The King of Kings => The Desire of Ages => Topic started by: Richard Myers on February 15, 2016, 06:44:09 AM
Title: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: Richard Myers on February 15, 2016, 06:44:09 AM
"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Listen to "Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Of all diseases known in the East the leprosy was most dreaded. Its incurable and contagious character, and its horrible effect upon its victims, filled the bravest with fear. Among the Jews it was regarded as a judgment on account of sin, and hence was called "the stroke," "the finger of God." Deep-rooted, ineradicable, deadly, it was looked upon as a symbol of sin. By the ritual law, the leper was pronounced unclean. Like one already dead, he was shut out from the habitations of men. Whatever he touched was unclean. The air was polluted by his breath. One who was suspected of having the disease must present himself to the priests, who were to examine and decide his case. If pronounced a leper, he was isolated from his family, cut off from the congregation of Israel, and was doomed to associate with those only who were similarly afflicted. The law was inflexible in its requirement. Even kings and rulers were not exempt. A monarch who was attacked by this terrible disease must yield up the scepter, and flee from society. Away from his friends and his kindred, the leper must bear the curse of his malady. He was obliged to publish his own calamity, to rend his garments, and sound the alarm, warning all to flee from his contaminating presence. The cry, "Unclean! unclean!" coming in mournful tones from the lonely exile, was a signal heard with fear and abhorrence. In the region of Christ's ministry, there were many of these sufferers, and the news of His work reached them, kindling a gleam of hope. But since the days of Elisha the prophet, such a thing had never been known as the cleansing of one upon whom this disease had fastened. They dared not expect Jesus to do for them what He had never done for any man. There was one, however, in whose heart faith began to spring up. Yet the man knew not how to reach Jesus. Debarred as he was from contact with his fellow men, how could he present himself to the Healer? And he questioned if Christ would heal him. Would He stoop to notice one believed to be suffering under the judgment of God? Would He not, like the Pharisees, and even the physicians, pronounce a curse upon him, and warn him to flee from the haunts of men? He thought of all that had been told him of Jesus. Not one who had sought His help had been turned away. The wretched man determined to find the Saviour. Though shut out from the cities, it might be that he could cross His path in some byway along the mountain roads, or find Him as He was teaching outside the towns. The difficulties were great, but this was his only hope. The leper is guided to the Saviour. Jesus is teaching beside the lake, and the people are gathered about Him. Standing afar off, the leper catches a few words from the Saviour's lips. He sees Him laying His hands upon the sick. He sees the lame, the blind, the paralytic, and those dying of various maladies rise up in health, praising God for their deliverance. Faith strengthens in his heart. He draws nearer and yet nearer to the gathered throng. The restrictions laid upon him, the safety of the people, and the fear with which all men regard him are forgotten. He thinks only of the blessed hope of healing. He is a loathsome spectacle. The disease has made frightful inroads, and his decaying body is horrible to look upon. At sight of him the people fall back in terror. They crowd upon one another in their eagerness to escape from contact with him. Some try to prevent him from approaching Jesus, but in vain. He neither sees nor hears them. Their expressions of loathing are lost upon him. He sees only the Son of God. He hears only the voice that speaks life to the dying. Pressing to Jesus, he casts himself at His feet with the cry, "Lord, if Thou wilt, Thou canst make me clean." Jesus replied, "I will; be thou made clean," and laid His hand upon him. Matthew 8:3, R. V. Immediately a change passed over the leper. His flesh became healthy, the nerves sensitive, the muscles firm. The rough, scaly surface peculiar to leprosy disappeared, and a soft glow, like that upon the skin of a healthy child, took its place. Jesus charged the man not to make known the work that had been wrought, but straightway to present himself with an offering at the temple. Such an offering could not be accepted until the priests had made examination and pronounced the man wholly free from the disease. However unwilling they might be to perform this service, they could not evade an examination and decision of the case. The words of Scripture show with what urgency Christ enjoined upon the man the necessity of silence and prompt action. "He straitly charged him, and forthwith sent him away; and saith unto him, See thou say nothing to any man: but go thy way, show thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing those things which Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them." Had the priests known the facts concerning the healing of the leper, their hatred of Christ might have led them to render a dishonest sentence. Jesus desired the man to present himself at the temple before any rumors concerning the miracle had reached them. Thus an impartial decision could be secured, and the restored leper would be permitted to unite once more with his family and friends. There were other objects which Christ had in view in enjoining silence on the man. The Saviour knew that His enemies were ever seeking to limit His work, and to turn the people from Him. He knew that if the healing of the leper were noised abroad, other sufferers from this terrible disease would crowd about Him, and the cry would be raised that the people would be contaminated by contact with them. Many of the lepers would not so use the gift of health as to make it a blessing to themselves or to others. And by drawing the lepers about Him, He would give occasion for the charge that He was breaking down the restrictions of the ritual law. Thus His work in preaching the gospel would be hindered. The event justified Christ's warning. A multitude of people had witnessed the healing of the leper, and they were eager to learn of the priests' decision. When the man returned to his friends, there was great excitement. Notwithstanding the caution of Jesus, the man made no further effort to conceal the fact of his cure. It would indeed have been impossible to conceal it, but the leper published the matter abroad. Conceiving that it was only the modesty of Jesus which laid this restriction upon him, he went about proclaiming the power of this Great Healer. He did not understand that every such manifestation made the priests and elders more determined to destroy Jesus. The restored man felt that the boon of health was very precious. He rejoiced in the vigor of manhood, and in his restoration to his family and society, and felt it impossible to refrain from giving glory to the Physician who had made him whole. But his act in blazing abroad the matter resulted in hindering the Saviour's work. It caused the people to flock to Him in such multitudes that He was forced for a time to cease His labors. Every act of Christ's ministry was far-reaching in its purpose. It comprehended more than appeared in the act itself. So in the case of the leper. While Jesus ministered to all who came unto Him, He yearned to bless those who came not. While He drew the publicans, the heathen, and the Samaritans, He longed to reach the priests and teachers who were shut in by prejudice and tradition. He left untried no means by which they might be reached. In sending the healed leper to the priests, He gave them a testimony calculated to disarm their prejudices. The Pharisees had asserted that Christ's teaching was opposed to the law which God had given through Moses; but His direction to the cleansed leper to present an offering according to the law disproved this charge. It was sufficient testimony for all who were willing to be convinced. The leaders at Jerusalem had sent out spies to find some pretext for putting Christ to death. He responded by giving them an evidence of His love for humanity, His respect for the law, and His power to deliver from sin and death. Thus He bore witness of them: "They have rewarded Me evil for good, and hatred for My love." Psalm 109:5. He who on the mount gave the precept, "Love your enemies," Himself exemplified the principle, not rendering "evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing." Matthew 5:44; 1 Peter 3:9. The same priests who condemned the leper to banishment certified his cure. This sentence, publicly pronounced and registered, was a standing testimony for Christ. And as the healed man was reinstated in the congregation of Israel, upon the priests' own assurance that there was not a taint of the disease upon him, he himself was a living witness for his Benefactor. Joyfully he presented his offering, and magnified the name of Jesus. The priests were convinced of the divine power of the Saviour. Opportunity was granted them to know the truth and to be profited by the light. Rejected, it would pass away, never to return. By many the light was rejected; yet it was not given in vain. Many hearts were moved that for a time made no sign. During the Saviour's life, His mission seemed to call forth little response of love from the priests and teachers; but after His ascension "a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith." Acts 6:7. The work of Christ in cleansing the leper from his terrible disease is an illustration of His work in cleansing the soul from sin. The man who came to Jesus was "full of leprosy." Its deadly poison permeated his whole body. The disciples sought to prevent their Master from touching him; for he who touched a leper became himself unclean. But in laying His hand upon the leper, Jesus received no defilement. His touch imparted life-giving power. The leprosy was cleansed. Thus it is with the leprosy of sin,--deep-rooted, deadly, and impossible to be cleansed by human power. "The whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint. From the sole of the foot even unto the head there is no soundness in it; but wounds, and bruises, and putrefying sores." Isaiah 1:5, 6. But Jesus, coming to dwell in humanity, receives no pollution. His presence has healing virtue for the sinner. Whoever will fall at His feet, saying in faith, "Lord, if Thou wilt, Thou canst make me clean," shall hear the answer, "I will; be thou made clean." Matthew 8:2, 3, R. V. In some instances of healing, Jesus did not at once grant the blessing sought. But in the case of leprosy, no sooner was the appeal made than it was granted. When we pray for earthly blessings, the answer to our prayer may be delayed, or God may give us something other than we ask, but not so when we ask for deliverance from sin. It is His will to cleanse us from sin, to make us His children, and to enable us to live a holy life. Christ "gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father." Galatians 1:4. And "this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He heareth us: and if we know that He hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him." 1 John 5:14, 15. "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9. In the healing of the paralytic at Capernaum, Christ again taught the same truth. It was to manifest His power to forgive sins that the miracle was performed. And the healing of the paralytic also illustrates other precious truths. It is full of hope and encouragement, and from its connection with the caviling Pharisees it has a lesson of warning as well. Like the leper, this paralytic had lost all hope of recovery. His disease was the result of a life of sin, and his sufferings were embittered by remorse. He had long before appealed to the Pharisees and doctors, hoping for relief from mental suffering and physical pain. But they coldly pronounced him incurable, and abandoned him to the wrath of God. The Pharisees regarded affliction as an evidence of divine displeasure, and they held themselves aloof from the sick and the needy. Yet often these very ones who exalted themselves as holy were more guilty than the sufferers they condemned. The palsied man was entirely helpless, and, seeing no prospect of aid from any quarter, he had sunk into despair. Then he heard of the wonderful works of Jesus. He was told that others as sinful and helpless as he had been healed; even lepers had been cleansed. And the friends who reported these things encouraged him to believe that he too might be cured if he could be carried to Jesus. But his hope fell when he remembered how the disease had been brought upon him. He feared that the pure Physician would not tolerate him in His presence. Yet it was not physical restoration he desired so much as relief from the burden of sin. If he could see Jesus, and receive the assurance of forgiveness and peace with Heaven, he would be content to live or die, according to God's will. The cry of the dying man was, Oh that I might come into His presence! There was no time to lose; already his wasted flesh was showing signs of decay. He besought his friends to carry him on his bed to Jesus, and this they gladly undertook to do. But so dense was the crowd that had assembled in and about the house where the Saviour was, that it was impossible for the sick man and his friends to reach Him, or even to come within hearing of His voice. Jesus was teaching in the house of Peter. According to their custom, His disciples sat close about Him, and "there were Pharisees and doctors of the law sitting by, which were come out of every town of Galilee, and Judea, and Jerusalem." These had come as spies, seeking an accusation against Jesus. Outside of these officials thronged the promiscuous multitude, the eager, the reverent, the curious, and the unbelieving. Different nationalities and all grades of society were represented. "And the power of the Lord was present to heal." The Spirit of life brooded over the assembly, but Pharisees and doctors did not discern its presence. They felt no sense of need, and the healing was not for them. "He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich He hath sent empty away." Luke 1:53. Again and again the bearers of the paralytic tried to push their way through the crowd, but in vain. The sick man looked about him in unutterable anguish. When the longed-for help was so near, how could he relinquish hope? At his suggestion his friends bore him to the top of the house and, breaking up the roof, let him down at the feet of Jesus. The discourse was interrupted. The Saviour looked upon the mournful countenance, and saw the pleading eyes fixed upon Him. He understood the case; He had drawn to Himself that perplexed and doubting spirit. While the paralytic was yet at home, the Saviour had brought conviction to his conscience. When he repented of his sins, and believed in the power of Jesus to make him whole, the life-giving mercies of the Saviour had first blessed his longing heart. Jesus had watched the first glimmer of faith grow into a belief that He was the sinner's only helper, and had seen it grow stronger with every effort to come into His presence. Now, in words that fell like music on the sufferer's ear, the Saviour said, "Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee." The burden of despair rolls from the sick man's soul; the peace of forgiveness rests upon his spirit, and shines out upon his countenance. His physical pain is gone, and his whole being is transformed. The helpless paralytic is healed! the guilty sinner is pardoned! In simple faith he accepted the words of Jesus as the boon of new life. He urged no further request, but lay in blissful silence, too happy for words. The light of heaven irradiated his countenance, and the people looked with awe upon the scene. The rabbis had waited anxiously to see what disposition Christ would make of this case. They recollected how the man had appealed to them for help, and they had refused him hope or sympathy. Not satisfied with this, they had declared that he was suffering the curse of God for his sins. These things came fresh to their minds when they saw the sick man before them. They marked the interest with which all were watching the scene, and they felt a terrible fear of losing their own influence over the people. These dignitaries did not exchange words together, but looking into one another's faces they read the same thought in each, that something must be done to arrest the tide of feeling. Jesus had declared that the sins of the paralytic were forgiven. The Pharisees caught at these words as blasphemy, and conceived that they could present this as a sin worthy of death. They said in their hearts, "He blasphemeth: who can forgive sins but One, even God?" Mark 2:7, R. V. Fixing His glance upon them, beneath which they cowered, and drew back, Jesus said, "Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts? For whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and walk? But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins," He said, turning to the paralytic, "Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house." Then he who had been borne on a litter to Jesus rises to his feet with the elasticity and strength of youth. The life-giving blood bounds through his veins. Every organ of his body springs into sudden activity. The glow of health succeeds the pallor of approaching death. "And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all; insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion." Oh, wondrous love of Christ, stooping to heal the guilty and the afflicted! Divinity sorrowing over and soothing the ills of suffering humanity! Oh, marvelous power thus displayed to the children of men! Who can doubt the message of salvation? Who can slight the mercies of a compassionate Redeemer? It required nothing less than creative power to restore health to that decaying body. The same voice that spoke life to man created from the dust of the earth had spoken life to the dying paralytic. And the same power that gave life to the body had renewed the heart. He who at the creation "spake, and it was," who "commanded, and it stood fast," (Psalm 33:9), had spoken life to the soul dead in trespasses and sins. The healing of the body was an evidence of the power that had renewed the heart. Christ bade the paralytic arise and walk, "that ye may know," He said, "that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins." The paralytic found in Christ healing for both the soul and the body. The spiritual healing was followed by physical restoration. This lesson should not be overlooked. There are today thousands suffering from physical disease, who, like the paralytic, are longing for the message, "Thy sins are forgiven." The burden of sin, with its unrest and unsatisfied desires, is the foundation of their maladies. They can find no relief until they come to the Healer of the soul. The peace which He alone can give, would impart vigor to the mind, and health to the body. Jesus came to "destroy the works of the devil." "In Him was life," and He says, "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." He is "a quickening spirit." 1 John 3:8; John 1:4; 10:10; 1 Corinthians 15:45. And He still has the same life-giving power as when on earth He healed the sick, and spoke forgiveness to the sinner. He "forgiveth all thine iniquities," He "healeth all thy diseases." Psalm 103:3. The effect produced upon the people by the healing of the paralytic was as if heaven had opened, and revealed the glories of the better world. As the man who had been cured passed through the multitude, blessing God at every step, and bearing his burden as if it were a feather's weight, the people fell back to give him room, and with awe-stricken faces gazed upon him, whispering softly among themselves, "We have seen strange things today." The Pharisees were dumb with amazement and overwhelmed with defeat. They saw that here was no opportunity for their jealousy to inflame the multitude. The wonderful work wrought upon the man whom they had given over to the wrath of God had so impressed the people that the rabbis were for the time forgotten. They saw that Christ possessed a power which they had ascribed to God alone; yet the gentle dignity of His manner was in marked contrast to their own haughty bearing. They were disconcerted and abashed, recognizing, but not confessing, the presence of a superior being. The stronger the evidence that Jesus had power on earth to forgive sins, the more firmly they entrenched themselves in unbelief. From the home of Peter, where they had seen the paralytic restored by His word, they went away to invent new schemes for silencing the Son of God. Physical disease, however malignant and deep-seated, was healed by the power of Christ; but the disease of the soul took a firmer hold upon those who closed their eyes against the light. Leprosy and palsy were not so terrible as bigotry and unbelief. In the home of the healed paralytic there was great rejoicing when he returned to his family, carrying with ease the couch upon which he had been slowly borne from their presence but a short time before. They gathered round with tears of joy, scarcely daring to believe their eyes. He stood before them in the full vigor of manhood. Those arms that they had seen lifeless were quick to obey his will. The flesh that had been shrunken and leaden-hued was now fresh and ruddy. He walked with a firm, free step. Joy and hope were written in every lineament of his countenance; and an expression of purity and peace had taken the place of the marks of sin and suffering. Glad thanksgiving went up from that home, and God was glorified through His Son, who had restored hope to the hopeless, and strength to the stricken one. This man and his family were ready to lay down their lives for Jesus. No doubt dimmed their faith, no unbelief marred their fealty to Him who had brought light into their darkened home.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: Richard Myers on February 16, 2016, 09:22:37 AM
Have you considered the condition of many leaders in the church? Have you been discouraged by the large number who who have gone so far as to rebel against God, His Word, and His church? Have you been tempted to write them all off? We know this is wrong since we cannot judge the heart in regards to what is really going on in it. Tomorrow it may be fully given over to Christ.
Paul who was a murderer became strong in the faith. In this chapter, we read of something that will give encouragement as we go through the "shaking". "The priests were convinced of the divine power of the Saviour. Opportunity was granted them to know the truth and to be profited by the light. Rejected, it would pass away, never to return. By many the light was rejected; yet it was not given in vain. Many hearts were moved that for a time made no sign. During the Saviour's life, His mission seemed to call forth little response of love from the priests and teachers; but after His ascension 'a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.'" Acts 6:7.
So it may be in our day. We do not know the future in this regards, but in a Laodicean church, when the gospel message is discovered, some will be moved by it and fall in love with Jesus. No matter what is being taught in the church, believe the power of grace is strong enough to clean even worst of sinners.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: Richard Myers on May 15, 2016, 08:25:34 AM
Some today are sick, very sick. Why? Here is something to consider:
There are today thousands suffering from physical disease, who, like the paralytic, are longing for the message, "Thy sins are forgiven." The burden of sin, with its unrest and unsatisfied desires, is the foundation of their maladies. They can find no relief until they come to the Healer of the soul. The peace which He alone can give, would impart vigor to the mind, and health to the body.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on May 15, 2016, 09:19:47 AM
I appreciate how closely our spiritual health is connected with the physical in the plan of God. I remember hearing about a woman who had high blood pressure for years, and the lifestyle evangelist asked her when it started--and she came to recognize it was about the time that she had had a falling out with her sister, and that they had not spoken since that time. As a result, her blood pressure got to the point that her doctor put her on medication for high blood pressure. As the lifestyle evangelist was working with her and realized that otherwise she was doing all the "right" things (exercise, diet, etc.) he wanted to help her get to the bottom of the issue--and then she admitted the falling out with her sister. Praise the Lord she was willing to make things right with her sister, and as a result her doctor immediately told her to get off the medication--as she did not need it anymore! God heals! While the paralytic in this chapter of Desire of Ages may well have been sick from his own sins, there are many people who face sickness because of cherishing an unforgiving spirit or a grudge. How well it is to live as far as possible in peace with all men!
I love how this chapter reveals Jesus' love for the sinner, and that there is no condemnation in His act of healing. But the healing He works is by His creative word (and the act of God in creation and redemption is an act of love!):
"It required nothing less than creative power to restore health to that decaying body. The same voice that spoke life to man created from the dust of the earth had spoken life to the dying paralytic. And the same power that gave life to the body had renewed the heart. He who at the creation "spake, and it was," who "commanded, and it stood fast," (Psalm 33:9), had spoken life to the soul dead in trespasses and sins. The healing of the body was an evidence of the power that had renewed the heart. Christ bade the paralytic arise and walk, "that ye may know," He said, "that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins." {DA 270.1}
I love how Christ has power to renew hearts. Some Christians go about mourning that "the heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked" (Jeremiah 17:9), when Jesus wants us to believe that if we have made a complete surrender to Him, and allowed Him to do a divine work of grace in our lives by His creative word, that He has given us a "new heart" and a "new Spirit" (Ezekiel 36:26). While the deceitfulness of the unregenerate heart is always our default experience disconnected to Christ, we can rejoice that in covenant relation with Jesus, by living by faith upon Him in a surrendered connection, He fills us with all the fruits of the Spirit--and not one will be missing! Just picture this experience in the life of the forgiven, healed paralytic! This is what Jesus offers us today by His grace!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: Richard Myers on August 10, 2016, 06:35:43 AM
Amen, Pastor Sean! It is made so plain in the Bible and the Spirit of Prophecy. The "new heart" is indeed a new heart. When Christ takes possession of it, we are "new creatures" in Christ Jesus. The deceitful heart and the carnal mind have been cleansed and will remain so as long as we are fully surrendered to Jesus. The moment we allow our minds to wander away from Jesus, we like Peter, cannot walk on water. We need Jesus not just this morning, but we must be connected with Him continually in order to resist the smallest temptation. When abiding in Christ and He in us, then we can do all things, for it is Christ, not I that has the power.
In today's reading, it is again made very clear. The truth about the power of grace is so revealed that the great deception about conversion is unmasked. All may understand our need of Jesus and how long it takes to be born again when the will is surrendered fully to Jesus. It does not take a lifetime to be cleansed from sin. It is true that conversion is the end of a long protracted process of wooing by the Holy Spirit. And it is true we need to continually surrender, but it is not true that we are never cleansed of sin. The flesh remains sinful, but the heart is holy and clean when truly converted, even though it may have been as scarlet. Jesus has power to make the carnal heart as white as snow.
In some instances of healing, Jesus did not at once grant the blessing sought. But in the case of leprosy, no sooner was the appeal made than it was granted. When we pray for earthly blessings, the answer to our prayer may be delayed, or God may give us something other than we ask, but not so when we ask for deliverance from sin. It is His will to cleanse us from sin, to make us His children, and to enable us to live a holy life. Christ "gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father." Galatians 1:4. And "this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He heareth us: and if we know that He hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him." 1 John 5:14, 15. "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on August 10, 2016, 06:57:57 AM
It is such a blessing, Richard, to see how the Holy Spirit will guide us as a church into unity of spirit and doctrine, as we unitedly behold the loveliness of Jesus and the foundation truths of the Bible and the Spirit of Prophecy. What a blessing to be able to see Jesus revealed as the healer--first of the soul, then of the body!
The paralytic found in Christ healing for both the soul and the body. The spiritual healing was followed by physical restoration. This lesson should not be overlooked. There are today thousands suffering from physical disease, who, like the paralytic, are longing for the message, "Thy sins are forgiven." The burden of sin, with its unrest and unsatisfied desires, is the foundation of their maladies. They can find no relief until they come to the Healer of the soul. The peace which He alone can give, would impart vigor to the mind, and health to the body.
Peace that comes as a result of surrendering all of our sin to Christ (and the new heart experience He gives us in spiritual restoration) is one of the fruits of the Spirit--and when we have one of His fruits because we have Christ, it will be accompanied by all of the rest (since no TRUE peace from Christ is possible apart from all the other graces/fruits of the Spirit). We need to point souls to Christ as the only source of spiritual healing, and help them to anchor their faith there.
I am so thankful for Jesus who heals the heart/mind as well as the body. God is love!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on November 05, 2016, 06:31:22 AM
As I am again blessed by this wonderful chapter this Sabbath morning, I am encouraged to see how Jesus heals all--His forgiveness is so connected to His healing, that in His miracles He used the power to heal as an illustration of His power to cleanse from sin.
Jesus came to "destroy the works of the devil." "In Him was life," and He says, "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." He is "a quickening spirit." 1 John 3:8; John 1:4; 10:10; 1 Corinthians 15:45. And He still has the same life-giving power as when on earth He healed the sick, and spoke forgiveness to the sinner. He "forgiveth all thine iniquities," He "healeth all thy diseases." Psalm 103:3.
I am so thankful that with Jesus there is no "incurable" disease--no matter what man may say! My personal testimony of God's healing in my life is that after my parents died, I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and had experienced the throes of unrest in manic phases and major times of depression. But I praise God that through His simple natural remedies (NEWSTART: Nutrition, Exercise, Water, Sunshine, Temperance, Air, Rest, and Trust in God), and stepping out to put God's promises in the place of my false thinking, God has fully healed me from this, and now for over five years I have been free from any mind-altering medications and have clear thinking to be able to praise God and testify of His power to save, comfort, and heal! Truly, He has fulfilled His word:
"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind" (2 Timothy 1:7)! God heals! I am alive and well today because of Jesus and the promises He has made to me (and they are extended to each of us--the weakest of the weak!), and I choose to continue by faith to walk in His healing and behold the loveliness of Jesus morning by morning. May you step out in faith to testify of God's healing in your life, and how He has forgiven you your sin and made you whole through His abiding presence by the Spirit. The joy I share in Christ today is that by living faith in Him, He fills my heart and mind with all of the fruits of His Spirit so that not one is missing--and He will do this to the weakest of His children who simply trust Him fully! Hallelujah!!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: Richard Myers on November 05, 2016, 06:46:48 AM
Amen, Pastor Sean! Many do not believe they can be healed from sin. Because we come into this world with a fallen nature, they do not understand the heart can be made holy. And, I like so much the truth that we need not wait when we come to the point where Saul was when he said "O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?" Romans 7:24. On the road to Damascus Jesus answered his prayer and Saul was converted. He accepted Jesus as God.
In some instances of healing, Jesus did not at once grant the blessing sought. But in the case of leprosy, no sooner was the appeal made than it was granted. When we pray for earthly blessings, the answer to our prayer may be delayed, or God may give us something other than we ask, but not so when we ask for deliverance from sin. It is His will to cleanse us from sin, to make us His children, and to enable us to live a holy life. Christ "gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father." Galatians 1:4. And "this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He heareth us: and if we know that He hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him." 1 John 5:14, 15. "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: Dorine on November 05, 2016, 03:05:32 PM
Thank you Pastor Sean for your testimony. There are so many of our people that are being put on drugs to help them cope with life. They look at you with bewilderment at the suggestion that there is healing in God's natural laws for these maladies that plague them. They would rather pop a pill into their mouth and go around dazed. I see more and more of our beautiful, talented young people in this condition.
Many are relatives who are addicted not only to these medications but to video games, pornography, and worldly pleasures of all kinds and yet profess to love Jesus.
If my heart aches for these folks how much more does Jesus yearn to heal them. I talk to these parents and they say....Oh but they have been diagnosed.....In other words this is beyond anything God can handle.
I love how this leper was determined to find Jesus; ignoring the horrified people around him and pressing his way within hearing range to say "Lord, if Thou wilt, Thou canst make me clean." What faith!
And then those beautiful sweet words of Jesus..."I will; be thou made clean."
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on January 31, 2017, 04:49:57 AM
This statement has so much encouragement and light for us as a people:
In some instances of healing, Jesus did not at once grant the blessing sought. But in the case of leprosy, no sooner was the appeal made than it was granted. When we pray for earthly blessings, the answer to our prayer may be delayed, or God may give us something other than we ask, but not so when we ask for deliverance from sin. It is His will to cleanse us from sin, to make us His children, and to enable us to live a holy life. Christ "gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father." Galatians 1:4. And "this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He heareth us: and if we know that He hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him." 1 John 5:14, 15. "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9.
When the soul is cleansed from sin, by the impartation of the Holy Spirit who comes to indwell the child of God, we are enabled to "live a holy life"! What a privilege! But such an experience can only take place when the entire heart is yielded to Jesus, and when we give Him all of our sin, so that He can give us a new heart and mind! The same power of God that cleansed the leper is the same power that will fulfill this promise in your life today as you behold the loveliness of Jesus and let Him work in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure!
Ezekiel 36 26 A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. 27 And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: Richard Myers on January 31, 2017, 09:30:59 AM
Such a promise!! "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9. I:tr is the greatest miracle God can perform. Yet, so many refuse to believe, and many others reject this truth and teach against it leading many away from Christ and salvation.
The work of Christ in cleansing the leper from his terrible disease is an illustration of His work in cleansing the soul from sin. The man who came to Jesus was "full of leprosy." Its deadly poison permeated his whole body. The disciples sought to prevent their Master from touching him; for he who touched a leper became himself unclean. But in laying His hand upon the leper, Jesus received no defilement. His touch imparted life-giving power. The leprosy was cleansed. Thus it is with the leprosy of sin,--deep-rooted, deadly, and impossible to be cleansed by human power. "The whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint. From the sole of the foot even unto the head there is no soundness in it; but wounds, and bruises, and putrefying sores." Isaiah 1:5, 6. But Jesus, coming to dwell in humanity, receives no pollution. His presence has healing virtue for the sinner. Whoever will fall at His feet, saying
In this statement we find not only cleansing, but the truth about who we are when we come into this world. This truth also meets with much opposition.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on April 28, 2017, 05:05:06 AM
What a contrast emerges in this chapter--the healed and the ones who refuse healing, the transformed and those who despise the One who can transform. May we ever have hearts surrendered to Jesus that as He does His gracious work of healing hearts and renewing sinners to become partakers of the divine nature, that we may not have hard hearts of unbelief. Only Jesus can save the soul that comes to Him in humble faith. Look and live! Walk by faith in Him!
In simple faith he accepted the words of Jesus as the boon of new life. He urged no further request, but lay in blissful silence, too happy for words. The light of heaven irradiated his countenance, and the people looked with awe upon the scene.
This man's countenance bore the effects of having become a partaker of the divine nature! Next paragraph, what a contrast of response:
The rabbis had waited anxiously to see what disposition Christ would make of this case. They recollected how the man had appealed to them for help, and they had refused him hope or sympathy. Not satisfied with this, they had declared that he was suffering the curse of God for his sins. These things came fresh to their minds when they saw the sick man before them. They marked the interest with which all were watching the scene, and they felt a terrible fear of losing their own influence over the people.
The rabbis have anxiety and fear, because they have not been treating souls the way Christ would have Him treat them. May we remember that in all we do, that if we name the name of Christ, we are to reflect His character to those sick and suffering ones who need hope and help. They may have committed the very sins that led them to such a case--but Jesus shows us how to treat such--to give them hope and pardon through finding acceptance in Christ, as the soul surrenders entirely to Christ. Without a full-heart surrender, we are liable to go on like the rabbis--professedly serving God, but in heart lost. Oh, let us choose Christ as by beholding His loveliness we are being drawn to Him!!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: JimB on April 28, 2017, 05:18:57 AM
The rabbis have anxiety and fear, because they have not been treating souls the way Christ would have Him treat them. May we remember that in all we do, that if we name the name of Christ, we are to reflect His character to those sick and suffering ones who need hope and help. They may have committed the very sins that led them to such a case--but Jesus shows us how to treat such--to give them hope and pardon through finding acceptance in Christ, as the soul surrenders entirely to Christ. Without a full-heart surrender, we are liable to go on like the rabbis--professedly serving God, but in heart lost. Oh, let us choose Christ as by beholding His loveliness we are being drawn to Him!!
Amen pastor Sean! In today's society it's often hard for people to have a little sympathy for those who are victims of their own choosing but as you said Christ is our example in how to treat these people. Then look at the rabbis. They were not afraid because of the results of their bad influence on the people but because they were loosing their influence. They offered this man no hope. Almost to like the caste system in India. No sympathy for those in a lower caste because obviously you're suffering under god's curse :( how sad.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: Richard Myers on April 28, 2017, 07:16:47 AM
There are two lessons that I especially like in this chapter. Grace has power to cleanse the heart fully from sin. This is the requirement for salvation. Whose heart can be cleansed completely? Many do not believe the leadership of conferences can be transformed, they do not believe God can bring about a reformation in His organized church. But, in our reading today, we see otherwise. Even among these priests, "whited sepulchers", the grace of God will find some whose hearts will be cleansed as white as snow.
Only Jesus can save the soul that comes to Him in humble faith. Look and live!
Amen!! By looking upon Christ uplifted on the cross, many of the priests were radically transformed in nature. Grace has power to cleanse the heart just as Jesus cleansed the leper.
The work of Christ in cleansing the leper from his terrible disease is an illustration of His work in cleansing the soul from sin. The man who came to Jesus was "full of leprosy." Its deadly poison permeated his whole body. The disciples sought to prevent their Master from touching him; for he who touched a leper became himself unclean. But in laying His hand upon the leper, Jesus received no defilement. His touch imparted life-giving power. The leprosy was cleansed. Thus it is with the leprosy of sin,--deep-rooted, deadly, and impossible to be cleansed by human power. "The whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint. From the sole of the foot even unto the head there is no soundness in it; but wounds, and bruises, and putrefying sores." Isaiah 1:5, 6. But Jesus, coming to dwell in humanity, receives no pollution. His presence has healing virtue for the sinner. Whoever will fall at His feet, saying in faith, "Lord, if Thou wilt, Thou canst make me clean," shall hear the answer, "I will; be thou made clean." Matthew 8:2, 3, R. V. In some instances of healing, Jesus did not at once grant the blessing sought. But in the case of leprosy, no sooner was the appeal made than it was granted. When we pray for earthly blessings, the answer to our prayer may be delayed, or God may give us something other than we ask, but not so when we ask for deliverance from sin. It is His will to cleanse us from sin, to make us His children, and to enable us to live a holy life. Christ "gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father." Galatians 1:4. And "this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He heareth us: and if we know that He hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him." 1 John 5:14, 15. "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9.
This promise includes all, including apostate pastors and priests. Let us be firm in reproving sin, but loving and forgiving to those who are at the moment the enemy of God and man.
During the Saviour's life, His mission seemed to call forth little response of love from the priests and teachers; but after His ascension "a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith." Acts 6:7. Even one such as the great persecutor, Saul, can be transformed in nature by the grace of God.
During the Saviour's life, His mission seemed to call forth little response of love from the priests and teachers; but after His ascension "a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith." Acts 6:7.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on July 24, 2017, 06:39:45 AM
I appreciate how powerful God's grace is, as revealed in the life and character of Jesus. It is His loveliness beheld, believed in, received into the soul, and experienced by the power of the Holy Spirit, that has power to change the sick head and faint heart to be one of newness and completeness in Jesus!
The work of Christ in cleansing the leper from his terrible disease is an illustration of His work in cleansing the soul from sin. The man who came to Jesus was "full of leprosy." Its deadly poison permeated his whole body. The disciples sought to prevent their Master from touching him; for he who touched a leper became himself unclean. But in laying His hand upon the leper, Jesus received no defilement. His touch imparted life-giving power. The leprosy was cleansed. Thus it is with the leprosy of sin,--deep-rooted, deadly, and impossible to be cleansed by human power. "The whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint. From the sole of the foot even unto the head there is no soundness in it; but wounds, and bruises, and putrefying sores." Isaiah 1:5, 6. But Jesus, coming to dwell in humanity, receives no pollution. His presence has healing virtue for the sinner. Whoever will fall at His feet, saying in faith, "Lord, if Thou wilt, Thou canst make me clean," shall hear the answer, "I will; be thou made clean." Matthew 8:2, 3, R. V.
To be clean from sin means that we receive a new heart, a new mind, and the transformation is as POWERFUL and COMPLETE as that of the cleansed leper. No longer did he retain ANY leprosy. We are to believe that at conversion we receive a new heart, a new mind, and though we still retain fallen flesh, our thoughts, purposes, and aims, when we are abiding in Jesus, will spring from His "divine nature" (2 Peter 1:4) which we become partakers of by receiving Him through the promises of the word of God. I love Jesus and I love how powerful His grace is to transform the sin-sick soul into His image! That image is revealed at conversion with all of the fruits of the Spirit so that not one is missing. Such perfection of character will be continued as long as the soul abides in Christ, and will develop the character into greater maturity of perfection through the experience of trial and suffering, so that we may draw others to God and ourselves be a part of having the curse of sin forever sealed from entering the universe again (see Nahum 1:9)! Praise God!!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: JimB on July 24, 2017, 07:42:51 AM
Amen pastor Sean! where sin abounds Grace much more abounds!
Oh, wondrous love of Christ, stooping to heal the guilty and the afflicted! Divinity sorrowing over and soothing the ills of suffering humanity! Oh, marvelous power thus displayed to the children of men! Who can doubt the message of salvation? Who can slight the mercies of a compassionate Redeemer? It required nothing less than creative power to restore health to that decaying body. The same voice that spoke life to man created from the dust of the earth had spoken life to the dying paralytic. And the same power that gave life to the body had renewed the heart. He who at the creation "spake, and it was," who "commanded, and it stood fast," (Psalm 33:9), had spoken life to the soul dead in trespasses and sins. The healing of the body was an evidence of the power that had renewed the heart. Christ bade the paralytic arise and walk, "that ye may know," He said, "that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins."
Can't really it better than this. What a Savior we serve!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: Dorine on July 24, 2017, 08:17:00 AM
No one after reading this chapter can feel that they are too sinful to be forgiven. We see the right arm of the gospel in action here. First Jesus took care of the physical conditions and then cleansed them from their guilt of sin.
Another interesting observation is how faith and works were put into action here. These men in their affliction were determined to come into the presence of Jesus to ask an impossible (in human thinking) favour. Their journey to find Him was filled with obstacles.
God wants to heal the sin sick soul just as much today but many give up too soon not willing to make the sacrifices (faith and determined action) needed in coming to him.
Jim that is the very quote that spoke to me. His love melts my heart. He is my dearest friend.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: Richard Myers on July 24, 2017, 11:06:57 PM
Amen, amen, and amen! I wanted to take some time to post on this chapter, but here it is way past when I wanted to be in bed. So, I will save it until another day. The point that impresses me is that Romans seven, Paul's explanation of the period of time when he discovered he was a sinner and could not keep the law, also reveals the very last question he asked God before he was converted, reveals who we know this. Nowhere I have found a statement that Paul was converted shortly after he prayed "O wretched man that I am, who shall deliver me from the body of this death?"
But in today's reading we find this: "In some instances of healing, Jesus did not at once grant the blessing sought. But in the case of leprosy, no sooner was the appeal made than it was granted. When we pray for earthly blessings, the answer to our prayer may be delayed, or God may give us something other than we ask, but not so when we ask for deliverance from sin. It is His will to cleanse us from sin, to make us His children, and to enable us to live a holy life. Christ "gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father." Galatians 1:4. And "this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He heareth us: and if we know that He hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him." 1 John 5:14, 15. "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9.
Saul (Paul) prayed to be delivered from the bondage of sin. He was doing what he did not want to do and was not doing what he ought to do. When he cried out to God, "O wretched man that I am" he was at the end of self. He did not know anyone who could help him overcome sin. How did God answer his prayer? Did he delay the answer? "When we pray for earthly blessings, the answer to our prayer may be delayed, or God may give us something other than we ask, but not so when we ask for deliverance from sin. It is His will to cleanse us from sin, to make us His children, and to enable us to live a holy life." Then when did Saul pray the prayer?
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on October 19, 2017, 06:59:55 AM
I love how Jesus reaches people of all ranks and classes--and I learned today in doing further study that the leper Jesus cleansed in Matthew 8 was "a man of high distinction" before he had to flee society and be an outcast. I see a parallel today. There are many people in positions of trust who are afflicted with mental illness, and they can no longer do what their position requires--they may be hospitalized and shut away from society, or be medicated with no prospect of full recovery. I think of my experience. I was afflicted with bipolar depression after losing my parents and went through many trying experiences, not being able to find recovery from doctors or facilities. But Jesus showed me mercy and healing love. He won my heart. He forgave my sins and pardoned my unbelief, intemperance, and the root cause of my malady--sin--and gave me a new heart and mind and has completely healed me from bipolar disorder, using the simple principles of NEWSTART: Nutrtion, Exercise, Water, Sunshine, Temperance, Air, Rest, and Trust in God. He turned my mind to the truth that God can heal and forgive any sin and any disease. I praise God that I have been well from that loathsome disease for over 6.5 years--no longer needing medication, I only need to continually abide in Jesus!
"There was one leper who had been a man of high distinction. It was with the greatest grief that he and his family had become convinced that he was a victim to the fatal disease. Physicians of note had been consulted, and they had examined his case thoroughly, and anxiously searched their books to obtain further knowledge; but they were reluctantly compelled to acknowledge that their skill was baffled, the disease was incurable. It was then the duty of the priest to make an examination; this resulted in a decision that his was the worst form of leprosy. This verdict sentenced him to a living death separated from his friends and the society in which he had held so lofty a position. But now those who had courted his favor and accepted his hospitality fled from his presence with horror. He went out an exile from his home." {The Spirit of Prophecy, Volume 2, page 227, paragraph 2}
But when things feel hopeless, look to Jesus and surrender your heart for grace and power to be made whole, to be cleansed from sin!
"Jesus came to 'destroy the works of the devil.' 'In Him was life,' and He says, 'I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.' He is 'a quickening spirit.' 1 John 3:8; John 1:4; 10:10; 1 Corinthians 15:45. And He still has the same life-giving power as when on earth He healed the sick, and spoke forgiveness to the sinner. He 'forgiveth all thine iniquities,' He 'healeth all thy diseases.' Psalm 103:3. {The Desire of Ages, page 270, paragraph 2}
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: Richard Myers on October 19, 2017, 09:35:54 AM
Amen Pastor Sean, what a God we serve!! Thank you for sharing that testimony. It will be an encouragement to many who read it.
I love this chapter. It ought to convince all that those who deny the power of God to cleanse from sin, are false shepherds. It reveals that "Thou canst make me clean" from sin. It is not the flesh that is cleansed, we will retain fallen evil flesh until by God's grace we receive glorified bodies at His soon coming. It is the heart that is cleansed as white as snow. When? At conversion. The great lie Satan has brought into the church is that God canst not make me clean.
The same power that gave life to the body had renewed the heart. He who at the creation "spake, and it was," who "commanded, and it stood fast," (Psalm 33:9), had spoken life to the soul dead in trespasses and sins. The healing of the body was an evidence of the power that had renewed the heart. Christ bade the paralytic arise and walk, "that ye may know," He said, "that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins." The paralytic found in Christ healing for both the soul and the body. The spiritual healing was followed by physical restoration. This lesson should not be overlooked. There are today thousands suffering from physical disease, who, like the paralytic, are longing for the message, "Thy sins are forgiven." The burden of sin, with its unrest and unsatisfied desires, is the foundation of their maladies. They can find no relief until they come to the Healer of the soul. The peace which He alone can give, would impart vigor to the mind, and health to the body. Jesus came to "destroy the works of the devil." "In Him was life," and He says, "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." He is "a quickening spirit." 1 John 3:8; John 1:4; 10:10; 1 Corinthians 15:45. And He still has the same life-giving power as when on earth He healed the sick, and spoke forgiveness to the sinner. He "forgiveth all thine iniquities," He "healeth all thy diseases." Psalm 103:3.
The purpose of this chapter is to encourage sinners that God will forgive our sins and cleanse the heart from all sin. He will convert the carnal heart to a "new heart" which is holy and undefiled. How can this be? It is the greatest miracle God can do. It is through the Holy Spirit taking possession of the heart because the sinner has made a full surrender and invited Jesus in. None will make that full heart surrender until they love Jesus with all the heart, soul, and mind. Thus, we have a part to play in our own salvation. We must learn of Him who gave all for us. Then, we will love Him supremely. It would be well to spend a thoughtful hour each day contemplating His life, especially the closing scenes where we see Him lifted up because of my sins. What love! Wonder O heavens and be astonished O Earth!!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: Dorine on January 14, 2018, 08:13:10 AM
In our reading today sin is portrayed as a form of leprosy; deep rooted, deadly, and impossible to be cleansed by human power.
"But Jesus, coming to dwell in humanity, receives no pollution. His presence has healing virtue for the sinner. Whoever will fall at His feet, saying in faith, "Lord if Thou wilt, Thou canst make me clean," shall hear the answer, "I will, be thou made clean."
Here is another important point that is brought out....
"In some instances of healing, Jesus did not at once grant the blessing sought. But in the case of leprosy, no sooner was the appeal made than it was granted. When we pray for earthly blessings, the answer to our prayer may be delayed, or God may give us something other than we ask, but not so when we ask for deliverance from sin."
These miracles were not performed just for the sake of physical healing alone but to show the power of Jesus to forgive sins. I'm so thankful today that I/we can come to Jesus with the leprosy of sin and know that not only "can" He heal me/us but that He "will" instantly heal our sin sick hearts.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: Richard Myers on January 14, 2018, 08:53:41 AM
Amen sister Doreen. I really like that truth that you point us to. Jesus may wait to answer our prayers in many cases, but not so when we seek forgiveness of our sins. This is very helpful in understanding the gospel message, and the conversion of Paul. Paul's conversion was not, sudden conversion. It was the end of a long protracted process of wooing by the Holy Spirit. Thus, we understand the true meaning of Romans, chapter 7. It is Paul explaining his conversion experience. Paul was not converted in Romans 7, but he did come to the point of seeing that he could not keep the law in and of himself. It was during that time of wooing that Paul discovered he was evil by nature. He ends the chapter with a prayer to be to be delivered from the "body of this death" in which he lived. On the road to Damascus, Jesus answered that prayer. So I ask, if we understand that Jesus answers the prayer for deliverance from sin immediately, when did Paul pray that prayer to be set free from his evil selfish flesh?
When the Laodicean goes through a Romans seven experience, and discovers he is evil by nature, when we see we are not keeping the law of God, thus we are condemned, then he is no longer a Laodicean and God can heal him from that which has kept him in bondage. As you say, dear Sister, Jesus will heal our sin sick hearts. He will cleanse the heart, white as snow.
Paul, Saul, thought he was keeping the commandments, until he had a true standard by which to measure his life. He saw Christ, in the words and face of Stephen and all of the true Christians he was persecuting. He then saw the law reaches beyond outwards actions, and goes to the intent of the heart. Here, he saw himself condemned. The law cannot save, but it is the "school master" that points us to our need of a Savior, a Savior that delivers us from "the body of this death" in which we live.
When we come to the point of seeing we are in bondage to sin, and cannot deliver ourselves, then we look for a Savior as did Saul. Then, Jesus reveals Himself to us and if we will allow Him in, He will immediately take possession of the heart and cleanse it wholly from sin.
Many teach and believe that we cannot keep the law perfectly, because we live in sinful flesh. It is true we may not obtain holy flesh this side of the second coming, but we may possess a new mind and a new heart. This is where we may be transformed in character and nature. All who reject this truth are rejecting the inspired counsel in Scripture (Ezekiel 36:26, 27) and what we read in today's chapter.
The work of Christ in cleansing the leper from his terrible disease is an illustration of His work in cleansing the soul from sin. The man who came to Jesus was "full of leprosy." Its deadly poison permeated his whole body. The disciples sought to prevent their Master from touching him; for he who touched a leper became himself unclean. But in laying His hand upon the leper, Jesus received no defilement. His touch imparted life-giving power. The leprosy was cleansed. Thus it is with the leprosy of sin,--deep-rooted, deadly, and impossible to be cleansed by human power. "The whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint. From the sole of the foot even unto the head there is no soundness in it; but wounds, and bruises, and putrefying sores." Isaiah 1:5, 6. But Jesus, coming to dwell in humanity, receives no pollution. His presence has healing virtue for the sinner. Whoever will fall at His feet, saying in faith, "Lord, if Thou wilt, Thou canst make me clean," shall hear the answer, "I will; be thou made clean." Matthew 8:2, 3, R. V.
Jesus does not lie. He will make us clean. Unless we be cleansed, we do not have salvation. If we will study Romans seven and eight prayerfully, in the light of this promise from Jesus, we will have the scales of "unbelief" removed our eyes. We then can spend a thoughtful hour a day beholding the Savior and by thus doing, die daily to sin. Miracles of miracles!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on January 14, 2018, 12:09:28 PM
Amen, sister Dorine and brother Richard! Saul, even in the midst of his murderous campaign to persecute Christians, finally came to utter that prayer for deliverance from himself on the Damascus road, and cried out for help, saying, "O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?" (Romans 7:24). Christ immediately answered, and Saul was made to see a vision of his Savior who alone could deliver him from the leprosy of sin that had made his heart murderous and evil. Paul's testimony reveals that Jesus came to save him and that His grace was sufficient. We read Paul's powerful treatise on the new life in Christ by a full surrender in Romans 8, in happy contrast to the incredible struggle in Romans 7 where the flesh ruled him, he knew what was right, but had no power to do it. The power Paul needed could come only from Jesus, who must have possession of the whole heart!
We can praise God that the power of the gospel is such that no one who comes desiring to be set free from sin will be given a delayed answer. Christ immediately forgives and restores! The great struggle for many is coming to the point of truly seeing their need and then believing that Christ is able to do what one asks. How do we see our need and the provision of our Savior to be sufficient? We come to Him as we are. Jesus invites us:
Matthew 11:28-30 "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."
We can come even if we are struggling to believe. Coming to Christ, He reveals to us His love and our deep need of His grace. He gives us power to repent, the conviction leading to true confession and renunciation of sin. When we really believe that Jesus is able to take our burden of sin (much like the burden of leprosy), and that He has the power to do the greatest of all miracles in changing our evil hearts into hearts that are new, filled with all of the fruits of the Spirit so that not one is missing, then, by beholding Christ's loveliness (in contrast with our sinfulness) we are motivated to yield fully to Him for the change to be wrought in us. Christ heals us from the disorders of our sin-sick souls! While we will still live in fallen flesh, we need not yield to it even by a thought, because the divine nature given to us in true conversion is powerful enough to keep the flesh under, so we are enabled to live a holy life. This miracle is the effectual working of God's grace, and all who experience His grace become living testimonies of His saving power and love!
"In some instances of healing, Jesus did not at once grant the blessing sought. But in the case of leprosy, no sooner was the appeal made than it was granted. When we pray for earthly blessings, the answer to our prayer may be delayed, or God may give us something other than we ask, but not so when we ask for deliverance from sin. It is His will to cleanse us from sin, to make us His children, and to enable us to live a holy life. Christ 'gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father.' Galatians 1:4. And 'this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He heareth us: and if we know that He hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him.' 1 John 5:14, 15. 'If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.' 1 John 1:9." {The Desire of Ages, page 266, paragraph 2}
Let us go to Christ as we are, and believe that He is able to save us from all of our sins, able to keep us from falling back into our old patterns and habits of unbelief, and give us strength to overcome as we keep our eyes fixed on Him in His loveliness. What a joy to share the grace of Jesus by a personal experience!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on April 11, 2018, 05:20:28 AM
If we are experiencing unrest and unsatisfied desires, Jesus wants to go to the root of our problem, and forgive and cleanse us from the sin that is enfeebling our life and character. He has creative power--the power of infinite love and grace made efficacious by His blood shed for us--to wash, renew, and restore us to perfect soundness! Let us come to Christ as we are today so He can transform us to be like Him! The immediate effect of a full surrender (conversion to Christ) is that all of the fruits of the Spirit will be manifest in our lives, our countenances will beam with His joy, and we will gladly obey His will to the degree we know it. This experience is to be renewed daily in beholding the loveliness of Jesus, for we are to be changed from one degree of glory to another, from one character experience to another, so that day by day the greatest miracle is being wrought out in our lives--the miracle of a consistent life in Christ!
"The paralytic found in Christ healing for both the soul and the body. The spiritual healing was followed by physical restoration. This lesson should not be overlooked. There are today thousands suffering from physical disease, who, like the paralytic, are longing for the message, 'Thy sins are forgiven.' The burden of sin, with its unrest and unsatisfied desires, is the foundation of their maladies. They can find no relief until they come to the Healer of the soul. The peace which He alone can give, would impart vigor to the mind, and health to the body." {The Desire of Ages, page 270, paragraph 1}
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: JimB on April 11, 2018, 05:34:53 AM
Amen pastor Sean! and He desires that ALL find rest in Him. This morning as I was reading I was struck by this...
Not one who had sought His help had been turned away. The wretched man determined to find the Saviour. Though shut out from the cities, it might be that he could cross His path in some byway along the mountain roads, or find Him as He was teaching outside the towns. The difficulties were great, but this was his only hope.
Some try to prevent him from approaching Jesus, but in vain. He neither sees nor hears them. Their expressions of loathing are lost upon him. He sees only the Son of God. He hears only the voice that speaks life to the dying. Pressing to Jesus, he casts himself at His feet with the cry, "Lord, if Thou wilt, Thou canst make me clean."
Look at this single fact in this case this diseased man mixed his mind on. That is... not one who had sought His help had been turned away. What a promise and what a compassionate Savior. The goodness and kindness has drawn this man to Christ and now that he is near the great Healer, he doesn't let anything stand in his way. This reminds of a couple of verses... John 6:37 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.
Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: Richard Myers on April 11, 2018, 06:28:02 AM
Amen, Jim. If we want to be a friend of God, we must truly seek to know Him who gave all for us. Our motivation may very well be selfish when we begin our search, but when we get to know Him, our motivation will change. When we know Him as it is our privilege to know Him, we will love Him supremely, and self will be hidden in Christ.
As I read this morning, I was once again impressed that millions upon millions of professing Christians have been deceived. They do not know Jesus has power to cleanse the heart from all sin. What is troubling is that many of these suffering ones are Seventh-day Adventists who have been taught otherwise.
It is true that we shall live in vile and sinful flesh until Christ's second coming, but that will not continue to control behavior when the heart is fully surrendered to Christ. When the carnal mind is transformed, and we possess the mind of Christ, because the Holy Spirit has taken control, we will be empowered to obey the commandments of God. We will manifest all of the fruits of the Spirit, not one will be missing. We will reflect the character of Christ to the degree we understand. The motives will be pure and holy. Yes, this is contrary to much of what is preached from "Christian" pulpits and printed on "Christian" presses.
Seventh-day Adventists who profess to believe in the Bible and the Spirit of Prophecy are without excuse for knowing the truth about being cleansed from all known sin. Reading today's chapter leaves none with any excuse for believing there is an excuse for sin.
The work of Christ in cleansing the leper from his terrible disease is an illustration of His work in cleansing the soul from sin. The man who came to Jesus was "full of leprosy." Its deadly poison permeated his whole body. The disciples sought to prevent their Master from touching him; for he who touched a leper became himself unclean. But in laying His hand upon the leper, Jesus received no defilement. His touch imparted life-giving power. The leprosy was cleansed. Thus it is with the leprosy of sin,--deep-rooted, deadly, and impossible to be cleansed by human power. "The whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint. From the sole of the foot even unto the head there is no soundness in it; but wounds, and bruises, and putrefying sores." Isaiah 1:5, 6. But Jesus, coming to dwell in humanity, receives no pollution. His presence has healing virtue for the sinner. Whoever will fall at His feet, saying in faith, "Lord, if Thou wilt, Thou canst make me clean," shall hear the answer, "I will; be thou made clean." Matthew 8:2, 3, R. V. In some instances of healing, Jesus did not at once grant the blessing sought. But in the case of leprosy, no sooner was the appeal made than it was granted. When we pray for earthly blessings, the answer to our prayer may be delayed, or God may give us something other than we ask, but not so when we ask for deliverance from sin. It is His will to cleanse us from sin, to make us His children, and to enable us to live a holy life. Christ "gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father." Galatians 1:4. And "this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He heareth us: and if we know that He hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him." 1 John 5:14, 15. "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9.
"To cleanse us from ALL unrighteousness." To cleanse the heart and mind from sin. The flesh remains evil and filthy, but as Paul taught, we have power in Christ to keep the "body under" control. "I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway." 1 Cor. 9:27. It is the Spirit of God working through repentant man that reveals the character of Christ in fallen humanity.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: Dorine on July 07, 2018, 05:49:55 AM
I miss meeting here every day. Complications from hubby's surgery have made changes in my daily routines. I hope to be back soon.
The paralytic found in Christ healing for both the soul and the body. The spiritual healing was followed by physical restoration. This lesson should not be overlooked. There are today thousands suffering from physical disease, who, like the paralytic, are longing for the message, "Thy sins are forgiven." The burden of sin, with its unrest and unsatisfied desires, is the foundation of their maladies. They can find no relief until they come to the Healer of the soul. The peace which He alone can give, would impart vigor to the mind, and health to the body. "
Oh if only all would believe and accept this truth.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on July 07, 2018, 05:54:28 AM
God will immediately forgive and cleanse you as you come to Him, just as you are, believing that He can save you to the uttermost. There is no "incurable" sin for God, and the answer is always IMMEDIATELY that He forgives!!
"In some instances of healing, Jesus did not at once grant the blessing sought. But in the case of leprosy, no sooner was the appeal made than it was granted. When we pray for earthly blessings, the answer to our prayer may be delayed, or God may give us something other than we ask, but not so when we ask for deliverance from sin. It is His will to cleanse us from sin, to make us His children, and to enable us to live a holy life. Christ 'gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father.' Galatians 1:4. And 'this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He heareth us: and if we know that He hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him.' 1 John 5:14, 15. 'If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.' 1 John 1:9." {The Desire of Ages, page 266, paragraph 2}
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: Richard Myers on July 07, 2018, 07:49:38 AM
Amen, Pastor Sean! And so it was with the great persecutor of Christians, Saul of Tarsus. As we read of his experience in transitioning from proud Pharisee to a sinner who could not obey, when did he ask for help and mean it with the whole heart? Read Romans seven and you will see his utter helplessness and his great plea for someone to deliver him from sin. To think he was converted when he did that which he did not want to do, and did not do that which he ought to do, reveals a lack of spiritual discernment. When he prayed the prayer "O wretched man that I am, who shall deliver me from the body of this death?", how long did it take for Jesus to answer the desire of his heart? It was immediate. Then that prayer must have been on the road to Damascus.
Amen, Sister Dorine! "The peace which He alone can give, would impart vigor to the mind, and health to the body." When we believe Jesus with the whole heart, then we have love, joy, and peace, peace that passes all understanding. And in that peace we find strength of mind and physical health. Such blessings that come when the Spirit takes possession of the heart.
And when we give Jesus the whole heart, he empowers us to love those who despitefully use us. I appreciate the lesson Jesus gave in loving those who were intent on putting Him to death.
The leaders at Jerusalem had sent out spies to find some pretext for putting Christ to death. He responded by giving them an evidence of His love for humanity, His respect for the law, and His power to deliver from sin and death. Thus He bore witness of them: "They have rewarded Me evil for good, and hatred for My love." Psalm 109:5. He who on the mount gave the precept, "Love your enemies," Himself exemplified the principle, not rendering "evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing." Matthew 5:44; 1 Peter 3:9.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on October 02, 2018, 05:05:42 AM
The Holy Spirit impressed me this morning with a thought about the way the healed leper illustrates total member involvement in our church. The leprosy of sin causes souls to become dormant, inactive, and useless because they do not exercise their talents in doing good. While it is true that a person cannot of themselves do any good thing (for by nature the heart is evil), if they are daily spending time beholding the loveliness of Jesus and falling in love with Him who renews the heart and mind by His Spirit, then Christ works in and though the converted soul, revealing all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing. As I reflect on the fruit of the leper's cleansing, he began to use limbs he could not use before! I am praying for total member involvement (every faculty and talent used to glorify God and bless others) in my own life experience and in God's church so He receives the glory due His name, and many more souls are brought to the joy of conversion and character transformation!
"In the home of the healed paralytic there was great rejoicing when he returned to his family, carrying with ease the couch upon which he had been slowly borne from their presence but a short time before. They gathered round with tears of joy, scarcely daring to believe their eyes. He stood before them in the full vigor of manhood. Those arms that they had seen lifeless were quick to obey his will. The flesh that had been shrunken and leaden-hued was now fresh and ruddy. He walked with a firm, free step. Joy and hope were written in every lineament of his countenance; and an expression of purity and peace had taken the place of the marks of sin and suffering. Glad thanksgiving went up from that home, and God was glorified through His Son, who had restored hope to the hopeless, and strength to the stricken one. This man and his family were ready to lay down their lives for Jesus. No doubt dimmed their faith, no unbelief marred their fealty to Him who had brought light into their darkened home." {The Desire of Ages, page 271, paragraph 2}
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: Richard Myers on October 02, 2018, 10:07:45 PM
Amen! Jesus loves us and suffered and died that we might be transformed into His image of love. Why did this leper love Jesus. And his family?
"This man and his family were ready to lay down their lives for Jesus. No doubt dimmed their faith, no unbelief marred their fealty to Him who had brought light into their darkened home."
They loved Him because He first loved them! Do we recognize what Jesus has done for us? Or has that great miracle of the cleansing sin not yet happened?
The paralytic found in Christ healing for both the soul and the body. The spiritual healing was followed by physical restoration. This lesson should not be overlooked. There are today thousands suffering from physical disease, who, like the paralytic, are longing for the message, "Thy sins are forgiven." The burden of sin, with its unrest and unsatisfied desires, is the foundation of their maladies. They can find no relief until they come to the Healer of the soul. The peace which He alone can give, would impart vigor to the mind, and health to the body. Jesus came to "destroy the works of the devil." "In Him was life," and He says, "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." He is "a quickening spirit." 1 John 3:8; John 1:4; 10:10; 1 Corinthians 15:45. And He still has the same life-giving power as when on earth He healed the sick, and spoke forgiveness to the sinner. He "forgiveth all thine iniquities," He "healeth all thy diseases." Psalm 103:3.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: Dorine on December 28, 2018, 05:11:07 AM
"The work of Christ in cleansing the leper from his terrible disease is an illustration of His work in cleansing the soul from sin. The man who came to Jesus was "full of leprosy." Its deadly poison permeated his whole body. The disciples sought to prevent their Master from touching him; for he who touched a leper became himself unclean. But in laying His hand upon the leper, Jesus received no defilement. His touch imparted life-giving power. The leprosy was cleansed. Thus it is with the leprosy of sin,--deep-rooted, deadly, and impossible to be cleansed by human power. "The whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint. From the sole of the foot even unto the head there is no soundness in it; but wounds, and bruises, and putrefying sores." Isaiah 1:5, 6.
Sin brings disease of soul and body. Christ longs to bring healing to all but the most important healing is freedom from guilt and shame. I know the sweet peace that fills the heart that comes with forgiveness of sin. This text is a precious promise for each of us to claim as we invite Him into our hearts each day. "But Jesus, coming to dwell in humanity, receives no pollution. His presence has healing virtue for the sinner. Whoever will fall at His feet, saying in faith, "Lord, if Thou wilt, Thou canst make me clean," shall hear the answer, "I will; be thou made clean." Matthew 8:2, 3, R. V. "
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on December 28, 2018, 06:33:11 AM
Amen, Dorine! We find in Jesus healing for body and soul, and that healing of the soul--cleansing from sin--is just as much an act of creative power as it was for Him to make humanity from the dust in the beginning!! When God forgives us He recreates us in His image, taking upon Himself our sin and imputing and imparting to us His righteousness, so we can live the new life, even the life of faith that is manifest with all of the fruits of the Spirit, not one missing, as we joyfully obey the law of God (which is love!). Hallelujah for such incredible gospel encouragement!!
"The paralytic found in Christ healing for both the soul and the body. The spiritual healing was followed by physical restoration. This lesson should not be overlooked. There are today thousands suffering from physical disease, who, like the paralytic, are longing for the message, 'Thy sins are forgiven.' The burden of sin, with its unrest and unsatisfied desires, is the foundation of their maladies. They can find no relief until they come to the Healer of the soul. The peace which He alone can give, would impart vigor to the mind, and health to the body." {The Desire of Ages, page 270, paragraph 1}
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: Beacon on December 28, 2018, 08:56:13 AM
"The paralytic found in Christ healing for both the soul and the body. The spiritual healing was followed by physical restoration. This lesson should not be overlooked. There are today thousands suffering from physical disease, who, like the paralytic, are longing for the message, "Thy sins are forgiven." The burden of sin, with its unrest and unsatisfied desires, is the foundation of their maladies. They can find no relief until they come to the Healer of the soul. The peace which He alone can give, would impart vigor to the mind, and health to the body. Jesus came to "destroy the works of the devil." "In Him was life," and He says, "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." He is "a quickening spirit." 1 John 3:8; John 1:4; 10:10; 1 Corinthians 15:45. And He still has the same life-giving power as when on earth He healed the sick, and spoke forgiveness to the sinner. He "forgiveth all thine iniquities," He "healeth all thy diseases." Psalm 103:3. "
In Revelation 3...We find this counsel for today.....
" 14 And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. 6 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. 20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. 21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. 22 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches."
So my brothers and sister in Christ be of good courage, if we are willing to come to Jesus He will forgive. He may also heal us physically if it's to His glory and our eternal good, when we come humbly into His presence asking with a sincere heart for His blessing.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on March 25, 2019, 03:12:26 AM
Jesus is the Creator and the re-creator of every soul that will come to Him in faith! He draws us with His love and actively works to restore us to His image. As we sense our great need in the light of His purity and loveliness of character, what wondrous love and grace is manifested toward us in that He desires to impart to us His character!! Jesus is still restoring souls to His image today!!
"It required nothing less than creative power to restore health to that decaying body. The same voice that spoke life to man created from the dust of the earth had spoken life to the dying paralytic. And the same power that gave life to the body had renewed the heart. He who at the creation 'spake, and it was,' who 'commanded, and it stood fast,' (Psalm 33:9), had spoken life to the soul dead in trespasses and sins. The healing of the body was an evidence of the power that had renewed the heart. Christ bade the paralytic arise and walk, 'that ye may know,' He said, 'that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins.'" {The Desire of Ages, page 269, paragraph 3}
Let us walk in the power of His grace today! Such a walk of faith in Christ is manifested by all of the fruits of the Spirit being seen in our lives--not one missing! We have no power of ourselves to do good, we must receive the power of Christ by faith, and at each step cooperate with Him! Abiding in Him, we may flourish and go forth to share what wondrous things Jesus has done for us!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: Beacon on March 25, 2019, 06:59:57 AM
Amen Pastor Sean...What great words of hope and saving grace are available to all who will come and fully surrender to the only one who has the power to transform and save.
"In the home of the healed paralytic there was great rejoicing when he returned to his family, carrying with ease the couch upon which he had been slowly borne from their presence but a short time before. They gathered round with tears of joy, scarcely daring to believe their eyes. He stood before them in the full vigor of manhood. Those arms that they had seen lifeless were quick to obey his will. The flesh that had been shrunken and leaden-hued was now fresh and ruddy. He walked with a firm, free step."
I am reminded of that wonderful text that says... in Isaiah 1:18 "Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. We are invited to come to Jesus just as we are confessing our great need and seeking His forgiveness - No One will be turned away.
"Joy and hope were written in every lineament of his countenance; and an expression of purity and peace had taken the place of the marks of sin and suffering. Glad thanksgiving went up from that home, and God was glorified through His Son, who had restored hope to the hopeless, and strength to the stricken one. This man and his family were ready to lay down their lives for Jesus. No doubt dimmed their faith, no unbelief marred their fealty to Him who had brought light into their darkened home."
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: Richard Myers on March 25, 2019, 07:55:32 AM
Amen! What a miracle! Christ wants to make us whole! He has power to do so if we will come to Him just as we are. What does it mean to be made whole? Many are deceived on this point. It is not the flesh that is cleansed. We do not believe in holy flesh until the second coming of Christ. Then all who love Him supremely will be glorifed with holy flesh. Then what is made white as snow? Jesus has promised that if we confess our sins He is faithful to not only forgive our sins, but to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Again, then what is cleansed? We find this in the quote shared by Pastor Sean today. It is the heart that is cleansed.
Many teach and have been deceived and believe they may be saved and retain evil in the heart. Such a deception! If that is believed then we must reject Scripture that promised a new heart and a new mind. The carnal mind is enmity against God.It must be purified.
“The carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.” “Out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies.” Romans 8:7; Matthew 15:19. The fountain of the heart must be purified before the streams can become pure. He who is trying to reach heaven by his own works in keeping the law is attempting an impossibility. There is no safety for one who has merely a legal religion, a form of godliness. The Christian’s life is not a modification or improvement of the old, but a transformation of nature. There is a death to self and sin, and a new life altogether. This change can be brought about only by the effectual working of the Holy Spirit. DA 172.
This truth is seen in today's reading. I quote again what Pastor Sean shared:
"It required nothing less than creative power to restore health to that decaying body. The same voice that spoke life to man created from the dust of the earth had spoken life to the dying paralytic. And the same power that gave life to the body had renewed the heart. He who at the creation 'spake, and it was,' who 'commanded, and it stood fast,' (Psalm 33:9), had spoken life to the soul dead in trespasses and sins. The healing of the body was an evidence of the power that had renewed the heart.
"And the same power that gave life to the body had renewed the heart." It is not outward obedience that God wants, He looks upon the heart. And, only He can renew it. This is what happens when we are converted, the heart is made new. We may keep the wrong day, eat the wrong food, wear the wrong clothes, all because we are ignorant, but our motives will be pure and holy. The heart has been made new and we serve God in purity of heart. What we know to be good, we do. We love as He loves. And we have peace that passes understanding. Love, joy and peace belong to all who make a full heart surrender to Christ.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: Dorine on March 25, 2019, 09:50:11 AM
"The paralytic found in Christ healing for both the soul and the body. The spiritual healing was followed by physical restoration. This lesson should not be overlooked. There are today thousands suffering from physical disease, who, like the paralytic, are longing for the message, "Thy sins are forgiven." The burden of sin, with its unrest and unsatisfied desires, is the foundation of their maladies. They can find no relief until they come to the Healer of the soul. The peace which He alone can give, would impart vigor to the mind, and health to the body.
Jesus came to "destroy the works of the devil." "In Him was life," and He says, "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." He is "a quickening spirit." 1 John 3:8; John 1:4; 10:10; 1 Corinthians 15:45. And He still has the same life-giving power as when on earth He healed the sick, and spoke forgiveness to the sinner. He "forgiveth all thine iniquities," He "healeth all thy diseases." Psalm 103:3."
What a Saviour we serve. How He loves us. He wants us to be happy and free from sin and disease. Will we give our hearts totally to Him so that we can enjoy the more abundant life that He promises us? When sins are surrendered and forgiven the improvement in one's health both physically and mentally will be unexplainable in medical terms for it is supernatural. No sweeter words can be heard than "Thy sins are forgiven".
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: Beacon on June 19, 2019, 08:07:05 PM
"The priests were convinced of the divine power of the Saviour. Opportunity was granted them to know the truth and to be profited by the light. Rejected, it would pass away, never to return. By many the light was rejected; yet it was not given in vain. Many hearts were moved that for a time made no sign. During the Saviour's life, His mission seemed to call forth little response of love from the priests and teachers; but after His ascension 'a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.'" Acts 6:7.
Ececlesiastes 11:1-3 says, "Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days. Our task is to be willing to SOW THE SEED, The Holy Spirit will water the seed. Jesus said.... in Luke 10:2..."The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest." It is our High Calling by Jesus for each of us to come and help sow the seed but we must not get discourage because the seeds fall on many different types of soil. God is responsible through the Holy Spirit for the results of our willingness to sow the seed. In spite of what we see with our eyes and hear with our ears I firmly believe that the greatest days for God's Faithful and True Remnant Messengers is just ahead us. Hopefully each of you reading this will take a strong stand to be a faithful sower of the seed of God's Amazing Grace.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: Dorine on June 20, 2019, 05:25:09 AM
"Oh, wondrous love of Christ, stooping to heal the guilty and the afflicted! Divinity sorrowing over and soothing the ills of suffering humanity! Oh, marvelous power thus displayed to the children of men! Who can doubt the message of salvation? Who can slight the mercies of a compassionate Redeemer?"
This echo's the sentiments of my heart this morning. There are so many beautiful lessons in the chapter. It fills me with praise and gratitude to a Saviour that loves like He does. I saw Him anew today as I read of the Leper whose faith made him willing to risk everything just to see Jesus and ask for healing. And the paralytic whose suffering was the result of his past sinful life desired more than physical healing, to be cleansed from his sins.
How many times have I read these accounts but today they brought tears of joy to know that Christ's tender care is the same today for you and me. We don't deserve it but we sure do need it and when we in faith and surrender come to Jesus asking for healing of the soul He immediately answers. "Who can doubt the message of salvation? Who can slight the mercies of a compassionate Redeemer?"
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: Richard Myers on June 20, 2019, 06:04:49 AM
Amen Sister Dorine! What love! By contrast we are shown who we are apart from Christ. We come into this world in need of divine help. And it surrounds us and is ours for the asking.
Amen Brother Beacon! I really appreciate the truth that a great company of priests who had not accepted Christ, finally did. In a church where many pastors are blind to the meaning of salvation, we can expect the same. There will be a great company who accept God's grace and will help finish the work.
I especially like the truth that God does not wait to answer a particular kind of prayer. Many times He does not answer our prayer immediately, but not so when we seek to be delivered from sin.
The work of Christ in cleansing the leper from his terrible disease is an illustration of His work in cleansing the soul from sin. The man who came to Jesus was "full of leprosy." Its deadly poison permeated his whole body. The disciples sought to prevent their Master from touching him; for he who touched a leper became himself unclean. But in laying His hand upon the leper, Jesus received no defilement. His touch imparted life-giving power. The leprosy was cleansed. Thus it is with the leprosy of sin,--deep-rooted, deadly, and impossible to be cleansed by human power. "The whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint. From the sole of the foot even unto the head there is no soundness in it; but wounds, and bruises, and putrefying sores." Isaiah 1:5, 6........
In some instances of healing, Jesus did not at once grant the blessing sought. But in the case of leprosy, no sooner was the appeal made than it was granted. When we pray for earthly blessings, the answer to our prayer may be delayed, or God may give us something other than we ask, but not so when we ask for deliverance from sin. It is His will to cleanse us from sin, to make us His children, and to enable us to live a holy life. Christ "gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father." Galatians 1:4. And "this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He heareth us: and if we know that He hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him." 1 John 5:14, 15. "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9.
When Saul prayed this prayer "O wretched man that I am, who shall deliver me from the body of this death." how long did it take Christ to answer him? Then, we know that Romans 7 is Paul's experience prior to conversion revealing his lost condition and desire for forgiveness. And, we know when he prayed this prayer. It was on the road to Damascus.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on June 20, 2019, 02:29:03 PM
Amen, Brother Beacon, Sister Dorine and Brother Richard!! We can experience such joyful unity in Christ as we behold the loveliness of Jesus!
Christ loves to create happy families, and you can only imagine the testimonies that were shared after the paralytic returned home to share what Jesus had done for Him! As we uplift and exalt the power of the Savior, we share the joy of healing that is most importantly spiritual--giving us a new heart and a new mind imbued with all of the fruits of the Holy Spirit! We can rejoice continually in Christ's power to save to the uttermost!
"In the home of the healed paralytic there was great rejoicing when he returned to his family, carrying with ease the couch upon which he had been slowly borne from their presence but a short time before. They gathered round with tears of joy, scarcely daring to believe their eyes. He stood before them in the full vigor of manhood. Those arms that they had seen lifeless were quick to obey his will. The flesh that had been shrunken and leaden-hued was now fresh and ruddy. He walked with a firm, free step. Joy and hope were written in every lineament of his countenance; and an expression of purity and peace had taken the place of the marks of sin and suffering. Glad thanksgiving went up from that home, and God was glorified through His Son, who had restored hope to the hopeless, and strength to the stricken one. This man and his family were ready to lay down their lives for Jesus. No doubt dimmed their faith, no unbelief marred their fealty to Him who had brought light into their darkened home." {The Desire of Ages, page 271, paragraph 2}
The light that Jesus brought to that home He will bring to your home as you behold Christ's loveliness and surrender unreservedly to His plan, His healing, and His renewing grace!!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: Dorine on September 13, 2019, 04:34:19 AM
The paralytic found in Christ healing for both the soul and the body. The spiritual healing was followed by physical restoration. This lesson should not be overlooked. There are today thousands suffering from physical disease, who, like the paralytic, are longing for the message, "Thy sins are forgiven." The burden of sin, with its unrest and unsatisfied desires, is the foundation of their maladies. They can find no relief until they come to the Healer of the soul. The peace which He alone can give, would impart vigor to the mind, and health to the body.
The stress of sin can cause all sorts of suffering. If not addressed it can lead to a debilitated condition. I was once there and landed in emergency. I plead with God for help. During that experience the Lord revealed to me that I needed a heart transplant. A spiritual transplant. I was holding on to resentments of the past. When I finally surrendered all I received such peace that I wanted to shout it from the house tops. We may receive physical healing but there's nothing more freeing than knowing our sins are forgiven. Sometimes God allows us to sink to rock bottom in order to get our attention. He will do all He can to bring us to the point of submission and then will walk with us day by day as we continue to submit. What love and mercy He has for us poor weak creatures.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: Beacon on September 13, 2019, 06:02:16 AM
"The paralytic found in Christ healing for both the soul and the body. The spiritual healing was followed by physical restoration. This lesson should not be overlooked. There are today thousands suffering from physical disease, who, like the paralytic, are longing for the message, "Thy sins are forgiven." The burden of sin, with its unrest and unsatisfied desires, is the foundation of their maladies. They can find no relief until they come to the Healer of the soul. The peace which He alone can give, would impart vigor to the mind, and health to the body. Jesus came to "destroy the works of the devil." "In Him was life," and He says, "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." He is "a quickening spirit." 1 John 3:8; John 1:4; 10:10; 1 Corinthians 15:45. And He still has the same life-giving power as when on earth He healed the sick, and spoke forgiveness to the sinner. He "forgiveth all thine iniquities," He "healeth all thy diseases." Psalm 103:3. "
So my brothers and sisters in Christ be of good courage, if we are willing to come to Jesus He will forgive. He may also heal us physically if it's to His glory and our eternal good, when we come humbly into His presence asking with a sincere heart for His blessing.[/b]
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on September 13, 2019, 12:06:43 PM
Amen, Sister Dorine and Brother Beacon!!
What a wonderful testimony, Sister Dorine! We have a wonderful Healer in Jesus!!
"The paralytic found in Christ healing for both the soul and the body. The spiritual healing was followed by physical restoration. This lesson should not be overlooked. There are today thousands suffering from physical disease, who, like the paralytic, are longing for the message, 'Thy sins are forgiven.' The burden of sin, with its unrest and unsatisfied desires, is the foundation of their maladies. They can find no relief until they come to the Healer of the soul. The peace which He alone can give, would impart vigor to the mind, and health to the body." {The Desire of Ages, page 270, paragraph 1}
I gladly accept Christ's forgiveness of all of my sins, and the power of His grace to keep me from sin because His love constrains me to be in a sweet union and communion with Him out of an appreciation of His loveliness of character! May we each find the love, joy and peace in Christ that surely comes in full surrender of all we have and are to Him!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: Richard Myers on September 13, 2019, 08:55:36 PM
What a wonderful lesson in today's reading. It would be good if the Sabbath School lesson shared such principles. I like the fact that Christ did just minister to the poor and oppressed. He ministered to all classes of people.
Every act of Christ's ministry was far-reaching in its purpose. It comprehended more than appeared in the act itself. So in the case of the leper. While Jesus ministered to all who came unto Him, He yearned to bless those who came not. While He drew the publicans, the heathen, and the Samaritans, He longed to reach the priests and teachers who were shut in by prejudice and tradition.....
The same priests who condemned the leper to banishment certified his cure. This sentence, publicly pronounced and registered, was a standing testimony for Christ. And as the healed man was reinstated in the congregation of Israel, upon the priests' own assurance that there was not a taint of the disease upon him, he himself was a living witness for his Benefactor. Joyfully he presented his offering, and magnified the name of Jesus. The priests were convinced of the divine power of the Saviour. Opportunity was granted them to know the truth and to be profited by the light. Rejected, it would pass away, never to return. By many the light was rejected; yet it was not given in vain. Many hearts were moved that for a time made no sign. During the Saviour's life, His mission seemed to call forth little response of love from the priests and teachers; but after His ascension "a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith." Acts 6:7.
So today we ought to consider our opportunities to minister to pastors who have rejected the truth. We do not know the end of their lives. Did Stephen think Saul would never repent of his sins? No, he gave that last message knowing he would die, but he did so believing God would use his testimony and death to save some of those who were in rebellion. In fact, won't Stephen be surprised to find out what Saul ended up doing!!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: Beacon on December 07, 2019, 11:12:32 AM
"The priests were convinced of the divine power of the Saviour. Opportunity was granted them to know the truth and to be profited by the light. Rejected, it would pass away, never to return. By many the light was rejected; yet it was not given in vain. Many hearts were moved that for a time made no sign. During the Saviour's life, His mission seemed to call forth little response of love from the priests and teachers; but after His ascension "a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith." Acts 6:7."
At one point in my life, while working as a Seventh-day Adventist Chaplain, I felt impressed to join the local Clergy Association. They welcomed me with open arms and exclaimed that they had never had a representative of the local Seventh-day Adventist church apply for membership in their group. At one point, during the time I was a part of their group, it was decided to give each member an opportunity to give an explanation of the core beliefs we each represented. My turn came and I had prayed earnestly that God would use me in a powerful way. As we were leaving the meeting hall a Methodist minister took me aside and said..." I just want you to know that I agree with everything you said, it was so strongly based on the Scriptures. We talked for sometime and I made an appeal to him to preach the truth as revealed in the Word. I wish I could tell you that he desired to take affirmative action but that did not happen...at least while I was a member of that group. When my time came to leave that area they throw me a wonderful going away party. It is my prayer, even today, that perhaps the seeds sown in that group will bear fruit for Jesus and that someday I might meet some of them again.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: Richard Myers on December 08, 2019, 08:32:45 AM
Amen Brother Beacon! Many "priests" will be as Saul the persecutor, they will accept the truth they so long rejected. Of course many more will not. But, we ought to do all we can to help even those who are not even in a converted state as were many who persecuted Christ and later became His disciples. We plant good seed and leave the rest with God.
Oh, wondrous love of Christ, stooping to heal the guilty and the afflicted! Divinity sorrowing over and soothing the ills of suffering humanity! Oh, marvelous power thus displayed to the children of men! Who can doubt the message of salvation? Who can slight the mercies of a compassionate Redeemer? It required nothing less than creative power to restore health to that decaying body. The same voice that spoke life to man created from the dust of the earth had spoken life to the dying paralytic. And the same power that gave life to the body had renewed the heart. He who at the creation "spake, and it was," who "commanded, and it stood fast," (Psalm 33:9), had spoken life to the soul dead in trespasses and sins. The healing of the body was an evidence of the power that had renewed the heart. Christ bade the paralytic arise and walk, "that ye may know," He said, "that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins."
Amen! Even those who put Christ on cross or persecuted His followers!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: Beacon on March 03, 2020, 06:47:32 PM
"The work of Christ in cleansing the leper from his terrible disease is an illustration of His work in cleansing the soul from sin. The man who came to Jesus was "full of leprosy." Its deadly poison permeated his whole body. The disciples sought to prevent their Master from touching him; for he who touched a leper became himself unclean. But in laying His hand upon the leper, Jesus received no defilement. His touch imparted life-giving power. The leprosy was cleansed. Thus it is with the leprosy of sin,--deep-rooted, deadly, and impossible to be cleansed by human power. "The whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint. From the sole of the foot even unto the head there is no soundness in it; but wounds, and bruises, and putrefying sores." Isaiah 1:5, 6
"Jesus came to "destroy the works of the devil." "In Him was life," and He says, "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." He is "a quickening spirit." 1 John 3:8; John 1:4; 10:10; 1 Corinthians 15:45. And He still has the same life-giving power as when on earth He healed the sick, and spoke forgiveness to the sinner. He "forgiveth all thine iniquities," He "healeth all thy diseases." Psalm 103:3." Jesus said, " Matthew 11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. And again in Revelation 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will fellowship with him, and he with me.
Jesus is still knocking at the door of our hearts today, but it's up to us to Open The Door - What will Our Response Be?
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on March 04, 2020, 07:37:46 AM
God's timing is perfect when it comes to answering our prayers!! When you ask Him to forgive you, that is INSTANTANEOUS. But when you pray for other earthly blessings, God who is too wise to err and too good to withhold any good thing from His children will grant that which is best in the best time for all selfless reasons! Be of good courage and PRAY CONSTANTLY!!!
"In some instances of healing, Jesus did not at once grant the blessing sought. But in the case of leprosy, no sooner was the appeal made than it was granted. When we pray for earthly blessings, the answer to our prayer may be delayed, or God may give us something other than we ask, but not so when we ask for deliverance from sin. It is His will to cleanse us from sin, to make us His children, and to enable us to live a holy life. Christ 'gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father.' Galatians 1:4. And 'this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He heareth us: and if we know that He hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him.' 1 John 5:14, 15. 'If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.' 1 John 1:9." {The Desire of Ages, page 266, paragraph 2}
Let us be more bold in our prayers to know God not only forgives INSTANTLY but that He wisely gives us what is best in the timing and way that will glorify His name and bring us the greatest eternal happiness!!!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: Richard Myers on March 04, 2020, 09:40:55 AM
Amen Pastor Sean and Brother Beacon! God's grace has power to cleanse us from all sin!! How few understand. Today's reading wants to enlighten us that not only does Christ's righteousness stand in place of our past sins and unknown sins (imputed righteousness), but more than this, His righteousness is conferred to us (imparted righteousness). Who can bring a clean out of an unclean thing? None can. We have no power in and of ourselves to cleanse us from our sin. But, it is clearly presented in Scripture as we read this morning, that Christ will not only forgive our sins, but will cleanse us from "all sin."
The work of Christ in cleansing the leper from his terrible disease is an illustration of His work in cleansing the soul from sin. The man who came to Jesus was "full of leprosy." Its deadly poison permeated his whole body. The disciples sought to prevent their Master from touching him; for he who touched a leper became himself unclean. But in laying His hand upon the leper, Jesus received no defilement. His touch imparted life-giving power. The leprosy was cleansed. Thus it is with the leprosy of sin,--deep-rooted, deadly, and impossible to be cleansed by human power. "The whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint. From the sole of the foot even unto the head there is no soundness in it; but wounds, and bruises, and putrefying sores." Isaiah 1:5, 6. But Jesus, coming to dwell in humanity, receives no pollution. His presence has healing virtue for the sinner. Whoever will fall at His feet, saying in faith, "Lord, if Thou wilt, Thou canst make me clean," shall hear the answer, "I will; be thou made clean." Matthew 8:2, 3, R. V.
Conversion is the end of a long protracted process of wooing by the Holy Spirit. When we come to the point of wanting to be forgiven and cleansed from sin, God does not wait to answer this prayer. As with Saul when he prayed "O wretched man that I am, who will deliver me from the body of this sin?" God answers this prayer then, for there is nothing more required from the sinner than to truly want to be transformed from sinner to saint. As Pastor Sean has quoted, the healing of the soul comes then, not later.
When we pray for earthly blessings, the answer to our prayer may be delayed, or God may give us something other than we ask, but not so when we ask for deliverance from sin. It is His will to cleanse us from sin, to make us His children, and to enable us to live a holy life. Christ "gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father." Galatians 1:4. And "this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He heareth us: and if we know that He hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him." 1 John 5:14, 15. "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9.
Amen, amen, and amen!! This happens when we are converted, not when probation closes for the world.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: Dorine on March 04, 2020, 11:19:28 AM
"Oh, wondrous love of Christ, stooping to heal the guilty and the afflicted! Divinity sorrowing over and soothing the ills of suffering humanity! Oh, marvelous power thus displayed to the children of men! Who can doubt the message of salvation? Who can slight the mercies of a compassionate Redeemer?"
I pray that I will never take for granted what God has done and continues to do for me. Most importantly is the spiritual healing that He brought to this broken soul at a time when I was far from Him and was at rock bottom. The only place to turn was up and He was there to instantly take my hand and lead me back into a loving relationship with Him. I have experienced the outpouring of His wondrous love and I can relate to the heart of the leper. Taste and see that the Lord is good.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on May 30, 2020, 05:09:29 AM
Happy Sabbath!
We need COMPLETE healing--the kind of healing that the leper and the paralytic experienced that went beyond the physical to the very root problem: sin. We need a Savior who can transform our characters from selfishness to holiness, from fear and unbelief to love and faith, and Christ is the only one who can do this for our souls! As we look to Him in simple faith, taking His hand and trusting Him implicitly upon the evidence of His word, we can receive His promise of a "new heart" (Ezekiel 36:26) that is filled with all of the fruits of the Spirit--without one trait of His divine nature missing as we experience continual union and communion with Him!
"The paralytic found in Christ healing for both the soul and the body. The spiritual healing was followed by physical restoration. This lesson should not be overlooked. There are today thousands suffering from physical disease, who, like the paralytic, are longing for the message, "Thy sins are forgiven." The burden of sin, with its unrest and unsatisfied desires, is the foundation of their maladies. They can find no relief until they come to the Healer of the soul. The peace which He alone can give, would impart vigor to the mind, and health to the body." {The Desire of Ages, page 270, paragraph 1}
Let us look above our daily perplexities and difficulties and keep our eyes of faith steadfastly fixed on Christ. He has power to save the uttermost all who come unto God by Him!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: Dorine on May 30, 2020, 05:26:58 AM
"The Pharisees were dumb with amazement and overwhelmed with defeat. They saw that here was no opportunity for their jealousy to inflame the multitude. The wonderful work wrought upon the man whom they had given over to the wrath of God had so impressed the people that the rabbis were for the time forgotten. They saw that Christ possessed a power which they had ascribed to God alone; yet the gentle dignity of His manner was in marked contrast to their own haughty bearing. They were disconcerted and abashed, recognizing, but not confessing, the presence of a superior being. The stronger the evidence that Jesus had power on earth to forgive sins, the more firmly they entrenched themselves in unbelief. From the home of Peter, where they had seen the paralytic restored by His word, they went away to invent new schemes for silencing the Son of God."
This is what sin does. When this is truly understood we will not see how close we can go to the edge without falling but staying as far away from it as possible. Jesus will keep a surrendered heart from falling. We fall because we take our eyes off Jesus. It is then so easy to drift or slide backwards. We read much about the ugly sins of the leaders of Jerusalem and may be tempted to think we are ok. But ANY known sin that we yield to no matter how small it seems will keep us out of the kingdom. It is dangerous to compare ourselves to others. God is calling His people to higher ground. Time is running out. May we know and have full assurance that all is right between us and God. May we be sharing the blessed hope with others.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: Beacon on May 30, 2020, 07:15:37 AM
"Every act of Christ's ministry was far-reaching in its purpose. It comprehended more than appeared in the act itself. So in the case of the leper. While Jesus ministered to all who came unto Him, He yearned to bless those who came not. While He drew the publicans, the heathen, and the Samaritans, He longed to reach the priests and teachers who were shut in by prejudice and tradition."[
"The priests were convinced of the divine power of the Saviour. Opportunity was granted them to know the truth and to be profited by the light. Rejected, it would pass away, never to return. By many the light was rejected; yet it was not given in vain. Many hearts were moved that for a time made no sign. During the Saviour's life, His mission seemed to call forth little response of love from the priests and teachers; but after His ascension "a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith." Acts 6:7.
The Invitation is still extended: "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. Revelation 3:20
Today Jesus is still knocking at the door of our heart's. We may know " Of Him " But have we surrendered to the point of "Obedience" ?
HAPPY SABBATH - WE MAY BE ISOLATED ON EARTH - BUT WE ARE NOT ISOLATED FROM JESUS
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: Beacon on August 25, 2020, 04:38:10 AM
"In the home of the healed paralytic there was great rejoicing when he returned to his family, carrying with ease the couch upon which he had been slowly borne from their presence but a short time before. They gathered round with tears of joy, scarcely daring to believe their eyes. He stood before them in the full vigor of manhood. Those arms that they had seen lifeless were quick to obey his will. The flesh that had been shrunken and leaden-hued was now fresh and ruddy. He walked with a firm, free step."
I am reminded of that wonderful text that says... in Isaiah 1:18 "Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. We are invited to come to Jesus just as we are confessing our great need and seeking His forgiveness - No One will be turned away.
"Joy and hope were written in every lineament of his countenance; and an expression of purity and peace had taken the place of the marks of sin and suffering. Glad thanksgiving went up from that home, and God was glorified through His Son, who had restored hope to the hopeless, and strength to the stricken one. This man and his family were ready to lay down their lives for Jesus. No doubt dimmed their faith, no unbelief marred their fealty to Him who had brought light into their darkened home."
Today, this same Jesus says to us in Matthew 11:28 "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."
Regardless of whether it's Physical or Spiritual healing that we are in need of or perhaps " both " Jesus invites us to come and offer up our petitions to the throne of grace always remembering that the answer will come in the best manner possible to insure a closer walk with Him.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: Dorine on August 25, 2020, 04:47:07 AM
Jesus came to "destroy the works of the devil." "In Him was life," and He says, "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." He is "a quickening spirit." 1 John 3:8; John 1:4; 10:10; 1 Corinthians 15:45. And He still has the same life-giving power as when on earth He healed the sick, and spoke forgiveness to the sinner. He "forgiveth all thine iniquities," He "healeth all thy diseases." Psalm 103:3.
God has given us natural remedies to use in cases of illness. Sometimes though I feel that as important as these are more emphasis is put on the remedies than on the healing power of God. If we have unconfessed sins weighing us down, we will not enjoy 'full' health no matter how diligent we are at using all the natural remedies at our disposal.
As we come to Jesus each morning in surrender of self, and walking with Him throughout the day, we may have full assurance that our sins are forgiven. Then putting the natural remedies to work will bring vigor and strength to our physical health and joy and peace to our spiritual health. What a marvelous God we serve.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on August 25, 2020, 06:19:12 AM
Amen, Brother Beacon and Sister Dorine!
Let us remember that when God answers prayer, it is always in the best way and the best time. But when we truly come to Christ in full surrender and repent of sin, confessing and forsaking it, we can know that God pardons IMMEDIATELY! What a blessing to know that sin need not weigh us down as we come to Christ who has power to forgive sin and restore us to His moral image! Then in the life surrendered totally to Christ, we may enjoy the experience of having all of the fruits of the Sprit in our lives without one missing as we gladly obey God's law of love from the heart and mind renewed by divine grace!
"In some instances of healing, Jesus did not at once grant the blessing sought. But in the case of leprosy, no sooner was the appeal made than it was granted. When we pray for earthly blessings, the answer to our prayer may be delayed, or God may give us something other than we ask, but not so when we ask for deliverance from sin. It is His will to cleanse us from sin, to make us His children, and to enable us to live a holy life. Christ 'gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father.' Galatians 1:4. And 'this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He heareth us: and if we know that He hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him.' 1 John 5:14, 15. 'If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.' 1 John 1:9." {The Desire of Ages, page 266, paragraph 2}
Let us remember how much God loves us this entire day and cultivate the intimacy that He is seeking with us. Only sin separates us from God (Isaiah 59:2), and He desires us to have nothing between our souls and Him! May we walk with God even as Enoch did, and as the healed paralytic and healed leper walked in the joy of total restoration!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on November 20, 2020, 04:31:30 AM
Let's allow God to choose for us in every area of life--but know that He will ALWAYS forgive our sins IMMEDIATELY! In all other areas of prayer, we can trust that He will provide what is best in His best timing, for He makes everything beautiful in Him time. The converted soul renewed by divine grace, cleansed from sin like the healed leper or the restored paralytic, will have a testimony of what God's grace can do! Grace changes sinners into saints who by faith lay hold of Christ's merits and, reconciled to God, will manifest what their souls united to Him will inevitably manifest--all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing in affectionate obedience to all of God's commandments to the extent that they are known at that point in the perfection of Christ appropriated to the soul!
"In some instances of healing, Jesus did not at once grant the blessing sought. But in the case of leprosy, no sooner was the appeal made than it was granted. When we pray for earthly blessings, the answer to our prayer may be delayed, or God may give us something other than we ask, but not so when we ask for deliverance from sin. It is His will to cleanse us from sin, to make us His children, and to enable us to live a holy life. Christ 'gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father.' Galatians 1:4. And 'this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He heareth us: and if we know that He hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him.' 1 John 5:14, 15. 'If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.' 1 John 1:9." {The Desire of Ages, page 266, paragraph 2}
Do not doubt that if you confess your sins to God in true repentance that He forgives you, for repentance is the power of God to confess sin. He delights to restore us FULLY to His image and to remove the only thing that separates us from Him--sin. He does so by giving us a new heart and a new mind, and thus a new will (the power of decision, or choice) that He sanctifies from the hereditary and cultivated tendency to unbelief as we accept what His word says over our feelings and walk where His providence directs!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: Richard Myers on November 20, 2020, 08:18:44 AM
Amen Pastor Sean!! If we will believe what we read, then the gospel message will be made more plain. For example, the persecutor from Tarsus got to the point in his life that he would give anything, not be healed of physical disease, but to be healed from sin. Do we agree that when he got to that point when he saw he was a captive to sin and saw that the broken law which was ordained to life in fact killed him spiritually. He saw that the law reached beyond outward actions to the intent of the heart. He saw himself condemned even though for most of his life he believed he was blameless in regards to the keeping of the law. So, if Saul were to pray a prayer such as "O wretched man that I am, who shall deliver me from this body of death" how long would he have to wait to be healed from sin? He learned that the sin was in his flesh and that he could not keep the law from the heart. What a miserable condition to be in, unlike the Laodicean condition where one is condemned and in a lost condition, but knows it not. Saul knew he was in a lost condition and none had helped him. Did it take a year for him to be cleansed from sin? Did it take a month, or a day? How can we know? Do you believe Scripture? What does the Bible say? We all know the verses, but few really believe them, therefore many do not even think they can be cleansed from all sin, much less immediately.
"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleans us from all unrighteousness." Maybe I translated this wrong? Then what does the Spirit of Prophecy say about how long it takes to cleanse from sin when one reaches the point of wanting to be cleansed more than anything else?
"In some instances of healing, Jesus did not at once grant the blessing sought. But in the case of leprosy, no sooner was the appeal made than it was granted. When we pray for earthly blessings, the answer to our prayer may be delayed, or God may give us something other than we ask, but not so when we ask for deliverance from sin. It is His will to cleanse us from sin, to make us His children, and to enable us to live a holy life. Christ 'gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father.' Galatians 1:4. And 'this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He heareth us: and if we know that He hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him.' 1 John 5:14, 15. 'If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.' 1 John 1:9.
Then when Saul prayed the prayer asking to be delivered from sin, how long did God wait to cleanse him? It was immediate that Saul was converted and forgiven of his sins, cleansed from all unrighteousness. When was Saul converted? Then we know when he prayed that prayer which we find at the close of Romans 7.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: Beacon on November 20, 2020, 09:41:51 AM
"Every act of Christ's ministry was far-reaching in its purpose...
..It comprehended more than appeared in the act itself. So in the case of the leper. While Jesus ministered to all who came unto Him, He yearned to bless those who came not. While He drew the publicans, the heathen, and the Samaritans, He longed to reach the priests and teachers who were shut in by prejudice and tradition."
"The priests were convinced of the divine power of the Saviour. Opportunity was granted them to know the truth and to be profited by the light.
Rejected, it would pass away, never to return.
By many the light was rejected; yet it was not given in vain. Many hearts were moved that for a time made no sign. During the Saviour's life, His mission seemed to call forth little response of love from the priests and teachers; but after His ascension "a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith." Acts 6:7.]
"The paralytic found in Christ healing for both the soul and the body.
The spiritual healing was followed by physical restoration. This lesson should not be overlooked.
There are today thousands suffering from physical disease, who, like the paralytic, are longing for the message, "Thy sins are forgiven." The burden of sin, with its unrest and unsatisfied desires, is the foundation of their maladies. They can find no relief until they come to the Healer of the soul. The peace which He alone can give, would impart vigor to the mind, and health to the body."
Today Jesus is still knocking at the door of our heart's. We may know " Of Him " But have we surrendered to the point of "Obedience" to Him.?
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: Dorine on November 21, 2020, 04:40:58 AM
When contemplating this chapter I came across this quotation that I found in Ministry of Healing concerning the paralytic. "His great desire was relief from the burden of sin. He longed to see Jesus and receive the assurance of forgiveness and peace with heaven. Then he would be content to live or to die, according to God's will." {MH 74.1}
I'm afraid that too often people are led to all the 'right' things to do in order to bring physical healing but leave out the fact that apart from God we may find a certain degree of physical healing but the soul will still be longing and searching for peace. When we come to Christ for spiritual healing many of our physical maladies will disappear as we apply the benefits from the things we can do. I love the paralytics attitude...."Then he would be content to live or to die, according to God's will." That is a life truly healed and filled with peace and happiness.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: Dorine on February 15, 2021, 05:37:06 AM
"Again and again the bearers of the paralytic tried to push their way through the crowd, but in vain. The sick man looked about him in unutterable anguish. When the longed-for help was so near, how could he relinquish hope? At his suggestion his friends bore him to the top of the house and, breaking up the roof, let him down at the feet of Jesus. The discourse was interrupted. The Saviour looked upon the mournful countenance, and saw the pleading eyes fixed upon Him. He understood the case; He had drawn to Himself that perplexed and doubting spirit. While the paralytic was yet at home, the Saviour had brought conviction to his conscience. When he repented of his sins, and believed in the power of Jesus to make him whole, the life-giving mercies of the Saviour had first blessed his longing heart. Jesus had watched the first glimmer of faith grow into a belief that He was the sinner's only helper, and had seen it grow stronger with every effort to come into His presence. Now, in words that fell like music on the sufferer's ear, the Saviour said, "Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee."
The burden of despair rolls from the sick man's soul; the peace of forgiveness rests upon his spirit, and shines out upon his countenance. His physical pain is gone, and his whole being is transformed. The helpless paralytic is healed! the guilty sinner is pardoned!"
I join in the joy and relief that this man experienced. It's a most precious story of the Saviour's love and concern for humanity and the overwhelming peace and happiness that comes from knowing you have been made clean and whole. We serve a mighty God whose love we can not comprehend. Many need to hear this truth. Can we say; "here I am Lord, send me?" It may be a neighbour, a loved one, a co-worker or someone we happen to meet. May we be attentive to their hearts cry. God will give us the right words to say.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: Richard Myers on February 15, 2021, 06:55:09 AM
Amen dear sister! We need the right words to say that will bring love, joy, peace to those who are burdened with sin and guilt. My heart is heavy as I continue to hear that God does not cleanse the heart from sin, that His imputed righteousness is all we get and it covers our filthiness. How very sad. So, once again I am impressed to share what is so very important for our people to understand, God can and will make your heart clean if you love Him with all of it holding nothing back. I know that "Thou canst make me clean no matter who teaches otherwise.
In some instances of healing, Jesus did not at once grant the blessing sought. But in the case of leprosy, no sooner was the appeal made than it was granted. When we pray for earthly blessings, the answer to our prayer may be delayed, or God may give us something other than we ask, but not so when we ask for deliverance from sin. It is His will to cleanse us from sin, to make us His children, and to enable us to live a holy life. Christ "gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father." Galatians 1:4. And "this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He heareth us: and if we know that He hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him." 1 John 5:14, 15. "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: Beacon on February 15, 2021, 07:33:07 AM
"Every act of Christ's ministry was far-reaching in its purpose. It comprehended more than appeared in the act itself. So in the case of the leper. While Jesus ministered to all who came unto Him, He yearned to bless those who came not. While He drew the publicans, the heathen, and the Samaritans, He longed to reach the priests and teachers who were shut in by prejudice and tradition."
"The priests were convinced of the divine power of the Saviour. Opportunity was granted them to know the truth and to be profited by the light..
Rejected, it would pass away, never to return. By many the light was rejected; yet it was not given in vain.
Many hearts were moved that for a time made no sign. During the Saviour's life, His mission seemed to call forth little response of love from the priests and teachers; but after His ascension "a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith." Acts 6:7[.
The Invitation is still extended: "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. Revelation 3:20
Today Jesus is still knocking at the door of our heart's.
WE MAY BE ISOLATED ON EARTH - BUT WE ARE NOT ISOLATED FROM JESUS
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: Philip T on February 15, 2021, 08:02:09 AM
The palsied man was entirely helpless, and, seeing no prospect of aid from any quarter, he had sunk into despair. Then he heard of the wonderful works of Jesus. He was told that others as sinful and helpless as he had been healed; even lepers had been cleansed. And the friends who reported these things encouraged him to believe that he too might be cured if he could be carried to Jesus. But his hope fell when he remembered how the disease had been brought upon him. He feared that the pure Physician would not tolerate him in His presence. Yet it was not physical restoration he desired so much as relief from the burden of sin. If he could see Jesus, and receive the assurance of forgiveness and peace with Heaven, he would be content to live or die, according to God's will.The cry of the dying man was, Oh that I might come into His presence! There was no time to lose; already his wasted flesh was showing signs of decay. He besought his friends to carry him on his bed to Jesus, and this they gladly undertook to do. But so dense was the crowd that had assembled in and about the house where the Savior was, that it was impossible for the sick man and his friends to reach Him, or even to come within hearing of His voice.
Amen sister Dorine, and brothers Richard and Bacon
Despite the physical illness, pain and suffering of the paralytic, I was touched by his need for Spiritual healing he treasured most, and would life with the pain and suffering of physical illness, if Jesus would only forgive him for his sins, he would then wait for death with peace in the promise of eternal life. We should have the same desire in our souls. That forgiveness of sin through Christ Jesus is the most important thing in our live. That we would surrender them to Jesus cliaming his perfect undefiled life in place of our defiled sinful lives through faith in Him. That we may as it says in Philippians 4:17 "And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on February 15, 2021, 08:49:01 AM
Amen, Sister Dorine, Brother Richard, Brother Beacon and Brother Philip!
God's healing from sin is immediate. The miracle of what His grace can do is make us a new creation, to renew our heart and mind and imbue us with all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing. His grace is more powerful than the leprosy of sin; let us come to Christ and know that HE IS WILLING AND ABLE to fully save us from the deceptive power of transgression of the law of God. He loves us and wants us to know the joy of His full salvation.
"Immediately a change passed over the leper. His flesh became healthy, the nerves sensitive, the muscles firm. The rough, scaly surface peculiar to leprosy disappeared, and a soft glow, like that upon the skin of a healthy child, took its place." {The Desire of Ages, page 263, paragraph 4}
God heals us when He forgives us, and the amazing truth of His grace is that it can transform sinners into saints who will become happy inhabitants of heaven and the new earth. We can partake of the blessing of His restoration now so that others may also see how good God is to us in Christ by the supernatural working of the Holy Spirit!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: Beacon on May 13, 2021, 05:39:02 AM
"Every act of Christ's ministry was far-reaching in its purpose...
..It comprehended more than appeared in the act itself. So in the case of the leper. While Jesus ministered to all who came unto Him, He yearned to bless those who came not. While He drew the publicans, the heathen, and the Samaritans, He longed to reach the priests and teachers who were shut in by prejudice and tradition."
"The priests were convinced of the divine power of the Saviour. Opportunity was granted them to know the truth and to be profited by the light.
Rejected, it would pass away, never to return.
"By many the light was rejected; yet it was not given in vain. Many hearts were moved that for a time made no sign. During the Saviour's life, His mission seemed to call forth little response of love from the priests and teachers; but after His ascension "a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith." Acts 6:7.]
"The paralytic found in Christ healing for both the soul and the body.
The spiritual healing was followed by physical restoration. This lesson should not be overlooked.
There are today thousands suffering from physical disease, who, like the paralytic, are longing for the message, "Thy sins are forgiven." The burden of sin, with its unrest and unsatisfied desires, is the foundation of their maladies. They can find no relief until they come to the Healer of the soul. The peace which He alone can give, would impart vigor to the mind, and health to the body."
Today Jesus is still knocking at the door of our heart's. We may know " Of Him " But have we surrendered to the point of "Obedience" to Him.?
The invitation to all of us today is the same as it was back then....
Matthew 11: 28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls."
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: Dorine on May 13, 2021, 05:58:14 AM
"The palsied man was entirely helpless, and, seeing no prospect of aid from any quarter, he had sunk into despair. Then he heard of the wonderful works of Jesus. He was told that others as sinful and helpless as he had been healed; even lepers had been cleansed. And the friends who reported these things encouraged him to believe that he too might be cured if he could be carried to Jesus. But his hope fell when he remembered how the disease had been brought upon him. He feared that the pure Physician would not tolerate him in His presence."
We need to bring these narratives into our own lives. We are all sinners, completely helpless without Jesus. Many feel as did this paralytic. When in the presence of Jesus they feel that He is too pure to approach. Oh what marvelous news we have to share. These are the very ones Jesus came to save. That includes every one that desires a new life and the willingness to give all to Jesus. Who doesn't want to have peace and happiness? It's not to be found in the places 'we' search. Only in Jesus will we have what we are looking for. Isn't He the most precious Saviour yet so many do not trust Him to fulfill His promises. Let's keep working while we still can to bring Jesus to those searching for something better.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on May 13, 2021, 08:31:53 AM
Amen, Brother Beacon and Sister Dorine!!!
God desires to forgive us and is able to answer our prayers as soon as we ask, as we are confessing our deep need of His healing grace, He came to set us free from sin and make us new creatures in Christ Jesus, bearing all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing! Jesus is able to deliver from any sin when the whole heart is surrendered to Him and we let Him live out His life in us!
"In some instances of healing, Jesus did not at once grant the blessing sought. But in the case of leprosy, no sooner was the appeal made than it was granted. When we pray for earthly blessings, the answer to our prayer may be delayed, or God may give us something other than we ask, but not so when we ask for deliverance from sin. It is His will to cleanse us from sin, to make us His children, and to enable us to live a holy life. Christ 'gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father.' Galatians 1:4. And 'this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He heareth us: and if we know that He hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him.' 1 John 5:14, 15. 'If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.' 1 John 1:9." {The Desire of Ages, page 266, paragraph 2}
God is faithful to fulfill His promises! Trust Him no matter what!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: Richard Myers on May 13, 2021, 09:22:32 AM
Amen Pastor Sean. I too was impressed again with this statement, that all will benefit from understanding what is said.
The work of Christ in cleansing the leper from his terrible disease is an illustration of His work in cleansing the soul from sin.... In some instances of healing, Jesus did not at once grant the blessing sought. But in the case of leprosy, no sooner was the appeal made than it was granted. When we pray for earthly blessings, the answer to our prayer may be delayed, or God may give us something other than we ask, but not so when we ask for deliverance from sin. It is His will to cleanse us from sin, to make us His children, and to enable us to live a holy life. Christ "gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father." Galatians 1:4. And "this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He heareth us: and if we know that He hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him." 1 John 5:14, 15. "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9.
No need to comment, the truth is clearly revealed that all may know of God's power to cleanse from sin. It is also instructive to understand that when we truly want to be cleansed from sin, Christ does not wait. He heals from sin immediately.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: Beacon on August 07, 2021, 08:00:12 PM
"The paralytic found in Christ healing for both the soul and the body. The spiritual healing was followed by physical restoration."
This lesson should not be overlooked.
"The peace which He alone can give, would impart vigor to the mind, and health to the body."
"The priests were convinced of the divine power of the Saviour. Opportunity was granted them to know the truth and to be profited by the light. Rejected, it would pass away, never to return.
"Many hearts were moved that for a time made no sign. During the Saviour's life, His mission seemed to call forth little response of love from the priests and teachers; but after His ascension 'a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.'" Acts 6:7.
"Ecclesiastes 11:1-3 says, "Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days. Our task is to be willing to SOW THE SEED, The Holy Spirit will water the seed. Jesus said.... in Luke 10:2..."The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth laborers into his harvest."
It is our High Calling by Jesus for each of us to come and help sow the seed but we must not get discourage because the seeds fall on many different types of soil. God is responsible through the Holy Spirit for the results of our willingness to sow the seed.
In spite of what we see with our eyes and hear with our ears I firmly believe that the greatest days for God's Faithful and True Remnant Messengers is just ahead us. Hopefully each of you reading this will take a strong stand to be a faithful sower of the seed of God's Amazing Grace.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: Dorine on August 08, 2021, 05:41:55 AM
"Jesus came to "destroy the works of the devil." "In Him was life," and He says, "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." He is "a quickening spirit." 1 John 3:8; John 1:4; 10:10; 1 Corinthians 15:45. And He still has the same life-giving power as when on earth He healed the sick, and spoke forgiveness to the sinner. He "forgiveth all thine iniquities," He "healeth all thy diseases." Psalm 103:3.
Just as in the days of Jesus there are millions today who are longing for healing. Some physically, some spiritually and many for both. We have such a marvelous message of hope to bring to these people. A message of God's love and compassion for them and His longing to set them free from the clutches of Satan. As we share with others what God has done for us it will spark an interest and desire and hope that they too may experience this wonderful transformation that we have experienced. May we be faithful in bringing hope to others who are burdened with the weight of guilt and who are looking for something better.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: Philip T on August 08, 2021, 08:01:43 AM
Oh, wondrous love of Christ, stooping to heal the guilty and the afflicted! Divinity sorrowing over and soothing the ills of suffering humanity! Oh, marvelous power thus displayed to the children of men! Who can doubt the message of salvation? Who can slight the mercies of a compassionate Redeemer?
Amen brother Beacon and sister Dorine. This show's the unending and unmeasurable love of Jesus, forgiveness of sin and healing of a paralytic body, when you read in scripture of the unfathomable love of Jesus, his fulfillment of the plan of salvation. How can we doubt his love for us. He forgave the paralytic mans sins, and then healed him, what love and companssion.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: Richard Myers on August 09, 2021, 09:40:37 PM
| In some instances of healing, Jesus did not at once grant the blessing sought. But in the case of leprosy, no sooner was the appeal made than it was granted. When we pray for earthly blessings, the answer to our prayer may be delayed, or God may give us something other than we ask, but not so when we ask for deliverance from sin. It is His will to cleanse us from sin, to make us His children, and to enable us to live a holy life. Christ "gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father." Galatians 1:4. And "this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He heareth us: and if we know that He hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him." 1 John 5:14, 15. "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9.
What, are we blind to this promise to be delivered from what? Sin!! How long does it take to be transformed from sinner to saint? If you listen to those who have not experienced the love of God, they will tell you your righteousness is as filthy rags. That is true if you do not love Jesus with the whole heart. But, if you have given up your selfishness and have surrendered all to God, then He imparts to you His righteousness and you reveal His character. Your heart has been cleansed from all unrighteousness. Now, you can believe the lie, or you can put your trust in God and believe Him when He tells you He has cleansed you from all sin and you can keep His commandments, all of them.
"It is His will to cleanse us from sin, to make us His children, and to enable us to live a holy life." Today, not ten years from now. Ask your pastor why he does not preach this, if he does not. If you get other than the truth, then do not sit at the feet of one who does not understand the foundation of our faith. Study for yourselves that you might be approved of by God who is your best Teacher.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: Beacon on November 02, 2021, 09:12:32 PM
When we pray for earthly blessings, the answer to our prayer may be delayed, or God may give us something other than we ask, but not so when we ask for deliverance from sin."
"It is His will to cleanse us from sin, to make us His children, and to enable us to live a holy life.
"Christ "gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father."
"God's Word Says in...."
Galatians 1:4. And "this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He heareth us: and if we know that He hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him 1 John 5:14, 15. ".
"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9.
It is by faith that we receive the blessings of His Healing Power both Spiritually and Physically. We know from His earthly record that He has the power and great love for mankind and we have been encouraged to come as we are confessing and trusting in His mercy and grace.
However, some times Jesus sees that in our Eternal Interest, it would be better to say " NO " or "WAIT FOR IT." but that only means that His answer is in our Eternal Best Interest. We should never doubt the love and compassion of the One who died to save us!
Have Faith Dear Friend in God.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: Dorine on November 03, 2021, 05:51:29 AM
"Oh, wondrous love of Christ, stooping to heal the guilty and the afflicted! Divinity sorrowing over and soothing the ills of suffering humanity! Oh, marvelous power thus displayed to the children of men! Who can doubt the message of salvation? Who can slight the mercies of a compassionate Redeemer?"
My heart rejoices today as I review these marvelous stories of our loving Saviour. In spite of who we are or where we have been His compassion reaches 'all' who diligently seek his healing power for their lives. When I finally came to the point that I accepted that I was included in the 'all' the weight of the world was lifted from my shoulders. There are many who feel they are too sinful for Jesus to stop and take notice of them. They are the very ones that Jesus died for and longs to bring them healing from their sins.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on November 03, 2021, 08:41:21 AM
Amen, Brother Beacon and Sister Dorine!
Praise the Lord for the healing that God brings to us in a complete way! Jesus knows us individually and is touched with the feeling of our infirmities, so come to Him just as you are, accept His divine grace in a complete surrender of your whole heart to Christ, and find forgiveness and healing to transform you into His image so all of the fruits of the Spirit will be seen in your life without one missing!
"The paralytic found in Christ healing for both the soul and the body. The spiritual healing was followed by physical restoration. This lesson should not be overlooked. There are today thousands suffering from physical disease, who, like the paralytic, are longing for the message, 'Thy sins are forgiven.' The burden of sin, with its unrest and unsatisfied desires, is the foundation of their maladies. They can find no relief until they come to the Healer of the soul. The peace which He alone can give, would impart vigor to the mind, and health to the body." {The Desire of Ages, page 270, paragraph 1} "Jesus came to 'destroy the works of the devil.' 'In Him was life,' and He says, 'I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.' He is 'a quickening spirit.' 1 John 3:8; John 1:4; 10:10; 1 Corinthians 15:45. And He still has the same life-giving power as when on earth He healed the sick, and spoke forgiveness to the sinner. He 'forgiveth all thine iniquities,' He 'healeth all thy diseases.' Psalm 103:3." {The Desire of Ages, page 270, paragraph 2}
What joy it is to walk in the victory Christ offers us! The devil is a defeated for, though he still roams around to try to discourage and distract us. But we can choose Christ and look and live because He ever lives to intercede for us. Christ is about to return in power and great glory, and now is the time to rejoice in the Lord!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: Richard Myers on November 03, 2021, 01:44:44 PM
When we pray for earthly blessings, the answer to our prayer may be delayed, or God may give us something other than we ask, but not so when we ask for deliverance from sin."
"It is His will to cleanse us from sin, to make us His children, and to enable us to live a holy life.
Amen Brother Beacon! Some things are not only worth repeating, but need to be repeated often because of their present truth value.
In some instances of healing, Jesus did not at once grant the blessing sought. But in the case of leprosy, no sooner was the appeal made than it was granted. When we pray for earthly blessings, the answer to our prayer may be delayed, or God may give us something other than we ask, but not so when we ask for deliverance from sin. It is His will to cleanse us from sin, to make us His children, and to enable us to live a holy life. Christ "gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father." Galatians 1:4. And "this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He heareth us: and if we know that He hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him." 1 John 5:14, 15. "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: Beacon on January 28, 2022, 08:15:21 PM
"When we pray for earthly blessings, the answer to our prayer may be delayed, or God may give us something other than we ask, but not so when we ask for deliverance from sin."
"It is His will to cleanse us from sin, to make us His children, and to enable us to live a holy life".
"Christ "gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father."
Galatians 1:4. "And this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hearth us: and if we know that He hears us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him." 1 John 5:14, 15.
"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9.
My Dear Remnant Family. No one but Jesus can offer such wonderful promises of "Total Deliverance." Be of Good Courage. We have all sinned! But we are "ALL" invited to come to Jesus and and humbly ask for and receive forgiveness. Remember, Jesus went through the agony of Calvary so that He could have this privilege of offering us His mercy, forgiveness and restoring grace.
Come, every soul by sin oppressed, There’s mercy with the Lord; And He will surely give you rest By trusting in His Word. Only trust Him! Only trust Him! Only trust Him now! He will save you! He will save you! He will save you now! 2 For Jesus shed His precious blood Rich blessings to bestow; Plunge now into the crimson flood That washeth white as snow. 3 Yes, Jesus is the Truth, the Way, That leads you into rest; Believe in Him without delay, And you are fully blest. 4 Come then, and join the holy band, And on to glory go; In Christ’s redemption take your stand, And all His goodness know.
Lyrics & Music by John Hart Stockton (1813-1877)
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: Beacon on January 28, 2022, 08:18:16 PM
"When we pray for earthly blessings, the answer to our prayer may be delayed, or God may give us something other than we ask, but not so when we ask for deliverance from sin."
"It is His will to cleanse us from sin, to make us His children, and to enable us to live a holy life".
"Christ "gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father."
Galatians 1:4. "And this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hearth us: and if we know that He hears us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him." 1 John 5:14, 15.
"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9.
My Dear Remnant Family. No one but Jesus can offer such wonderful promises of "Total Deliverance." Be of Good Courage. We have all sinned! But we are "ALL" invited to come to Jesus and and humbly ask for and receive forgiveness. Remember, Jesus went through the agony of Calvary so that He could have this privilege of offering us His mercy, forgiveness and restoring grace.
Come, every soul by sin oppressed, There’s mercy with the Lord; And He will surely give you rest By trusting in His Word. Only trust Him! Only trust Him! Only trust Him now! He will save you! He will save you! He will save you now! 2 For Jesus shed His precious blood Rich blessings to bestow; Plunge now into the crimson flood That washeth white as snow. 3 Yes, Jesus is the Truth, the Way, That leads you into rest; Believe in Him without delay, And you are fully blest. 4 Come then, and join the holy band, And on to glory go; In Christ’s redemption take your stand, And all His goodness know.
Lyrics & Music by John Hart Stockton (1813-1877)
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: Beacon on January 28, 2022, 08:30:18 PM
"When we pray for earthly blessings, the answer to our prayer may be delayed, or God may give us something other than we ask, but not so when we ask for deliverance from sin." "It is His will to cleanse us from sin, to make us His children, and to enable us to live a holy life".
"Christ "gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father."
Galatians 1:4. "And this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hearth us: and if we know that He hears us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him." 1 John 5:14, 15.
"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9.
My Dear Remnant Family. No one but Jesus can offer such wonderful promises of "Total Deliverance." Be of Good Courage. We have all sinned! But we are "ALL" invited to come to Jesus and and humbly ask for and receive forgiveness. Remember, Jesus went through the agony of Calvary so that He could have this privilege of offering us His mercy, forgiveness and restoring grace.
Come, every soul by sin oppressed, There’s mercy with the Lord; And He will surely give you rest By trusting in His Word. Only trust Him! Only trust Him! Only trust Him now! He will save you! He will save you! He will save you now! 2 For Jesus shed His precious blood Rich blessings to bestow; Plunge now into the crimson flood That washeth white as snow. 3 Yes, Jesus is the Truth, the Way, That leads you into rest; Believe in Him without delay, And you are fully blest. 4 Come then, and join the holy band, And on to glory go; In Christ’s redemption take your stand, And all His goodness know.
Lyrics & Music by John Hart Stockton (1813-1877)
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: Beacon on January 28, 2022, 08:31:35 PM
"When we pray for earthly blessings, the answer to our prayer may be delayed, or God may give us something other than we ask, but not so when we ask for deliverance from sin." "It is His will to cleanse us from sin, to make us His children, and to enable us to live a holy life".
"Christ "gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father."
Galatians 1:4. "And this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hearth us: and if we know that He hears us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him." 1 John 5:14, 15.
"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9.
My Dear Remnant Family. No one but Jesus can offer such wonderful promises of "Total Deliverance." Be of Good Courage. We have all sinned! But we are "ALL" invited to come to Jesus and and humbly ask for and receive forgiveness. Remember, Jesus went through the agony of Calvary so that He could have this privilege of offering us His mercy, forgiveness and restoring grace.
Come, every soul by sin oppressed, There’s mercy with the Lord; And He will surely give you rest By trusting in His Word. Only trust Him! Only trust Him! Only trust Him now! He will save you! He will save you! He will save you now! 2 For Jesus shed His precious blood Rich blessings to bestow; Plunge now into the crimson flood That washeth white as snow. 3 Yes, Jesus is the Truth, the Way, That leads you into rest; Believe in Him without delay, And you are fully blest. 4 Come then, and join the holy band, And on to glory go; In Christ’s redemption take your stand, And all His goodness know.
Lyrics & Music by John Hart Stockton (1813-1877)
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: Richard Myers on January 29, 2022, 05:33:58 AM
Amen my dear brother!! When we come to see our sinfulness and that we can do no good thing in and of ourselves, that we are captive to the law of sin and death, we seek for help from our Savior. How long do we have to wait for spiritual healing? How long did it take for Saul of Tarsus to receive and answer to his prayer: O wretched man that I am, who will deliver me from the body of this death?" According to what we just read, he did not have to wait. Jesus appeared to him then, on the road to Damascus.
Thus, we all need to understand this important truth.
In some instances of healing, Jesus did not at once grant the blessing sought. But in the case of leprosy, no sooner was the appeal made than it was granted. When we pray for earthly blessings, the answer to our prayer may be delayed, or God may give us something other than we ask, but not so when we ask for deliverance from sin. It is His will to cleanse us from sin, to make us His children, and to enable us to live a holy life. Christ "gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father." Galatians 1:4. And "this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He heareth us: and if we know that He hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him." 1 John 5:14, 15. "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on January 29, 2022, 05:25:23 PM
Amen, Brother Beacon and Brother Richard!
Wouldn’t it be nice to know that what you asked for was God’s will?
“In some instances of healing, Jesus did not at once grant the blessing sought. But in the case of leprosy, no sooner was the appeal made than it was granted. When we pray for earthly blessings, the answer to our prayer may be delayed, or God may give us something other than we ask, but not so when we ask for deliverance from sin. It is His will to cleanse us from sin, to make us His children, and to enable us to live a holy life. Christ ‘gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father.’ Galatians 1:4. And ‘this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He heareth us: and if we know that He hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him.’ 1 John 5:14, 15. ‘If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.’ 1 John 1:9.” {The Desire of Ages, page 266, paragraph 2}
God always wants us forgiven and restored from sin, and what a blessing it is to pray and know we are forgiven when we ask in faith. When we are in union and communion with Christ, all of the fruits of the Spirit will be seen in our lives without one missing. Then we can gladly, affectionately and consistently obey God’s law of love from the heart!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: Beacon on April 25, 2022, 09:11:51 PM
"In the home of the healed paralytic there was great rejoicing when he returned to his family, carrying with ease the couch upon which he had been slowly borne from their presence but a short time before."
"They gathered round with tears of joy, scarcely daring to believe their eyes.
He stood before them in the full vigor of manhood.
Those arms that they had seen lifeless were quick to obey his will.
The flesh that had been shrunken and leaden-hued was now fresh and ruddy. He walked with a firm, free step."
Glad thanksgiving went up from that home, and God was glorified through His Son, who had restored hope to the hopeless, and strength to the stricken one"
This man and his family were ready to lay down their lives for Jesus.
"No doubt dimmed their faith, no unbelief marred their fealty to Him who had brought light into their darkened home."
The Transforming Power both Spiritually and Physically is still available today!
Jesus said in Mathew 7:7,8 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: 8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
There are two questions that need to be asked..1. Are We willing to humble ourselves and ask Jesus to forgive our previous transgressions of His Law. 2. Do we believe that He that He has the power to restore both Spiritually & Physically?
==================================
"One sat alone beside the highway begging, His eyes were blind, the light he could not see; He clutched his rags and shivered in the shadows, Then Jesus came and bade his darkness flee. When Jesus comes the tempter’s pow’r is broken; When Jesus comes the tears are wiped away. He takes the gloom and fills the life with glory, For all is changed when Jesus comes to stay. 2 From home and friends the evil spirits drove him, Among the tombs he dwelt in misery; He cut himself as demon pow’rs possessed him, Then Jesus came and set the captive free. 3 “Unclean! unclean!” the leper cried in torment, The deaf, the dumb, in helplessness stood near; The fever raged, disease had gripped its victim, Then Jesus came and cast out every fear. 4 Their hearts were sad as in the tomb they laid him, For death had come and taken him away; Their night was dark and bitter tears were falling, Then Jesus came and night was turned to day. 5 So men today have found the Savior able, They could not conquer passion, lust and sin; Their broken hearts had left them sad and lonely, Then Jesus came and dwelt, Himself, within."
Lyrics:Oswald Jeffrey Smith (1889-1986) Music:Homer Rodeheaver
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: Dorine on April 26, 2022, 04:46:10 AM
"The work of Christ in cleansing the leper from his terrible disease is an illustration of His work in cleansing the soul from sin. The man who came to Jesus was "full of leprosy." Its deadly poison permeated his whole body. The disciples sought to prevent their Master from touching him; for he who touched a leper became himself unclean. But in laying His hand upon the leper, Jesus received no defilement. His touch imparted life-giving power. The leprosy was cleansed. Thus it is with the leprosy of sin,--deep-rooted, deadly, and impossible to be cleansed by human power. "The whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint. From the sole of the foot even unto the head there is no soundness in it; but wounds, and bruises, and putrefying sores." Isaiah 1:5, 6. But Jesus, coming to dwell in humanity, receives no pollution. His presence has healing virtue for the sinner. Whoever will fall at His feet, saying in faith, "Lord, if Thou wilt, Thou canst make me clean," shall hear the answer, "I will; be thou made clean." Matthew 8:2, 3, R. V.
Jesus is longing to set everyone free from the leprosy of sin if they will only come to Him in belief giving Him their all. There is no good thing in any of us but with Jesus dwelling in our hearts through the Holy Spirit our evil natures are dead. As we daily abide in Him the character of God is seen in the life through the fruits of the Spirit. Truly a miracle. It's a moment by moment walk with God that keeps us holy and righteous. When we fall our evil nature revives but when we repent we receive the righteousness of Christ again.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: Richard Myers on April 26, 2022, 07:38:47 AM
Amen Brother Beacon and Sister Dorine!! That all might hear your counsel! That all might seek Jesus for healing from sin that they may be set free from the law of sin and death which holds all in bondage until the new birth. This chapter contains a truth that will help many to understand what true conversion is and how to obtain the new birth wherein they will become a partaker of God's divine nature and witness to the power of grace to transform sinners into saints manifesting all of the fruits of the Spirit, not one missing.
The conversion of Saul of Tarsus is a blessing to understand. It reveals the true interpretation of Romans 7 which Satan has perverted to keep Laodiceans blind to their continual need of Jesus in order to do any good thing. In today's reading we find an important piece of information that confirms Romans seven is Paul telling of the days when he was convicted of sin, but knew not how to achieve victory over it. He was captive to the law of sin which was in his members (flesh). He prayed as did the paralytic to be delivered from his captivity. Now, it is true that one may have been converted yet fall back into sin, but this is not true of Saul's captivity as revealed in Romans 7. When one has been truly converted, he knows who it is that gives him the power to obey and to do good works, it is Jesus. Saul had not the least knowledge of a Savior from sin when he cried out "O wretched man that I am, who will deliver me from the body of this death." Not only did he not know "who", but he was persecuting the followers of the only One who could help him.
What is it in today's reading that helps us to share the truth about Romans seven not being Paul's experience after conversion? It is the truth regarding how long it takes God to answer a prayer to be delivered from sin. When we know that God answers the prayer immediately, we can know when it was that Paul prayed to know who could deliver him from his own body (flesh) of death.
In some instances of healing, Jesus did not at once grant the blessing sought. But in the case of leprosy, no sooner was the appeal made than it was granted. When we pray for earthly blessings, the answer to our prayer may be delayed, or God may give us something other than we ask, but not so when we ask for deliverance from sin. It is His will to cleanse us from sin, to make us His children, and to enable us to live a holy life. Christ "gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father." Galatians 1:4. And "this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He heareth us: and if we know that He hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him." 1 John 5:14, 15. "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9. In the healing of the paralytic at Capernaum, Christ again taught the same truth. It was to manifest His power to forgive sins that the miracle was performed. And the healing of the paralytic also illustrates other precious truths. It is full of hope and encouragement, and from its connection with the caviling Pharisees it has a lesson of warning as well. Like the leper, this paralytic had lost all hope of recovery. His disease was the result of a life of sin, and his sufferings were embittered by remorse. He had long before appealed to the Pharisees and doctors, hoping for relief from mental suffering and physical pain. But they coldly pronounced him incurable, and abandoned him to the wrath of God. The Pharisees regarded affliction as an evidence of divine displeasure, and they held themselves aloof from the sick and the needy. Yet often these very ones who exalted themselves as holy were more guilty than the sufferers they condemned. The palsied man was entirely helpless, and, seeing no prospect of aid from any quarter, he had sunk into despair. Then he heard of the wonderful works of Jesus. He was told that others as sinful and helpless as he had been healed; even lepers had been cleansed. And the friends who reported these things encouraged him to believe that he too might be cured if he could be carried to Jesus. But his hope fell when he remembered how the disease had been brought upon him. He feared that the pure Physician would not tolerate him in His presence. Yet it was not physical restoration he desired so much as relief from the burden of sin. If he could see Jesus, and receive the assurance of forgiveness and peace with Heaven, he would be content to live or die, according to God's will. The cry of the dying man was, Oh that I might come into His presence!
He wanted to be delivered from sin more than being healed physically. Jesus healed him immediately from sin as well as from his physical affliction. So, when was Saul converted, on the road to Damascus. When did he then pray to know who could heal him from his captivity to sin? It would have been when he met the answer to his prayer and thus was converted. He had come to the point of full surrender and in response, Jesus revealed Himself in a most profound way. There was not one word of argument from the lips of Saul of Tarsus the Persecutor. He was set free from the law of sin which was in his flesh. "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death." Romans 8:1,2.
The sermon and death of Stephen was the work of God working through Stephen to reveal grace to Saul. It was then that the Holy Spirit began to more powerfully to convict Saul of sin. As Jesus said, it was becoming harder and harder for Saul to kick against the pricks of the Holy Spirit who was convicting him of sin. He finally came to the point of praying to know who could deliver him from himself. It is then that God gives an immediate answer and Saul (Paul) was converted. Thus, we better understand that Romans 7 is Paul telling of his battle to overcome sin and self, he could not in and of himself. He needed a Savior whom he did not know was calling him to Himself. Romans seven is believed by millions of professing Christians to be the experience after conversion. It may be that one sins and does not know how to cease sinning, but this is not Paul after conversion. He did not experience what many do today when many think they are converted, but are not. Conversion brings power to not sin. This is revealed in Romans 8 which Paul explains is the Christian experience.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: Beacon on July 21, 2022, 08:00:14 PM
"The palsied man was entirely helpless, and, seeing no prospect of aid from any quarter, he had sunk into despair."
"Then he heard of the wonderful works of Jesus."
"He was told that others as sinful and helpless as he had been healed; even lepers had been cleansed."
"The friends who reported these things encouraged him to believe that he too might be cured if he could be carried to Jesus."
"But his hope fell when he remembered how the disease had been brought upon him"
"He feared that the pure Physician would not tolerate him in His presence."
"Yet it was not physical restoration he desired so much as relief from the burden of sin.'
"If he could see Jesus, and receive the assurance of forgiveness and peace with Heaven, he would be content to live or die, according to God's will."
"The cry of the dying man was, Oh that I might come into His presence!"
If there is unconfessed sin in our life, then we too are " Dying " and need to come to Jesus for cleansing, Jesus is willing to do for us what he did for the palsied man. Are we humble enough to confess our great need? Jesus is longing for us to respond to His offer of Forgiveness and Promise of Eternal Life. This is a limited time offer while Jesus is still pleading for you and for me "BUT WE MUST NOT DELAY."
========================
"Come, every soul by sin oppressed, There’s mercy with the Lord; And He will surely give you rest By trusting in His Word. Only trust Him! Only trust Him! Only trust Him now! He will save you! He will save you! He will save you now! 2 For Jesus shed His precious blood Rich blessings to bestow; Plunge now into the crimson flood That washeth white as snow. 3 Yes, Jesus is the Truth, the Way, That leads you into rest; Believe in Him without delay, And you are fully blest. 4 Come then, and join the holy band, And on to glory go; In Christ’s redemption take your stand, And all His goodness know."
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on July 22, 2022, 04:47:33 AM
Amen, Brother Beacon!!
Let us accept all the spiritual help Christ offers us. He is willing to make us new in Him--with new motives, thoughts, feelings and character from His very "divine nature" (2 Peter 1:4), taking away the leprosy of sin!
"The work of Christ in cleansing the leper from his terrible disease is an illustration of His work in cleansing the soul from sin. The man who came to Jesus was 'full of leprosy.' Its deadly poison permeated his whole body. The disciples sought to prevent their Master from touching him; for he who touched a leper became himself unclean. But in laying His hand upon the leper, Jesus received no defilement. His touch imparted life-giving power. The leprosy was cleansed. Thus it is with the leprosy of sin,--deep-rooted, deadly, and impossible to be cleansed by human power. 'The whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint. From the sole of the foot even unto the head there is no soundness in it; but wounds, and bruises, and putrefying sores.' Isaiah 1:5, 6. But Jesus, coming to dwell in humanity, receives no pollution. His presence has healing virtue for the sinner. Whoever will fall at His feet, saying in faith, 'Lord, if Thou wilt, Thou canst make me clean,' shall hear the answer, 'I will; be thou made clean.' Matthew 8:2, 3, R. V." {The Desire of Ages, page 266, paragraph 1}
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: Dorine on July 22, 2022, 06:35:00 AM
The paralytic found in Christ healing for both the soul and the body. The spiritual healing was followed by physical restoration. This lesson should not be overlooked. There are today thousands suffering from physical disease, who, like the paralytic, are longing for the message, "Thy sins are forgiven." The burden of sin, with its unrest and unsatisfied desires, is the foundation of their maladies. They can find no relief until they come to the Healer of the soul. The peace which He alone can give, would impart vigor to the mind, and health to the body.
Is it possible that many today of even professed Christians are not healed when prayed for because they have unbelief in their hearts? In todays reading the physical healing came after the spiritual healing. When all is said and done it's the spiritual healing that is most needed. We may have physical healing and still lose out on eternal life and with spiritual healing we may lose our physical lives here but will go to sleep in Christ assured of eternal life.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: Richard Myers on July 22, 2022, 11:05:02 AM
Amen dear sister! When anointing the sick we who do so ought to always pray that if there is anything in the life of the sick one that would keep Jesus from healing, that He would reveal this. This affords the sick one the opportunity to confess all known sin that if it be for his good and God's glory to be healed, God could do so. It may be that being laid to rest would be the means that God's could work to save one who the sick one was praying for. God is working through us in many ways that we know nothing of. We always want to pray in a manner that reveals we understand saving one's life may not be for the very best.
Today's reading touches on this truth, that God is working in more than one way when He does something. We see this in the healing of the leper.
Every act of Christ's ministry was far-reaching in its purpose. It comprehended more than appeared in the act itself. So in the case of the leper. While Jesus ministered to all who came unto Him, He yearned to bless those who came not. While He drew the publicans, the heathen, and the Samaritans, He longed to reach the priests and teachers who were shut in by prejudice and tradition. He left untried no means by which they might be reached. In sending the healed leper to the priests, He gave them a testimony calculated to disarm their prejudices. The Pharisees had asserted that Christ's teaching was opposed to the law which God had given through Moses; but His direction to the cleansed leper to present an offering according to the law disproved this charge. It was sufficient testimony for all who were willing to be convinced.
Knowing that ALL things work for our good when we love the Lord our God with all of the heart, makes it easier to suffer for God's cause. And to see others suffer. We do not see how far-reaching is every act of God.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: Beacon on October 16, 2022, 08:31:08 PM
"Jesus ministered to all who came unto Him."
"He also yearned to bless those who came not."
"While He drew the publicans, the heathen, and the Samaritans, He longed to reach the priests and teachers who were shut in by prejudice and tradition."
"He left untried no means by which they might be reached."
"In sending the healed leper to the priests, He gave them a testimony calculated to disarm their prejudices."
"The Pharisees had asserted that Christ's teaching was opposed to the law which God had given through Moses; but His direction to the cleansed leper to present an offering according to the law disproved this charge."
"It was sufficient testimony for all who were willing to be convinced."
As "WE" read the Awesome story of Redemption, as recorded in The Holy Scriptures, are "WE" open to Believe,Trust and Obey the Heavenly PHYSICIAN?
========================= 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--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: Dorine on October 17, 2022, 05:10:24 AM
"Jesus came to "destroy the works of the devil." "In Him was life," and He says, "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." He is "a quickening spirit." 1 John 3:8; John 1:4; 10:10; 1 Corinthians 15:45. And He still has the same life-giving power as when on earth He healed the sick, and spoke forgiveness to the sinner. He "forgiveth all thine iniquities," He "healeth all thy diseases." Psalm 103:3.
Isn't this the most thrilling news! Are you sitting on the fence wondering if this promise is really for you too? I did for many years. Said all the right things but on the inside I really did not feel worthy enough to trust His love. It fills me with regrets now to think I could wound my Saviour so. While this chapter has warnings for us it is full of wonderful hope and assurance. If Jesus took the time and interest to heal these two men will He not do the same for you and me? I know there are many who profess to love God but are carrying heavy guilt from their past. Jesus wants all to come to Him as these men did so He may free them from their guilt and bring peace and joy into their lives.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: Philip T on October 17, 2022, 08:04:42 AM
Physical disease, however malignant and deep-seated, was healed by the power of Christ; but the disease of the soul took a firmer hold upon those who closed their eyes against the light. Leprosy and palsy were not so terrible as bigotry and unbelief.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on October 17, 2022, 07:33:43 PM
Amen, Brother Beacon, Sister Dorine, and Brother Philip!!
Praise the Lord that God has a purpose in all He tells us. Jesus told the healed leper not to tell others about his healing except to go to the priest and offer what the law enjoined in the event of the cleansing of a leper as a testimony to the priests. But the man did not remain silent and told so many people that it hindered Jesus' work. We need to learn to to trust God even when we do not understand always why He tells us to do something, for He sees better than do we.
"There were other objects which Christ had in view in enjoining silence on the man. The Saviour knew that His enemies were ever seeking to limit His work, and to turn the people from Him. He knew that if the healing of the leper were noised abroad, other sufferers from this terrible disease would crowd about Him, and the cry would be raised that the people would be contaminated by contact with them. Many of the lepers would not so use the gift of health as to make it a blessing to themselves or to others. And by drawing the lepers about Him, He would give occasion for the charge that He was breaking down the restrictions of the ritual law. Thus His work in preaching the gospel would be hindered." {The Desire of Ages, page 264, paragraph 3}
God would not have the gospel hindered. He loves us and longs to have us to do all we can to spread the everlasting gospel as it is now articulated in the Three Angels' Messages of Revelation 14:6-12, and we can do that by receiving the character preparation offered us in Revelation 3:14-22 and receive a new heart from Jesus (Ezekiel 36:26) in true surrender so all of the fruits of the Spirit will be seen in our lives without one missing as long as we abide in Christ (Galatians 5:22-23). God will fill us with true love from Jesus so we can be truly obedient up to the light He has revealed to us (John 14:15). Praise the Lord!!!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: Richard Myers on October 18, 2022, 08:58:09 PM
Amen my dear brother!! Such power God wants to give to us! I know I have quoted this many times, but even if I have quoted it here in the past, I was impressed again to share it.
In some instances of healing, Jesus did not at once grant the blessing sought. But in the case of leprosy, no sooner was the appeal made than it was granted. When we pray for earthly blessings, the answer to our prayer may be delayed, or God may give us something other than we ask, but not so when we ask for deliverance from sin. It is His will to cleanse us from sin, to make us His children, and to enable us to live a holy life. Christ "gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father." Galatians 1:4. And "this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He heareth us: and if we know that He hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him." 1 John 5:14, 15. "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9.
It is important to all that we understand when we are tired of sin and give the Lord our whole heart because we love Him with the whole heart, He will cleanse the heart from all unrighteousness. Right then and there, not later. Not only for that reason, but in studying the life of Paul, we can know when it was when He was cleansed from all sin. We can better understand Romans chapter 7, since we hear his prayer for deliverance. If you will take time to study this subject you will be a blessing to many in explaining that Romans seven is not the Christian experience, but Paul's conversion experience ending with His prayer as to who could save him from himself who was captive the law of sin and death. And, with such understanding we also see when it was that He prayed that prayer since it enabled God to answer that prayer immediately. Conversion is the end of a long protracted process of wooing by the Holy Spirit. Knowing this, we can also understand what it was that brought Saul to the point of conversion. We know that it all began with great power with the stoning of Stephen, but now we can understand how God wooed him between that time and when He fully surrendered his whole heart.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: Beacon on January 11, 2023, 08:01:27 PM
"While Jesus ministered to all who came unto Him, He yearned to bless those who came not."
"While He drew the publicans, the heathen, and the Samaritans, He longed to reach the priests and teachers who were shut in by prejudice and tradition."
"He left untried no means by which they might be reached."
"In sending the healed leper to the priests, He gave them a testimony calculated to disarm their prejudices."
"The Pharisees had asserted that Christ's teaching was opposed to the law which God had given through Moses; but His direction to the cleansed leper to present an offering according to the law disproved this charge."
"It was sufficient testimony for all who were willing to be convinced."
Today " WE " have more than enough historical and current evidence that Jesus was and is who He claimed to be! But are "WE" anymore ready to accept him into our lives than were the Pharisees?? There is no such thing as a partial surrender. What will "OUR" choice be?
======================== 1 Jesus, I my cross have taken, All to leave and follow Thee; Destitute, despised, forsaken, Thou, from hence, my all shalt be. Perish every fond ambition, All I’ve sought, and hoped, and known; Yet how rich is my condition, God and Christ are still my own! 2 Let the world despise and leave me, They have left my Savior, too; Human hearts and looks deceive me; Thou art not, like man, untrue; And, while Thou shalt smile upon me, God of wisdom, love, and might, Foes may hate, and friends disown me; Show Thy face, and all is bright. 3 Man may trouble and distress me, ’Twill but drive me to Thy breast; Life with trials hard may press me, Christ will bring me sweeter rest. O ’tis not in grief to harm me, While Thy love is left to me; O ’twere not in joy to charm me, Were that joy unmixed with Thee. 4 Haste then on from grace to glory, Armed by faith and winged by prayer; God’s eternal day’s before thee, God’s own hand shall guide thee there. Soon shall close thy earthly mission, Swift shall pass thy pilgrim days, Hope shall change to glad fruition, Faith to sight, and prayer to praise.
Lyrics:Henry Francis Lyte (1793-1847) Music:Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791)
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on January 12, 2023, 07:16:29 AM
Amen, Brother Beacon!!! Hallelujah!! All glory to God!!
Do you always get what you ask for? Well, when it comes to God's answers to our prayers, thankfully the answer is "what is best," as IT IS HIS WILL to forgive and cleanse us from sin, but if we ask for an earthly blessing like healing, a home, a spouse, a child, a specific ministry, or certain gifts we desire, God may providentially grant the request immediately, later, or let us know He has "something better"--and because we can see how much He loves us in Christ (after all, He left heaven to die for us and save us!!!!), it would be best to TRUST HIM and LET HIM LEAD based on His word: "Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us" (Ephesians 3:20)!!!!!!
"In some instances of healing, Jesus did not at once grant the blessing sought. But in the case of leprosy, no sooner was the appeal made than it was granted. When we pray for earthly blessings, the answer to our prayer may be delayed, or God may give us something other than we ask, but not so when we ask for deliverance from sin. It is His will to cleanse us from sin, to make us His children, and to enable us to live a holy life. Christ 'gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father.' Galatians 1:4. And 'this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He heareth us: and if we know that He hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him.' 1 John 5:14, 15. 'If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.' 1 John 1:9." {The Desire of Ages, page 266, paragraph 2}
What comfort we can have when we REALLY BELIEVE THAT GOD LOVES US and that He will ALWAYS fulfill His promise: "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:28). ARE YOU CONVINCED GOD REALLY LOVES YOU? THEN LIVE BY FAITH UPON EVERY WORD OF GOD AND NOT BY SIGHT, FEELING OR THE FLESH!!!!! ALL THE FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT WITHOUT ONE MISSING WILL FLOW THROUGH YOUR LIFE AS LONG AS YOU ARE COMPLETELY SURRENDERED TO GOD AND DOING HIS WILL AS HE LEADS YOU IN TRUE OBEDIENCE TO ALL OF HIS COMMANDMENTS!!!!!!! PRAISE THE LORD!!!!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: Dorine on January 12, 2023, 07:49:18 AM
"Oh, wondrous love of Christ, stooping to heal the guilty and the afflicted! Divinity sorrowing over and soothing the ills of suffering humanity! Oh, marvelous power thus displayed to the children of men! Who can doubt the message of salvation? Who can slight the mercies of a compassionate Redeemer?"
Amen! Thank you Jesus.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: Richard Myers on January 12, 2023, 09:16:53 PM
Wonderful Redeemer! Today we get to see how much He wants to heal us, both body and heart!
I like the truth that Jesus does not always answer our prayer immediately as Pastor Sean points out. But, when we seek to be changed, to be forgiven, to keep the law of God, Jesus does not wait.
In some instances of healing, Jesus did not at once grant the blessing sought. But in the case of leprosy, no sooner was the appeal made than it was granted. When we pray for earthly blessings, the answer to our prayer may be delayed, or God may give us something other than we ask, but not so when we ask for deliverance from sin. It is His will to cleanse us from sin, to make us His children, and to enable us to live a holy life. Christ "gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father." Galatians 1:4. And "this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He heareth us: and if we know that He hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him." 1 John 5:14, 15. "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9.
For those who are reading and seeking to know more and more truth, take this truth and understand the man of Romans 7. He came to the pointy of utter failure and longed to be able to do what is right for the right reason. He saw himself captive to the law of sin and death (Romans 7:23). When he could find no answer, he did not know where to turn. Many come to this point in life and like those in foxholes with bombs falling all around, they cry out to God, "O wretched man that I am, who shall deliver me from the body of this death?" Then came the answer, when? Does God wait to answer this prayer? No, we just learned that. Who prayed this prayer? It was Saul of Tarsus. When did he pray this prayer? We know when because know how God answered the prayer and when. Saul had prayed "who" shall deliver me from self? Then the prayer was made on the way to Damascus, and the answer came "Jesus."
Saul never argued with Jesus, he accepted that it was an answer to his prayer. He had come to the point of being willing to do anything if he could cease sinning. It had been getting harder and harder for Saul to push away the Holy Spirit. How do we know? Jesus said so. "And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks." Acts 9:5.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: Beacon on April 07, 2023, 09:18:15 PM
"When we pray for earthly blessings, the answer to our prayer may be delayed, or God may give us something other than we ask."
"But not so when we ask for deliverance from sin."
"It is His will to cleanse us from sin, to make us His children, and to enable us to live a holy life."
"Christ "gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God our Father."
"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9.
Are "WE" Willing to Confess our sins and Great Need of His Cleansing Grace? "
====================== 1 Come, every soul by sin oppressed, There’s mercy with the Lord; And He will surely give you rest By trusting in His Word. Only trust Him! Only trust Him! Only trust Him now! He will save you! He will save you! He will save you now! 2 For Jesus shed His precious blood Rich blessings to bestow; Plunge now into the crimson flood That washeth white as snow. 3 Yes, Jesus is the Truth, the Way, That leads you into rest; Believe in Him without delay, And you are fully blest. 4 Come then, and join the holy band, And on to glory go; In Christ’s redemption take your stand, And all His goodness know.
Lyrics and Music : John Hart Stockton (1813-1877)
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on April 08, 2023, 03:54:55 AM
Amen, Brother Beacon!!
Happy Sabbath!! Let Jesus fully heal and save you from sin and all its effects! By coming to Him just as you are, He will gladly restore you into His image and fill you with all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing as long as you are abiding in Him! He will empower heartfelt obedience to Him because you love Him who first loved you!! Whether leprosy, paralysis, or deep-rooted sin, Christ has the power to fully restore!!
"Jesus came to 'destroy the works of the devil.' 'In Him was life,' and He says, 'I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.' He is 'a quickening spirit.' 1 John 3:8; John 1:4; 10:10; 1 Corinthians 15:45. And He still has the same life-giving power as when on earth He healed the sick, and spoke forgiveness to the sinner. He 'forgiveth all thine iniquities,' He 'healeth all thy diseases.' Psalm 103:3." {The Desire of Ages, page 270, paragraph 2}
As we are restored, we will gladly point others to Christ who has power to restore fully! Jesus is coming soon and is preparing His people for this glorious event!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: Richard Myers on April 09, 2023, 09:03:34 AM
Amen pastor Sean and brother Beacon! When we seek to be delivered from the law of sin and death, God does not wait one minute to Answer our prayer.
In some instances of healing, Jesus did not at once grant the blessing sought. But in the case of leprosy, no sooner was the appeal made than it was granted. When we pray for earthly blessings, the answer to our prayer may be delayed, or God may give us something other than we ask, but not so when we ask for deliverance from sin. It is His will to cleanse us from sin, to make us His children, and to enable us to live a holy life. Christ "gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father." Galatians 1:4. And "this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He heareth us: and if we know that He hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him." 1 John 5:14, 15. "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: Richard Myers on July 04, 2023, 06:33:11 AM
Amen!! Some things are so important they need to be repeated.
The work of Christ in cleansing the leper from his terrible disease is an illustration of His work in cleansing the soul from sin. The man who came to Jesus was "full of leprosy." Its deadly poison permeated his whole body. The disciples sought to prevent their Master from touching him; for he who touched a leper became himself unclean. But in laying His hand upon the leper, Jesus received no defilement. His touch imparted life-giving power. The leprosy was cleansed. Thus it is with the leprosy of sin,--deep-rooted, deadly, and impossible to be cleansed by human power. "The whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint. From the sole of the foot even unto the head there is no soundness in it; but wounds, and bruises, and putrefying sores." Isaiah 1:5, 6. But Jesus, coming to dwell in humanity, receives no pollution. His presence has healing virtue for the sinner. Whoever will fall at His feet, saying in faith, "Lord, if Thou wilt, Thou canst make me clean," shall hear the answer, "I will; be thou made clean." Matthew 8:2, 3, R. V. In some instances of healing, Jesus did not at once grant the blessing sought. But in the case of leprosy, no sooner was the appeal made than it was granted. When we pray for earthly blessings, the answer to our prayer may be delayed, or God may give us something other than we ask, but not so when we ask for deliverance from sin. It is His will to cleanse us from sin, to make us His children, and to enable us to live a holy life. Christ "gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father." Galatians 1:4. And "this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He heareth us: and if we know that He hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him." 1 John 5:14, 15. "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: Philip T on July 04, 2023, 07:07:59 AM
Oh, wondrous love of Christ, stooping to heal the guilty and the afflicted! Divinity sorrowing over and soothing the ills of suffering humanity! Oh, marvelous power thus displayed to the children of men! Who can doubt the message of salvation? Who can slight the mercies of a compassionate Redeemer? It required nothing less than creative power to restore health to that decaying body. The same voice that spoke life to man created from the dust of the earth had spoken life to the dying paralytic. And the same power that gave life to the body had renewed the heart. He who at the creation "spake, and it was," who "commanded, and it stood fast," (Psalm 33:9), had spoken life to the soul dead in trespasses and sins. The healing of the body was an evidence of the power that had renewed the heart. Christ bade the paralytic arise and walk, "that ye may know," He said, "that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins." Oh, the endless love, care, and mercy of Jesus. How could we doubt Him. We see God's endless love, mercy and grace in this chapter of Desire Of Ages, we see God's endless mercy and love poured out on a undeserving people.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on July 04, 2023, 07:13:19 AM
Amen Brother Richard and Brother Philip!! Praise God for the MIGHTY SAVIOR we have in Jesus!!
Do you realize that when God forgives your sin, He is essentially resurrecting you from spiritual death? We learn this POWERFUL lesson from the way Jesus forgave and healed the paralytic! Praise God, He is still able to do this today for YOU--to resurrect you from a living death in the works of the flesh (Galatians 5:19-21) to newness of life in Christ with all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing in your heart and life (Galatians 5:22-23)! Then the walk of living, loving obedience becomes the true joy of life abiding in Christ!
"It required nothing less than creative power to restore health to that decaying body. The same voice that spoke life to man created from the dust of the earth had spoken life to the dying paralytic. And the same power that gave life to the body had renewed the heart. He who at the creation 'spake, and it was,' who 'commanded, and it stood fast,' (Psalm 33:9), had spoken life to the soul dead in trespasses and sins. The healing of the body was an evidence of the power that had renewed the heart. Christ bade the paralytic arise and walk, 'that ye may know,' He said, 'that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins.'" {The Desire of Ages, page 269, paragraph 5}
Whatever the sin, if you repent and believe, the guilt is washed away in the blood of Christ! Let's be so happy in Jesus that people are attracted to the Savior who loves us, is interceding for us now as our High Priest, and is SO SOON to return as our King! As it is 4th of July, remember that the HIGHEST FREEDOM we can experience is FREEDOM IN CHRIST TO OBEY HIM OUT OF LOVE!!! Hallelujah!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: Beacon on July 04, 2023, 07:40:00 AM
In some instances of healing, Jesus did not at once grant the blessing sought. But in the case of leprosy, no sooner was the appeal made than it was granted.
When we pray for earthly blessings, the answer to our prayer may be delayed, or God may give us something other than we ask.
But not so when we ask for deliverance from sin.
It is His will to cleanse us from sin, to make us His children, and to enable us to live a holy life. Christ "gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father."
Galatians 1:4. And "this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He heareth us: and if we know that He hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him." 1 John 5:14, 15. "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9.
In presenting our requests to Jesus we must also be willing to pray that His will for our lives may be in accordance with His.
=================== 1 Jesus, Savior, pilot me Over life’s tempestuous sea; Unknown waves before me roll, Hiding rock and treach’rous shoal; Chart and compass come from Thee; Jesus, Savior, pilot me. 2 As a mother stills her child, Thou canst hush the ocean wild; Boist’rous waves obey Thy will When Thou say’st to them, “Be still.” Wondrous Sov’reign of the sea, Jesus, Savior, pilot me. 3 Though death’s valley I may pass, Still Thy grace will fear surpass; In Thy presence I will rest, And, while leaning on Thy breast, I will hear Thee say to me, “Fear not, I will pilot thee.”
Lyrics:Edward Hopper (1816-1888) Music:John Edgar Gould (1822-1875)
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: rahab on July 04, 2023, 07:19:36 PM
Amen
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: Beacon on September 28, 2023, 08:06:05 PM
"Oh, wondrous love of Christ, stooping to heal the guilty and the afflicted!"
"Divinity sorrowing over and soothing the ills of suffering humanity! "
Oh, marvelous power thus displayed to the children of men! Who can doubt the message of salvation? "
"Who can slight the mercies of a compassionate Redeemer? "
" It required nothing less than creative power to restore health to that decaying body."
"The same voice that spoke life to man created from the dust of the earth had spoken life to the dying paralytic.""'
"The same power that gave life to the body had renewed the heart. "
"He who at the creation "spake, and it was," who "commanded, and it stood fast," (Psalm 33:9), had spoken life to the soul dead in trespasses and sins."
"The healing of the body was an evidence of the power that had renewed the heart."
"Christ bade the paralytic arise and walk, "that ye may know," He said, "that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins".
====================================
1 All hail the power of Jesus' name! Let angels prostrate fall. Bring forth the royal diadem, and crown him Lord of all. Bring forth the royal diadem, and crown him Lord of all!
2 O seed of Israel's chosen race now ransomed from the fall, hail him who saves you by his grace, and crown him Lord of all. Hail him who saves you by his grace, and crown him Lord of all! 3 Let every tongue and every tribe responsive to his call, to him all majesty ascribe, and crown him Lord of all. To him all majesty ascribe, and crown him Lord of all! 4 Oh, that with all the sacred throng we at his feet may fall! We'll join the everlasting song and crown him Lord of all. We'll join the everlasting song and crown him Lord of all.
Psalter Hymnal (Gray), 1987
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: Dorine on September 29, 2023, 05:22:49 AM
"The palsied man was entirely helpless, and, seeing no prospect of aid from any quarter, he had sunk into despair. Then he heard of the wonderful works of Jesus. He was told that others as sinful and helpless as he had been healed; even lepers had been cleansed. And the friends who reported these things encouraged him to believe that he too might be cured if he could be carried to Jesus. But his hope fell when he remembered how the disease had been brought upon him. He feared that the pure Physician would not tolerate him in His presence."
How many today are in the same condition as this man. They long for healing but don't know where to find it. And worse yet feel they are too unworthy to receive it. We have such wonderful hope to bring to them. Many of us have testimony to share of how we have been healed physically but most of all spiritually. May we like Jesus be about our Father's business, bringing souls to Christ for cleansing and transformation.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on September 29, 2023, 07:32:34 AM
Amen, Brother Beacon and Sister Dorine!! I especially liked the lyric in the hymn you shared, Brother Beacon, that states, "responsive to His call" as Christ is offering ALL healing and purpose in His service--it is up to us to avail ourselves of the matchless loveliness of Christ and respond so we can be healed and transformed!!
He can do it. Let Him. Believe Him. Behold Him. Surrender fully to Him. Abide in Him. Let Jesus FULLY cleanse you from every stain of sin!
"The work of Christ in cleansing the leper from his terrible disease is an illustration of His work in cleansing the soul from sin. The man who came to Jesus was 'full of leprosy.' Its deadly poison permeated his whole body. The disciples sought to prevent their Master from touching him; for he who touched a leper became himself unclean. But in laying His hand upon the leper, Jesus received no defilement. His touch imparted life-giving power. The leprosy was cleansed. Thus it is with the leprosy of sin,—deep-rooted, deadly, and impossible to be cleansed by human power. 'The whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint. From the sole of the foot even unto the head there is no soundness in it; but wounds, and bruises, and putrefying sores.' Isaiah 1:5, 6. But Jesus, coming to dwell in humanity, receives no pollution. His presence has healing virtue for the sinner. Whoever will fall at His feet, saying in faith, 'Lord, if Thou wilt, Thou canst make me clean,' shall hear the answer, 'I will; be thou made clean.' Matthew 8:2, 3, R. V." {The Desire of Ages, page 266, paragraph 1}
All of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing will be revealed in the life that is abiding in Jesus. No matter how weak or sinful we may be, Christ offers us the cleansing and healing that we need to become like Him in mind and character so we can not only affectionately obey God's law of love, but we can go forth to bless others who need encouraging words, holy deeds, and godly examples of genuine Christianity!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: Richard Myers on September 29, 2023, 08:57:09 PM
Amen my dear friends! God wants to heal us so very much. How long will it take to be cleansed from all sin?
In some instances of healing, Jesus did not at once grant the blessing sought. But in the case of leprosy, no sooner was the appeal made than it was granted. When we pray for earthly blessings, the answer to our prayer may be delayed, or God may give us something other than we ask, but not so when we ask for deliverance from sin. It is His will to cleanse us from sin, to make us His children, and to enable us to live a holy life. Christ "gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father." Galatians 1:4. And "this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He heareth us: and if we know that He hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him." 1 John 5:14, 15. "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: Beacon on December 24, 2023, 08:39:41 PM
"The man who came to Jesus was 'full of leprosy.' Its deadly poison permeated his whole body." "
"The disciples sought to prevent their Master from touching him; for he who touched a leper became himself unclean."
"But in laying His hand upon the leper, Jesus received no defilement."
"His touch imparted life-giving power. The leprosy was cleansed."
"Thus it is with the leprosy of sin,—deep-rooted, deadly, and impossible to be cleansed by human power."
"The whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint."
"From the sole of the foot even unto the head there is no soundness in it; but wounds, and bruises, and putrefying sores.' Isaiah 1:5, 6."
"But Jesus, coming to dwell in humanity, receives no pollution.
"His presence has healing virtue for the sinner."
"Whoever will fall at His feet, saying in faith, 'Lord, if Thou wilt, Thou canst make me clean,' shall hear the answer, 'I will; be thou made clean.' Matthew 8:2, 3, R. V."
Faith is the Victory is it not?? Perhaps "WE" should be claiming the promises on a daily basis, Yes!! Lets take Jesus at His Word!
=========================
1 Come, every soul by sin oppressed, There’s mercy with the Lord; And He will surely give you rest By trusting in His Word. Only trust Him! Only trust Him! Only trust Him now! He will save you! He will save you! He will save you now! 2 For Jesus shed His precious blood Rich blessings to bestow; Plunge now into the crimson flood That washeth white as snow. 3 Yes, Jesus is the Truth, the Way, That leads you into rest; Believe in Him without delay, And you are fully blest. 4 Come then, and join the holy band, And on to glory go; In Christ’s redemption take your stand, And all His goodness know.
May You and Your Families and Friends have a Merry & Blessed Christmas
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on December 25, 2023, 03:07:15 AM
Amen, Brother Beacon!!
Joy to the world, the Lord is come! Let us do all we can this Christmas day to spread the light of His love, joy and peace! Christ came to save from sin and all the effects of Satan's deceptive rebellion! We can be restored to wholeness in Christ! As we behold His infinite loveliness, reflecting on His amazing sacrifice for us and realizing His power to save, we can truly have fullness of joy in His presence as we surrender fully to Him and let Him also give us the fullness of all of the other fruits of the Spirit without one missing! The wonderful testimony of the man restored from palsy whom Christ first forgave all his sins gives us great encouragement to realize the power of the gospel is found in complete life transformation!!
"In the home of the healed paralytic there was great rejoicing when he returned to his family, carrying with ease the couch upon which he had been slowly borne from their presence but a short time before. They gathered round with tears of joy, scarcely daring to believe their eyes. He stood before them in the full vigor of manhood. Those arms that they had seen lifeless were quick to obey his will. The flesh that had been shrunken and leaden-hued was now fresh and ruddy. He walked with a firm, free step. Joy and hope were written in every lineament of his countenance; and an expression of purity and peace had taken the place of the marks of sin and suffering. Glad thanksgiving went up from that home, and God was glorified through His Son, who had restored hope to the hopeless, and strength to the stricken one. This man and his family were ready to lay down their lives for Jesus. No doubt dimmed their faith, no unbelief marred their fealty to Him who had brought light into their darkened home." {The Desire of Ages, page 271, paragraph 2}
Joy to the world, the same Lord that came to Bethlehem, lived a holy life in Nazareth, carried on a blameless ministry, and went to Calvary for us is RISEN, and SOON TO RETURN in power and great glory to take us to the heavenly mansions He has planned for us! Praise God!!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: Dorine on December 25, 2023, 05:48:10 AM
"Oh, wondrous love of Christ, stooping to heal the guilty and the afflicted! Divinity sorrowing over and soothing the ills of suffering humanity! Oh, marvelous power thus displayed to the children of men! Who can doubt the message of salvation? Who can slight the mercies of a compassionate Redeemer?"
May God's blessings be upon each this Christmas day. We serve a marvelous life giving Saviour. As we enjoy the blessings of family and friends today may we not forget those within our reach that need our help.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: Richard Myers on December 25, 2023, 08:05:13 AM
Amen dear sister! Who can doubt the wonderful works of our Savior!! How sad to see Israel today still denying their Messiah. Many are called, but few accept His most gracious love.
Oh, wondrous love of Christ, stooping to heal the guilty and the afflicted! Divinity sorrowing over and soothing the ills of suffering humanity! Oh, marvelous power thus displayed to the children of men! Who can doubt the message of salvation? Who can slight the mercies of a compassionate Redeemer?
How many of us today have received His grace, yet fail to share it with those who are seeking truth? Even among the Jews today are a multitude who are open to the truth we have been given. As the world continues to sink into sin, we can be a blessing to so very many. On this very day when much of the world is celebrating the birth of Jesus, have we repeated the wonderful story of His birth, life, and death?
Let us take advantage of our opportunity to talk about His wonderful love!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: Philip T on December 25, 2023, 09:23:59 AM
The work of Christ in cleansing the leper from his terrible disease is an illustration of His work in cleansing the soul from sin. The man who came to Jesus was "full of leprosy." Its deadly poison permeated his whole body. The disciples sought to prevent their Master from touching him; for he who touched a leper became himself unclean. But in laying His hand upon the leper, Jesus received no defilement. His touch imparted life-giving power. The leprosy was cleansed. Thus it is with the leprosy of sin,--deep-rooted, deadly, and impossible to be cleansed by human power. "The whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint. From the sole of the foot even unto the head there is no soundness in it; but wounds, and bruises, and putrefying sores." Isaiah 1:5, 6. But Jesus, coming to dwell in humanity, receives no pollution. His presence has healing virtue for the sinner. Whoever will fall at His feet, saying in faith, "Lord, if Thou wilt, Thou canst make me clean," shall hear the answer, "I will; be thou made clean." Matthew 8:2, 3, R. V.
Oh, the joy and peace of having Jesus as our savior. Taking on human form and living among humanity and all it's sins did not taint Him, He lived a sinless life, and because of this sacrifice, and then death and resurrection. We can fall at His feet confessing all our sins and he will forgive them purging us of them. ONLY Jesus can make us clean.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: Beacon on March 19, 2024, 08:34:27 PM
"The man who came to Jesus was "full of leprosy. Its deadly poison permeated his whole body."
"The disciples sought to prevent their Master from touching him; for he who touched a leper became himself unclean. But in laying His hand upon the leper, Jesus received no defilement."
"His touch imparted life-giving power. The leprosy was cleansed."
"Thus it is with the leprosy of sin,--deep-rooted, deadly, and impossible to be cleansed by human power. "The whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint. From the sole of the foot even unto the head there is no soundness in it; but wounds, and bruises, and putrefying sores." Isaiah 1:5, 6."
"But Jesus, coming to dwell in humanity, receives no pollution."
"His presence has healing virtue for the sinner."
"Whoever will fall at His feet, saying in faith, "Lord, if Thou wilt, Thou canst make me clean," shall hear the answer, "I will; be thou made clean. Matthew 8:2,3" Are "YOU" willing to come to Jesus and be cleansed?? Why not accept His Gracious Offer while probationary time is still being given to planet earth for a little while longer. =================================1 Come, every soul by sin oppressed, There’s mercy with the Lord; And He will surely give you rest By trusting in His Word. Only trust Him! Only trust Him! Only trust Him now! He will save you! He will save you! He will save you now! 2 For Jesus shed His precious blood Rich blessings to bestow; Plunge now into the crimson flood That washeth white as snow. 3 Yes, Jesus is the Truth, the Way, That leads you into rest; Believe in Him without delay, And you are fully blest. 4 Come then, and join the holy band, And on to glory go; In Christ’s redemption take your stand, And all His goodness know.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on March 20, 2024, 06:00:16 AM
Amen, Brother Beacon!
Just take it in as it really is--the goodness and power of Jesus is sufficient to cure and save! Just as surely as He healed the paralytic and forgave his sins, He can forgive our sins, taking them away, giving us a new heart imbued with all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing, and thus enabling us to walk the new life of faith that works by love in true obedience to God's commandments! There is such joy and satisfaction in waking in harmony with Jesus in true holiness!
"The paralytic found in Christ healing for both the soul and the body. The spiritual healing was followed by physical restoration. This lesson should not be overlooked. There are today thousands suffering from physical disease, who, like the paralytic, are longing for the message, 'Thy sins are forgiven.' The burden of sin, with its unrest and unsatisfied desires, is the foundation of their maladies. They can find no relief until they come to the Healer of the soul. The peace which He alone can give, would impart vigor to the mind, and health to the body." {The Desire of Ages, page 270, paragraph 1}
When we are fully surrendered to Jesus, our lives breathe of His loveliness of character in some degree, which keeps getting brighter as we walk where His Spirit leads! There is such freedom in true obedience to God because the Holy Spirit satisfies our deepest soul need to know we are children of God, giving us courage to fulfill the great commission to take the everlasting gospel to the whole world before Jesus comes!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: Beacon on June 14, 2024, 05:34:11 PM
"The man who came to Jesus was "full of leprosy."
"Its deadly poison permeated his whole body."
"The disciples sought to prevent their Master from touching him; for he who touched a leper became himself unclean. But in laying His hand upon the leper, Jesus received no defilement."
"His touch imparted life-giving power. The leprosy was cleansed."
"Thus it is with the leprosy of sin,--deep-rooted, deadly, and impossible to be cleansed by human power."
"The whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint. From the sole of the foot even unto the head there is no soundness in it; but wounds, and bruises, and putrefying sores." Isaiah 1:5, 6.
"But Jesus, coming to dwell in humanity, receives no pollution.
" His presence has healing virtue for the sinner."
"Whoever will fall at His feet, saying in faith, "Lord, if Thou wilt, Thou canst make me clean," shall hear the answer, "I will; be thou made clean." Matthew 8:2, 3, R. V."
What an amazing promise is found in the above passage.! When troubles come and test "Our Faith" to whom do we turn first?? It should be "Jesus" should it not!!
============================
1 Come, every soul by sin oppressed, There’s mercy with the Lord; And He will surely give you rest By trusting in His Word. Only trust Him! Only trust Him! Only trust Him now! He will save you! He will save you! He will save you now! 2 For Jesus shed His precious blood Rich blessings to bestow; Plunge now into the crimson flood That washeth white as snow. 3 Yes, Jesus is the Truth, the Way, That leads you into rest; Believe in Him without delay, And you are fully blest. 4 Come then, and join the holy band, And on to glory go; In Christ’s redemption take your stand, And all His goodness know.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: Beacon on June 14, 2024, 08:03:25 PM
"The man who came to Jesus was "full of leprosy. Its deadly poison permeated his whole body."
"The disciples sought to prevent their Master from touching him; for he who touched a leper became himself unclean. But in laying His hand upon the leper, Jesus received no defilement."
"His touch imparted life-giving power. The leprosy was cleansed."
"Thus it is with the leprosy of sin,--deep-rooted, deadly, and impossible to be cleansed by human power."
"The whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint. From the sole of the foot even unto the head there is no soundness in it; but wounds, and bruises, and putrefying sores." Isaiah 1:5, 6.
"But Jesus, coming to dwell in humanity, receives no pollution.
"His presence has healing virtue for the sinner."
"Whoever will fall at His feet, saying in faith, "Lord, if Thou wilt, Thou canst make me clean," shall hear the answer, "I will; be thou made clean." Matthew 8:2, 3, R. V."
What an amazing promise is found in the above passage.! When troubles come and test "Our Faith" to whom do we turn first?? It should be "Jesus" should it not!!
============================ 1 Come, every soul by sin oppressed, There’s mercy with the Lord; And He will surely give you rest By trusting in His Word. Only trust Him! Only trust Him! Only trust Him now! He will save you! He will save you! He will save you now! 2 For Jesus shed His precious blood Rich blessings to bestow; Plunge now into the crimson flood That washeth white as snow. 3 Yes, Jesus is the Truth, the Way, That leads you into rest; Believe in Him without delay, And you are fully blest. 4 Come then, and join the holy band, And on to glory go; In Christ’s redemption take your stand, And all His goodness know.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: Richard Myers on June 15, 2024, 03:57:29 AM
Amen Brother Beacon! And God does not wait to answer such a prayer. When Saul prayed "O wretched man that I am, who will deliver me from this body of death?" Jesus revealed Himself to him on the road to Damascus!
In some instances of healing, Jesus did not at once grant the blessing sought. But in the case of leprosy, no sooner was the appeal made than it was granted. When we pray for earthly blessings, the answer to our prayer may be delayed, or God may give us something other than we ask, but not so when we ask for deliverance from sin. It is His will to cleanse us from sin, to make us His children, and to enable us to live a holy life. Christ "gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father." Galatians 1:4. And "this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He heareth us: and if we know that He hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him." 1 John 5:14, 15. "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: Dorine on June 15, 2024, 05:38:14 AM
"Jesus came to "destroy the works of the devil." "In Him was life," and He says, "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." He is "a quickening spirit." 1 John 3:8; John 1:4; 10:10; 1 Corinthians 15:45. And He still has the same life-giving power as when on earth He healed the sick, and spoke forgiveness to the sinner. He "forgiveth all thine iniquities," He "healeth all thy diseases." Psalm 103:3."
God has given us the laws of health to keep us from disease and suffering. We may not see instant healing like in the stories in this chapter but there are wonderful testimonies by those who have incorporated them into their daily lives. If followed relief can be experienced within days and even hours. The most important component of these laws is trust in divine power. 1. Trust in God brings new vigor to the soul and allows the Holy Spirit to bring about spiritual and physical healing. 2. Good nutrition (without the use of animal products) 3. Fresh air 4. Water inside and out 5. Adequate sunshine 6. Exercise 7. Temperance (discarding anything harmful and moderation in all that is good) 8. Adequate rest
And it's all FREE.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on June 16, 2024, 01:49:36 AM
Amen, Brother Beacon, Brother Richard, and Sister Dorine!
Can you imagine being a leper? Well, we have a condition worse--and that is sin. But Jesus can heal lepers as well as cure and cleanse sinners! There is nothing too hard for the Lord!
"In the region of Christ's ministry, there were many of these sufferers, and the news of His work reached them, kindling a gleam of hope. But since the days of Elisha the prophet, such a thing had never been known as the cleansing of one upon whom this disease had fastened. They dared not expect Jesus to do for them what He had never done for any man. There was one, however, in whose heart faith began to spring up. Yet the man knew not how to reach Jesus. Debarred as he was from contact with his fellow men, how could he present himself to the Healer? And he questioned if Christ would heal him. Would He stoop to notice one believed to be suffering under the judgment of God? Would He not, like the Pharisees, and even the physicians, pronounce a curse upon him, and warn him to flee from the haunts of men? He thought of all that had been told him of Jesus. Not one who had sought His help had been turned away. The wretched man determined to find the Saviour. Though shut out from the cities, it might be that he could cross His path in some byway along the mountain roads, or find Him as He was teaching outside the towns. The difficulties were great, but this was his only hope." {The Desire of Ages, page 262, paragraph 3}
When we realize that Jesus really is our ONLY HOPE for salvation, our priorities shift. Moved by the love of God and what we know of Him to be true, we become willing to come, just like the leper who was willing to go to Jesus. God is wooing us to be saved to the uttermost by grace through the faith of Jesus which brings us into holy harmony with God's law of love! As we are fully converted in a whole-heart surrender and healed from the leprosy of sin, we can keep testifying of His loveliness of character and pointing others to Him! All of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing will flow forth from a life that lives by faith on Christ as a personal Savior from sin and its defiling, unsatisfied desires. Jesus satisfies us like no one else ever can, for He made us and knows what is best for us!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on September 10, 2024, 06:21:32 AM
If He did it in the beginning, He can do it again! Just as surely as Jesus can create a human being from the dust, He can restore the life that has been marred by sin. By beholding His loveliness, yielding the whole heart to Him in humble faith, and accepting the Holy Spirit into the life, we can become new creatures in Christ Jesus!
"It required nothing less than creative power to restore health to that decaying body. The same voice that spoke life to man created from the dust of the earth had spoken life to the dying paralytic. And the same power that gave life to the body had renewed the heart. He who at the creation 'spake, and it was,' who 'commanded, and it stood fast,' (Psalm 33:9), had spoken life to the soul dead in trespasses and sins. The healing of the body was an evidence of the power that had renewed the heart. Christ bade the paralytic arise and walk, 'that ye may know,' He said, 'that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins.'" {The Desire of Ages, page 269, paragraph 5}
The miracle of a truly converted life is revealed as all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing are flowing in the life and character to bless others! And it is not just about being converted ourselves and understanding the truth, but we are to share with others, who will share with others faithfully, who can in turn share with others! "And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also" (2 Timothy 2:2). Are you willing to let God use you to teach others, who will teach others, who will teach others, and help make many more disciples? Jesus is coming soon! Oh, how He longs to see an active disciple-making movement going to reach all the peoples of the world! That is what spiritual life is all about--living to bless others!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: Beacon on September 10, 2024, 11:13:30 AM
"When we pray for earthly blessings, the answer to our prayer may be delayed, or God may give us something other than we ask."
"But not so when we ask for deliverance from sin."
"It is His will to cleanse us from sin, to make us His children, and to enable us to live a holy life."
"Christ "gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father." "
"Galatians 1:4.And "this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He heareth us: and if we know that He hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him." 1 John 5:14, 15. "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9."
What wonderful promises Jesus has given to "US" Are "WE" willing to Trust & Obey?
===================== 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.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: Philip T on September 10, 2024, 06:05:44 PM
Oh, wondrous love of Christ, stooping to heal the guilty and the afflicted! Divinity sorrowing over and soothing the ills of suffering humanity! Oh, marvelous power thus displayed to the children of men! Who can doubt the message of salvation? Who can slight the mercies of a compassionate Redeemer?
In the miracles read today we see the unmeasurable love of Jesus for sinful and fallen man. It is hard to understand an all-powerful God, being willing to not only heal us physically, but mourn even more over our sinful state and being willing to immediately forgive us our sins as soon as we ask. Oh, the love of Jesus for us. It makes it hard to understand why doubt enters our hearts, we should know and cling to the promises of God.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: Richard Myers on September 10, 2024, 09:43:31 PM
Amen my dear friends!!
In some instances of healing, Jesus did not at once grant the blessing sought. But in the case of leprosy, no sooner was the appeal made than it was granted. When we pray for earthly blessings, the answer to our prayer may be delayed, or God may give us something other than we ask, but not so when we ask for deliverance from sin. It is His will to cleanse us from sin, to make us His children, and to enable us to live a holy life. Christ "gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father." Galatians 1:4. And "this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He heareth us: and if we know that He hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him." 1 John 5:14, 15. "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9. DA 266.
Knowing this, when did Saul pray "O wretched man that I am, who will deliver me from the body of this death?"
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: Beacon on December 05, 2024, 08:40:05 PM
"Since the days of Elisha the prophet, such a thing had never been known as the cleansing of one upon whom this disease had fastened."
"They dared not expect Jesus to do for them what He had never done for any man." "
"There was one, however, in whose heart faith began to spring up. Yet the man knew not how to reach Jesus."
"Debarred as he was from contact with his fellow men, how could he present himself to the Healer? And he questioned if Christ would heal him." "
"Would He stoop to notice one believed to be suffering under the judgment of God?"
"Would He not, like the Pharisees, and even the physicians, pronounce a curse upon him, and warn him to flee from the haunts of men?
"He thought of all that had been told him of Jesus. Not one who had sought His help had been turned away. The wretched man determined to find the Saviour." "
"Though shut out from the cities, it might be that he could cross His path in some byway along the mountain roads, or find Him as He was teaching outside the towns."
"The difficulties were great, but this was his only hope."
When all earthly support and hope seems to vanish like the vapor of a cloud in the sky this man did not give up!! His faith was rewarded. "WE" must remembers the words of Jesus who said...Come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy hearted and I will give you rest. Are "WE" willing to Trust Jesus??
======================= 1 O soul, are you weary and troubled? No light in the darkness you see? There’s light for a look at the Savior, And life more abundant and free.
Turn your eyes upon Jesus, Look full in His wonderful face, And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, In the light of His glory and grace. 2 Through death into life everlasting He passed, and we follow Him there; O’er us sin no more hath dominion For more than conqu’rors we are! 3 His Word shall not fail you, He promised; Believe Him and all will be well; Then go to a world that is dying, His perfect salvation to tell!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: Dorine on December 06, 2024, 04:48:16 AM
Then he who had been borne on a litter to Jesus rises to his feet with the elasticity and strength of youth. The life-giving blood bounds through his veins. Every organ of his body springs into sudden activity. The glow of health succeeds the pallor of approaching death. "And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all; insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion."
Oh, wondrous love of Christ, stooping to heal the guilty and the afflicted! Divinity sorrowing over and soothing the ills of suffering humanity! Oh, marvelous power thus displayed to the children of men! Who can doubt the message of salvation? Who can slight the mercies of a compassionate Redeemer?
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: JimB on December 06, 2024, 05:14:26 AM
It required nothing less than creative power to restore health to that decaying body. The same voice that spoke life to man created from the dust of the earth had spoken life to the dying paralytic. And the same power that gave life to the body had renewed the heart. He who at the creation "spake, and it was," who "commanded, and it stood fast," (Psalm 33:9), had spoken life to the soul dead in trespasses and sins. The healing of the body was an evidence of the power that had renewed the heart. Christ bade the paralytic arise and walk, "that ye may know," He said, "that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins."
What a God we serve! Ready to heal and to forgive!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: Richard Myers on December 06, 2024, 06:33:06 AM
Amen my dear brothers and sister! Healing of the body is tied directly to healing of the heart. What a God we serve!
Oh, wondrous love of Christ, stooping to heal the guilty and the afflicted! Divinity sorrowing over and soothing the ills of suffering humanity! Oh, marvelous power thus displayed to the children of men! Who can doubt the message of salvation? Who can slight the mercies of a compassionate Redeemer?......The paralytic found in Christ healing for both the soul and the body. The spiritual healing was followed by physical restoration. This lesson should not be overlooked. There are today thousands suffering from physical disease, who, like the paralytic, are longing for the message, "Thy sins are forgiven." The burden of sin, with its unrest and unsatisfied desires, is the foundation of their maladies. They can find no relief until they come to the Healer of the soul. The peace which He alone can give, would impart vigor to the mind, and health to the body. Jesus came to "destroy the works of the devil." "In Him was life," and He says, "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." He is "a quickening spirit." 1 John 3:8; John 1:4; 10:10; 1 Corinthians 15:45. And He still has the same life-giving power as when on earth He healed the sick, and spoke forgiveness to the sinner. He "forgiveth all thine iniquities," He "healeth all thy diseases." Psalm 103:3.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on December 06, 2024, 12:23:22 PM
Amen, Brother Beacon, Sister Dorine, Brother Jim, and Brother Richard!
Let us learn to trust how God answers our prayers--for forgiveness and cleansing from sin, it is immediate! But in other areas, let us believe that He knows what is best and will grant us what is ideal in His great loving plan!
“In some instances of healing, Jesus did not at once grant the blessing sought. But in the case of leprosy, no sooner was the appeal made than it was granted. When we pray for earthly blessings, the answer to our prayer may be delayed, or God may give us something other than we ask, but not so when we ask for deliverance from sin. It is His will to cleanse us from sin, to make us His children, and to enable us to live a holy life. Christ ‘gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father.’ Galatians 1:4. And ‘this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He heareth us: and if we know that He hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him.’ 1 John 5:14, 15. ‘If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.’ 1 John 1:9.” {The Desire of Ages, page 266, paragraph 2}
As a result of coming into a fully surrendered converted relationship with Christ, all of the fruits of the Spirit will be seen in our lives without one missing. He thus makes possible for us to consistently obey God’s law of love from the heart!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: Beacon on March 02, 2025, 08:01:44 PM
"When we pray for earthly blessings, the answer to our prayer may be delayed, or God may give us something other than we ask, but not so when we ask for deliverance from sin."
"It is His will to cleanse us from sin, to make us His children, and to enable us to live a holy life. Christ ‘gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father.’"
"Galatians 1:4. And ‘this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He heareth us: and if we know that He hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him.’ 1 John 5:14, 15. ‘If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.’ 1 John 1:9.”[/color]
Isn't it joyful to know that Jesus wants each one of us to be with Him in Heaven & in the New Earth?? For all eternity to come. Praise His Holy Name.
====================
1 More about Jesus would I know, More of His grace to others show; More of His saving fulness see, More of His love who died for me.
More, more about Jesus, More, more about Jesus; More of His saving fulness see, More of His love who died for me. 2 More about Jesus let me learn, More of His holy will discern; Spirit of God my teacher be, Showing the things of Christ to me. 3 More about Jesus; in His Word, Holding communion with my Lord; Hearing His voice in every line, Making each faithful saying mine. 4 More about Jesus; on His throne, Riches in glory all His own; More of His kingdom’s sure increase; More of His coming, Prince of Peace.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: JimB on March 03, 2025, 04:35:17 AM
Standing afar off, the leper catches a few words from the Saviour's lips. He sees Him laying His hands upon the sick. He sees the lame, the blind, the paralytic, and those dying of various maladies rise up in health, praising God for their deliverance. Faith strengthens in his heart. He draws nearer and yet nearer to the gathered throng. The restrictions laid upon him, the safety of the people, and the fear with which all men regard him are forgotten. He thinks only of the blessed hope of healing. He is a loathsome spectacle. The disease has made frightful inroads, and his decaying body is horrible to look upon. At sight of him the people fall back in terror. They crowd upon one another in their eagerness to escape from contact with him. Some try to prevent him from approaching Jesus, but in vain. He neither sees nor hears them. Their expressions of loathing are lost upon him. He sees only the Son of God. He hears only the voice that speaks life to the dying. Pressing to Jesus, he casts himself at His feet with the cry, "Lord, if Thou wilt, Thou canst make me clean."
This is a good example of why I'm more-or-less convinced that its hard to have a truly repentant heart until we realize the wretchedness of sin and its results and how offensive it is. Its not until then that we truly desire a remedy. Then looking around and seeing where others have found true healing that we seek Christ out to apply the remedy to us personally.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: Richard Myers on March 03, 2025, 07:57:38 AM
Amen my dear brothers! Today's reading reveals God great desire to heal us from sin. This is the most important prayer we ever can pray. Christ came to this dark spot that we might be cleansed from sin.
In some instances of healing, Jesus did not at once grant the blessing sought. But in the case of leprosy, no sooner was the appeal made than it was granted. When we pray for earthly blessings, the answer to our prayer may be delayed, or God may give us something other than we ask, but not so when we ask for deliverance from sin. It is His will to cleanse us from sin, to make us His children, and to enable us to live a holy life. Christ "gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father." Galatians 1:4. And "this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He heareth us: and if we know that He hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him." 1 John 5:14, 15. "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9.
Yes, Jesus came to save us from sin. How many truly believe we can live a holy life? Why? The sin and ruin of a nation was due to their religious leaders. We must study for ourselves. Do not keep going to others to find out what God has said. Today God tells us that if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on March 03, 2025, 12:21:05 PM
Praise the Lord, Brother Beacon, Brother Jim and Brother Richard!
Tomorrow my wife Joella and I leave, Lord willing, for Papua New Guinea to go forward in faith to ministry to the Ama tribe!
What an amazing Savior we have in Jesus!
Jesus CAN make us whole!!
God loves to restore our lives as we trust fully in Christ! All of the fruits of the Spirit will be revealed in our lives as we walk by faith in His word and rely on His promises in full-heart surrender to Christ!
"In the home of the healed paralytic there was great rejoicing when he returned to his family, carrying with ease the couch upon which he had been slowly borne from their presence but a short time before. They gathered round with tears of joy, scarcely daring to believe their eyes. He stood before them in the full vigor of manhood. Those arms that they had seen lifeless were quick to obey his will. The flesh that had been shrunken and leaden-hued was now fresh and ruddy. He walked with a firm, free step. Joy and hope were written in every lineament of his countenance; and an expression of purity and peace had taken the place of the marks of sin and suffering. Glad thanksgiving went up from that home, and God was glorified through His Son, who had restored hope to the hopeless, and strength to the stricken one. This man and his family were ready to lay down their lives for Jesus. No doubt dimmed their faith, no unbelief marred their fealty to Him who had brought light into their darkened home." {The Desire of Ages, page 271, paragraph 2}
What a joyful experience we can have with Christ as we walk in harmony with Him in the joy of divine communion!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: Richard Myers on March 04, 2025, 07:19:42 AM
Praise God!!! We will be praying that God's blessing rests upon your ministry to the Ama people! Keep us informed as God blesses your work! Pastor Sean and Joella in Papua New Guinea (https://remnant-online.com/smf/index.php?topic=20110.msg212364#msg212364)
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: Dorine on March 06, 2025, 02:16:24 PM
Pastor Sean we are lifting you up in prayer and will continue to do so each and every day. May God's blessings go with you as you share Jesus with these precious souls.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: Richard Myers on May 29, 2025, 01:44:26 AM
Can Jesus re-create sinners into His image? Or do we have filthy garments until Jesus comes?
It required nothing less than creative power to restore health to that decaying body. The same voice that spoke life to man created from the dust of the earth had spoken life to the dying paralytic. And the same power that gave life to the body had renewed the heart. He who at the creation "spake, and it was," who "commanded, and it stood fast," (Psalm 33:9), had spoken life to the soul dead in trespasses and sins. The healing of the body was an evidence of the power that had renewed the heart. Christ bade the paralytic arise and walk, "that ye may know," He said, "that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins."
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: JimB on August 22, 2025, 04:11:38 AM
And the friends who reported these things encouraged him to believe that he too might be cured if he could be carried to Jesus.
What good friends this man had. We also can be friends to someone around us who is or are suffering. Let us encourage others to believe in Jesus!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--27--"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
Post by: Richard Myers on August 22, 2025, 04:15:46 AM
Amen Brother Jim. We are to take the gospel of grace to the whole world. What a message we have to share. If we will surrender the whole heart to Christ, He will cleanse it whiter than fresh fallen snow. His righteousness not only stands in place of our past sins and unknown sins, He will impart His character to all repentant sinners. The power of Christ in healing the body from disease and sin is in the world today as it was when He healed the paralytic at Capernaum.
In some instances of healing, Jesus did not at once grant the blessing sought. But in the case of leprosy, no sooner was the appeal made than it was granted. When we pray for earthly blessings, the answer to our prayer may be delayed, or God may give us something other than we ask, but not so when we ask for deliverance from sin. It is His will to cleanse us from sin, to make us His children, and to enable us to live a holy life. Christ "gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father." Galatians 1:4. And "this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He heareth us: and if we know that He hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him." 1 John 5:14, 15. "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9.
An example of this immediate transformation can be seen in the life of Saul of Tarsus who on his way to Damascus to round up Christians was converted when asking "who shall deliver me from the body of this death?" Conversion is the end of a long process of wooing by the Holy Spirit. Saul had come to the end of his sinful life, he would do anything to be set free from sin. He found that it was impossible for him to be set free from the captivity of sin which was within his flesh. He saw that he was miserable and wretched. He was no longer blind to his lost condition. In answer to his prayer as to who would deliver him from his sin, Jesus revealed Himself and renewed his heart. He found Him who was the King of Kings and the Savior of all who seek to be set free from the law of sin and death.