Lessons for such a time as this:

Praise the LORD!!!
   A little twist in the normal posting of "Lessons for such a time as this." Bringing it here to reach an extended audience(I guess, just doing as led :{))) ) "Reftagger" is functional here, so it's possible that you can mouse-over to expand references!?!
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Lessons for such a time as this:

Christian Activity(Application of scriptures)

Many statements in Scripture indicate that the Bible is given to us for more than satisfying our curiosity about what God is like, what He has done in the past, or what He will do in the future. Its intended impact on lives is seen in that the Bible convicts (Heb. 4:12–13), regenerates (2 Tim. 3:15; 1 Peter 1:23), nurtures (2:2), cleanses (Ps. 119:9; John 15:3; 17:17; Eph. 5:25–26), counsels and guides (Ps. 119:24, 105), prevents sin (v. 11), renews (vv. 50, 93, 107, 149, 154, 156), strengthens (v. 28), sustains (vv. 116, 175), gives wisdom (vv. 98, 130, 169), and delivers (v. 170).

The Scriptures are called a fire, to consume false teaching (Jer. 23:29); a hammer, to shatter people’s hard hearts (v. 29); food, to sustain one’s soul (Ps. 119:103; Jer. 15:16; 1 Cor. 3:2; Heb. 5:13–14; 1 Peter 2:2); a light, to guide our paths (Ps. 119:105); and a sword, for offense against Satan (Eph. 6:17; cf. Luke 4:4, 8, 12). In Psalm 119 the psalmist used many verbs to speak of his response to God’s Word: walk according to, keep, obey, follow, trust in, seek out, delight in, meditate on, consider, rejoice in, see, understand, hope in, teach, speak of, remember, not forget, not forsake, not depart from, not stray from, not turn from, believe in, consider, long for, love, stand in awe of, tremble at, sing of, and choose.

Having been born again by the Word of God (1 Peter 1:23), believers are to grow in the Lord by the same means—God’s Word (2:2). In application, then, we are concerned about relating the Bible to life today. This involves seeing how the Bible, written to initial audiences thousands of years ago, relates to audiences today—and how we should respond to it. Do the Scriptures have relevance for today, and if so how is that relevance determined? What is the significance of the Bible to us? How do we determine how we should respond?

- from: Campbell, D. K. (1991). Foreword. In C. Bubeck Sr. (Ed.), Basic Bible Interpretation: A Practical Guide to Discovering Biblical Truth (pp. 280–281). Colorado Springs, CO: David C. Cook.
- via Logos 6

#lessonsforsuchatimeasthis #christjesus #theword #studyscripture #god #biblestudy #bible #jesus #faith #dailydevotions #devotional   #holyspirit  #bookexcerpts  #vineofchristministries



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 Vine Ministerial Network International

Far too many

Praise the LORD!!!

   This is but a short one, but one that the LORD is laying on my heart this morning.

   There are far too many. Far too many what, you may ask. Far too many that are confused and over zealous in that which they perceive to be the LORD's will for them.

   We, Brothers and Sisters, are told(commissioned) to spread the GOSPEL. We are not told, that we're to convict people of their sins. Which is something far too many are trying to do. The task of conviction of one's sins is totally in the ample hands of the HOLY SPIRIT and no human agent. We as zealous, on fire for the LORD Christians, can do everything within our powers to do so and we're just wasting our breath and time. For unless it is the HOLY SPIRIT that brings about this conviction, it is worthless and like dust in the wind.

   Though we have the HOLY SPIRIT dwelling inside of us, we ARE NOT HIM!!! We do NOT, have HIS powers, even though HE may exhibit them thru us. It is because of years of erroneous preaching that men think "they" are the one's that can bring about and do wondrous works. When in truth, we ARE but vessels thru which the HOLY SPIRIT does the works.

                                            Let's get it right !!!!!!!

John 16:8


GOD bless and good day,
 Rev. Marshall Barth
 Vine of CHRIST Ministries

How long...

 Praise the LORD!!!

   "Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me," (John 14:9; AV)

   Yesterday, I was asked about one of the post I had made and what scripture references I could use to back it. The post: "A Thought for such a time as this:
   A Christian should not settle with a level of production(for the LORD) that is the same as yesterday!!!" 

   At the time that I gave  answer I was a bit distraught from having tried to monitor and post tornado warning to followers on this current system. As many of you know, well those that have followed the ministry for over a year or two would, this is part of the ministry's functions. Any way, back to the point of this blog   :{))) My answer was in two parts, because another stepped in asking, but here are both parts:
   "PTL!!! It is not GOD requires, wants or needs anything but our love, but as with any relationship lovers seek to provide the other with greater things from the heart as the relationship deepens. Would you give your wife/girlfriend a BMW one day and turn around and give them a gardening tool??? I think not. It may just be me, but as I grow closer to the LORD, I desire to do more for HIM, not because I have to, or because it will gain me one thing, but just because I love HIM !!!"

   "PTL!!! I consider my relationship with GOD above all others and seek to deepen it in every way. As with any relationship, a knowledge of the other is great, but if that is where we leave off, what do we really have other than knowledge, we've no experience. Any thriving relationship must have experiences that deepen it, that bring the two parties closer together. I've had many relationship and most were very one sided, due to my pride, The LORD has blessed me by removing this hindrance and now I willing to seek a depth in our relationship deeper than any every before. HE gave HIS all for me, shouldn't I be willing to do the same in return, not being satisfied with the results of yesterday, but seeking to make today even better??? Scripturally, you'll not find this depth of relationship mentioned, to the best of my knowledge, but I'm sure it was in the hearts of many of those that have died for CHRIST while smiling at their tormentors and singing praises unto GOD!!! "

   You can believe this was on my heart last night as I went to sleep and it was put to prayer. Now I can understand new believers in CHRIST having(needing) scripture "proof" to solidify their understandings, but supposedly seasoned, mature Christians!?! Have we been so long with JESUS, yet we fail to really know HIM??? To know those things we are to do. To know the manor in which we are to live our lives and reflect HIS image to others. 

   Now don't take me wrong here, I'm not judging these others involved here, but I'm being blessed to see the BODY as a whole here. We've lived our lives for years for CHRIST. We've supposedly read and read the Bible numerous times. Studied and studied for hours, taking in hour after hour worth of sermons and teaching tapes(disc) and books.  "And yet hast thou not known me,"
                                           ______________________________

   I ask, but not I, but the LORD, is your knowledge of me only within your mind, or is it within your heart??? Do you really have a loving relationship with me, or is it but a knowledge of scripture??? I want your heart, as well as your mind and body. I want all of you!!! Are you willing to give it???



 GOD bless and good day,
 Rev. Marshall Barth
 Vine of CHRIST Ministries 

How far???

Praise the LORD!!!

   How far are you truly willing to go for the sake of the GOSPEL??? This is an important personal question we each must ask ourselves. Is our faith that which truly believes that "all things work together for the good of those that love GOD and are called according to HIS purpose" That our suffering "all things," would bring about the glory of GOD. That our refusing to take up arms(self defense means) to protect our own lives, would bring glory to the KINGDOM of GOD.

   Many today have a faith that says they can do that which is needed to preserve their own lives and still bring glory to GOD!!! But is this kind of faith truly that of GOD or is it a faith that has been formed by the means of man, for self preservation ???

   These are but a few "Questions" and/or statements that are meant to make you think. Make you think about the depth of your relationship with JESUS. To make you think about whether or not you're willing to make that supreme sacrifice and give your life for the sake of the GOSPEL !!! I see many a post and hear many a statement to this effect, but truly, when it comes down to it, how many are truly willing too!!! Think about it !!!!!!! Your sacrifice could be that which brings other believers into the fold. But the question is, "How far ???"


GOD bless and good day,
 Rev. Marshall Barth
 Vine of CHRIST Ministries 

Of Social media, judgment and gossip...

 Praise the LORD!!!

    There are times that things must just be brought out in the open and this is one of them(Ephesians 5:11). Over the past several months, there has been a great increase in Christians taking part in that which is far from a reflection of a CHRIST-likeness(Christian attitude and actions.) From the title you should be able to tell that this has been happening on possibly the greatest tools we have at our beckon, for spreading the GOSPEL. The internet and more specifically, the social media side of it. Also, this isn't aimed at any one person, for there have been many that have been constantly straying over these scriptural lines in the sand !!!

   Now, if you've been following me for any length of time, you should of realized, I've a great span when it comes to my internet presence. I've accounts on a good number of social media site ( Facebook, My_space, Twitter etc.) I've seen a drastic increase in Christians doing that which Christians shouldn't be doing. Namely, the standing in judgment of others(Romans 2:1-11) and then relaying this information on to others with the third party being totally unaware of it(1 Tim. 5:13). Both of these are far from that which our LORD and SAVIOR would of done in these very same cases, very far from it !!! It pains me dearly to have to say this, especially when a good number of these offenders exhibit a well rounded knowledge of scripture and for the most part behave as we should. I feel like the author of the Book of Hebrews, as they wrote  verses  5:12-14, and the recipients were unfit for the consumption of anything stronger than 'milk.'

   JESUS came a died for all of mankind, not just Christians. HE didn't die for the righteous, but for sinners and yes, I do know that no one is righteous, not even one single solitary person(Romans 3:10-18). Judgment, we should consider as a double "ended" sword, which inflicts as much damage to the one using it, as it does the one it is used against. For when we judge another person, in any manor(status, looks, job or in any way)let us not forget Matt. 6:15), we place ourselves in a position as if we're better than they are(Romans 14, yes the whole of it:))) ). Hence sinning, and a multiple pronged sin, for this brings in the demon of pride and every christian should realize what JESUS thinks about pride-fulness !!! (This should be one of the first tenants of the faith we learn and understand !!!  (milk.)



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

3.04.10_Matt. 15:8_Who are you honoring?

 Praise the LORD!!!

   Today's verses originally was written in the Old Testament, for those straying from following the Law. Here though, CHRIST resurrects them, to witness against those following the Law in but a shadow of its true purpose. Yet there is so much more to it then this and we shall dive in to it's depths. Watch it though, I feel the bottom is rocky!!!


   Matt. 15:8 (Isa. 29:13)

       8 “ ‘These people honor me with their lips,

but their hearts are far from me.

 9 They worship me in vain;

their teachings are but rules taught by men.’d”

   During the time of CHRIST, as most know, there wasn't the New Testament to go by. All of the scripture quoted was from one of the Hebrew Holy Books, to which there were several. They had not yet been compiled into what we call the Holy Bible or the Hebrew Tanakh. When first written, our verses were referring to those of the Jewish nation that gone astray and were not following GOD's precepts. Here though JESUS takes it to a whole new level, much the same as HE did with all the rest of Old Testament laws.

   Here HE was being questioned by the Pharisee and some teachers of the Law as to some of the actions by the disciples and ultimately JESUS HIMSELF. JESUS turns the tables on them though and made their question's answer ultimately come back upon them in judgment. HE had a way of doing this, especially when they were trying to trick HIM into a trap, where they could condemn HIM for breaking the Law. This though is not purpose here, it is to bring the verse into reference for us today,

   What is it that "comes out of our lips?" Is our speech always something that brings glory to GOD? Or is it mostly about things that would really be unimportant to HIM? With our calling to glorify the name of JESUS in all that we say, our speech should be very well tempered and restrained. There should be nothing that would dishonor HIM within it. Which means that every word should be uplifting to another and all around beneficial to their lives. This means for those we love, as well as those that are against us. No word that proceeds out of our months should have any negative connotations to it and in all rights we should be honoring GOD with every single syllable of it too. This too though, is not that which we are seeking, though of great importance and worthwhile  to think upon!

   Where truly is your heart today? Is it fully seeking after relationship with JESUS? Is HE still your first love? Is HE first and foremost in all that you say and do? Are you honoring HIM completely within your life? All these questions stem from these next few WORDS of this scripture, "but their hearts are far from me." Seven simple little words, which mean very little by themselves, a little more when put together and a whole lot more when spoken by the LORD HIMSELF!!!

   So I ask you this, if your words aren't honoring JESUS and your heart isn't seeking to glorify HIS precious name, how can you call HIM your LORD and SAVIOR and call yourself a CHRISTian? I'm not trying to 'trash' anyone or put them down, and certainly not judging them, but the LORD has laid this upon my heart a lot here lately. Most of you know that I'm networking over a dozen internet sites, for the purpose of bringing  attention to the LORD's ministry for me, Vine of CHRIST Ministries. I've run into more people that call themselves Christians, yet, I truly can't tell the difference between them and the rest of the world. Plus there are those that are trying to preach things totally outside of the Bible, writings of men, teaching from books for centuries left out of anything close to scripture. Even books from other religious beliefs, and all of it being done under the title of Christian. I truly believe it is time that all who want to bear this name, step back and take a good long look at what you truly believe, and get in step with that which is taught by JESUS within the sacred confines of the Bible!!! 


 
  No follow up verses today. This is one that I think even the strongest of Christian should think on. I've been thinking on it all day and I'm still not done. I pray, that you will pray, for the LORD to open your eyes and heart to a fuller and closer walk with HIM. that HE will draw you closer then ever before and that HE will give you a deeper understanding of what it means to bear the name CHRISTian!!!

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

Vine Ministerial Network International