Category: Spiritual Nuggets

The Flesh Profiteth Nothing

Jul 7th, 2023

“the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
Matthew 26:41 KJV

As children of God, there is a particular way in which we should be living according to Scripture. We are called to be in the world but not of the world, children of obedience and not of disobedience, shining lights in a world full of darkness, witnesses for Christ Jesus. Our lives must be guided by the Holy Spirit, for it is He that will “guide us into all truth“, John 16:13 KJV.

However, we live in a world today, where the thought of overcoming the flesh and gaining victory is seldom preached from the pulpits today. Many “Christians” delight to live in sin, believing that Christ will save them in their sins, but the word of the Lord to Joseph was, “thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people FROM their sins.” Matthew 1:21 KJV. Christ came to save us from sin and to give us the power through Him, to overcome the fleshly, carnal nature, not to use His name in vain, calling ourselves His servants, yet not striving to gain the victory over the flesh.

“But as many as received Him, to them gave He power….”
John 1:12 KJV

Through Jesus, we have the power to become the children of God and as His children we are to be born again, not of the will of the flesh, but by the Spirit and by that same Spirit, we can be over comers.

Said Christ, “That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit“, John 3:6 KJV. In the sight of God there are two births, those born of the Spirit and those born of the flesh. They that are born of the Spirit bring forth the fruits of the Spirit and those born of the flesh, bring forth the fruits of the flesh. See: Galatians 5:19-23 KJV.

We are further told by the Apostle Paul, “so then they that are in the flesh cannot please God,” Romans 8:8 KJV and again he says “they which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God,” Romans 9:8 KJV.

There must be a total casting away of the carnal, fleshly nature through the power that we receive through Jesus, for it is through Him, that we can do all things, and without Him we can do nothing, Philippians 4:13; John 15:5 KJV. The flesh indeed is weak, this is why we must “watch and pray” or we will fall into the temptations that the tempter brings our way.

“But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.”
Romans 13:14 KJV

“Abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul,” the Apostle Peter tells us in 1 Peter 2:11 KJV. In other words, we are to mortify the deeds done in the body, not giving in to the base passions of the carnal nature, because the carnal, fleshly mind is enmity or is in hostility to the law of God and is not subject to or under the control of that law. To be fleshly minded leads to death, eternal death.

Let us never forget that there is a constant war in the mind between the Spirit and the natural fleshly nature. “The flesh lusteth against the Spirit and the Spirt against the flesh,” Galatians 5:16 KJV, but if we are sincere, and are truly seeking the power to overcome through Christ Jesus then we can. Hear the Word of the Lord:

“Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for Me?”
Jeremiah 32:27 NKJV

Ofcourse, the only answer to this is a resounding No! Nothing is too hard for God. He is the only One who can grant us the power to overcome the works of satan and to crucify the fleshly nature. So why not seek Him while He is near and call upon Him while He may be found? Why not draw nigh unto Him, that He may draw nigh unto you reader? For He was tempted in all points such as we are, yet He is without sin. In that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to help all of us who are tempted. He is the Way, the Truth and the Life.

Therefore, let us put no confidence in the flesh, for says the Apostle Paul under the influence of the Holy Spirit, “if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die,” Romans 8:13 KJV. Solemn words, but they are the truth and the truth sets us free. Therefore, brethren, make no provision for the flesh to fulfil it in the lusts thereof but choose Christ, believing that through Him, you can overcome because “all things, whatsoever you ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.”

“We are commanded to crucify the flesh, with the affections and lusts. How shall we do it? Shall we inflict pain on the body? No; but put to death the temptation to sin. The corrupt thought is to be expelled. Every thought is to be brought into captivity to Jesus Christ….. The love of God must reign supreme; Christ must occupy an undivided throne. Our bodies are to be regarded as His purchased possession. The members of the body are to become the instruments of righteousness.”
Manuscripts 1, 1888

Loud Cry Compendium
Don’t be a Demas!

Jun 21st, 2023

“Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, greets you, as do Mark, Aristarchus, DEMAS, Luke, my fellow laborers.”
Philemon 1:23‭-‬24 NKJV

“for DEMAS hath forsaken me, having loved this present world…”
2 Timothy 4:10 KJV

“Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
1 John 2:15‭-‬16 KJV

And Jesus said unto him, “No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.”
Luke 9:62 KJV

“The world is given up to self-indulgence. “The lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life” control the masses of the people. But Christ’s followers have a holier calling. “Come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean.”……sanctification cannot be genuine which does not work this utter renunciation of the sinful pursuits and gratifications of the world. “
Great Controversy p.g 475

“I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.”
John 17:14-16 KJV

Remember Lot’s wife. Don’t look back like Demas!

Don’t look back to the riches of Sodom and the pleasures of Egypt nor the worldly mindedness of Babylon. Don’t be a Demas, who, being a thorny ground hearer, accepted the gospel with gladness, but allowed the cares of this world and the love of riches to choke the word thus becoming unfruitful. He therefore returned to his prior unsanctified life “having loved this present world”, 2 Timothy 4:10, Matthew 13:7,22.

For this world will “passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.” 1 John 2:17 KJV

Loud Cry Compendium
The Armour of God

Jun 20th, 2023
“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the WHOLE ARMOUR of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the WHOLE ARMOUR of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; ABOVE ALL, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God….”
Ephesians 6:10‭-‬17 KJV
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"We must have on the whole armour of God, and be ready at any moment for a conflict with the powers of darkness. When temptations and trials rush in upon us, let us go to God, and agonise with Him in prayer. 
He WILL NOT turn us away empty, but will give us grace and strength to overcome, and to break the power of the enemy. "
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Christian Experience & Teachings 103.3
For when the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him! Isaiah 59:19
The Law & The Gospel

Jun 8th, 2023

“For God so LOVED the world that He GAVE His only begotten Son, that WHOEVER believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to ~~condemn~~ the world, but that the world through Him might be SAVED.” John 3:16-17 NKJV

Human nature is depraved, and is justly condemned by a holy God. But provision is made for the repenting sinner, so that by faith in the atonement of the only begotten Son of God, he may receive forgiveness of sin, find justification, receive adoption into the heavenly family, and become an inheritor of the kingdom of God.

Transformation of character is wrought through the operation of the Holy Spirit, which works upon the human agent, implanting in him, according to his desire and consent to have it done, a new nature. The image of God is restored to the soul, and day by day he is strengthened and renewed by grace, and is enabled more and more perfectly to reflect the character of Christ in righteousness and true holiness.
Review & Herald, September 17, 1895, par. 7

What is to bring the sinner to the knowledge of his sins unless he knows what sin is? The only definition of sin in the Word of God is given us in 1 John 3:4 KJV. “Sin is the transgression of the law.” The sinner must be made to feel that he is a transgressor. Christ dying upon the cross of Calvary is drawing his attention. Why did Christ die? Because it was the only means for man to be saved…. He took upon Himself our sins that He might impute His righteousness to all who believe in Him…. The goodness and the love of God lead the sinner to repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. The awakened sinner … is pointed to the law he has transgressed. It calls to him to repent, yet there is no saving quality in the law to pardon the transgression of the law, and his case seems hopeless. But the law draws him to Christ. However deep are his sins of transgression, the blood of Jesus Christ can cleanse him from all sin.

The law and the gospel go hand in hand. The one is the complement of the other. The law without faith in the gospel of Christ cannot save the transgressor of law. The gospel without the law is inefficient and powerless. The law and the gospel are a perfect whole….The two blended—the gospel of Christ and the law of God—produce the love and faith unfeigned.
Our High Calling pg.141

Provision has been made. Eternal life and forgiveness of sins can be yours. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you shall be saved.

Loud Cry Compendium
Learn from the Israelites

Jun 1st, 2023

Speaking of the children of Israel, Paul says:

“But with most of them God was not well pleased, for their bodies were scattered in the wilderness. Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come. Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.”
1 Corinthians 10:5‭, ‬11‭-‬12 NKJV

The history of the wilderness life of Israel was chronicled (recorded) for the benefit of the Israel of God (all God’s people) to the close of time. The record of God’s dealings with the wanderers of the desert in all their marchings to and fro, in their exposure to hunger, thirst, and weariness, and in the striking manifestations of His power for their relief, is fraught with warning and instruction for His people in all ages.

The varied experience of the Hebrews was a school of preparation for their promised home in Canaan. God would have His people in these (last) days review with a humble heart and teachable spirit the trials through which ancient Israel passed, that they may be instructed in their preparation for the heavenly Canaan…..Many look back to the Israelites, and marvel at their unbelief and murmuring, feeling that they themselves would not have been so ungrateful; but when their faith is tested, even by little trials, they manifest no more faith or patience than did ancient Israel.

When brought into strait (difficult) places, they murmur at the process by which God has chosen to purify them. Though their present needs are supplied, many are unwilling to trust God for the future, and they are in constant anxiety…. Some are always anticipating evil or magnifying the difficulties that really exist, so that their eyes are blinded to the many blessings which demand their gratitude. The obstacles they encounter, instead of leading them to seek help from God, the only Source of strength, separate them from Him, because they awaken unrest and repining.”

Patriarchs and Prophets pg. 293

Loud Cry Compendium
Wait for God’s Answer

May 26th, 2023

It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord.
Lamentations 3:26 KJV

There are precious promises in the Scriptures to those who wait upon the Lord. We all desire an immediate answer to our prayers, and we are tempted to become discouraged if our prayer is not immediately answered. Now my experience has taught me that this is a great mistake. The delay is for our special benefit. Our faith has a chance to be tested to see whether it is true, sincere, or changeable like the waves of the sea. We must bind ourselves upon the altar with the strong cords of faith and love, and let patience have her perfect work.

Faith strengthens through continual exercise.

We must pray more and in faith. We must not pray and then run away as though afraid we should receive an answer. God will not mock us. He will answer if we watch unto prayer, if we believe we receive the things we ask for, and keep believing and never lose patience in believing. This is watching unto prayer. We guard the prayer of faith with expectancy and hope. We must wall it in with assurance and be not faithless, but believing. The fervent prayer of the righteous is never lost. The answer may not come according as we expected, but it will come, because God’s word is pledged.

We need a calm waiting upon God. The need of this is imperious (commanding). It is not the noise and bustle we make in the world which proves our usefulness. See how silently God works! … Those who desire to labour with God have need of His Spirit every day; they need to walk and labour in meekness and humility of spirit, without seeking to accomplish extraordinary things, satisfied to do the work before them and doing it faithfully. Men may not see or appreciate their efforts, but the names of these faithful children of God are written in heaven among His noblest workers, as scattering His seed in view of a glorious harvest.

Wait for the Lord, not in fretful anxiety, but in undaunted faith and unshaken trust.
Our High Calling, pg. 134

And this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask any thing 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 4:14-15 KJV

Reader, whatever it is that you are praying for, whatever your petitions, remember the words spoken in Isaiah; “I, JEHOVAH, will hasten it in its time.” Isaiah 60:22 ASV. God’s time is always the best time, therefore, be still before the Lord & wait patiently for Him.

Loud Cry Compendium
Prayer & Faith

Apr 20th, 2023

And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God. For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them…….And this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask any thing 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.
Mark 11:22‭-‬24 KJV; 1 John 5:14-15

Prayer and faith are closely allied, and they need to be studied together. In the prayer of faith there is a divine science; it is a science that everyone who would make his lifework a success must understand. Christ says, “What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.” Mark 11:24. He makes it plain that our asking must be according to God’s will; we must ask for the things that He has promised, and whatever we receive must be used in doing His will. The conditions met, the promise is unequivocal (undeniable).

For the pardon of sin, for the Holy Spirit, for a Christlike temper, for wisdom and strength to do His work, for any gift He has promised, we may ask; then we are to believe that we receive, and return thanks to God that we have received.

We need look for no outward evidence of the blessing. The gift is in the promise, and we may go about our work assured that what God has promised He is able to perform, and that the gift, which we already possess, will be realised when we need it most.
Education pg. 257 – 258

True faith lays hold of and claims the promised blessings before it is realised and felt.
Amazing Grace pg. 207

Loud Cry Compendium
Know The Word!

Apr 18th, 2023

“Satan is now more earnestly engaged in playing the game of life for souls than at any previous time; and unless we are constantly on our guard, he will establish in our hearts, pride, love of self, love of the world, and many other evil traits. He will also use every possible device to unsettle our faith in God and in the truths of His Word. If we have not a deep experience in the things of God, if we have not a thorough knowledge of his Word, we shall be beguiled to our ruin by the errors and sophistries of the enemy. False doctrines will sap the foundations of many, because they have not learned to discern truth from error.

Our only safeguard against the wiles of Satan is to study the Scriptures diligently, to have an intelligent understanding of the reasons of our faith, and faithfully to perform every known duty.
Review & Herald, November 19, 1908, Article A, par. 6

So then, faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.
Romans 10:17 KJV
The Sower & The Seed pt 5: The Good Ground Hearer

Apr 9th, 2023

“And other fell on good ground, and did yield fruit that sprang up and increased; and brought forth, some thirty, and some sixty, and some an hundred….But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.
Mark 4:8;Luke 8:15 KJV

The “honest and good heart” of which the parable speaks, is not a heart without sin; for the gospel is to be preached to the lost. Christ said, “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance, Mark 2:17.” He confesses his guilt, and feels his need of the mercy and love of God. He has a sincere desire to know the truth, that he may obey it. The good heart is a believing heart, one that has faith in the word of God.

The good-ground hearer receives the word “not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God.” 1 Thessalonians 2:13. Only he who receives the Scriptures as the voice of God speaking to himself is a true learner. To those who in humility of heart seek for divine guidance, angels of God draw near. The Holy Spirit is given to open to them the rich treasures of the truth....The good-ground hearers, having heard the word, keep it. Satan with all his agencies of evil is not able to catch it away, (wayside hearers).

Merely to hear or to read the word is not enough. He who desires to be profited by the Scriptures must meditate upon the truth that has been presented to him. By earnest attention and prayerful thought he must learn the meaning of the words of truth, and drink deep of the spirit of the holy oracles….The soul dwelling in the pure atmosphere of holy thought will be transformed by communion with God through the study of Scriptures. Those who, having heard the word, keep it, will bring forth fruit in obedience.

The word of God, received into the soul, will be manifest in good works. Its results will be seen in a Christlike character and life…, “He that saith he abideth in Him ought himself also so to walk, even as He walked.” 1 John 2:6.

The good-ground hearer, in receiving the word, accepts all its conditions and requirements. His habits, customs, and practices are brought into submission to God’s word. “If a man love Me,” Christ said, “he will keep My words; and My Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.” John 14:23. The spell of a stronger, a perfect mind will be over us; for we have a living connection with the source of all-enduring strength. In our divine life we shall be brought into captivity to Jesus Christ. We shall no longer live the common life of selfishness, but Christ will live in us. His character will be reproduced in our nature. Thus shall we bring forth the fruits of the Holy Spirit—”some thirty, and some sixty, and some an hundred.”

Christ’s Object Lessons pg. 58-61

Loud Cry Compendium
The Sower & The Seed pt.4: Preparation of the Soil

Apr 7th, 2023

“For thus saith the LORD to the men of Judah and Jerusalem, Break up your fallow ground, and sow not among thorns….Sow to yourselves in righteousness,
reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground:
for it is time to seek the LORD,
till he come and rain righteousness upon you.”
Jeremiah 4:3;Hosea 10:12 KJV

“Throughout the parable of the sower, Christ represents the different results of the sowing as depending upon the soil. In every case the sower and the seed are the same. Thus, He teaches that if the word of God fails of accomplishing its work in our hearts and lives, the reason is to be found in ourselves.

But the result is not beyond our control. True, we cannot change ourselves; but the power of choice is ours, and it rests with us to determine what we will become. The wayside, the stony-ground, the thorny-ground hearers need not remain such. The Spirit of God is ever seeking to break the spell of infatuation that holds men absorbed in worldly things, and to awaken a desire for the imperishable treasure.

It is by resisting the Spirit that men become inattentive to or neglectful of God’s word. They are themselves responsible for the hardness of heart that prevents the good seed from taking root, and for the evil growths that check its development, (take Pharaoh of Egypt in the days of Moses for example).

The garden of the heart must be cultivated. The soil must be broken up by deep repentance for sin. Poisonous, Satanic plants must be uprooted. The soil once overgrown by thorns can be reclaimed only by diligent labor. So, the evil tendencies of the natural heart can be overcome only by earnest effort in the name and strength of Jesus.”

Christ’s Object Lessons pg. 56

Loud Cry Compendium