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Happy Resurrection from The Vine Vigil
John 11:25 KJV [25] ***Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:***
Sunday Scripture
Friday Proverb – Words Can Feed Souls
Can we think too much about what we say? Not according to the Book of Proverbs. Almost from start to finish, the Proverbs contend that our words have great ability to do harm or good. I think of parents who speak unguardedly in their children’s presence, and then are shocked when later, the little ones repeat verbatim EVERYTHING their parents said!
Well, it’s not just children who record our words – our every thought and word is recorded in heaven. Thankfully – if we are saved under the Blood of Christ – we will not have to pay for our verbal refuse. But that does not give us license to say whatever pops into our heads.
I beseech you to have the mind of Christ – and filter everything you say and do through the Bible. And you can only do that by being immersed (baptized) in His Word to the point that His Word becomes a part of you. You are what you eat – after all!
Proverbs 10:20-21
20 The tongue of the just is as choice silver:the heart of the wicked is little worth.
Indeed – the Pharisee and the Publican are an exemplary picture of this Proverb. As Christ said – the Publican was “justified.” That means his humble words were – “as choice silver.” The Pharisee’s self aggrandizing was of very “little worth.”
21 The lips of the righteous feed many: but fools die for want of wisdom.
Certainly, Paul is our master example of Christian speech and behavior. His written words, authored by the Holy Spirit, have “fed many.” Just with his Epistles, we can lead a sinner to a saving knowledge of Christ. Think how remarkable that is. In China – people are happy just to have one page out of the Book of Romans! They are known to sleep with it, love it, and memorize it so they can pass it on to another. Are the words of Mohammed, or Joseph Smith, revered in such a fashion? Hardly. Those who feed on the words of false shepherds will “die for lack of wisdom.” And that death will be ETERNAL DEATH IN THE LAKE OF FIRE!
Which brings to mind what the work of a believer is. To spread the Gospel of Christ to the whole world. It is not righteous or wise to keep it to yourself. If you are reading this, and you do not know what it means to be “saved,” please read the following:
(1). Admit you are a sinner (have disobeyed God).
Sin separates man from God. Imperfect man cannot come into the presence of a perfect God.
“If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” -1 John 1:8
(2). Repent (be sorry for and turn from your sins, to a new life in Christ).
“Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out.”-Acts 3:19
(3). Salvation is available only through Jesus Christ.
“Jesus said unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life, no man comes unto the Father, but by me.” -John 14:6
“For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” -1 Timothy 2:5
“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” -Acts 4:12
(4). Accept the free gift of eternal life through Christ.
You cannot earn salvation by your own efforts.
“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” -Romans 6:23
“For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” -Ephesians 2:8,9
“That if you shall confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and shall believe in your heart that God has raised him from the dead, you shall be saved. For with the heart man believes unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” -Romans 10: 9,10
(5). Do it now.
“…behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” -II Corinthians 6:2
(Jesus said) “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
Receive Christ as your Lord and Saviour Now
http://www.prayerfoundation.org/plan_of_salvation.htm
sage
Friday Proverb – Sluggish Workers
I’m sure we’ve all seen it – one or two people actually working – while the vast majority are standing or sitting around doing nothing. While it has always been sinful human nature to be lazy – certainly the death of the famous Protestant Work Ethic has elevated sluggishness to a lifestyle – perhaps even an art form.
Proverbs 10:26
As vinegar to the teeth, and as smoke to the eyes,
Bitter and burning – that is what the sluggard is to employers and those in authority. And the taste of vinegar is long lasting and memorable – as is smoke in the eyes. Never will the sluggard be looked on in any other way, than as a sluggard or potential sluggard.
So is the sluggard to them that send him.
Do we really want the world to see believers that way? Think about that word – sluggard. Not at all a pleasant image to think about. And it is also unpleasant to recognize, that the sluggard does not only hurt himself and the image of the church – he leaves a slime trail.
Which means that though the sluggard is being self indulgent, he really is leaving a sticky trap behind him for others to see where he’s been, where he is going, and where to follow. . .
There are so many behaviors that qualify as sluggish, in the church, it would be impossible to list them all here. We could fully embrace the Lord’s perfection, and even recognize such sins as adultery and gluttony as sluggishness. For example, the lazy spouse will seek outside relationships, or even internet pornography, rather than working on their marriage. A sluggish body will eat copious amounts of easily obtained foods, rather than prepare healthy foods to eat – because the preparation (planning, shopping, cooking) requires effort and – work.
We are to blame for the situations we find ourselves in. Bad decisions are one thing – and sluggishness is its evil twin. Let us strive to put our best foot forward – and show to the sinful, fallen world, the radiance of a Holy Spirit filled life, and reflect outwards – the Light of the Son.
Preparing America for the Mark of the Beast | Prophecy in the News
The Abundant Life – #5 – The Mature Life
2 Peter 3:18
But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.
Just as there are four stages of growth in the natural man, there are four stages of growth in the new born spiritual man, which leads to maturity in the Christian life.
1. The baby stage. 1 Cor. 3:1-4 – And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. 2 I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. 3 For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? 4 For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal? A baby thinks only of itself. If the baby is denied what it wants, it will wail. The baby seeks its own, its feelings are easily hurt, and – it is often jealous. The baby lives to be served – it never serves. It can only drink milk, and cannot eat solid food. The baby cries a great deal – but never sings. It tries to talk – but makes no sense.
IT IS A SAD BUT TRUE FACT, THAT MANY CHRISTIANS DISPLAY THE CHARACTERISTICS OF A SPIRITUAL BABY. THOUGH THEY ARE BORN AGAIN INTO THE FAMILY OF GOD – THEY NEVER GROW AND DEVELOP SPIRITUALLY. THE SPIRITUAL BABY IS A CARNAL CHRISTIAN.
2. The little child stage. 1 John 2:12 – I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for His name’s sake. Some Christians grow enough to become little children spiritually – but many stop there. Spiritual little children are often untruthful, envious, and even cruel. When rebuked, they take on the role of martyr. If crossed, they feel resentment, and may even make a scene. They are talebearers, repeating everything they hear (grownups call it gossip!) The child is given to emotional outbursts, and their immaturity causes them to be easily puffed up. They live for praise, and will accept that praise from ANYONE! The child only seeks after what will appeal to self.
ARE YOU A SPIRITUAL CHILD????
3. The young man stage. 1 John 2:13 – I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known Him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father. Another sad fact – not many believers reach the stage of a young man in Christ. He is strong and virile – well able to overcome his enemy – Satan (in his many forms) The young man’s vision for the future consists of his faith and courage. He is preparing for his most productive years.
WE CAN BECOME A YOUNG MAN SPIRITUALLY BY “PUTTING AWAY CHILDISH THINGS!” 1 COR. 13:11 – WHEN I WAS A CHILD, I SPAKE AS A CHILD, I UNDERSTOOD AS A CHILD, I THOUGHT AS A CHILD: BUT WHEN I BECAME A MAN, I PUT AWAY CHILDISH THINGS.
4. The father stage. 1 John 2:13 – I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father. This stage can be reached by all believers – but SO FEW EVER ATTAIN IT. The spiritual father has peace with God. Rom. 5:1 – Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. The father knows the peace of God. Phil. 4:7 – And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. He rejoices in his spiritual children. 1 Thess. 2:19 – For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming? The father has learned contentment under ALL circumstances. Phil. 4:11 – Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. He knows the ONLY source of true strength. Phil. 4:13 – I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. The father NEVER broods over the past, but continually looks to the future.
Phil.3: 13, 14 – 13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. He knows that ALL things work together in his life for ETERNAL GOOD. Rom. 8:28 – 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.
THE SPIRITUAL FATHER ENJOYS THE ABUNDANT LIFE NOW – AND WILL ENJOY IT IN THE LIFE TO COME. EPH. 2:7 – THAT IN THE AGES TO COME HE MIGHT SHEW THE EXCEEDING RICHES OF HIS GRACE IN HIS KINDNESS TOWARD US THROUGH CHRIST JESUS.
This concludes our study of the Abundant Life. Next up in our deep study of doctrine – Repentance!
Study of the Church – Introduction
The word “ecclesia,” in the New Testament was used to designate any assembly – political – Christian – or national. Jesus said – “I will build my church (ecclesia)” in Matthew 16:18. Used in this context it means a “called out” assembly or congregation. Israel was “called out” of Egypt whereupon they congregated in the wilderness. Today – the saved ones are “called out,” of the world to congregate in worship. What we are talking about is something that can not be seen with human eyes. It is the church that is in the world – but not of the world. . .
The church in the wilderness came to an end, but the church that Jesus Christ is building will never cease. He said “the gates of hell shall not prevail against it,” and it consists not of buildings and ordinances, but only of those souls who are saved – they are the building stones of the true church.
THE CHURCH IS A MYSTERY –
Only fellow heirs can understand this mystery, because it is only revealed through the Spirit. And only those born again, blood washed, and Spirit- baptized believers constitute the Church of Jesus Christ.
EPHESIANS 3:3-10
3 How that by revelation He made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words,
4 Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)
5 Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;
6 That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ by the gospel:
7 Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of His power.
8 Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;
9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:
10 To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God.. .
THE CHURCH HAS A SINGULAR BODY –
Christendom is made up of those who profess to be Christians, but they do not know Christ personally. The religionists would say that we are outside the faith because we do not obey their tenets – yet the Word of God states that each and every truly born again believer is part of the same body.
1 CORINTHIANS 12:12-31
12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.
13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
14 For the body is not one member, but many.
15 If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?
16 And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?
17 If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling?
18 But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.
19 And if they were all one member, where were the body?
20 But now are they many members, yet but one body.
21 And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.
22 Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary:
23 And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness.
24 For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked.
25 That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.
26 And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.
27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.
THE CHURCH ITSELF IS AN INVISIBLE BUILDING
Not that there is anything wrong with church buildings, but the true church is built from the born again souls that occupy the building – not the building itself.
EPHESIANS 2:10-22
10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
11 Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;
12 That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:
13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.
14 For He is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;
15 Having abolished in His flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in Himself of twain one new man, so making peace;
16 And that He might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:
17 And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.
18 For through Him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.
19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;
20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner stone;
21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:
22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.
THE CHURCH IS THE ONLY BRIDE OF CHRIST
As Israel in the Old Testament is often referred to God’s “faithless wife,” the blood washed church is referred to as the pure and spotless “bride of Christ.”
2 CORINTHIANS 11:2
For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.
This concludes the introduction of our study on the Church. Please come back for a detailed analysis of the Church, which will be installed in seven parts.
The Vine Vigil 