Breaking the mold

Praise the LORD!!!

"But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light." (1 Peter 2:9; NIV)

"Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’" (Exodus 19:5,6; NIV)

"Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works." (Titus 2:14; AV)

Breaking the mold ??? GOD has called forth HIS people to be peculiar!!!

• pe·cu·liar
• [ pi kyóolyər ]
unusual: unusual, strange, or unconventional

1. unique: belonging exclusively to or identified distinctly with somebody or something

synonyms: odd · strange · weird · unusual · irregular · abnormal · uncharacteristic

Why then, are we all standing around in the same light cast for us by the world and unfortunately, the church itself???

For the best part of the last forty years, ministries have been telling us that we've got to focus upon making ourselves look and preform just like them and the world. Striving to stand out, yet only following after the very same mold they've been set in. A "mold" that is almost exactly that as the "mold" that the world uses to bring note to itself !!! 

You, know what I mean. That, "we've got to have the biggest and the best, to make people come through our doors," or "we've got to act this way or that, to blend in with them, making them feel acceptable in our pews." 

There is no "standing out, because we're different," or "standing out, because we don't accept your ways or beliefs." It's, "smooth over the rough spots," "sweeten our words, so we don't offend anyone." Are any of these, those "PECULIAR" ways that the LORD has called us out to be???


Use these verses, but don't stop with them, cross reference and seek out GOD from within HIS WORD!!!


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

This man???

Praise the LORD!!!

    I pray all are well and in good spirits after this CHRISTmas weekend!!!

   Today's message will be about "This man." The one that is posting these comments to the greatest witnessing tool afford to mankind. Why, you may ask??? Simply because I'm led to :))) Why, fully I don't understand or even are to dig into, but have learned from many a year of 'see-sawing'(if you will). Say "what," you may be wondering, does this mean. Exactly this. A continuing going from what I believe to be the best actions within my life, to that which has been impressed upon my heart, thus to "see-saw."

   This man, as you may know(and if not, search out my testimonial book), was brought to the LORD by a complete breaking of his will, thru incarceration in the prison's of man. Totally broken to the point of absolute contrition. A crushing of my heart, that was needed, to separate the flesh, soul and spirit, into a properly ordered package. Not the package of the carnal man, but that of the spiritual man, that which has the spirit within in control and neither the flesh or soul.

   In the carnal man, the command controls are piloted by the flesh or soul, those parts of the 'tripartate' being we are. Being fully directed in our lives by either of these two, brings us into direct enmity with GOD. Seeking only those things in life that are pleasurable to the flesh and self pride, that separate us from a GODly lifestyle. We all should know the traits of these two, and if not, best get into a prayerful reading of scripture:)))

   The spiritual man though, is the one in which whose spirit has come into power, taking over the goals within our lives and turning them from self and towards GOD. A total transition from that which was and into that which GOD original planned for us to be. For this was that state of being Adam and Eve both shared in the Garden, before the fall. The will of only seeking that which was GOD's will for them. This is the state of "this man" to this day and one that is growing even stronger by the moment:)))

   Now this, the above, would make for a good day's devotional and study, but isn't that which is the purpose:))) For the purpose of this today, is the illumination of what my life truly was and is today. I'm what you could say is an example of a "1 Cor. 1:26-30 man."  A man that was dug up from the deepest depths of depravity, washed off(in the blood) and taught in ways, very uncommon for the times. Ways that haven't been instantaneous, but have taken over a decade and a half to bring about. I'm far from perfection, am nothing that can be bragged about and wouldn't if I could:))) For all that has been and will continue to be done upon this spirit, has been by the hand of GOD and it is HE alone that receives any and all of the glory.

   Though I was blessed at birth with a high intellect, through twenty six years of major drug abuse, I've burnt more brain cells than many even were blessed with. Though having read the whole Bible man a time, I've but few verses that I can consider as memorized. This again, in reflection of those 1 Cor. verses!!! Of those verses, there's not even one WORD alone, that I can not see GOD having fulfilled within me. For without HIM, I'm but worthy to adorn the sole of HIS sandals, fitting to scraped off at the first opportune moment!!!

   Unlike most of you, though knowing all my responsibilities, bills and what nots that consume much of our energies, I'm not concerned in the least about them and will only take care of them when the time(HIS time) comes and I'm directed to do so. I take each moment of my day as led and only as led!!!!!!! The past, is forgotten, tomorrow, is not my concern, but for this moment I was created and is HIS will for me to strive and complete as led.

   This is there which I'm led to leave you this day, the why's and what for's are not in my hand to bring about. I've planted the seeds that were meant to be planted and it is from here, that the LORD takes over:))) Have a blessed and prosperous day as the LORD has set forth for you. Share this, keep it and bind it to study, whatever you are led to. For nothing is in my control, for I've released those reigns and have given them over to the only one truly able to bring about HIS most sovereign will for mankind !!!

 Prayer request can be sent to: prayers@vineofchrist.org

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

3.07.10_John 3:3_Born Again

   Praise the LORD!!!

       Today, we will delve into a foundational truth, one that for anyone that calls themselves a Christian must be walking in. The "Born Again" experience, is where the true Christian walk begins and without this experience having happened within our lives, we truly are not Christians!!!


3 In reply Jesus declared, “I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.a”


       So you call yourself a Christian. Were you born into a Christian family and thus obtained this status? Or is it because you attend church on a regular basis? Or maybe it is because you've said the sinner's prayer? Truthfully, none of these are what makes one "Born Again." For this can only be obtained by the moving of the HOLY SPIRIT into one's life and bringing about the regeneration unto a new life, thus the term "Born Again." Yes, the act of our repenting of our sins and confessing JESUS as our LORD and SAVIOR has a great deal to do with this happening. Though it isn't these that cause this transformation to take place.

       Now I know I'm stepping on some theological toes here, but rightfully don't care. For the truth must be spoken, so those that are misled by preachers and teachers today will know that they're in need of the rebirth, provided only by and through the power of the HOLY SPIRIT. I have been witness to ministers that preached great services and gave their lives totally unto such, that were not yet born of the SPIRIT!!! That's right ministers. You may ask, 'how this can be?' Its simple, they've not allowed the HOLY SPIRIT entrance into their hearts, to bring about the regeneration unto new life. Basically, what they've done is live a life focused on JESUS, but not one that has allowed JESUS to be in control, fully and completely!!!

       How can you tell if you've been "Born Again?" Very easily. You will have the fruit of the SPIRIT evident within your lives.(Gal. 5:22,23) "the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,  23 gentleness and self-control." You will be able to witness for yourself these changes, for they will be most evident to you, because they were not natural to your behaviors. The signs will be seen through changes to your behaviors and lifestyle. No longer will there be the urge to party and socialize in flippant ways. The very words from your mouth will of changed. Those things that once attracted all of your attentions, no longer will hold pleasure for you. These will not be the only changes though, for there will be much that has changed on the inside, for this is truly where the new birth begins!

       Changes from the inside. What would these entail? Our thoughts and desires, our reactions to the conditions of others, those things that before were focused only on self, but now are turned away from our own interest and focused on that of others. These may be witnessed first and foremost by you and then others may begin to notice them. No longer will we look upon a woman/man through the same eyes. Not seeing them as a source of our desires, but as a creation of GOD that needs to be respected and shown the love of GOD through you. Not the physical form of love either, but the type that cares so deeply for their personal well being, more so then one's own. Are they being prayed for, are they in any physical need, do they have emotional cares that must be met? These will be the inward signs of this transformation, seen first and foremost only from within.

       How do I know these things? If you've read my book, "Out of the LIGHT," you will know only part of the story, even though it goes into pretty good detail. For there are things that we just can't put into words, there's truly no way to describe them with words. They go so much deeper then words can cover. I'm sure a psychologist would have the words, but I'm far from one. But needless to say I was, in ways, a personification of evil, as I look back at myself. Much was lacking of any sort of humanity or humility. Paul used the description of himself, "as the chief of sinners." This might rightly describe me and I believe I've used it at one time or another to describe the man I was. If one can not look back on their old life and see it through this kind of view, then they might not be "Born again." For with the HOLY SPIRIT within us, all that we were, is so detestable that we loath just talking about it to any great extent. For it has become utterly disgusting to us, for we now are looking at it through the eyes of GOD and how HE would view it. Think about this well. Can you look back on the person you used to be and say, "I wasn't that bad of a person." If you can, there is the possibility that you're not "Born Again."


       I can attest to many changes within my life, many details of which had only been seen through a drug induced fog. But GOD has blessed me with being able to see them as if they all had just happened and are as clear as crystal. Details even deeper then I'd ever even thought about searching. For with the new life comes a deep reflection upon what was and what is now. This is that which builds our testimony from mere thoughts and allows us to put it all into words, whether on paper or vocally. It is another fruit, shall we say, the ability to see both the face of the person you were and the one that you are now, at the same time, in the mirror that GOD holds before you. Clearly revealing the results of the new birth within your life. With this, there will be no doubt within your mind or heart that you have been "BORN AGAIN."
                               ____________________________________________

       Something I'm being led to do today, is a bit different. I am going to put some questions before you, to answer to yourself: Can I look at my life and see where GOD's fingerprints are upon it? When I pray, am I seeking what GOD wants from me in life or that which I want from HIM? Can I attest to the works of the HOLY SPIRIT within me, that have changed me from that who I was, into that who I am today?
                                                            Am I truly Born Again?
                             ______________________________________________

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

2.26.10_2 Cor. 12:15_Broken bread and poured out wine...

 Praise the LORD!!!
   Years ago, just after my release from the halfway house, I began to search out the ways to set up the ministry that the LORD was calling me to. In doing this, I contacted everyone that was ministry that I could find. One brother from a ministry in Springfield came and had an hour and a half meeting with me. Giving me great incite into all those things required by law and those things which GOD would proceed to do in my personal walk with HIM as I progressed towards this goal. Today's reading reflects on one of these truths that he told me and one I've seen enacted over and over within my life since that day!

   2 Cor. 12:15

       "15 I will gladly spend myself and all I have for you, even though it seems that the more I love you, the less you love me."


   My devotional readings, focus on the writings of the old masters of our faith; Spurgeon, Chambers, Kempis and Murray. For they were from a time when the world that we know wasn't so intertwined in the operations of our faith and churches. Life was much simpler and less intrusive into our focusing on GOD and HIS will for our lives. The devotional today comes from a combination of readings and not one alone, with the added meat of reflections on my life with CHRIST.

   The apostle Paul here reflects on how he is willing to go to the extremes to lead the Corinthians into a saving knowledge of CHRIST and HIS will for their lives. Doing this and not worrying about the consequences, not even worrying about whether or not they return his love for them back in his direction. This is a total reflection of that which JESUS did for all of us. HE gave HIS all, right down to HIS last breathes, so that we may have forgiveness of our sins and the hope of eternal life. We as Christian, remember CHRIST-like, are called to this very same calling. Each and everyone of us. We're not called to change the world and those in it, but to show the very example that CHRIST showed us, giving of our natural to obtain relationship with HIM in our lives and in turn doing the same for all others whose lives we affect.

   This is where the 'broken bread and poured out wine comes in. When we begin to walk with the LORD, HE will change us from within. Making us into the very vessel of HIS love for mankind that HE wants us to be. To do this HE must break us, bless us, and then pass us out to those around us. This is a shadow of the holy communion (Luke 22:19,20) in which we take place, hopefully on a regular basis too! The person that we were, the natural man, can not exist in the likeness of CHRIST, it is to imperfect and unclean. JESUS must break us and begin forming us into a new creation, which has HIS likeness and not the one of our worldly form. HE must separate us from the world and remove our focus from it and turn it to HIMSELF. Many Christians have a serious problem at this point, for they want to hang onto the old and still resemble the new. It can't be done, for light and darkness can't exist together one will always destroy the other when they're brought into contact with each other.

   This breaking forms us into the newly created being (2 Cor. 5:17)KJV), one which begins to take on the shape of the ONE which broke it, namely CHRIST. But HE can not stop with this, for we must be blessed to continue this process. HE will first fill us with the HOLY SPIRIT, perhaps the greatest blessing of all. For it is HE that gives us the power within our lives to begin seeking after a greater relationship with JESUS. You may think that your having the urge to be more like JESUS is your own longing for HIM, but it is not. It is only by the power of the HOLY SPIRIT within us that we can even begin to attempt this feat. For that which is natural is connected to this earth, from which it was originally formed and only through our spiritual conversion can we obtain that which is spiritual. Our likeness to CHRIST. Once this process is begun in us, we begin to long for a great and nearer relationship with CHRIST. We begin to read or bibles more, we begin to study it as if our very lives depended upon it, seeking with every breath to be closer to HIM and more like HIM.


   At this point our lives have complete begun to transform how and what we think about, worry about and seek to do within our lives.Those things at which at one time held great importance in our lives, no longer matter. Those things that we worried about, we no longer worry over. We begin to seek out others to tell them of the great changes which have come into our hearts and we begin to have rivers of living waters flow forth from us. We seek to give our all to the glory of HE that has made these changes within us and allow ourselves to be poured out like wine and not worrying about the outcome of this world for we now know without a doubt that we are not of this world any longer. But of that which is to come when JESUS returns in all HIS glory to gather up HIS saints unto HIM. This my friend is something to look forward to, something far more worthy of our attentions, then what we shall eat, drink or wear. This is that which will never perish, for it is eternal.



Other verses you may enjoy: Rom. 7:13-25; 1 Cor. 11:23-32; Heb. 13:1-9; Psalms 23

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