliness of Jesus. That is why it is so well to daily spend a "thoughtful hour" contemplating His life--especially the closing scenes. Amid all that we face in life, in every moment, His love is infinite and His ministry for us in the heavenly sanctuary as our high priest is to give us victory over sin, discouragement and all of Satan's delusions. Since Jesus "ever liveth to make intercession" (Hebrews 7:25), as we abide in Christ also, we join Him in that earnest, prayerful continual intercessory ministry to woo and win souls into the fold of God so that all who are willing to be made willing may be ready to meet Jesus at His imminent return in power and great glory. He takes us as we are in our brokenness and sinfulness, and by the power of divine grace moves us to true repentance, leads us in honest confession and forsaking of sin, gives us the guidance and grace we need to walk in true obedience, and continually fills us with all of the fruits of His Spirit without one missing. What a foretaste of heaven it is to walk and talk with Jesus!

"His tender compassion fell with a touch of healing upon weary and troubled hearts. Even amid the turbulence of angry enemies He was surrounded with an atmosphere of peace. The beauty of His countenance, the loveliness of His character, above all, the love expressed in look and tone, drew to Him all who were not hardened in unbelief. Had it not been for the sweet, sympathetic spirit that shone out in every look and word, He would not have attracted the large congregations that He did. The afflicted ones who came to Him felt that He linked His interest with theirs as a faithful and tender friend, and they desired to know more of the truths He taught. Heaven was brought near. They longed to abide in His presence, that the comfort of His love might be with them continually." {The Desire of Ages, page 254, paragraph 4}

Abide in Jesus continually. Intentionally realize that He is with you moment by moment and let His love shine forth through you in some degree to bless others. We were created for His glory--and the glory of our selfless God is to give! As we receive afresh the revelations of His infinite loveliness of character, we will long to speak of Him to others so they can be blessed, encouraged and transformed, too! He will work in us to will and to do of His good pleasure as the result of us working out what God works within. Watching and praying through beholding Jesus helps us have the love motivation to yield the will to Him so He can give us a new heart that He promises to keep pure as the whitest snow. Only in Christ is this possible, and the glory is all to His name!

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
Post by: Beacon on June 13, 2024, 08:18:55 PM

"His tender compassion fell with a touch of healing upon weary and troubled hearts".

"Even amid the turbulence of angry enemies He was surrounded with an atmosphere of peace."

"The beauty of His countenance, the loveliness of His character, above all, the love expressed in look and tone, drew to Him all who were not hardened in unbelief."

"Had it not been for the sweet, sympathetic spirit that shone out in every look and word, He would not have attracted the large congregations that He did."

"The afflicted ones who came to Him felt that He linked His interest with theirs as a faithful and tender friend, and they desired to know more of the truths He taught."

"Heaven was brought near. They longed to abide in His presence, that the comfort of His love might be with them continually."

Do those with whom we interact feel that same worth coming from us who claim to be followers of Jesus??

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

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

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

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
Post by: JimB on June 14, 2024, 04:49:11 AM

Brother Beacon, that is a good question and do they automatically recognize that we've been with Christ by our conduct without having to ask?

His messages of mercy were varied to suit His audience. He knew "how to speak a word in season to him that is weary" (Isaiah 50:4); for grace was poured upon His lips, that He might convey to men in the most attractive way the treasures of truth. He had tact to meet the prejudiced minds, and surprise them with illustrations that won their attention. Through the imagination He reached the heart. His illustrations were taken from the things of daily life, and although they were simple, they had in them a wonderful depth of meaning.

He made the message the message attractive. Something to be desired and remembered. Love awakens love! Is there a time for rebuke? Yes, but even then we are told that Christ had years in His voice.

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
Post by: Dorine on June 14, 2024, 05:31:59 AM

"The means by which we can overcome the wicked one is that by which Christ overcame,--the power of the word. God does not control our minds without our consent; but if we desire to know and to do His will, His promises are ours: "Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." "If any man willeth to do His will, he shall know of the teaching." John 8:32; 7:17, R. V. Through faith in these promises, every man may be delivered from the snares of error and the control of sin."

Jesus had no advantage over us. We are to live as He lived by the power of the Holy Spirit and claiming the promises of His word.

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
Post by: Richard Myers on June 14, 2024, 07:22:47 AM

Amen my brothers and sister!  God's ways are best! And even a demoniac can be saved if the heart has not been hardened past the point of no return.

  Every man is free to choose what power he will have to rule over him. None have fallen so low, none are so vile, but that they can find deliverance in Christ. The demoniac, in place of prayer, could utter only the words of Satan; yet the heart's unspoken appeal was heard. No cry from a soul in need, though it fail of utterance in words, will be unheeded. Those who will consent to enter into covenant relation with the God of heaven are not left to the power of Satan or to the infirmity of their own nature. They are invited by the Saviour, "Let him take hold of My strength, that he may make peace with Me; and he shall make peace with Me." Isaiah 27:5. The spirits of darkness will battle for the soul once under their dominion, but angels of God will contend for that soul with prevailing power. The Lord says, "Shall the prey be taken from the mighty, or the lawful captive delivered? . . . Thus saith the Lord, Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered: for I will contend with him that contendeth with thee, and I will save thy children." Isaiah 49:24, 25

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on June 15, 2024, 02:49:31 AM

Happy Sabbath!

Let us link up by a living faith surrender in covenant partnership with Jesus whose life of perfect, selfless love can flow through our souls to bless others! By abiding in Jesus in union and communion with His word which Spirit and life, we get to experience the miracle of all of the fruits of the Spirit in our lives without one missing! Will you let Him live out His life within you?

"Yet He was earnest, rather than vehement. He spoke as one who had a definite purpose to fulfill. He was bringing to view the realities of the eternal world. In every theme God was revealed. Jesus sought to break the spell of infatuation which keeps men absorbed in earthly things. He placed the things of this life in their true relation, as subordinate to those of eternal interest; but He did not ignore their importance. He taught that heaven and earth are linked together, and that a knowledge of divine truth prepares men better to perform the duties of everyday life. He spoke as one familiar with heaven, conscious of His relationship to God, yet recognizing His unity with every member of the human family." {The Desire of Ages, page 254, paragraph 1}   

When we realize that we are part of a family that God is preparing for heaven, our focus shifts from ourselves to a joyful rest of spirit in which we live to bless others! Oh, what a joy it is to be truly converted--and may this be our experience without letting the world, the flesh or the devil ever intercept it even for a moment! We can choose to look to Christ and live!!

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
Post by: Beacon on September 08, 2024, 09:36:11 PM

"Those who will consent to enter into covenant relation with the God of heaven are not left to the power of Satan or to the infirmity of their own nature."

"They are invited by the Saviour, "Let him take hold of My strength, that he may make peace with Me; and he shall make peace with Me." Isaiah 27:5."

"The spirits of darkness will battle for the soul once under their dominion, but angels of God will contend for that soul with prevailing power."

"The Lord says, "Shall the prey be taken from the mighty, or the lawful captive delivered?" . . .

"Thus saith the Lord, Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered: for I will contend with him that contendeth with thee, and I will save thy children." Isaiah 49:24, 25"

How comforting it is to know that Jesus understands our needs and promises to Never Leave "US" or Forsake 'US!!

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

1
When we walk with the Lord
  In the light of His Word,
What a glory He sheds on our way;
  While we do His good will,
  He abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey.
 
Trust and obey,
For there’s no other way
To be happy in Jesus,
  But to trust and obey.
2
Not a shadow can rise,
  Not a cloud in the skies,
But His smile quickly drives it away;
  Not a doubt or a fear,
  Not a sigh or a tear,
Can abide while we trust and obey.
3
Not a burden we bear,
  Not a sorrow we share,
But our toil He doth richly repay;
  Not a grief or a loss,
  Not a frown or a cross,
But is blest if we trust and obey.
4
But we never can prove
  The delights of His love,
Until all on the altar we lay;
  For the favor He shows,
  And the joy He bestows,
Are for them who will trust and obey.
5
Then in fellowship sweet
  We will sit at His feet,
Or we’ll walk by His side in the way;
  What He says we will do;
  Where He sends, we will go,
Never fear, only trust and obey.

Lyrics:John Henry Sammis (1846-1919)
Music:Daniel Brink Towner (1850-1919)

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
Post by: Dorine on September 09, 2024, 04:41:22 AM

The secret cause of the affliction that had made this man a fearful spectacle to his friends and a burden to himself was in his own life. He had been fascinated by the pleasures of sin, and had thought to make life a grand carnival. He did not dream of becoming a terror to the world and the reproach of his family. He thought his time could be spent in innocent folly. But once in the downward path, his feet rapidly descended. Intemperance and frivolity perverted the noble attributes of his nature, and Satan took absolute control of him.

This is a powerful warning to us all today. This shows the seriousness of venturing on Satan's playground. It does not end well unless we let Jesus come to our rescue, cleansing and purifying us from all unrighteousness. How many are in the same condition as this young man. If only our people were reading and spending time with Jesus they would get a glimpse of how evil, evil is and realize there is no such thing as innocent folly. Some of us have learned the hard way but Jesus wants us to trust Him and obey without having to experience it ourselves. Like this man some will find Jesus but many never do. May our lives show God's power to heal and protect those who commit their lives to Him.

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
Post by: JimB on September 09, 2024, 05:15:30 AM

Amen brother and sister. Yes, unfortunately a lot of us have to learn the hard way thinking that some how our circumstances are different and our experience will be different and its true they may vary in details but the results are the same.

All who heard the Saviour "were astonished at His doctrine: for His word was with power." "He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes." Luke 4:32; Matthew 7:29. The teaching of the scribes and elders was cold and formal, like a lesson learned by rote. To them the word of God possessed no vital power. Their own ideas and traditions were substituted for its teaching. In the accustomed round of service they professed to explain the law, but no inspiration from God stirred their own hearts or the hearts of their hearers.
     Jesus had nothing to do with the various subjects of dissension among the Jews. It was His work to present the truth. His words shed a flood of light upon the teachings of patriarchs and prophets, and the Scriptures came to men as a new revelation. Never before had His hearers perceived such a depth of meaning in the word of God.

My first reaction to this is, is to be a little envious of those who were able to hear and see Christ directly but we too can be personally taught by Christ through the Spirit. I'm sure most have had the experience of seeing a text or a whole passage in a new way because Spirit is leading your mind. This might not be Christ's audible voice its the same experience none the less.

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on September 09, 2024, 05:18:43 AM

Amen, Brother Beacon, Sister Dorine and Brother Jim!

Remember--angels are preparing the way!

"Notwithstanding the action of the Sanhedrin against Jesus, the people eagerly awaited the development of His mission. All heaven was astir with interest. Angels were preparing the way for His ministry, moving upon men's hearts, and drawing them to the Saviour." {The Desire of Ages, page 253, paragraph 1}

Just as Jesus' ministry was made effectual by the invisible work of the angels, we can be encouraged that God sends His angels ahead of us to prepare hearts to receive the gospel! All of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing come into the lives of those who fully surrender to Christ, empowering us to live obediently for His glory! Then the very angels that helped us receive the gospel will rejoice that we will get to repopulate heaven and join them in the heavenly family! Praise God!

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
Post by: Richard Myers on September 09, 2024, 06:21:46 AM

Amen my dear brothers and sister! So much in today's reading! We read that which God made plain, the gospel has been made difficult to understand.

    In the days of Christ the leaders and teachers of Israel were powerless to resist the work of Satan. They were neglecting the only means by which they could have withstood evil spirits. It was by the word of God that Christ overcame the wicked one. The leaders of Israel professed to be the expositors of God's word, but they had studied it only to sustain their traditions, and enforce their man-made observances. By their interpretation they made it express sentiments that God had never given. Their mystical construction made indistinct that which He had made plain. They disputed over insignificant technicalities, and practically denied the most essential truths. Thus infidelity was sown broadcast. God's word was robbed of its power, and evil spirits worked their will.
     History is repeating. With the open Bible before them, and professing to reverence its teachings, many of the religious leaders of our time are destroying faith in it as the word of God. They busy themselves with dissecting the word, and set their own opinions above its plainest statements. In their hands God's word loses its regenerating power. This is why infidelity runs riot, and iniquity is rife.
     When Satan has undermined faith in the Bible, he directs men to other sources for light and power. Thus he insinuates himself. Those who turn from the plain teaching of Scripture and the convicting power of God's Holy Spirit are inviting the control of demons. Criticism and speculation concerning the Scriptures have opened the way for spiritism and theosophy--those modernized forms of ancient heathenism--to gain a foothold even in the professed churches of our Lord Jesus Christ.  

Many professed Christians teach a religion where sin is declared to not be sin, a form of pantheism. If man comes into the world not needing to be born again of the Spirit, then Christ must be in all. Is this not a form of pantheism? It is. Christ does not dwell in any who are not born again. This false religion says that if we do not know something, then we are not guilty of it. In other words, one may not have all of the fruits of the Spirit, but if they do not know this, they declare to be innocent. This is not true. There is nothing in Scripture that says this to be true. One may say, I did not know I had to be transformed in character in order to enter heaven. You may not, but this does not mean you abide in Christ and Christ is in you. This individual does not have eternal life and will not until he is born again of the Spirit. Christ is not in all things, which includes not being in all men.

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
Post by: Philip T on September 09, 2024, 10:56:50 AM

In the excitement which then pervaded Capernaum, there was danger that the object of His mission would be lost sight of. Jesus was not satisfied to attract attention to Himself merely as a wonder worker or a healer of physical diseases. He was seeking to draw men to Him as their Saviour. While the people were eager to believe that He had come as a king, to establish an earthly reign, He desired to turn their minds away from the earthly to the spiritual. Mere worldly success would interfere with His work.


Excitement over Jesus healing of the sick, had caused a great excitement in Capernaum to the point that the work for the winning of souls from sin was at risk of being overlooked, this was not the attention which Jesus wished, He wanted to turn people's attention from this world to Spiritual things. This should be out desire also, to fulfill God's commission to us in Mathew. We need to remain humble realizing we plant the seed, and the Holy Spirit causes it to grow. 

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
Post by: Beacon on December 04, 2024, 08:00:45 PM

"The leaders of Israel professed to be the expositors of God's word, but they had studied it only to sustain their traditions, and enforce their man-made observances."

" By their interpretation they made it express sentiments that God had never given."

"Their mystical construction made indistinct that which He had made plain."

"They disputed over insignificant technicalities."

 "...And practically denied the most essential truths."

"Thus infidelity was sown broadcast." "God's word was robbed of its power, and evil spirits worked their will."

Might it not be similar to the Remnant Church of God in "Our" End Time Generation?? Let's make sure "WE" are not a part of that.!!

=======================
1
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--26--At Capernaum
Post by: Dorine on December 05, 2024, 04:44:06 AM

Every man is free to choose what power he will have to rule over him. None have fallen so low, none are so vile, but that they can find deliverance in Christ. The demoniac, in place of prayer, could utter only the words of Satan; yet the heart's unspoken appeal was heard. No cry from a soul in need, though it fail of utterance in words, will be unheeded. Those who will consent to enter into covenant relation with the God of heaven are not left to the power of Satan or to the infirmity of their own nature. They are invited by the Saviour, "Let him take hold of My strength, that he may make peace with Me; and he shall make peace with Me." Isaiah 27:5. The spirits of darkness will battle for the soul once under their dominion, but angels of God will contend for that soul with prevailing power. The Lord says, "Shall the prey be taken from the mighty, or the lawful captive delivered? . . . Thus saith the Lord, Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered: for I will contend with him that contendeth with thee, and I will save thy children." Isaiah 49:24, 25.

We serve a most marvelous God. I kept reading these words over and over this morning. He truly is our fortress. As His character is revealed to us our hearts are calmed and assured that His promises are for each one of us who abide in Him. Never let the devil tell you that you are beyond hope. Take Jesus at His word, live by faith and you will know true freedom and happiness. Trials will come but God will use them to build character that prepares us for heaven.

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
Post by: JimB on December 05, 2024, 05:03:14 AM

He often dismissed His disciples to visit their homes and rest; but He gently resisted their efforts to draw Him away from His labors. All day He toiled, teaching the ignorant, healing the sick, giving sight to the blind, feeding the multitude; and at the eventide or in the early morning, He went away to the sanctuary of the mountains for communion with His Father. Often He passed the entire night in prayer and meditation, returning at daybreak to His work among the people.

There is so much in that paragraph but the fact that He toiled all day shouldn't surprise us His love for the world lead Him to the cross so His love for the world would compel Him to help as many as He could while He was here. We are told that all of Heaven's energies are being spent on this planet. Almost as if His whole universe is waiting to bring this whole planet out of quarantine before  continuing with "normal life".  Although, brining us out of quarantine will also change things for ever for whole universe. Amazing!

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
Post by: Richard Myers on December 05, 2024, 05:16:40 AM

Amen my dear friends. Why does infidelity run riot, and iniquity is rife?

History is repeating. With the open Bible before them, and professing to reverence its teachings, many of the religious leaders of our time are destroying faith in it as the word of God. They busy themselves with dissecting the word, and set their own opinions above its plainest statements. In their hands God's word loses its regenerating power. This is why infidelity runs riot, and iniquity is rife. 

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
Post by: Beacon on March 01, 2025, 08:02:54 PM

"No cry from a soul in need, though it fail of utterance in words, will be unheeded."

"Those who will consent to enter into covenant relation with the God of heaven are not left to the power of Satan or to the infirmity of their own nature." "

"They are invited by the Saviour, "Let him take hold of My strength, that he may make peace with Me; and he shall make peace with Me." Isaiah 27:5."

"The spirits of darkness will battle for the soul once under their dominion, but angels of God will contend for that soul with prevailing power."

"The Lord says, "Shall the prey be taken from the mighty, or the lawful captive delivered? . . . Thus saith the Lord, Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered: for I will contend with him that contendeth with thee, and I will save thy children." Isaiah 49:24, 25."

What a wonderful promise from our  God "That He will contend on our behalf. Therefore "WE" can find peace in the storms however strong that our foes might try to send our way!!

=======================
1
All hail the pow’r of Jesus’ name!
  Before Him prostrate fall;
With one accord His praise proclaim,
  And crown Him Lord of all!
2
Ye saints redeemed from Adam’s race,
  Ye ransomed from the fall,
Hail Him who saves you by His grace,
  And crown Him Lord of all.
3
Tell forth the only Name that’s giv’n
  On which we now may call,
The Name adored by hosts in heav’n,
  And crown Him Lord of all.
4
In glory all the ransomed throng
  Soon at His feet shall fall;
Join in the blest eternal song,
  And crown Him Lord of all.

Lyrics:Edward Perronet (1726-1792)
Music:Oliver Holden (1765-1844)

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
Post by: Richard Myers on March 02, 2025, 08:33:28 AM

Amen Brother Beacon! Today's reading reveals to us the battle between good and evil. It reveals the truth and the truth shall make us free. Satan does all he can to pervert the truth.

     So it will be in the great final conflict of the controversy between righteousness and sin. While new life and light and power are descending from on high upon the disciples of Christ, a new life is springing up from beneath, and energizing the agencies of Satan. Intensity is taking possession of every earthly element. With a subtlety gained through centuries of conflict, the prince of evil works under a disguise. He appears clothed as an angel of light, and multitudes are "giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils." 1 Timothy 4:1.
     In the days of Christ the leaders and teachers of Israel were powerless to resist the work of Satan. They were neglecting the only means by which they could have withstood evil spirits. It was by the word of God that Christ overcame the wicked one. The leaders of Israel professed to be the expositors of God's word, but they had studied it only to sustain their traditions, and enforce their man-made observances. By their interpretation they made it express sentiments that God had never given. Their mystical construction made indistinct that which He had made plain. They disputed over insignificant technicalities, and practically denied the most essential truths. Thus infidelity was sown broadcast. God's word was robbed of its power, and evil spirits worked their will.
     History is repeating. With the open Bible before them, and professing to reverence its teachings, many of the religious leaders of our time are destroying faith in it as the word of God. They busy themselves with dissecting the word, and set their own opinions above its plainest statements. In their hands God's word loses its regenerating power. This is why infidelity runs riot, and iniquity is rife.
     When Satan has undermined faith in the Bible, he directs men to other sources for light and power. Thus he insinuates himself. Those who turn from the plain teaching of Scripture and the convicting power of God's Holy Spirit are inviting the control of demons. Criticism and speculation concerning the Scriptures have opened the way for spiritism and theosophy--those modernized forms of ancient heathenism--to gain a foothold even in the professed churches of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

Yes!! He does indeed direct men to other sources of for light and power. Why do so many instead of studying the Word, turn to man who have perverted the Word? Satan rejoices when we turn to others to tell us what the Bible says instead of asking the Holy Spirit to reveal to us what the Bible says. Quit going to man, go to God. Always ask for the Holy Spirit and He will give you love, joy, and peace as the truth is opened unto you. It would ve very good to spend a thoughtful hour a day contemplating the life of Jesus. You will be transformed into the image of God (2 Cor. 3:13).

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
Post by: Beacon on May 27, 2025, 08:00:28 PM

"History is repeating. With the open Bible before them, and professing to reverence its teachings, many of the religious leaders of our time are destroying faith in it as the word of God."

"They busy themselves with dissecting the word, and set their own opinions above its plainest statements. In their hands God's word loses its regenerating power. This is why infidelity runs riot, and iniquity is rife."

"Then Satan has undermined faith in the Bible, he directs men to other sources for light and power." "Thus he insinuates himself."


 "Those who turn from the plain teaching of Scripture and the convicting power of God's Holy Spirit are inviting the control of demons. Criticism and speculation concerning the Scriptures have opened the way for spiritism and theosophy--those modernized forms of ancient heathenism--to gain a foothold even in the professed churches of our Lord Jesus Christ."

"Yes!! He does indeed direct men to other sources of for light and power. Why do so many instead of studying the Word, turn to man who have perverted the Word? Satan rejoices when we turn to others to tell us what the Bible says instead of asking the Holy Spirit to reveal to us what the Bible says." "Quit going to man, go to God. Always ask for the Holy Spirit and He will give you love, joy, and peace as the truth is opened unto you. It would ve very good to spend a thoughtful hour a day contemplating the life of Jesus. You will be transformed into the image of God (2 Cor. 3:13)."
=======================

1
Beneath the cross of Jesus
  I fain would take my stand,
The shadow of a mighty Rock
  Within a weary land;
A home within the wilderness,
  A rest upon the way,
From the burning of the noontide heat,
  And the burden of the day.
2
Oh, safe and happy shelter!
  Oh, refuge tried and sweet!
Oh, trysting place where heaven’s love
  And heaven’s justice meet.
As to the holy patriarch
  That wondrous dream was given,
So is my Savior by the cross
  A ladder up to heaven.
3
There lies beneath its shadow,
  But on the farther side,
The darkness of an awful grave
  That gapes both deep and wide;
And there between us stands the cross,
  Two arms outstretched to save,
Like a watchman set to guard the way
  From that eternal grave.
4
Upon that cross of Jesus
  Mine eye at times can see
The very dying form of One,
  Who suffered there for me;
And from my smitten heart, with tears,
  Two wonders I confess,
The wonders of His glorious love,
  And my own worthlessness.
5
I take, O cross, thy shadow
  For my abiding place;
I ask no other sunshine than
  The sunshine of His face;
Content to let the world go by,
  To know no gain nor loss,
My sinful self my only shame,
  My glory all the cross.

Lyrics:Elizabeth Cecilia Clephane (1830-1869)
Music:Frederick Charles Maker (1844-1927)

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
Post by: Richard Myers on May 29, 2025, 01:51:29 AM

Amen Brother Beacon! We all choose what we will do with out time.

Every man is free to choose what power he will have to rule over him. None have fallen so low, none are so vile, but that they can find deliverance in Christ. The demoniac, in place of prayer, could utter only the words of Satan; yet the heart's unspoken appeal was heard. No cry from a soul in need, though it fail of utterance in words, will be unheeded. Those who will consent to enter into covenant relation with the God of heaven are not left to the power of Satan or to the infirmity of their own nature. They are invited by the Saviour, "Let him take hold of My strength, that he may make peace with Me; and he shall make peace with Me." Isaiah 27:5. The spirits of darkness will battle for the soul once under their dominion, but angels of God will contend for that soul with prevailing power. The Lord says, "Shall the prey be taken from the mighty, or the lawful captive delivered? . . . Thus saith the Lord, Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered: for I will contend with him that contendeth with thee, and I will save thy children." Isaiah 49:24, 25. 

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
Post by: JimB on August 21, 2025, 04:35:40 AM

His messages of mercy were varied to suit His audience. He knew "how to speak a word in season to him that is weary" (Isaiah 50:4); for grace was poured upon His lips, that He might convey to men in the most attractive way the treasures of truth. He had tact to meet the prejudiced minds, and surprise them with illustrations that won their attention. Through the imagination He reached the heart.

I find it interesting that the creator of us humans recognized the difference between us and varied his message accordingly. He knows how best to reach everyone.

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
Post by: Richard Myers on August 21, 2025, 06:03:12 AM

Amen my dear Brother Jim. And likewise the Holy Spirit will give us the very same wisdom to reach all we come in contact with. The Spirit opens the ears to those who are seeking truth and gives us Words to speak that can be understood.

     The means by which we can overcome the wicked one is that by which Christ overcame,--the power of the word. God does not control our minds without our consent; but if we desire to know and to do His will, His promises are ours: "Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." "If any man willeth to do His will, he shall know of the teaching." John 8:32; 7:17, R. V. Through faith in these promises, every man may be delivered from the snares of error and the control of sin.
     Every man is free to choose what power he will have to rule over him. None have fallen so low, none are so vile, but that they can find deliverance in Christ. The demoniac, in place of prayer, could utter only the words of Satan; yet the heart's unspoken appeal was heard. No cry from a soul in need, though it fail of utterance in words, will be unheeded. Those who will consent to enter into covenant relation with the God of heaven are not left to the power of Satan or to the infirmity of their own nature. They are invited by the Saviour, "Let him take hold of My strength, that he may make peace with Me; and he shall make peace with Me." Isaiah 27:5. The spirits of darkness will battle for the soul once under their dominion, but angels of God will contend for that soul with prevailing power. The Lord says, "Shall the prey be taken from the mighty, or the lawful captive delivered? . . . Thus saith the Lord, Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered: for I will contend with him that contendeth with thee, and I will save thy children." Isaiah 49:24, 25. 

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--26--At Capernaum
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on August 21, 2025, 11:13:29 AM

Amen, Brother Jim and Brother Richard!

God's word is so powerful. Jesus taught it as of unquestionable authority. He is the Word made flesh, and He is willing to come and abide with us to keep us from yielding to the fallen nature, so we can continually have the victory and fruit of partaking of the divine nature!

"The means by which we can overcome the wicked one is that by which Christ overcame,—the power of the word. God does not control our minds without our consent; but if we desire to know and to do His will, His promises are ours: 'Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.' 'If any man willeth to do His will, he shall know of the teaching.' John 8:32; 7:17, R. V. Through faith in these promises, every man may be delivered from the snares of error and the control of sin." {The Desire of Ages, page 258, paragraph 5}

We can be truly happy as we abide in God's word. As we meditate upon it day and night, it ennobles and blesses us to have fresh vigor for the trials of life. The promises of God are especially precious to us as we trust them in our most difficult experiences and find our God to always be faithful to His word, for He cannot lie!