Praise the LORD, we're blessed with another day to glorify the name of JESUS!!!
From the title, one should be able to see that this is something of importance. For the repeating of these words, as well as the repeating of a certain statement, were meant to drive home the importance of a fact that was to follow. It's not that what I'm going to say is important, but that the message the LORD has laid on my heart is.
WHO/who do you follow??? That should be simple enough to answer, but is it??? There are several warnings given by Paul in the New Testament, on the separation or divisions within the Church. Though like in his day, it seems that people have greatly overlooked and still fail to heed these.
There truly shouldn't be a need for the question, but there is, for far too many follow after the teachings of others, instead of following those strictly of CHRIST. Now, I'm not talking about those that are following after "errant" teachers today, though this IS a major problem. But, those that are taking the teachings from the Bible, let's call them "one liners", and going on crusades with them.
Now, all in all, this may not be wrong, but when one forsakes the very teaching of CHRIST, to go off on a tangent, to bolster a cause, there is. A great deal of this happens due to the "immaturity" of the believer. Paul himself tackles this problem, but I'm led to re-hash it today. For people would rather just overlook it and "run with that which they believe is of the SPIRIT." Well, it maybe of the spirit, but certainly not the HOLY SPIRIT!!! For anything that the HOLY SPIRIT teaches, will completely coincide with ALL of scripture, not only on a part of it. In other words, "if it doesn't mesh with the complete Bible(beginning to end), it's not of the HOLY SPIRIT!!!"
Now, to the crust of this biscuit.
There are so many lines of thought within the Church today, it's downright ridiculous. Here, I'm focusing on two specific ones. People preaching nothing but the "End Times." Others, doing nothing but standing in judgement of others in the Church and their teachings. And, though both of these topics, ARE in scripture, they are but "one liner" topics. (and yes, I know these are covered in more that a single line, but that's what the BOSS, says call them :{))) argue with HIM) Both, though important facts, don't "mesh" with the totality of scripture. Which makes focusing on and the pursuit of them wrong.
JESUS warns us, personally, of focusing on the events of the "End Times," and also in numerous places, of standing in judgement of others, especially those of the Church. An I know, there are those that are going to say "these aren't of the Church, but are errant in their ways." There you go though, you're putting "yourself" in the position of THE JUDGE, and are you so sure that your "righteous judgement" is truly righteous??? Or not just "a little of the flesh boiling up within you"??? You know, we as "man," are prone to a little pride, now and then. Even the best of us.
To keep this from being a book, I'm going to make this short and sweet. The next time you're doing a little surfing of the internet, or reading somebody's new(or old) book, and something really fires you up. Back off for a bit. Pray, test the spirit of this matter and give it some time to settle in. For like an actual fire, all will blaze up at first, but not all will continue to burn strongly. This because the RIGHT FUEL isn't there. That fuel, the right, is the HOLY SPIRIT. The wrong fuel, is that of this world and it's purposes, are to bring division and take our eyes off the true focus we are to have> spreading the GOSPEL, loving GOD, our fellow believers and our neighbors(believer or not.)
GOD bless and good day,
Rev. Marshall Barth
Vine of CHRIST Ministries
Showing posts with label brothers and sisters. Show all posts
Showing posts with label brothers and sisters. Show all posts
Sunday, January 4, 2015
Thursday, February 14, 2013
Caring and Sharing...
Praise the LORD!!!
Happy Valentine's Day <3 p="">
Caring and sharing, this could be a deep talk, but it'll not be. For I'd like to give you a little example that just happened to me.
Several days ago, my friend, the one that is allowing me to live in her garage, and I were talking about Mardi Gras. Well I mentioned that one of my favorite things about it were "King Cakes." I've a deep fondness for them and the traditions mean nothing, just the cake :{)))
She'd been away for several days visiting some friends and last night when I got home there was a King cake sitting in my computer chair. Later when she got back in we talked about it. It appears that she had looked around town and was unable to find one. But while on her trip out of town, she had stopped to get a "welcome gift" for her visit and found the only two left in the store. She kept one for her return and they enjoyed the other at their gathering. When she arrived home, she delivered it to my chair.
Folks, here is a dear Christian sister, that went greatly out of her way to share the love of CHRIST with another. Isn't this kind of act exactly what following our LORD and SAVIOR is all about. Going that extra mile to reveal the love of CHRIST for all of mankind!?!
GOD bless and good day,
Rev. Marshall Barth
Vine of CHRIST Ministries
Happy Valentine's Day <3 p="">
Caring and sharing, this could be a deep talk, but it'll not be. For I'd like to give you a little example that just happened to me.
Several days ago, my friend, the one that is allowing me to live in her garage, and I were talking about Mardi Gras. Well I mentioned that one of my favorite things about it were "King Cakes." I've a deep fondness for them and the traditions mean nothing, just the cake :{)))
She'd been away for several days visiting some friends and last night when I got home there was a King cake sitting in my computer chair. Later when she got back in we talked about it. It appears that she had looked around town and was unable to find one. But while on her trip out of town, she had stopped to get a "welcome gift" for her visit and found the only two left in the store. She kept one for her return and they enjoyed the other at their gathering. When she arrived home, she delivered it to my chair.
Folks, here is a dear Christian sister, that went greatly out of her way to share the love of CHRIST with another. Isn't this kind of act exactly what following our LORD and SAVIOR is all about. Going that extra mile to reveal the love of CHRIST for all of mankind!?!
GOD bless and good day,
Rev. Marshall Barth
Vine of CHRIST Ministries
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Cliques or schisms ???
Praise the LORD!!!
Cliques or schisms, or plainly put, divisions !!! Lately I've seen a greater amount of division in that which supposed to be the BODY. A united assembly of believers, though maybe not totally agreeing upon every detail of our faith, but a UNITED ONE no the less.
Last night I came across a post that may of not been worded the best, which turned into a giant flushing of a worldly toilet!!! The original intent was one of love, though discuss over erroneous methods by some within the church. But it exploded into an outpouring of that which I'd have to call trash talk. Far from anything I could of imagined of coming out of the mouths of Christians. My blood began to boil, for not only was the talk foolish, but far from anything remotely resembling "edification" of the saints!!!
I went on the hunt, while pealing off many a prayer, hunting for the proper references for all that was coming from within my spirit. Thank GOD that at this time I was blessed to be interrupted by another saint, allowing the furor within to subside a good bit. This whole time, I'm still in prayer and decide to take a shower to "cool off." For if there is one thing that I've learned, it is always best to assault such indiscretions, calmly, so as not to be pulled into sin oneself !!! During my shower, I calmed down and was led to not gather my weapons of warfare against the enemy within, but stepback and take a much broader assault against this problem. This is but the beginning of it!!!!!!!
The church, religion or faith that we live amongst today, is one vastly divided. Which should be plain to see, unless one has been living in a cave. Religion upon religion, denomination upon denomination, yet supposedly believing in the one true SAVIOR, JESUS. This problem is far from new, for even within the first century there were divisions developing. From the book of ACTS onward, is full of them. Peter being swayed by the Jewish believers, Paul admonishing him. Then Paul's warnings abound as he discusses the many groups, beginning to take side, picking and choosing whom they're following the teachings of. Paul staunchly warns them, that though there are many different teachers, there is but one LORD and it is HE alone that we should follow!!!
Now, these are just the divisions that are coming about within the true believers, let alone those that are false teachers or anti-Christ, as so aptly put. In all cases, there's but one real cause behind them, that is, pride. That self seeking sin, that has separated us from GOD since the Garden. That very sin that gives us the lord of the air, he that continues to be the accuser of the saints, satan. Who fell from grace due to an inflated ego, thinking himself better then all others, even GOD his creator.
We are seeing a tremendous overflowing, not of the HOLY SPIRIT, but of the human spirit. That very spirit which brought about the fall from grace of mankind, PRIDE !!! No love being shown to the brethren, not even love being shown to any other, only a puffed up, self centered spirit, seeking the approval of others upon their own words. Surprising??? Not in the least, for this is but the results of our being human or carnal. A condition of mankind that we have to live with, though should not accept. Many state they've the blessing of the HOLY SPIRIT within their lives, yet the fruit of their lips reveal a heart blackened by pride. That which they believe, is 100% right and there is no chance at all of their being even slightly off in their beliefs!!! Right!!! If I remember right, there's not one of us that is perfect. For there is but one whom has walked this earth that is and let us not forget this FACT !!!!!!! There is not one religion, one denomination, one minister that walks this earth that can truthfully say they that their beliefs and teaching are perfectly in accord with JESUS' teachings. If they do, they're lying and know it. PRIDE, once again!!!
*** I'm sure there will be more to follow on this, when only the LORD knows. Get yourself away from the teaching of man and dive deeply into the WORD of GOD and nothing else. Don't be fooled by the high minded, that say scripture is hard to understand without one being a scholar, for if we're to accept JESUS and HIS teachings as a little child, would it not be fair to say, these teaching can be understood plainly by a child and not need some degree of higher learning to do so??? Sure, I've over 2000 books in my Biblical library, but when it comes to the ultimate understanding it's the Bible that rules out and not my understandings either, just as written. When told to love the brethren as myself, that is exactly what I do :)))***
A special note here: when we as Christian begin acting like a bunch of worldly people, acting in ways contrary to that which we preach, is there any wonder so many call us hypocrites??? THINK ABOUT IT!!!!!!!
Prayer request can be sent to: prayers@vineofchrist.org
GOD bless and good day,
Rev. Marshall Barth
Vine of CHRIST Ministries
Cliques or schisms, or plainly put, divisions !!! Lately I've seen a greater amount of division in that which supposed to be the BODY. A united assembly of believers, though maybe not totally agreeing upon every detail of our faith, but a UNITED ONE no the less.
Last night I came across a post that may of not been worded the best, which turned into a giant flushing of a worldly toilet!!! The original intent was one of love, though discuss over erroneous methods by some within the church. But it exploded into an outpouring of that which I'd have to call trash talk. Far from anything I could of imagined of coming out of the mouths of Christians. My blood began to boil, for not only was the talk foolish, but far from anything remotely resembling "edification" of the saints!!!
I went on the hunt, while pealing off many a prayer, hunting for the proper references for all that was coming from within my spirit. Thank GOD that at this time I was blessed to be interrupted by another saint, allowing the furor within to subside a good bit. This whole time, I'm still in prayer and decide to take a shower to "cool off." For if there is one thing that I've learned, it is always best to assault such indiscretions, calmly, so as not to be pulled into sin oneself !!! During my shower, I calmed down and was led to not gather my weapons of warfare against the enemy within, but stepback and take a much broader assault against this problem. This is but the beginning of it!!!!!!!
The church, religion or faith that we live amongst today, is one vastly divided. Which should be plain to see, unless one has been living in a cave. Religion upon religion, denomination upon denomination, yet supposedly believing in the one true SAVIOR, JESUS. This problem is far from new, for even within the first century there were divisions developing. From the book of ACTS onward, is full of them. Peter being swayed by the Jewish believers, Paul admonishing him. Then Paul's warnings abound as he discusses the many groups, beginning to take side, picking and choosing whom they're following the teachings of. Paul staunchly warns them, that though there are many different teachers, there is but one LORD and it is HE alone that we should follow!!!
Now, these are just the divisions that are coming about within the true believers, let alone those that are false teachers or anti-Christ, as so aptly put. In all cases, there's but one real cause behind them, that is, pride. That self seeking sin, that has separated us from GOD since the Garden. That very sin that gives us the lord of the air, he that continues to be the accuser of the saints, satan. Who fell from grace due to an inflated ego, thinking himself better then all others, even GOD his creator.
We are seeing a tremendous overflowing, not of the HOLY SPIRIT, but of the human spirit. That very spirit which brought about the fall from grace of mankind, PRIDE !!! No love being shown to the brethren, not even love being shown to any other, only a puffed up, self centered spirit, seeking the approval of others upon their own words. Surprising??? Not in the least, for this is but the results of our being human or carnal. A condition of mankind that we have to live with, though should not accept. Many state they've the blessing of the HOLY SPIRIT within their lives, yet the fruit of their lips reveal a heart blackened by pride. That which they believe, is 100% right and there is no chance at all of their being even slightly off in their beliefs!!! Right!!! If I remember right, there's not one of us that is perfect. For there is but one whom has walked this earth that is and let us not forget this FACT !!!!!!! There is not one religion, one denomination, one minister that walks this earth that can truthfully say they that their beliefs and teaching are perfectly in accord with JESUS' teachings. If they do, they're lying and know it. PRIDE, once again!!!
*** I'm sure there will be more to follow on this, when only the LORD knows. Get yourself away from the teaching of man and dive deeply into the WORD of GOD and nothing else. Don't be fooled by the high minded, that say scripture is hard to understand without one being a scholar, for if we're to accept JESUS and HIS teachings as a little child, would it not be fair to say, these teaching can be understood plainly by a child and not need some degree of higher learning to do so??? Sure, I've over 2000 books in my Biblical library, but when it comes to the ultimate understanding it's the Bible that rules out and not my understandings either, just as written. When told to love the brethren as myself, that is exactly what I do :)))***
A special note here: when we as Christian begin acting like a bunch of worldly people, acting in ways contrary to that which we preach, is there any wonder so many call us hypocrites??? THINK ABOUT IT!!!!!!!
Prayer request can be sent to: prayers@vineofchrist.org
GOD bless and good day,
Rev. Marshall Barth
Vine of CHRIST Ministries
Sunday, December 11, 2011
At one time...
Praise the LORD!!!
At one time, while I was still in the prison of man(having been set free by the LORD), someone told me that I was "too heavenly minded, to be of any earthly good." Now, I'm sure most of you have heard this little statement used at sometime or another, if not maybe you should ponder it for a few minutes(?) I, more or less scoffed at the statement, at that time, not seeing that this is a possible state within Christian's lives. Not mine though(thank GOD), for I've been blessed to be well grounded in the LORD and seek not my own will, but HIS for me!!!
But, this state is possible within the lives of many and I will reveal cases of such here. You'll most likely be aware of those that are in this state and we must open their eyes to the truth in this matter!!! Anyone, that pays any attention to the events of the world, should have a general knowledge of this happening. For many times on the news and in other forms of media, we hear of many "miracles" being witnessed by the masses. Some of these are true miracles and many are not, for the adversary can and does use the "miraculous" to turn our eyes from the true glory of GOD and HIS purposes for us in life. These can be classed easily enough, as those that draw attention only towards and object(idol), person or place. Like the many "images" of JESUS or the Virgin Mary being found in or on many items. I don't think I need to list the many, that fit in this group.
What do these have to do with "being heavenly minded," a great deal. For they draw our attentions away from that which we are to be doing, to bring glory to the LORD, and towards something else. The greatest miracle of all, is one many simply overlook, this is the conversion(true) of an unbeliever. For it is a direct revelation of GOD working within a person's life. The preparation of the person's heart to receive the seed of the GOSPEL. The moving of GOD upon the saint, which plants this seed and then HIS watering of it and producing a baby saint!!! A true MIRACLE by the hand of GOD!!!!!!!
Perhaps the the greatest case of "being heavenly minded" is one most would tend to overlook. Why??? Because people believe, due to errors in teaching and the pride of man, that it is GOD's will for us. Which it is, but not in the extent that people are concentrating upon it though and this has opened the door for satan to use, to draw people's attention away from the actual will of GOD. Let me first then, state that which is the will of GOD for us, which is truly simple, but often made complex by men wanting to do so. These are clearly stated in scripture, in the two great commandments(Matt. 22:37-40), in our loving our brothers and sisters in the faith (John 15:12), that we provide for the needs of others( Matt. 25:35,36; James 1:27) and(of coarse) to spread the GOSPEL(Matt. 28:18-20.) Sure there are a few other details in following the will of GOD in our lives, but these are an ample foundation to work from.
Now, for the major purpose of this article, the being "too heavenly minded." There are many today in the church that are seeking after "signs and wonders." Spending all their energy and effort on seeking after these and setting aside those things that the LORD wills for us to actually accomplish for HIM while here on earth. It is not in the seeking of these that the error occurs, but it is in the forsaking of all else set before us, to seek them.(John 4:48)
I could go forth from this, but am led to leave you with this alone. Are you seeking after all the pomp and circumstance of signs and wonders??? Or are you seeking to bring glory to the KINGDOM of GOD thru the love JESUS has poured forth for you??? Focusing only on the power of heaven in your life, is keeping you "heavenly minded" and your hands away from the true works GOD has set them about !!! Which shall it be???
Use these verses, but don't stop with them, cross reference and seek out GOD from within HIS WORD!!!
Prayer request can be sent to: prayers@vineofchrist.org
GOD bless and good day,
Rev. Marshall Barth
Vine of CHRIST Ministries
At one time, while I was still in the prison of man(having been set free by the LORD), someone told me that I was "too heavenly minded, to be of any earthly good." Now, I'm sure most of you have heard this little statement used at sometime or another, if not maybe you should ponder it for a few minutes(?) I, more or less scoffed at the statement, at that time, not seeing that this is a possible state within Christian's lives. Not mine though(thank GOD), for I've been blessed to be well grounded in the LORD and seek not my own will, but HIS for me!!!
But, this state is possible within the lives of many and I will reveal cases of such here. You'll most likely be aware of those that are in this state and we must open their eyes to the truth in this matter!!! Anyone, that pays any attention to the events of the world, should have a general knowledge of this happening. For many times on the news and in other forms of media, we hear of many "miracles" being witnessed by the masses. Some of these are true miracles and many are not, for the adversary can and does use the "miraculous" to turn our eyes from the true glory of GOD and HIS purposes for us in life. These can be classed easily enough, as those that draw attention only towards and object(idol), person or place. Like the many "images" of JESUS or the Virgin Mary being found in or on many items. I don't think I need to list the many, that fit in this group.
What do these have to do with "being heavenly minded," a great deal. For they draw our attentions away from that which we are to be doing, to bring glory to the LORD, and towards something else. The greatest miracle of all, is one many simply overlook, this is the conversion(true) of an unbeliever. For it is a direct revelation of GOD working within a person's life. The preparation of the person's heart to receive the seed of the GOSPEL. The moving of GOD upon the saint, which plants this seed and then HIS watering of it and producing a baby saint!!! A true MIRACLE by the hand of GOD!!!!!!!
Perhaps the the greatest case of "being heavenly minded" is one most would tend to overlook. Why??? Because people believe, due to errors in teaching and the pride of man, that it is GOD's will for us. Which it is, but not in the extent that people are concentrating upon it though and this has opened the door for satan to use, to draw people's attention away from the actual will of GOD. Let me first then, state that which is the will of GOD for us, which is truly simple, but often made complex by men wanting to do so. These are clearly stated in scripture, in the two great commandments(Matt. 22:37-40), in our loving our brothers and sisters in the faith (John 15:12), that we provide for the needs of others( Matt. 25:35,36; James 1:27) and(of coarse) to spread the GOSPEL(Matt. 28:18-20.) Sure there are a few other details in following the will of GOD in our lives, but these are an ample foundation to work from.
Now, for the major purpose of this article, the being "too heavenly minded." There are many today in the church that are seeking after "signs and wonders." Spending all their energy and effort on seeking after these and setting aside those things that the LORD wills for us to actually accomplish for HIM while here on earth. It is not in the seeking of these that the error occurs, but it is in the forsaking of all else set before us, to seek them.(John 4:48)
I could go forth from this, but am led to leave you with this alone. Are you seeking after all the pomp and circumstance of signs and wonders??? Or are you seeking to bring glory to the KINGDOM of GOD thru the love JESUS has poured forth for you??? Focusing only on the power of heaven in your life, is keeping you "heavenly minded" and your hands away from the true works GOD has set them about !!! Which shall it be???
Use these verses, but don't stop with them, cross reference and seek out GOD from within HIS WORD!!!
Prayer request can be sent to: prayers@vineofchrist.org
GOD bless and good day,
Rev. Marshall Barth
Vine of CHRIST Ministries
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Stand up, speak out
Who Praise the LORD!!!
A little while ago, I read a posting, talking about how we need to live in peace and love. This kind of reminded me of the old 'hippie' junk, that many of us used to live our lives by. That very same attitude that is responsible for the 'watered down gospel' that is being preached, and worst yet, accepted in churches these days!!!
I see ministers, supposedly people of GOD, re-posting or repeating the words, wisdom they call it, of self proclaimed gurus or life experts. When all it is in reality is a bunch of worthless junk, of the same type that held Christians(true) in bondage during their lives!!!
We, my dear brothers and sisters, are in the end of days. That period in Biblical prophecy, where the likes of that above has been foretold!!! The BODY of CHRIST has become a weak kneed mass of flesh, only seeking to fulfill it's own lust or constantly striving to 'be like unto the world.'
Who am I to say such things??? No one, a worthless piece of flesh, that truly isn't worth to breath the air that JESUS created, let alone preach the WORDS HE has spoken or given me. But because of HIS calling me to ministry and my belief in total obedience unto HIM, I am a man that will speak out, come hell or high water!!!
It is time for each and every Christian to grab their Bibles, pray and open them and read the truths that have been laid down since before time began. Not just to read them, but to absorb them, to bury them deeply within their very being, as if they are the very blood that flows thru your veins!!! I'm not talking about memorizing scripture, that is but your own knowledge, I'm talking about having the very WORDS of GOD coursing thru your veins, your very existence dependent upon them. An the next time you hear a 'preacher', or anyone, speak about the WORD of GOD teaching us this or that, you'll know for sure if it is so!!!
You will have two choices, well actually three. 1. listen to it and do nothing. 2. stand up for the truth, speak it and let the erring one see their error. 3. Get up and walk out/away, leaving them, and others, to their errors.(trick question, only one true answer, that is if you are what you proclaim to be)
This time that we're in, is truly not a time for peace. It is a time when the souls of men are going to hell daily, because no one was willing to stand up for the truth that JESUS preached. No one was willing to go that extra mile and lead them on the straight and narrow path. No one willing to give a thirsty one a drink from the well of salvation and truth. Will you be a 'no one'??? Or will you be a someone, willing to standup, speak out and give a helping hand to a lost and dieing world??? Personally, I'M A SOMEONE, one whom JESUS died for, one whom has forsaken the world to follow HIM and a someone that isn't afraid to go to his death, before rebuking my SAVIOR!!!!!!!
Prayer request can be sent to: prayers@vineofchrist.org
GOD bless and good day,
Rev. Marshall Barth
Vine of CHRIST Ministries
(If you'd like to know more about this 'no one', that is a 'someone', let me suggest you read my personal testimonial book, "Out of the LIGHT")
A little while ago, I read a posting, talking about how we need to live in peace and love. This kind of reminded me of the old 'hippie' junk, that many of us used to live our lives by. That very same attitude that is responsible for the 'watered down gospel' that is being preached, and worst yet, accepted in churches these days!!!
I see ministers, supposedly people of GOD, re-posting or repeating the words, wisdom they call it, of self proclaimed gurus or life experts. When all it is in reality is a bunch of worthless junk, of the same type that held Christians(true) in bondage during their lives!!!
We, my dear brothers and sisters, are in the end of days. That period in Biblical prophecy, where the likes of that above has been foretold!!! The BODY of CHRIST has become a weak kneed mass of flesh, only seeking to fulfill it's own lust or constantly striving to 'be like unto the world.'
Who am I to say such things??? No one, a worthless piece of flesh, that truly isn't worth to breath the air that JESUS created, let alone preach the WORDS HE has spoken or given me. But because of HIS calling me to ministry and my belief in total obedience unto HIM, I am a man that will speak out, come hell or high water!!!
It is time for each and every Christian to grab their Bibles, pray and open them and read the truths that have been laid down since before time began. Not just to read them, but to absorb them, to bury them deeply within their very being, as if they are the very blood that flows thru your veins!!! I'm not talking about memorizing scripture, that is but your own knowledge, I'm talking about having the very WORDS of GOD coursing thru your veins, your very existence dependent upon them. An the next time you hear a 'preacher', or anyone, speak about the WORD of GOD teaching us this or that, you'll know for sure if it is so!!!
You will have two choices, well actually three. 1. listen to it and do nothing. 2. stand up for the truth, speak it and let the erring one see their error. 3. Get up and walk out/away, leaving them, and others, to their errors.(trick question, only one true answer, that is if you are what you proclaim to be)
This time that we're in, is truly not a time for peace. It is a time when the souls of men are going to hell daily, because no one was willing to stand up for the truth that JESUS preached. No one was willing to go that extra mile and lead them on the straight and narrow path. No one willing to give a thirsty one a drink from the well of salvation and truth. Will you be a 'no one'??? Or will you be a someone, willing to standup, speak out and give a helping hand to a lost and dieing world??? Personally, I'M A SOMEONE, one whom JESUS died for, one whom has forsaken the world to follow HIM and a someone that isn't afraid to go to his death, before rebuking my SAVIOR!!!!!!!
Prayer request can be sent to: prayers@vineofchrist.org
GOD bless and good day,
Rev. Marshall Barth
Vine of CHRIST Ministries
(If you'd like to know more about this 'no one', that is a 'someone', let me suggest you read my personal testimonial book, "Out of the LIGHT")
Friday, February 5, 2010
04-25-10_1 John 3:11, Gen. 4:8,9_Love one another (a re post)
*** Due to working long hours, I've not had the time to put out a posting for today and this one for tomorrow will have to be a re post. If I had the time to write them and do honor to the LORD in doing so, I would, but praise the LORD I've got to have money to operate the ministry so work takes precedence.***
Praise the LORD!!!
Oh, it feels good to be back about the LORD's work for me. I've done a lot to "try" and make the computer function better! It's all in the LORD's hands, as usual, and we'll just have to wait and see!!! Today we have two sections of scripture to work with:
1 John 3: 11
"This is the message you heard from the beginning: We should love one another."
Gen. 4: 8, 9 (please read verses 1-9 also)
"Now Cain said to his brother Abel, "Let's go out to the field." And while they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him. Then the LORD said to Cain, "Where is your brother Abel?" "I don't know," he replied. "Am I my brother's keeper?"
Now in the first verse, we're told that we are to love our brothers(and sisters), this doesn't mean just our blood relatives, but the whole body of the Church. In this I mean all those that call on the name of JESUS as personal LORD and SAVIOR. This was a command given by JESUS HIMSELF, and by doing this the world will know we represent CHRIST as HIS disciples. Lately, I have seen a whole lot of hatred being thrown around by those that call JESUS LORD! People cutting others to the quick, right out in the open on the internet. Not the taking them aside in private and in a loving manor showing them their wrongs, but posting (for all to see) what they believe is right and the other person's wrongs.
In all rights what they are doing brings us to our second verse for today. They're taking their brothers out into the fields of the world and slaying them! They might as well step in front of a TV camera and slice their throats (sorry for being so graphic). Is this loving a fellow Christian in the manor set forth for us? I'd say not. We are our brothers keepers and should rightfully act always in a manor showing love and edification, to them. Not one of blatant disregard and hatred. Can anyone with a true respect for JESUS treat another Christian in such a manor? I'd say not! To treat a brother or sister in CHRIST in this way is totally outside of anything that even closely resembles being CHRIST-like.
Not only are these dishonoring another Christian, but they're showing utter disregard for our SAVIOR. We are told that when we have disagreements, over words and doctrine (here I'm not talking about false teachings), to take the brother aside and confront them in private and to do such, in a loving and compassionate way. All these people are succeeding to do is tearing down the Christian faith, making a mockery of it and making themselves look so much wiser and more learned (their pride)in their own eyes). Not in my eyes or those of any devote believer. For those of us that truly have given our lives over to JESUS, crucifying our flesh upon the cross and humbling ourselves before HIM, would do things in a whole different way.
Yes, I am telling others that they are wrong in their treatment of another Christian, but I'm doing it on a site that is not out in the open for the world to see. For there are very few of the world that will come here to read my devotionals and those that do, their hearts are being worked by the HOLY SPIRIT and have a reason for being here. Those of you that read this, I ask you, that if you know those that have been falling prey to this way of the adversary, for that is what it is, enlist them to come here and read that which the LORD has given me this day. They just may be one of those that the LORD has had me write this for. Then again since nothing happens without the LORD's condoning it, I'd say that they are one of them!!!
(Dissension and hypocrisy are two of the major distractions that keep people from going to church or ever thinking about joining one, or even becoming a Christian! Isn't it about time we began acting like the name we claim as ours, Christian (CHRIST-like???)
Other verses to study:Matt. 22: 37-40, 23: 1-39, 24: 12; Luke 6: 35-38; John 13: 34, 35; 1 John 2: 3-11
Use these verses, but don't stop with them, cross reference and seek out GOD from within HIS WORD!!!
Prayer request can be sent to: prayers@vineofchrist.org
GOD bless and good day,
Rev. Marshall Barth
Vine of CHRIST Ministrieshttp://vineofchrist.org
Vine Ministerial Network International
Praise the LORD!!!
Oh, it feels good to be back about the LORD's work for me. I've done a lot to "try" and make the computer function better! It's all in the LORD's hands, as usual, and we'll just have to wait and see!!! Today we have two sections of scripture to work with:
1 John 3: 11
"This is the message you heard from the beginning: We should love one another."
Gen. 4: 8, 9 (please read verses 1-9 also)
"Now Cain said to his brother Abel, "Let's go out to the field." And while they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him. Then the LORD said to Cain, "Where is your brother Abel?" "I don't know," he replied. "Am I my brother's keeper?"
Now in the first verse, we're told that we are to love our brothers(and sisters), this doesn't mean just our blood relatives, but the whole body of the Church. In this I mean all those that call on the name of JESUS as personal LORD and SAVIOR. This was a command given by JESUS HIMSELF, and by doing this the world will know we represent CHRIST as HIS disciples. Lately, I have seen a whole lot of hatred being thrown around by those that call JESUS LORD! People cutting others to the quick, right out in the open on the internet. Not the taking them aside in private and in a loving manor showing them their wrongs, but posting (for all to see) what they believe is right and the other person's wrongs.
In all rights what they are doing brings us to our second verse for today. They're taking their brothers out into the fields of the world and slaying them! They might as well step in front of a TV camera and slice their throats (sorry for being so graphic). Is this loving a fellow Christian in the manor set forth for us? I'd say not. We are our brothers keepers and should rightfully act always in a manor showing love and edification, to them. Not one of blatant disregard and hatred. Can anyone with a true respect for JESUS treat another Christian in such a manor? I'd say not! To treat a brother or sister in CHRIST in this way is totally outside of anything that even closely resembles being CHRIST-like.
Not only are these dishonoring another Christian, but they're showing utter disregard for our SAVIOR. We are told that when we have disagreements, over words and doctrine (here I'm not talking about false teachings), to take the brother aside and confront them in private and to do such, in a loving and compassionate way. All these people are succeeding to do is tearing down the Christian faith, making a mockery of it and making themselves look so much wiser and more learned (their pride)in their own eyes). Not in my eyes or those of any devote believer. For those of us that truly have given our lives over to JESUS, crucifying our flesh upon the cross and humbling ourselves before HIM, would do things in a whole different way.
Yes, I am telling others that they are wrong in their treatment of another Christian, but I'm doing it on a site that is not out in the open for the world to see. For there are very few of the world that will come here to read my devotionals and those that do, their hearts are being worked by the HOLY SPIRIT and have a reason for being here. Those of you that read this, I ask you, that if you know those that have been falling prey to this way of the adversary, for that is what it is, enlist them to come here and read that which the LORD has given me this day. They just may be one of those that the LORD has had me write this for. Then again since nothing happens without the LORD's condoning it, I'd say that they are one of them!!!
(Dissension and hypocrisy are two of the major distractions that keep people from going to church or ever thinking about joining one, or even becoming a Christian! Isn't it about time we began acting like the name we claim as ours, Christian (CHRIST-like???)
Other verses to study:Matt. 22: 37-40, 23: 1-39, 24: 12; Luke 6: 35-38; John 13: 34, 35; 1 John 2: 3-11
Use these verses, but don't stop with them, cross reference and seek out GOD from within HIS WORD!!!
Prayer request can be sent to: prayers@vineofchrist.org
GOD bless and good day,
Rev. Marshall Barth
Vine of CHRIST Ministrieshttp://vineofchrist.org
Vine Ministerial Network International
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