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Luke John
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God's Wonderful Surprise - 1:26-28
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It's always a wonderful surprise to find something good in an unexpected place. The Bible is full of experiences like that. Usually, the something good that is found in an unexpected place, is God! Whatever Mary was doing that day, she certainly did not expect to be confronted with a messenger from heaven....More
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Do You Hear? - 1:46-55
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``Do you hear what I hear?" That is not only the question of the Christmas carol, it is the question of Isaiah, it is the question of Mary. It is the question of faith. Do you hear what I hear? Listen... and be blessed. ...More
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The Innkeeper's Problems - 2:1-7
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In reality, the innkeeper has as much need for our sympathy and understanding, as he does for our criticism and condemnation. This innkeeper was faced with some real problems. He had problems coming at him from every direction. The innkeeper had business problems....More
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Christ Came Down - 2:1-7
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The heart of every believer should take comfort in the recollection of God's providential government of the world. A Christian should never be greatly moved or disturbed by the conduct of the rulers of the earth. We should see with the eyes of faith a Hand overruling all that they might do to the praise of God. ...More
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"Unto You A Child Is Born." - 2:1-14
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The angel of the Lord points to Bethlehem, saying, "For to you is born this day a Saviour." For our sake God became man. For us He emptied Himself that we may be exalted. For us He gave Himself that we may be lifted up and drawn unto Him....More
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When The Angels Stop Singing - 2:15
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This time of year there will be a thousand names and faces, which will experience a mountain of misery. That is what happens in life, when the angels stop singing....More
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What Christmas Means - 2:8-14
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The supreme meaning of Christmas is that God gave Himself to us. The supreme challenge of Christmas is that we give ourselves to God. And then help others to see Him as He is....More
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The Signifcant Shepherds - 2:8-20
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By examining the roles of the shepherds in the Christmas story, we may learn some valuable lessons about the true meaning of the Christian life. Why does God choose the shepherds to be recipients of the angelic proclamation of the birth of Jesus? ...More
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Crises In A Mother's Life - 10:19f
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This message is not intended to be a digest of easy answers for beleaguered parents, nor will it provide quick formulas to already broken relationships. This message is an attempt to set forth a few sound principles to help parents find direction in this difficult task of rearing children....More
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Expectations of Christmas - 2:21-38
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If we were honest, we would admit that most of the time Christmas never lives up to our expectations. For many the season will be disappointing. ...More
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The Wait Is Over - 4:21
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For centuries, the Jewish people had looked forward to the coming of One who would bring relief, salvation, and hope. Isaiah had described Him as the One quot;who would bring good news to the poor, release to the captives, recovering of sight to the blind, and liberty to the opposed." (Isaiah 61: 1 as quoted in Luke 4: 18) Generation after generation passed. Life was difficult and discouraging. In many ways life got worse. Could they continue to believe in the coming of the Messiah? Could they sustain hope? ...More
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Straighten Up! - 13:10-21
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In our Scripture passage we are going to look at two people who were bent out of shape. One was a woman who was physically bent out of shape and the other was a religious man who was spiritually bent out of shape. One was crippled by a spirit of weakness and the other was crippled by a spirit of legalism and bitterness....More
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Sold Out To Jesus - 14:25-27
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You and I must be sold out to Jesus. Jesus deserves every minute of every day and every penny of every dollar. He must have every ability and every skill that we possess. After all - every thing that we have has come from God. His love must master us, control us, constrain us -- we must be sold out to Jesus....More
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Fatherhood - 15:11-32
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God intentionally revealed Himself as Father because He is Father. Father reveals something of His nature and character, something He wants us to understand. We live in an age where fatherhood has been depreciated. There is no doubt that the traditional understanding of the family is under constant attack....More
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Grace of Gratitude - 17:15,16
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This leper who came back to thank Jesus was, by that simple act, was putting something gracious into life and, at the same time, was enriching the quality of his own soul. This is why our Lord was pleased at what he did, and why He regretted that the other nine had failed to do it. Let us see what the grace of gratitude contributes to the lives of others....More
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Where Are The Nine? - 17:17
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Does it not break your heart to love, to sacrifice, to give, to go the second mile, turn the other cheek, only to be forgotten and go unthanked? Then, how must our Father in heaven feel as He looks upon us here today...More
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Where Is Thanksgiving? - 17:17f
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We wonder, as Jesus did, what happened to the other nine. They were saved from a fate worse than death. They had no hesitation in receiving healing for their leprosy. As far as we know, they were thankless. ...More
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When Thanks Are Not Enough - 18:9f
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Sometimes, thanks are not enough! Jesus understood this. We find it in a parable toward the end of His ministry. In those last pages of the Gospel, you can almost feel the desperation as He tried to squeeze as much as He could out of His few remaining days. And in that setting of great urgency we find a warning about thanks. ...More
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Lost - 19
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There are several facets of lostness. There is physical lostness. If this occurs in a life-threatening situation when resources are running out, physical lostness can be terrifying. There is emotional lostness. Among our "divers diseases" is one the Bible names hardness of heart. Its symptom is callouses on the soul. The worst expression of lostness is spiritual lostness. Everyone is lost, who is not in Christ. In Luke 13: 3, Jesus said, "Unless you repent, you will all likewise perish." Jesus said of Himself, "For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost." (Luke 19: 10) ...More
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Three Ways To Die - 23:39-45
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So, those three crosses that stood on Calvary on that Good Friday many years ago have become symbols of the three ways a person can live and die. Let's move a little closer and look at each man on each cross and discover how any person can live and die. ...More
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Burning Hearts - 24:13f
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"Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked with us on the road and explained the scriptures to us?" In the midst of a journey, these two men are taken by surprise while traveling on the road. This is just like Jesus! Jesus is always ready to meet us at the turns of our life. ...More
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Ingratitude - 1:11
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From that thankless generation, Jesus received no love for all that He did for others. Here and there a grateful woman ministered to Him of her substance. Now and then a thankful soul became one of His disciples. But for the most part there was no response to His love. From the multitude He received shouts of murderous hate, demanding that He be crucified. The longer Jesus lived, the more He suffered the ingratitude of mankind. ...More
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An Unwanted Saviour - 1:11
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From day one, man's sword was drawn ready to kill Him. Mankind didn't want Jesus then, and Jesus is not wanted now. There was no room for Jesus then, and there is no room for Him now. Bethlehem didn't want Him then, and it doesn't want Him now. Our country doesn't want Him either. He is not wanted by government. He is not welcomed in our public schools. He is not welcomed in our businesses. And, if the truth was know, He is not wanted in many of our churches. There isn't any room for Him in our present world. ...More
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Be An Andrew - 1:35-42
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We have Jesus as our Saviour and we know how He has changed our lives. Why are we not willing to express this to others? We know that others are lost and dying without Jesus, and still we remain silent. Andrew is an example of the concern that we should have for our relatives and friends. He is mentioned three times in John's Gospel. On each occasion he is bringing someone to Jesus. ...More
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Cognitive Dissonance - 1:35-42
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Cognitive dissonance refers to the gap between our ideals and our actions, between our creeds and our deeds, between the image we would like to have of ourselves and the image we really present to others. The tension that results from that gap between what we should be or want to be, and the way we really are is the cause of much physical and emotional suffering. Most of us are dissatisfied with ourselves at some point. We know what is meant by gaps between our expectations and reality. ...More
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Eternal Salvation - 3:16
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A definite assurance of eternal life is given to those who believe. He that believeth "hath" everlasting life. It does not say that he may have if he works at it or pursues his goals. And it does not say that this eternal life is given at death. A person has eternal life the very second he believes. ...More
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The Greatest Gift - 3:16-18
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We are not always happy with the gifts we get for Christmas. Every year most of us end up exchanging some items, either because they didn't fit or we didn't need them. Sometimes we return items because they just don't work. No one ever regrets receiving the Greatest Gift. John 3:16 also tells us that the greatest gift is a gift we will treasure for eternity....More
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Is Christmas Backwards? - 3:16-17
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Is it possible that Christmas has always taken place in a world that has lost its way? Is it possible that we have always gotten important things backwards? The birth of the Saviour happened in a darkened world of evil kings, and there was no hope for those in need. Yet, none of this darkness and loneliness could banish the star from the sky. Again, during this Christmas season, hope is still shining like a star that can turn our world around -- if we will look up and believe....More
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He Must Increase - 3:30
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Here was a successful man. His name was on every lip. Crowds followed him everywhere he went. He was popular. Then one day, a young carpenter from Nazareth appeared on the scene, and the crowd was gone. John stood, and watched them go. All he said was: "He must increase, I must decrease." ...More
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Come, See A Man - 4:27-30
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Today many preachers must have large congregations. Not many today are interested in witnessing to just one person. Today, everything must be spectacular with bands and orchestras, or else there is no reason to expect people to be interested in spiritual matters. We must pray to be concerned with the value of a single soul. In the heat of the day, the Lord Jesus found rest and refreshment in speaking to a woman whom many would not even look upon. If they did look upon her, it would be with eyes of scorn. We must pray to have the compassion of our Lord's heart....More
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What Is Life? - 5:19-27
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Are you going to Heaven? Do you have eternal life? To have those things, you must believe in Jesus Christ. All who have believed in Jesus Christ will go to Heaven, while the rest will live forever in a horrible hell. We should be forever grateful for the eternal life that Christ has given us. Are you grateful for your eternal life? Does your life show it? ...More
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Problem Solving - 6:1-13
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There are probably some in this service struggling with a serious problem. Maybe it is a financial problem, a family problem, a health problem, an emotional problem, or something else. If you have a problem you're dealing with in your life this morning or if you have had one in the past, I hope that this sermon will help you in problem solving. I know One who can solve all our problems....More
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It Cannot Be Done - 6:1-15
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On the shore of Galilee, a short distance from where the Sermon on the Mount was delivered, a large crowd had gathered to hear Jesus speak. They had been listening to Jesus for a long time. Jesus sensed their hunger. Jesus told His disciples that they would need to feed that hungry crowd of people. They didn't have enough money to do that. Jesus probably heard more than once, the statement, "It can't be done!"...More
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No Need To Fear - 6:16-21
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Do you have courage in your life? Are you able to meet the challenges you face head on? More importantly, do you have the courage to be what God wants you to be, and to do what He wants you to do with your life? That takes courage! Often, when God tells us to do something, we are afraid. We are hesitant to step out and do what He wants. Regardless of what actions or a changes must come to our lifestyle or habits, there is no need for fear! There is no need to be afraid! Here are some reasons why we need to have no fear. ...More
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"I Am The Bread Of Life!" - 6:35f
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When Jesus performed the miracle of the loaves and fishes, declaring that He was the bread sent down from heaven, those who had heard Jesus and had eaten the food He miraculously provided were profoundly impressed. It is significant that this miracle occurred during the Passover season. It was not Moses who had given their forefathers manna in the wilderness, but it was God Himself, Jesus had pointed out -- "... My Father giveth you the true bread from heaven." (John 6: 32; cf. Nehemiah 9:15) Today, we all too often rely on people, organizations, or governments as our sources of supply. We even short-sightedly think we provide for ourselves by our own labor and resources, without thinking through to God....More
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Rejoice, He Lives - 6:40
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Christ's resurrection should effect us. We should be overcome with great joy! We should be shouting and singing praises to God! We should be slapping each other on the back and rejoicing with tears of great joy. Jesus Saves! Jesus Lives! ...More
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Time Flies - 9:4
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Because time flies, we ought to prize it, highly. We should guard it, carefully. We should enjoy it, fully. We must use it, wisely. We must pray over it, faithfully. We should give thanks for it, continually. ...More
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Christ The Door - 10:9
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Jesus said, "I am the door." Christ is the only door! Jesus did not say, "I am a door." He said, "I am the door." There is a vast difference between a door and the door. There is only one door into God's fold, and that door is Christ. He is the only door. "There is none of the name given under heaven among men, whereby we must be saved. " Jesus said, "No man cometh unto the Father but by me." ...More
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Believer's Security - 10:27-28
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We must cling to what God's Word says, and not to our cherished opinions. We must not search for new insights, which may alter our opinions. It is not our opinions which are important -- it is what God's Word says that is important. We must examine our theological statements by the Word of God....More
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The Call Of The Cross - 11:28
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Our ears and our hearts are constantly besieged by calls. We live in a world of calls. There are bird calls, fire alarm calls, telephone calls, calls to arms, police calls, and calls of distress. Let us consider the call of the cross of Jesus....More
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The Expendables - 11:47
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Every age and every area of life has had its "expendables," people who had to lose that others may gain. But, are they so expendable? Could we have done without them? Wasn't their very act of sacrifice more successful and more essential than all our little acts of selfish achievement? ...More
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Where Are You Headed? - 12:20-23
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When we take a vacation or a business trip, we usually have a destination in mind. We must plan. We must make preparation for our journey. It is absolutely essential that we must prepare for our journey through this life and into the next. Our life is heading somewhere. We know that life on this earth will come to an end. We also know that we will continue to live in eternity. There are two destinations -- heaven or hell! Everyone will live either in heaven or hell depending on the preparation that is made. The information we need to prepare for the journey is found in God's Word....More
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Will You Follow? - 13:1-17
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Passover was the time when all faithful Jews celebrated the deliverance of the Israelites from Egyptian bondage. It commemorated the sparing of Jewish lives even as the angel of death was taking the lives of the firstborn sons of Egypt. More than any other feast, Passover set the Jews apart as a people. The deeds of the past are on the minds of the people as they move about Jerusalem, but these are not the thoughts of the disciples of Jesus. Their minds are on the future. The kingdom of God is near. Jesus has told them this. How can one think of feasts when something as important as this is about to take place? They are thinking about the kingdom, and of their place in it. They are probably thinking: "I wonder where I'll fit into Jesus' plan. ...More
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Gathered Around The Table - 13:21-30
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Gathered around the table with the Saviour were twelve men. They were truly individuals. Each had his particular need. Each had his personal character, and each had his own thoughts. Gathered around this table today are all of us. Each of us has his or her particular need. Each of us has his or her own personal character. Each of us has his or her own thoughts. Some of the things seen at that first table can be seen around this one....More
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Heaven Is Real - 14:1
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Heaven Is Real. Heaven is as real as any city or country on the face of this earth. Jesus said, " I go to prepare a place for you." If Jesus said that He went to a place, then it is sure and certain that He went to a definite place. Heaven Is A Prepared Place. Jesus said so, and that settles it. That establishes the complete truth of it. Heavenly mansions are being made ready by the Lord Jesus. ...More
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A Future With Hope - 14:1-3
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Whatever each new day may bring, Christians face the future with hope. Hope is the cornerstone of Christian faith. Christians have responsibility of nourishing hope. To claim to believe in God who can do all things, and then live without hope, is to tarnish our Christian testimony. As Christians, we must nurture a real belief in God, and in what has been done for all mankind through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. There are three kinds of hope for the Christian. There is hope now, hope for the future, and hope beyond this life. There is hope now! ...More
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Problem Of Death - 14:19
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Do you fear death? You do not ever have to fear death or its consequences. You can receive the free gift of eternal life by trusting in Christ today. Remember, your hopes lie not in what you have done for God, but in what He has done for you upon the cross of Calvary. ...More
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Only A Branch - 15:1
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So let us learn what a branch is and what it teaches us of our life in Christ. A branch is simply a bit of wood brought forth by the vine for the one purpose of serving the vine in bearing fruit. It is of the very same nature as the vine and has one life and spirit with it. THINK OF THE LESSONS THIS SUGGESTS: First, It Suggests A Lesson Of Entire Consecration. The branch has but one object for which it exists. It has one purpose to which it is entirely given. It is to bear fruit the vine wishes to bring forth. So, the believer has but one reason for his existence on earth, and that is for the heavenly Vine to bring forth His fruit through him. ...More
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The Vine Dresser - 15:1
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My Father is the Vine Dresser. He is the one who tills the ground. In this case He is the one who tends the vine. This is revealed in verse 2. The vine dresser occupies himself with the branches. He does this because the emphasis of the parable is fruit. ...More
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Leaves Or Fruit - 15:4
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What does our Lord have to say about the fruit? He simply says that fruit is the one purpose of the branch. Fruit is the one reason for the existence of a branch. Fruit is the one mark of being a true branch of the heavenly Vine. It is the one condition of being allowed by the divine Husbandman to share the life of the Vine. Fruit is what the divine Husbandman expects. ...More
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Without Jesus - Nothing - 15:5
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He actually said was, " For without Me you can do nothing, not even one." What a challenge this is to our hopes and desires for much fruitful service. It is possible to be in this blessed position only when I have learned the secret of abiding in Christ and Christ abiding in me; Christ working through me; Christ using me as His instrument for His purposes. This is the only way to the fruitfulness of much fruit. The only alternative is "nothing," that is to say: "not even one." ...More
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Fate Of Not Abiding - 15:6
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So, the branch that is Not abiding in Christ, " is taken away by the Vine Dresser, and is thrown out," like the branch cut off from a natural vine. The inner separation is followed by the outer separation. The unfruitful branch is removed from the midst of the great crown of fruit-bearing branches. Nothing remains but to throw it out, just like the salt that Jesus says is good for nothing....More
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Asking And Abiding - 15:7
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You that have Christ's words abiding in you are equipped with those things which the Lord regards with attention. If the word of God abideth in you, you are the one who can pray because you meet our great God with His own words. You put your finger upon the very promise and say, "Lord, Thou hast promised!" This is the best praying that you can do. ...More
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Joy - 15:9-11
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So why the joy? Why do the disciples have a blessed state? It is because of their union with Jesus. They in Him, and He in them . So, in this union lies the joy of Jesus and of His disciples. In Jesus this joy is already made full....More
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Christ Helps The Home - 15:12
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I'm convinced that the problems of family life and marriage in America are problems that stem from the lack of love. It's not a matter of too much money or too little money. It's not that life is moving too fast or that technology has taken over or that people aren't educated enough. It is not that poverty or prejudice deprive people of a chance for a good home life.. Even with all the love-talk in America, and with all the love stories and all the novels, the TV, the movies, and advertisements connecting everything in our society with love -- we don't know how to love! And because we don't know how, we often simply do not truly love each other. Sometimes, we make love something weak and shallow, and see it as emotional feelings and the physical expression of those feelings....More
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The Lordship Of Jesus - 15:14
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All of us need an authority. The freer we are, the greater the need for discipline. The discovery of an authority that is not tyrannical is an authority that can and must make righteous commands. An authority that can issue benevolent promises with ability and the will to fulfill them is one of the greatest needs of our world. That authority may be discovered in Jesus Christ! ...More
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The Hour Is Come - 17:1f
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This was the crises hour in the life of Christ, and the pivotal point in the redemptive purpose of God. Jesus Christ is about to die the death of the cross. In the cross all streams of prophecy will meet, and from it will radiate all the glowing lines of history. It was not only the hour of decision for the Son of God; it was the hour of destiny for the redeemed among men. ...More
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All Together - 17:22
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Our churches are caught up in so many organizational headaches, and are being dragged down by the ambition of those who wish to be in charge. Others are involved in the deadly game of competing with each other. We must not realize that the situation is desperate, nor do we recognize how fragile the life of the church is. The battle must be fought together. There will be no victory without fighting the enemy together. Our churches need oneness. But this oneness seems to be missing. There are several reasons for this. ...More
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Christ Is Risen - 20:11-18
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Let's celebrate the resurrection. Today, let's celebrate, using the ancient greeting. When Christians met one another, they greeted one another with "Christ is risen!" and the response, "Christ is risen indeed!" That would be a good practice for us today. Say it after the service to one another. When you see your neighbor, say, "Christ is risen!" When you answer the phone today, say, "Christ is risen!" ...More
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Easter Is Life Changing - 20:19
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The resurrection is a reality. It is no longer second- hand report. It is no longer a report --- it is a reality. The experience with the risen Lord has changed everything. No longer will fear control their lives. No longer will they hide. Now they can be what Jesus has called them to be. They had sat at His feet. They had seen Him perform miracles. They had heard His teachings. They had seen Him crucified, but now the power of the risen Lord is theirs. Now they are empowered by the Holy Spirit. An experience with the risen Lord changes everything. ...More
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Peace And Power - 20:19-22
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The Holy Ghost came upon the disciples at Pentecost, and they went out witnessing for Christ full of heavenly power. A study of the Book of the Acts shows that those who were filled with the Holy Spirit were full of power. They had power to sacrifice and to suffer. They had power to teach and to preach. They had power to witness and to work. Thousands of lost souls were born into the Kingdom of God and blessed through their ministry. ...More
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God's Touch On The Shoulder - 21:15-22
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God is a gracious, loving Father. He is interested in every phase of our lives. He wants the best for us in this world and in the world to come. He does not leave us to be guided by blind chance. He guides us by His Holy Spirit. Often, He comes and touches us on the shoulder saying, "This is the way, walk this way." ...More
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