Love Stronger than Death

Love Stronger than Death

Christ has shown that His love was stronger than death. He was accomplishing man's salvation; and although He had the most fearful conflict with the powers of darkness, yet, amid it all, His love grew stronger and stronger. He endured the hiding of His Father's countenance, until He was led to exclaim in the bitterness of His soul: “My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?” Matthew 27:46. His arm brought salvation. The price was paid to purchase the redemption of man, when, in the last soul struggle, the blessed words were uttered which seemed to resound through creation: “It is finished.”

Many who profess to be Christians become excited over worldly enterprises, and their interest is awakened for new and exciting amusements, while they are coldhearted, and appear as if frozen, in the cause of God. Here is a theme, poor formalist, which is of sufficient importance to excite you. Eternal interests are here involved. Upon this theme it is sin to be calm and unimpassioned. The scenes of Calvary call for the deepest emotion. Upon this subject you will be excusable if you manifest enthusiasm. That Christ, so excellent, so innocent, should suffer such a painful death, bearing the weight of the sins of the world, our thoughts and imaginations can never fully comprehend. The length, the breadth, the height, the depth, of such amazing love we cannot fathom. The contemplation of the matchless depths of a Saviour's love should fill the mind, touch and melt the soul, refine and elevate the affections, and completely transform the whole character. The language of the apostle is: “I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.” 1 Corinthians 2:2. We also may look toward Calvary and exclaim: “God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.” Galatians 6:14.

Considering at what an immense cost our salvation has been purchased, what will be the fate of those who neglect so great salvation? What will be the punishment of those who profess to be followers of Christ, yet fail to bow in humble obedience to the claims of their Redeemer, and who do not take the cross as humble disciples of Christ and follow Him from the manger to Calvary? “He that gathereth not with Me,” says Christ, “scattereth abroad.” Matthew 12:30.

 

Testimony Treasures, vol 1, pp. 231,232.

The Creator Incarnate

The Creator Incarnate, February 11

And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory. 1 Timothy 3:16.

The incarnation of Christ is the mystery of all mysteries.

Christ was one with the Father, yet ... He was willing to step down from the exaltation of one who was equal with God.

That He might accomplish His purpose of love for the fallen race, He became bone of our bone and flesh of our flesh.

How wide is the contrast between the divinity of Christ and the helpless infant in Bethlehem's manger! How can we span the distance between the mighty God and a helpless child? And yet the Creator of worlds, He in whom was the fullness of the Godhead bodily, was manifest in the helpless babe in the manger. Far higher than any of the angels, equal with the Father in dignity and glory, and yet wearing the garb of humanity! Divinity and humanity were mysteriously combined, and man and God became one.

It would have been an almost infinite humiliation for the Son of God to take man's nature, even when Adam stood in his innocence in Eden. But Jesus accepted humanity when the race had been weakened by four thousand years of sin. Like every child of Adam He accepted the results of the working of the great law of heredity. What these results were is shown in the history of His earthly ancestors. He came with such a heredity to share our sorrows and temptations, and to give us the example of a sinless life.

Those who claim that it was not possible for Christ to sin, cannot believe that He really took upon Himself human nature. But was not Christ actually tempted, not only by Satan in the wilderness, but all through His life, from childhood to manhood?

Our Saviour took humanity, with all its liabilities. He took the nature of man, with the possibility of yielding to temptation. We have nothing to bear which He has not endured.

The Faith I Live By,  p.48.

Feastkeeping

This is an error of the last days. It is an insult to Heaven to return to the ceremonies and symbols which the great anti-type has done away.


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The Jewish system was symbolical, and was to continue until the perfect Offering should take the place of the figurative. .... The extent of the terrible consequences of sin could never have been known, had not the remedy provided been of infinite value. The salvation of fallen man was procured at such an immense cost that angels marveled, and could not fully comprehend the divine mystery that the Majesty of Heaven, equal with God, should die for the rebellious race. [2SP] p. 11, Para. 1.

At the crucifixion, as JESUS died on Calvary, he cried, It is finished, and the vail of the temple was rent in twain, from the top to the bottom. This was to show that the services of the earthly Sanctuary were forever finished, and that GOD would no more meet with them in their earthly temple, to accept their sacrifices. [GC58] p. 161, Para. 1.

Some are constantly trying to separate the sacrifices from the feasts for the purpose of preaching the “keeping” of the feast days. Why? Because only at Jerusalem at a special spot, in the providence of God controlled by non-Jews, is the place a sacrifice can be made. Even the Jews await the day that spot will be given into their control.

Therefore, something must be done to get past the difficulty. So they just try to separate the sacrifices from the feasts to facilitate a Satanic delusion.


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'Campus Crusade For Christ' Out, 'Cru' In

First Posted: 7/20/11 05:30 PM ET Updated: 7/21/11 02:51 PM ET

By Adelle M. Banks
c. 2011 Religion News Service

(RNS) Campus Crusade for Christ is out. "Cru" is in.

The 60-year-old evangelical ministry announced its new name at a staff conference in Fort Collins, Colo., on Tuesday (July 19), saying the old name had become problematic.

"We've been having issues with two words in the name -- campus and crusade," said Steve Sellers, a vice president who oversees the ministry's U.S. operations, in an interview.

Though the Orlando, Fla.-based organization began on campuses in 1951, it has expanded to more than two dozen ministries focused on topics such as families, athletes, the military and inner cities.

When Campus Crusade was founded by the late Bill Bright and his wife Vonette, the word "crusade" typically referred to the large, stadium events held by evangelists like Billy Graham.

"In today's culture it carries more weight in terms of its historic meaning," Sellers said, with people thinking "more to the days of the Crusaders and dealing with the Middle East as opposed to a positive use of the word."

Cru isn't the only religious organization that has moved away from "crusade." Wheaton College, Graham's alma mater in Illinois, changed its mascot from Crusaders to Thunder in 2000. Graham's son Franklin leads "festivals" instead of crusades, and his grandson Will holds "celebrations."

Most recently, Crusader Lutheran Church in Rockville, Md., changed its name to Living Faith Lutheran Church out of concern that the old name had "militaristic" and "non-Christian" overtones.

Sellers said the Crusade-to-Cru change is part of that trend.

"We don't want the words that we use to get in the way of the message that we have," he said.

In a Frequently Asked Questions feature on its website, the ministry explained why leaders also opted to take the word "Christ" out of its title.

"Cru enables us to have discussions about Christ with people who might initially be turned off by a more overtly Christian name," the response read. "We believe that our interaction and our communication with the world will be what ultimately honors and glorifies Christ."

During the extensive renaming process, Sellers said researchers found that 9 percent of Christians, and 20 percent of non-Christians, were turned off by the original name. A total of 1,600 alternatives were considered.

The name Cru -- already used on many U.S. college campuses -- will be used throughout the United States. Most of the international ministries affiliated with Cru use a name other than Campus Crusade for Christ. Its Canadian affiliate is called Power to Change and European ministries use the name Agape.

Sellers said the name of the umbrella organization, Campus Crusade for Christ International, will still be used for now. The global organization includes more than 25,000 full-time and part-time people in 191 countries.

"From the beginning, Bill (Bright) was open to changing our name. He never felt it was set in stone. In fact, he actually considered changing the name 20 or 25 years ago," said Vonette Bright said in a statement. "We want to remove any obstacle to people hearing about the most important person who ever lived -- Jesus Christ."

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USA Today cites Seventh-day Adventist in Easter dispute

April 14th, 2011 3:07 pm ET .

Adam Hendron

Seventh-day Adventist Examiner.

As to whether Jesus was really in the grave for three days, columnist Daniel Burke quoted a scholar from the SDA Biblical Research Institute, yesterday. “Ancient Jews,” said Clinton Wahlen, “used what scholars call ‘inclusive reckoning,’ meaning any part of a day is counted as a whole day.” It’s that simple, according to the Church.

The article goes on to cite others, however, complicating the matter considerably. Indeed it seems this may have been the author’s purpose, making a general mockery of the matter. Especially in the comments section, Jesus is crucified as before.

At issue is the consistency of Scripture, which if found untrustworthy, would give men a license to sin. Carnal minds are only too eager for such an excuse, and no amount of reasoning, it seems, will persuade them. Because the Bible indicates that Jesus died Friday afternoon and arose early Sunday morning, some argue that it was not technically the “three days” that Jesus predicted in Matthew 12:40. But in chapter 17 and verse 23 of that same book, Jesus says “the third day he shall be raised.” This allows that the Lord could arise at any time during that last day, coming short of a full 72 hours. There now, are we happy?

Passion weekend is a favorite theme for Seventh-day Adventists, as it affirms their day of assembly. Scripture says of Christ’s followers, “in the morning the first day of the week, they came unto the sepulcher,” Mark 16:2. Since Sunday is held to be the first day of the week, it shows Saturday to be the true day of rest and worship. “The seventh day is the Sabbath” Exodus 20:10.

Notwithstanding the gainsaying of others, Seventh-day Adventists believe the Bible is clear enough on this subject. Moreover, they believe God supplied the prophet Ellen White—a “lesser light”—to underscore the greater light of Scripture. In vision, White beheld Christ's Passion. Not from historical writings, but as an eyewitness, she confirms what we call "crucifixion Friday" on the sixth day of the week, Saturday on the seventh, and "resurrection Sunday" the first.* …For what it’s worth.

*Ellen White references: In Heavenly Places, p. 151. The Story of Jesus, p.157. Counsels to Editors and Teachers, p. 85. Fourth Manuscripts Release, p. 288. Fifth Biographical Sketches, p. 330. Gospel Workers, p. 391. Last Day Events, pp. 127, 133 & 256. Maranatha, p. 178.

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They loved not their lives unto the death.

And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.

And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.

Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.

Revelation 12:10-12.

Jesus is Lord!

25Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene.

26When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son!

27Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home.

28After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst.

29Now there was set a vessel full of vinegar: and they filled a spunge with vinegar, and put it upon hyssop, and put it to his mouth.

30When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.

31The Jews therefore, because it was the preparation, that the bodies should not remain upon the cross on the sabbath day, (for that sabbath day was an high day,) besought Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away.

32Then came the soldiers, and brake the legs of the first, and of the other which was crucified with him.

33But when they came to Jesus, and saw that he was dead already, they brake not his legs:

34But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water.

35And he that saw it bare record, and his record is true: and he knoweth that he saith true, that ye might believe.

John 19: 25-35.

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24This is the disciple which testifieth of these things, and wrote these things: and we know that his testimony is true.

25And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen.

John 21: 24,25.

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Brethren and friends, there are many today that say that Jesus was a holy man, a prophet; But, I remind you that he was both those things, and The Son of God; The Redeemer - Messiah of mankind, something that the ones that claim the previous attributes refuse to acknowlege. He died on the cross to redeem all of mankind from their sins. Did Muhammad die for humanity? Did Gotama Buddah die for mankind? Did Vishnu or Krishna die for all people? Did Confucius die for you or I?

Did Guru Nanak Dev die for everybody?

Did Guan Yu or Zhuangzi?

Did Izanagi-no-Mikoto or Izanami-no-Mikoto?

Did Bahá'u'lláh die for Humankind?

None of these died for every human being that has ever lived.

My fellow Westerners, how about Charles Taze Russell; Joseph Smith, Jr.; Mary Baker Eddy; L. Ron Hubbard; Did any of these people live and die for us all? The answer is quite simply, no! Only Jesus, The Christ was destined to save humanity from its fallen state. So, in spite of all the patronizing statements about Jesus, none dare call Him who He Is: The Savior, Lord of Lords, King of Kings, who died on a cross for us all, resurrected, then ascended above, and is now ministering in the Heavenly Sanctuary.

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13When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?

14And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets.

15He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?

16And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.

17And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.

Matthew 16:13-17

.Maranatha

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"But not during the Passover"

1And it came to pass, when Jesus had finished all these sayings, he said unto his disciples,

2Ye know that after two days is the feast of the passover, and the Son of man is betrayed to be crucified.

3Then assembled together the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders of the people, unto the palace of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas,

4And consulted that they might take Jesus by subtilty, and kill him.

5But they said, Not on the feast day, lest there be an uproar among the people.

Matthew 26:1-5.

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The Path of Grace and Service

I WAS BORN IN A HOUSE, NOT A HOSPITAL. THE HOUSE WAS MADE BY MY grandfather, with none of today’s tools or technology. He cut the trees and sawed the wood with a handsaw, and put zinc on the roof of a love nest for his beloved wife, who bore 12 children in that humble home.

This past Christmas, memories of life when adults seemed like giants compelled me to take one last look and recall the sights and sounds of those early years. I took a quick visit to the cradle of my formative years with two aunts, an uncle, and my sister. We drove as close as we could to the barely accessible, muddy, slippery footpath on a hill located in St. Mary parish on my paradise island of Jamaica.

As we trudged through the overgrown paths and visited the homes of the few relatives who continue to live there, it was like stepping back in time. They still live dignified lives, using outhouses and red-stained floors polished by hand with coconut husks. I peered around, admiring formerly huge mango trees under which I once found shelter from rain and sun, now so diminished in my eyes that I could reach up and pluck their leaves effortlessly.

When my aunts talked about how loving and generous my grandparents were to others, and pointed out where they thought my grandfather was buried, I was almost overcome by a sense of gratitude. It suddenly dawned on me that it wasn’t shameful poverty but a passion for ministering to others that I inherited from him. It’s not where one is from but where one is going that matters most.

I have been blessed to see some of the most beautiful people and places in the world. I have hiked through Greek islands, gazed upon the ruins dedicated to the goddess Athena, walked where the apostle Paul spoke from the Areopagus, saying, “Men of Athens! I see that in every way you are very religious” (Acts 17:22).

I felt powerful feelings of fear mingled with excitement as I clung to my sister in the Eiffel Tower’s “eye of the needle” before the threat of terrorism closed it to tourists.

I’ve been dazzled by underground chambers decorated with fantastic shapes of stalactites and stalagmites alongside water-sculpted pillars reflected in watery mirrors in the Luray Caverns of Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley.

I have watched the stunning colors of a California sunset at the beginning of the Sabbath in Loma Linda, and I am mesmerized by the pristine beauty of giant icicles hanging like curtains from the roof of my new home in Michigan. But it was in that humble birthplace that I found peace from my past. My liberation also comes from the beauty of the earth, despite the ravages of sin that daily threaten to tear apart the world God created and loves so much.

Yet, nowhere and nothing surpasses the beauty of Jesus, especially His experience on the cross to save me and the rest of humanity. In Isaiah 53 the prophet vividly foretold that Jesus would be beaten, bruised, and bloodied during His cruel crucifixion.

So how can beauty, not shame, be seen in Christ’s crucifixion as a criminal? Brennan Manning provides an answer in his book Souvenirs of Solitude: Finding Rest in Abba’s Embrace: “His soul was ennobled by a dignity, suffused with a love that illuminated, transformed, and transfigured His suffering and death. This was the mightiest act of love ever to rise from a human soul. Surely the Crucifixion was a brutal, dehumanizing atrocity exteriorly, but it was beautiful because of the sentiments in Jesus’ soul–unwavering obedience to the glory of His Father and illimitable love for men.”

Nothing outranks the beauty that comes from the ashes of shame when one is healed from lifelong hurts by the suffering of Jesus (Isa. 53:5), forgiven by His sacrifice (Luke 23:34), and saved by His grace (Eph. 2:8). Broken, despairing, lonely, and desperate men and women need to hear this good news, and I have the privilege of teaching some of the next generation’s great preachers to share it.

Amazing grace, how sweet and beautiful!

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Hyveth Williams is a professor of homiletics at the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary in Berrien Springs, Michigan. This article was published March 11, 2010.

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Source: http://adventistreview.org/issue.php?issue=2010-1507&page=27

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The place of a skull

17And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha:

18Where they crucified him, and two other with him, on either side one, and Jesus in the midst.

John 19:17,18..

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