LIVING A LIFE "EMPOWERED" BY THE INDWELLING HOLY SPIRIT!
THE HUSBANDMAN and CAREGIVER: DRIVING AND EMPOWERING
FRUITFUL BRANCHES
“... I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that
beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may
bring forth more fruit. Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken
unto you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of
itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the
branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much
fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and
men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. If ye abide
in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be
done unto you. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall
ye be my disciples. As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue
ye in my love. If ye keep my commandments, ye shall
abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in
his love...” (John 15:1-10 KJV).
*
Without trusting in and depending upon the
distinctive quality of the indwelling
Holy Spirit, God’s people will serve no greater purpose those others who
are in the DARK. “….Apart
from Me, you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV). "… You
are the salt of the earth; but if the
salt has become tasteless …It is no longer good for anything…”
(Matthew 5:13 NASB).
When God’s people lose their ability to be
LIGHT, SALT or FRUITFUL branches it is usually because they have willfully and
voluntarily chosen to forget or abandon their trust and dependency upon God. the
indwelling Holy Spirit. “…They ABANDONED the Lord… they
turned their backs on him….” (2 Chronicles 29:6 NLT). “… [YOU]… FORGOT
all about ME,” says the Lord…” (Hosea 2:13 NLT). “…For years
on end my people have FORGOTten ME…”
(Jeremiah 2:32 NLT).
God, the husbandman, does NOT cut-off and
cut away branches because he CHANGED, but because the branches have changed. “...He who ABIDES in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit … ” (John
15:1-11 NASB). “…abide in me,
and I in you...” (John 15:4 KJV). “…If a man abide NOT in me, (by
choice)...‘he (she) is cast forth as a branch, and is withered…” (John 15:6 KJV).“…The branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so
neither can you unless you abide in Me
... apart from Me you can do nothing…”
(John 15:4-6 NASB).
“…my
people would not listen to me. They kept doing whatever they
wanted, following the stubborn desires
of their evil hearts. They went backward instead of forward” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT).
“But the people replied, “Don’t waste your breath. We will continue to live as we want to, stubbornly following our
own evil desires...” (JEREMIAH 18:12 NLT).
If the branches do not have FRUIT they are
useless for their intended purposes. “…MEN LOVED DARKNESS RATHER THAN LIGHT, because THEIR DEEDS WERE EVIL. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light,
neither cometh to the light, lest his (her) deeds should be reproved…”
(John 3:18-20 KJV).
“…The
branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so
neither can you unless you abide in Me
... apart from Me you can do nothing…”
(John 15:4-6 NASB).
God’s purpose for fruitful branches (his
people) is to demonstrate and express his love to sinful mankind. Remember: . “…God so loved the
world that HE GAVE his only begotten Son…” (John 3:16 KJV). God “…spared not his own
Son, but delivered him up for us all….?” (Romans 8:32 KJV).
Fruitful branches (his people) work
together (cooperate) with God, the husbandman, in order to serve him as a LIGHT,
the SALT, or FRUITFUL branch to the WORLD. “…The Light
which … enlightens every man…” (John
1:19 NASB). "… You are the salt
of the earth…” (Matthew 5:13 NASB).“…Ye shall know
[those with the indwelling Holy Spirit]… by their fruits…”
(Matthew 7:16 KJV).
“…The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering,
gentleness, goodness, faith,
Meekness, temperance…”
(Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). “…He who ABIDES in Me and I in him, he (she) bears much fruit … ” (John
15:1-11 NASB). "…My
Father is glorified by this, that “YOU” bear much fruit, and so PROVE to be My
disciples” (John 15:8 NIV).
“…Choose
you
this day whom ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV).
“…If My people which are called by My name
shall humble themselves, and pray and
seek My face, and TURN FROM their
wicked ways…” (2 Chronicles 7:14 KJV). “…“If the righteous are barely saved, what will happen to
godless sinners?” (1 Peter 4:18
NLT). “… The time has
come for judgment,
and it must begin with God’s household. And
if judgment begins with us, what terrible fate awaits those who have never
obeyed God’s Good News?” (1 Peter 4:16 NLT).
“…If someone claims, “I know God,” but doesn’t
obey God’s commandments (witnessed through LIGHT, being SALT, and being
FRUITFUL), that
person IS A LIAR and is not living in the truth…”
(1 John 2:4 NLT). “…If we “SAY” that we have fellowship with him, and WALK IN
DARKNESS (without PROOF), WE LIE, and DO NOT THE
TRUTH…” (1 John 1:6 KJV).
The removal of a fruitless branch is a respectful
RESPONSE, from God, that is based on “that” branch’s OWN choice. But remember, “….Apart from Me (the
SPIRIT), [the branch]... can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).
God respectfully responds to those
fruitless branches who have willfully LOST their relevancy and usefulness for
his purposes. “...the Lord said, My Spirit shall not always strive with man…”
(Genesis 6:3 KJV). “…They DID NOT like to retain God (the cleansing WORD) in their knowledge…” (Romans 1:28 KJV).
The fruitless branches may try, but they
will not do truly righteous works or display true spiritual fruit. “…If I bestow all my goods to feed the
poor, and if I give my body to be burned, but have not love (God, the Holy Spirit “is” love), IT PROFITETH ME
NOTHING…” (1 Corinthians 13:2-3 ASV). “…the flesh
profits nothing…” (John 6:63 NASB). “….Apart from Me (God,
the Holy Spirit), you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV). “…The …HOLY SPIRIT … is the SOURCE of them all...[righteous
works and spiritual fruit)
…it is the same
God (the husbandman) who does the work IN (plants the seed) and THROUGH
(produces fruit) all of us who are his…” (1 Corinthians
12:4-11 NLT).
God is in control, but he is NOT controlling. God has WORK to do upon the earth. If you CHOOSE not to be a fruitful branch for his purposes he will respect your choice. He is demonstrating that respect when he cuts-off or cuts away your branch. “…Choose you (MAKE A CHOICE) this day whom ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV).
However, God’s WORK will continue; with or without you. WHY? Because, “…God SO LOVED the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him, should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16 KJV). “Herein is LOVE, not that we loved God, but that HE LOVED US and sent His Son...” (1 John 4:10 KJV). “…There is no greater LOVE than to lay down one’s life…” (John 15:13 NLT). “…God SO LOVED the world…” (John 3:16 KJV).
God’s people are compromising their OWN relevancy and purposes by choice and by putting away biblical orthodoxy practices. “…Choose you this day whom ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV).
Thus, many, not all, Christian churches have had NO new converts or the return of backsliders in weeks, months, or even years.
Without “Holy Spirit empowered” righteous works and the display of spiritual fruit, produced by the indwelling Holy Spirit, they have, most likely, LOST their purpose and relevancy.“….Apart from Me, you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV). “…our great power is from God…” (2 Corinthians 4:5-7 NLT).
It is the churches CHOICE to become a church which is relevant and purposeful through the POWER of the indwelling Holy Spirit or become a church who languishes from the impact of fruitlessness, which EXCLUDES God.
God’s church is ALIVE, RELEVANT, and PURPOSEFUL. Your church can AGAIN become a part of the WORLDWIDE community of believers that are LIGHTING the WORLD, SALTING it, and DISPLAYING spiritual fruit.
No matter how DEAD you think your church has become; God is “NOT” dead and his fruitful branches are willfully serving his purpose. “...you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere...” (ACTS 1:8 NLT).
Fruitful branches are allowing the indwelling Holy Spirit to use them in changing lives, changing families, changing congregants, changing communities, changing societies, and changing countries. “… the God of peace, … that great Shepherd of the sheep…work[s] in [you]… what is pleasing to him (being light, salt & fruitful), through Jesus Christ (the seed)…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV).
There is a need for a REVIVAL among God’s people!! No matter how DEAD and fruitless you think your Christian life has become; God is still the husbandman who cultivates willing vessels to fruitfulness!!
God desires fruitful branches to answer the cries of the LOST and NEEDY. “...God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, ….” (Genesis 1:26-28 KJV). “...The harvest is great (with lost souls and those needing God, the Holy Spirit’s, spiritual care, but the workers (those allowing God, the Holy Spirit, to use them) are few. So.. [the LOST and NEEDY]... pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest...[and]... ask him to send more workers into his fields. Now ...[will you].... go.. (Luke 1:1-5 NLT).
IF you are SAVED and you are continually COMFORTED by God’s gracious love and care, never forget where the opportunity to be REUNITED with God, the Holy Spirit began: “…God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him, should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16 KJV).
“…[God, the husbandman]...spared not his own Son, [from suffering for you,] but delivered him up for us all (THE HARVEST or the LOST and NEEDY)?” (Romans 8:32 KJV).
“... Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation (substitute, intervention, atonement, etc.) for our sins.” (1 John 4:10 KJV).
“... he (JESUS) ... came down from heaven...” (John 3:13 KJV). Jesus had another name. “… His name is called The Word of God…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB). “... [The WORD of GOD] ... came down from heaven?” (John 6:42 KJV). “….The Word [of God,] (Jesus) ...became flesh, and dwelt among us…” (John 1:14 NASB).
Jesus CAME “…to give His life a ransom for many...” (Matthew 20:28 KJV). “…Christ ... suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us [back] to God …” (1 Peter 3:18 KJV).
God “….is (was)... NOT WILLING that any should perish, but that ALL should come to repentance…” (2 Peter 3:9 KJV).
SO “…The Son of man came to seek and to save THAT WHICH WAS LOST…” (Luke 19:10 KJV). “…There is SALVATION IN NO ONE ELSE…” (Acts 4:12a NLT). “…the one who comes to Me (Jesus) I will certainly not cast out.…” (John 6:37 NASB). “...Jesus saith…I am THE WAY, the truth, and the life…” (John 14:6 KJV).
“… [The WORD)… is the power of God at work (righteous work, spiritual fruit), (MIRACULOUSLY) saving everyone who believes (or everyone who depends upon his powerful Word to save them)…” (Romans 1:16 NLT).
“…[salvation]… IS THE GIFT OF GOD (the husbandman)…” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV). “…[YOU ARE] ... Saved by grace (unmerited favor) through faith (trust in & dependency upon god)… NOT OF YOURSELVES ... not of works (OF THE flesh), that no man should glory…” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV).
“…IT IS (Salvation) THE GIFT OF GOD (the husbandman)…” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV).
“... Every good GIFT and every perfect GIFT is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights…” (James 1:17 KJV). “…A man can receive nothing, except it BE GIVEN him from heaven…” (John 3:27 KJV). “… “…The LORD SHALL GIVE that which is good…” (Psalms 85:12 KJV). “…What do you have that God hasn’t given you? (1 Corinthians 4:7 NLT). “... [The WORD of GOD]... came down from heaven?” (John 6:42 KJV).
Jesus “IS” the WORD of God. The Word of God CAME DOWN’ to do God’s will, which is his righteous works and the display of his spiritual fruit.
What righteous works did the “Word of God” do in order to display God’s spiritual fruit? What works did Jesus do to SAVE you and help your with your NEEDS (then and now)?
The Holy Spirit empowered and anointed the Word of God to display spiritual fruit by doing good (righteous) deeds, for the world of people, God loved and by healing the oppressed. “…God (the husbandman) anointed (empowered) Jesus of Nazareth (HOW?) with the Holy [spirit]... and WITH POWER: (WHAT DID JESUS, THE WORD OF GOD, DO?) [HE] ... went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; [HOW WAS HE ABLE TO DO THOSE THINGS?]... GOD (the husbandman) WAS WITH HIM…” (Acts 10:38-39 KJV).
(WHAT ELSE WAS JESUS, THE WORD, EMPOWERED (by the husbandman), ABLE TO DO?) “…[The husbandman empowered Jesus to help the LOST and NEEDY. “...God, the Holy Spirit] ... anointed (Jesus) to preach the gospel to the poor; ... to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord…” (John 4:16-21 KJV).
Jesus’ righteous works and spiritual fruit drew the LOST and NEEDY to God. “...the crowds learned about it and followed him. He welcomed them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who needed healing...” (Luke 9:11 KJV). “...And wherever he went—into villages, towns or countryside—they placed the sick in the marketplaces. They begged him to let them touch even the edge of his cloak, and all who touched it were healed...” (Mark 6:56 KJV). “...Large crowds followed him, and he healed them there...” (Matthew 19:2 KJV). “...the people all tried to touch him, because power was coming from him and healing them all...” (Luke 6:19 KJV). “… God … work[ed] … in (and through)… [Jesus] …” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “…the Father... [that DWELT within JESUS]… he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).
Drawing people into churches, through carnal methods, and just to increase the numbers is missing the WHOLE point. Jesus used one method: the GOSPEL. “...the crowds ... followed him...” (Luke 9:11 KJV). “...Large crowds followed him, ...” (Matthew 19:2 KJV). “...Large crowds were traveling with Jesus...” (Luke 14:25 KJV).
“… His name (JESUS) is called The Word of God…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB). The CROWDS were “NOT” following a human vessel, they were following the WORD of God. It is the WORD that draws the crowds to God, the Holy Spirit.
He, the WORD, increased the number of people coming into the church through the righteous works, of GOD’S PEOPLE, which included preaching the gospel and by displaying spiritual fruit.
“…God (the Holy Spirit, the husbandman, the caregiver, etc.) anointed Jesus of Nazareth (HOW?) with the Holy [Spirit]... and WITH POWER…” (Acts 10:38-39 KJV).
“… [JESUS]....The Word of God…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB). “… [Jesus was EMPOWERED by the Holy Spirit and he] went about doing good…” (Acts 10:38-39 KJV).
“… [Jesus was EMPOWERED by the Holy Spirit and he] went about ... healing all that were oppressed of the devil…” (Acts 10:38-39 KJV).
“…[Jesus was EMPOWERED by the Holy Spirit] … to preach the gospel to the poor ..…” (John 4:16-21 KJV).
“…[Jesus was EMPOWERED by the Holy Spirit] … to heal the brokenhearted …” (John 4:16-21 KJV).
“…[Jesus was EMPOWERED by the Holy Spirit] … to preach deliverance to the captives…” (John 4:16-21 KJV).
“…[Jesus was EMPOWERED by the Holy Spirit] … to preach ... recovering of sight (spiritual and physical) to the blind…” (John 4:16-21 KJV).
“…[Jesus was EMPOWERED by the Holy Spirit] … to set at liberty them that are bruised…” (John 4:16-21 KJV).
“…[Jesus was EMPOWERED by the Holy Spirit to] …To preach the acceptable year of the Lord…” (John 4:16-21 KJV).
The POWER of righteous works and the display of spiritual fruit, that are empowered by the indwelling Holy Spirit and witnessed through God’s human vessels can CHANGE the world.
It can change your life, your family’s life, your marriages, your co-workers, your siblings, your friends, your future, your present situation or circumstances.
God, the indwelling Holy Spirit, the husbandman, prunes and cleanses you to be HIS WITNESSES whether it is with one person, a family, a group of friends/co-workers, a community, or a nation!
It is the indwelling Holy Spirit, working THROUGH you that will ACCOMPLISH great and mighty, righteous works and display MUCH spiritual fruit that WILL SAVE the lost and HELP the needy.
IT IS NOT WHAT YOU DO THROUGH THE UNPROFITABLE FLESH, BUT IT IS WHAT YOU ALLOW GOD, THE HOLY SPIRIT, DO “IN” AND “THROUGH” YOU!
You cooperate by giving your body to God, the indwelling Holy Spirit, as a living sacrifice. “…[give]... your [body as] ... a living sacrifice…” (Romans 12:1 KJV).
You cooperate by choosing to allow God to USE your mouth, your mind, your hands, and your feet by following HIS instructions. “…Father …not My will, but Yours be done…" (Luke 22:42-43 NIV).
Pruning branches and keeping them clean is about making them MORE fruitful for God’s purposes upon the earth. The CRY of the LOST and the HUNGER of the NEEDY reaches God’s heart of love and compassion.
God sent somebody for you when you were LOST and he continues to meet your NEEDS, through his fruitful branches (preachers, teachers, books, study aids, etc.).
The fruitful branches are EMPOWERED by the indwelling Holy Spirit, who does righteous works and displays spiritual fruit “IN” and “THROUGH” them.
God, the Holy Spirit does the WORK and you cooperate with him by reading the WORD and OBEYING what it says. IT is a CHOICE, “…Choose (make a CHOICE) you this day whom ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV). “... Jesus (the WORD) saith…I am the way…” (John 14:6 KJV). “… His name (JESUS) is called The Word of God…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB).
THE WORD OF GOD "IS" THE WAY!
The fruitful branches rely STRICTLY and COMPLETELY upon God’s WORD which cultivates their spiritual growth and development through God, the husbandman’s, purging and cleaning.
Fruitful branches are his workmanship or husbandry created through the SEED (Christ. Jesus) and cultivated by the indwelling Spirit (the husbandman).
Fruitful branches are EMPOWERED by the indwelling Holy Spirit to preach to the LOST and help the NEEDY.
The early believers were EMPOWERED by the indwelling Holy Spirit and they GAVE him all CREDIT. “…. We ... ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves…” (2 Corinthians 4:5-7 NLT). “…[People will]… know (witness) that everything [the believer has]… IS A GIFT “FROM” [God, the Holy Spirit]…” (John 17:6-9 NLT). “...when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human word, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is indeed at work in you who believe...” (1 Thessalonians 2:13 NIV).
The early believers saw, with their OWN eyes, the LOST SAVED and the NEEDY HELPED. “…God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and WITH POWER: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for GOD WAS WITH HIM. And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem…” (Acts 10:38-39 KJV). “… Jesus Christ (the Word), the faithful witness,...” (Revelation 19:16 NASB). “...many who heard the message believed; so the number of men who believed grew to about five thousand...” (Acts 4:4 KJV). “...[The gospel message]... began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; God (the Holy Spirit) also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts...” (Hebrews 2:3-5 KJV).
The early believers EMPOWERED by the indwelling Holy Spirit saw all kinds of people become disciples, demons recognized them as children of God, sorcerers quick the business, and orthodox priests became DRAWN to God. “... The word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith...” (Acts 6:7 NIV).
“...One day the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know about, but who are you?” ...When this became known to the Jews and Greeks living in Ephesus, they were all seized with fear, and the name of the Lord Jesus was held in high honor. Many of those who believed now came and openly confessed what they had done. A number who had practiced sorcery brought their scrolls together and burned them publicly. When they calculated the value of the scrolls, the total came to fifty thousand drachmas. (it would be millions today)..” (Acts 12:15-19 NIV). “..Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver...” (Act 12:19 KJV).
The believers EMPOWERED by the indwelling Holy Spirit did not take credit for the miraculous spread of the gospel or the rapid growth of disciples. They gave the credit to the WORD. “... The word of God spread....” (Acts 6:7 NIV). “... the word of God continued to spread and flourish...” (Acts 12:24 NIV). “... So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed...” (Act 12:20 KJV).
The force EMPOWERING believers is God, the HOLY SPIRIT. The force “EMPOWERING” the WORD is God, the Holy Spirit, too. “…the Father that dwelleth in [believers and the Word (Jesus)], he doeth the works (the holy spirit doeth the works )…” (John 14:10 KJV).
God GETS full CREDIT and PRAISE for his POWER to SAVE and his POWER to help the NEEDY through the spread of the GOSPEL everywhere! “... The word of God spread....” (Acts 6:7 NIV). “... the word of God continued to spread and flourish...” (Acts 12:24 NIV). “... So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed...” (Act 12:20 KJV). “...God’s word is not chained...” (1 Timothy 2:9 NIV). “... the word of God is not bound...” (1 Timothy 2:9 KJV).
Fruitful branches are purged and kept clean by the Word. They allow themselves, by choice, to be used by God. They are EMPOWERED by the indwelling Holy Spirit who works, speaks, and displays spiritual fruit “IN” them and “THROUGH” them.
The early believers understood the relationship they had with God, the indwelling Holy Spirit and his mission upon earth.
God, the Holy Spirit SAID he would work “in” and “through” them to display his power and they trusted and depended upon him to do it. “…The … HOLY SPIRIT …does the work IN and THROUGH all of us who are HIS… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “…The HOLY SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s power THROUGH each of us … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).
"… [YOU]… can [NOW] do all things through Christ which strengtheneth [you]…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV).
“…It is God who works in [you]… to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose” (Philippians 2:13 NIV).
“… the God of peace, … that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip[s] you with everything good for doing his will, and …work[s] in [you]… what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV).
“… [God is] … watching over [his]… Word to perform it…” (Jeremiah 1:12 NASB). “…So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it” (Isaiah 55:11 KJV). THE WORD SAYS: “…The Father (the indwelling HOLY SPIRIT) that dwelleth in [YOU] he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).
“…NOW UNTO HIM THAT IS “ABLE” TO DO… according to the power that worketh in us…” (Ephesians 3:20 KJV).
“… THE LORD … is Your rock and Your fortress, your deliverer, Your GOD, Your rock, in whom [you] … take refuge; Your shield and the horn of Your salvation, YOUR stronghold...[YOUR husbandman]…" (Psalms 18:3 NASB).
“…Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing...” (John 15:1-10 KJV).
God is in control, but he is NOT controlling. God has WORK to do upon the earth. If you CHOOSE not to be a fruitful branch for his purposes he will respect your choice. He is demonstrating that respect when he cuts-off or cuts away your branch. “…Choose you (MAKE A CHOICE) this day whom ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV).
However, God’s WORK will continue; with or without you. WHY? Because, “…God SO LOVED the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him, should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16 KJV). “Herein is LOVE, not that we loved God, but that HE LOVED US and sent His Son...” (1 John 4:10 KJV). “…There is no greater LOVE than to lay down one’s life…” (John 15:13 NLT). “…God SO LOVED the world…” (John 3:16 KJV).
God’s people are compromising their OWN relevancy and purposes by choice and by putting away biblical orthodoxy practices. “…Choose you this day whom ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV).
Thus, many, not all, Christian churches have had NO new converts or the return of backsliders in weeks, months, or even years.
Without “Holy Spirit empowered” righteous works and the display of spiritual fruit, produced by the indwelling Holy Spirit, they have, most likely, LOST their purpose and relevancy.“….Apart from Me, you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV). “…our great power is from God…” (2 Corinthians 4:5-7 NLT).
It is the churches CHOICE to become a church which is relevant and purposeful through the POWER of the indwelling Holy Spirit or become a church who languishes from the impact of fruitlessness, which EXCLUDES God.
God’s church is ALIVE, RELEVANT, and PURPOSEFUL. Your church can AGAIN become a part of the WORLDWIDE community of believers that are LIGHTING the WORLD, SALTING it, and DISPLAYING spiritual fruit.
No matter how DEAD you think your church has become; God is “NOT” dead and his fruitful branches are willfully serving his purpose. “...you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere...” (ACTS 1:8 NLT).
Fruitful branches are allowing the indwelling Holy Spirit to use them in changing lives, changing families, changing congregants, changing communities, changing societies, and changing countries. “… the God of peace, … that great Shepherd of the sheep…work[s] in [you]… what is pleasing to him (being light, salt & fruitful), through Jesus Christ (the seed)…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV).
There is a need for a REVIVAL among God’s people!! No matter how DEAD and fruitless you think your Christian life has become; God is still the husbandman who cultivates willing vessels to fruitfulness!!
God desires fruitful branches to answer the cries of the LOST and NEEDY. “...God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, ….” (Genesis 1:26-28 KJV). “...The harvest is great (with lost souls and those needing God, the Holy Spirit’s, spiritual care, but the workers (those allowing God, the Holy Spirit, to use them) are few. So.. [the LOST and NEEDY]... pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest...[and]... ask him to send more workers into his fields. Now ...[will you].... go.. (Luke 1:1-5 NLT).
IF you are SAVED and you are continually COMFORTED by God’s gracious love and care, never forget where the opportunity to be REUNITED with God, the Holy Spirit began: “…God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him, should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16 KJV).
“…[God, the husbandman]...spared not his own Son, [from suffering for you,] but delivered him up for us all (THE HARVEST or the LOST and NEEDY)?” (Romans 8:32 KJV).
“... Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation (substitute, intervention, atonement, etc.) for our sins.” (1 John 4:10 KJV).
“... he (JESUS) ... came down from heaven...” (John 3:13 KJV). Jesus had another name. “… His name is called The Word of God…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB). “... [The WORD of GOD] ... came down from heaven?” (John 6:42 KJV). “….The Word [of God,] (Jesus) ...became flesh, and dwelt among us…” (John 1:14 NASB).
Jesus CAME “…to give His life a ransom for many...” (Matthew 20:28 KJV). “…Christ ... suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us [back] to God …” (1 Peter 3:18 KJV).
God “….is (was)... NOT WILLING that any should perish, but that ALL should come to repentance…” (2 Peter 3:9 KJV).
SO “…The Son of man came to seek and to save THAT WHICH WAS LOST…” (Luke 19:10 KJV). “…There is SALVATION IN NO ONE ELSE…” (Acts 4:12a NLT). “…the one who comes to Me (Jesus) I will certainly not cast out.…” (John 6:37 NASB). “...Jesus saith…I am THE WAY, the truth, and the life…” (John 14:6 KJV).
“… [The WORD)… is the power of God at work (righteous work, spiritual fruit), (MIRACULOUSLY) saving everyone who believes (or everyone who depends upon his powerful Word to save them)…” (Romans 1:16 NLT).
“…[salvation]… IS THE GIFT OF GOD (the husbandman)…” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV). “…[YOU ARE] ... Saved by grace (unmerited favor) through faith (trust in & dependency upon god)… NOT OF YOURSELVES ... not of works (OF THE flesh), that no man should glory…” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV).
“…IT IS (Salvation) THE GIFT OF GOD (the husbandman)…” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV).
“... Every good GIFT and every perfect GIFT is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights…” (James 1:17 KJV). “…A man can receive nothing, except it BE GIVEN him from heaven…” (John 3:27 KJV). “… “…The LORD SHALL GIVE that which is good…” (Psalms 85:12 KJV). “…What do you have that God hasn’t given you? (1 Corinthians 4:7 NLT). “... [The WORD of GOD]... came down from heaven?” (John 6:42 KJV).
Jesus “IS” the WORD of God. The Word of God CAME DOWN’ to do God’s will, which is his righteous works and the display of his spiritual fruit.
What righteous works did the “Word of God” do in order to display God’s spiritual fruit? What works did Jesus do to SAVE you and help your with your NEEDS (then and now)?
The Holy Spirit empowered and anointed the Word of God to display spiritual fruit by doing good (righteous) deeds, for the world of people, God loved and by healing the oppressed. “…God (the husbandman) anointed (empowered) Jesus of Nazareth (HOW?) with the Holy [spirit]... and WITH POWER: (WHAT DID JESUS, THE WORD OF GOD, DO?) [HE] ... went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; [HOW WAS HE ABLE TO DO THOSE THINGS?]... GOD (the husbandman) WAS WITH HIM…” (Acts 10:38-39 KJV).
(WHAT ELSE WAS JESUS, THE WORD, EMPOWERED (by the husbandman), ABLE TO DO?) “…[The husbandman empowered Jesus to help the LOST and NEEDY. “...God, the Holy Spirit] ... anointed (Jesus) to preach the gospel to the poor; ... to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord…” (John 4:16-21 KJV).
Jesus’ righteous works and spiritual fruit drew the LOST and NEEDY to God. “...the crowds learned about it and followed him. He welcomed them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who needed healing...” (Luke 9:11 KJV). “...And wherever he went—into villages, towns or countryside—they placed the sick in the marketplaces. They begged him to let them touch even the edge of his cloak, and all who touched it were healed...” (Mark 6:56 KJV). “...Large crowds followed him, and he healed them there...” (Matthew 19:2 KJV). “...the people all tried to touch him, because power was coming from him and healing them all...” (Luke 6:19 KJV). “… God … work[ed] … in (and through)… [Jesus] …” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “…the Father... [that DWELT within JESUS]… he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).
Drawing people into churches, through carnal methods, and just to increase the numbers is missing the WHOLE point. Jesus used one method: the GOSPEL. “...the crowds ... followed him...” (Luke 9:11 KJV). “...Large crowds followed him, ...” (Matthew 19:2 KJV). “...Large crowds were traveling with Jesus...” (Luke 14:25 KJV).
“… His name (JESUS) is called The Word of God…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB). The CROWDS were “NOT” following a human vessel, they were following the WORD of God. It is the WORD that draws the crowds to God, the Holy Spirit.
He, the WORD, increased the number of people coming into the church through the righteous works, of GOD’S PEOPLE, which included preaching the gospel and by displaying spiritual fruit.
“…God (the Holy Spirit, the husbandman, the caregiver, etc.) anointed Jesus of Nazareth (HOW?) with the Holy [Spirit]... and WITH POWER…” (Acts 10:38-39 KJV).
“… [JESUS]....The Word of God…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB). “… [Jesus was EMPOWERED by the Holy Spirit and he] went about doing good…” (Acts 10:38-39 KJV).
“… [Jesus was EMPOWERED by the Holy Spirit and he] went about ... healing all that were oppressed of the devil…” (Acts 10:38-39 KJV).
“…[Jesus was EMPOWERED by the Holy Spirit] … to preach the gospel to the poor ..…” (John 4:16-21 KJV).
“…[Jesus was EMPOWERED by the Holy Spirit] … to heal the brokenhearted …” (John 4:16-21 KJV).
“…[Jesus was EMPOWERED by the Holy Spirit] … to preach deliverance to the captives…” (John 4:16-21 KJV).
“…[Jesus was EMPOWERED by the Holy Spirit] … to preach ... recovering of sight (spiritual and physical) to the blind…” (John 4:16-21 KJV).
“…[Jesus was EMPOWERED by the Holy Spirit] … to set at liberty them that are bruised…” (John 4:16-21 KJV).
“…[Jesus was EMPOWERED by the Holy Spirit to] …To preach the acceptable year of the Lord…” (John 4:16-21 KJV).
The POWER of righteous works and the display of spiritual fruit, that are empowered by the indwelling Holy Spirit and witnessed through God’s human vessels can CHANGE the world.
It can change your life, your family’s life, your marriages, your co-workers, your siblings, your friends, your future, your present situation or circumstances.
God, the indwelling Holy Spirit, the husbandman, prunes and cleanses you to be HIS WITNESSES whether it is with one person, a family, a group of friends/co-workers, a community, or a nation!
It is the indwelling Holy Spirit, working THROUGH you that will ACCOMPLISH great and mighty, righteous works and display MUCH spiritual fruit that WILL SAVE the lost and HELP the needy.
IT IS NOT WHAT YOU DO THROUGH THE UNPROFITABLE FLESH, BUT IT IS WHAT YOU ALLOW GOD, THE HOLY SPIRIT, DO “IN” AND “THROUGH” YOU!
You cooperate by giving your body to God, the indwelling Holy Spirit, as a living sacrifice. “…[give]... your [body as] ... a living sacrifice…” (Romans 12:1 KJV).
You cooperate by choosing to allow God to USE your mouth, your mind, your hands, and your feet by following HIS instructions. “…Father …not My will, but Yours be done…" (Luke 22:42-43 NIV).
Pruning branches and keeping them clean is about making them MORE fruitful for God’s purposes upon the earth. The CRY of the LOST and the HUNGER of the NEEDY reaches God’s heart of love and compassion.
God sent somebody for you when you were LOST and he continues to meet your NEEDS, through his fruitful branches (preachers, teachers, books, study aids, etc.).
The fruitful branches are EMPOWERED by the indwelling Holy Spirit, who does righteous works and displays spiritual fruit “IN” and “THROUGH” them.
God, the Holy Spirit does the WORK and you cooperate with him by reading the WORD and OBEYING what it says. IT is a CHOICE, “…Choose (make a CHOICE) you this day whom ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV). “... Jesus (the WORD) saith…I am the way…” (John 14:6 KJV). “… His name (JESUS) is called The Word of God…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB).
THE WORD OF GOD "IS" THE WAY!
The fruitful branches rely STRICTLY and COMPLETELY upon God’s WORD which cultivates their spiritual growth and development through God, the husbandman’s, purging and cleaning.
Fruitful branches are his workmanship or husbandry created through the SEED (Christ. Jesus) and cultivated by the indwelling Spirit (the husbandman).
Fruitful branches are EMPOWERED by the indwelling Holy Spirit to preach to the LOST and help the NEEDY.
The early believers were EMPOWERED by the indwelling Holy Spirit and they GAVE him all CREDIT. “…. We ... ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves…” (2 Corinthians 4:5-7 NLT). “…[People will]… know (witness) that everything [the believer has]… IS A GIFT “FROM” [God, the Holy Spirit]…” (John 17:6-9 NLT). “...when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human word, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is indeed at work in you who believe...” (1 Thessalonians 2:13 NIV).
The early believers saw, with their OWN eyes, the LOST SAVED and the NEEDY HELPED. “…God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and WITH POWER: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for GOD WAS WITH HIM. And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem…” (Acts 10:38-39 KJV). “… Jesus Christ (the Word), the faithful witness,...” (Revelation 19:16 NASB). “...many who heard the message believed; so the number of men who believed grew to about five thousand...” (Acts 4:4 KJV). “...[The gospel message]... began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; God (the Holy Spirit) also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts...” (Hebrews 2:3-5 KJV).
The early believers EMPOWERED by the indwelling Holy Spirit saw all kinds of people become disciples, demons recognized them as children of God, sorcerers quick the business, and orthodox priests became DRAWN to God. “... The word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith...” (Acts 6:7 NIV).
“...One day the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know about, but who are you?” ...When this became known to the Jews and Greeks living in Ephesus, they were all seized with fear, and the name of the Lord Jesus was held in high honor. Many of those who believed now came and openly confessed what they had done. A number who had practiced sorcery brought their scrolls together and burned them publicly. When they calculated the value of the scrolls, the total came to fifty thousand drachmas. (it would be millions today)..” (Acts 12:15-19 NIV). “..Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver...” (Act 12:19 KJV).
The believers EMPOWERED by the indwelling Holy Spirit did not take credit for the miraculous spread of the gospel or the rapid growth of disciples. They gave the credit to the WORD. “... The word of God spread....” (Acts 6:7 NIV). “... the word of God continued to spread and flourish...” (Acts 12:24 NIV). “... So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed...” (Act 12:20 KJV).
The force EMPOWERING believers is God, the HOLY SPIRIT. The force “EMPOWERING” the WORD is God, the Holy Spirit, too. “…the Father that dwelleth in [believers and the Word (Jesus)], he doeth the works (the holy spirit doeth the works )…” (John 14:10 KJV).
God GETS full CREDIT and PRAISE for his POWER to SAVE and his POWER to help the NEEDY through the spread of the GOSPEL everywhere! “... The word of God spread....” (Acts 6:7 NIV). “... the word of God continued to spread and flourish...” (Acts 12:24 NIV). “... So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed...” (Act 12:20 KJV). “...God’s word is not chained...” (1 Timothy 2:9 NIV). “... the word of God is not bound...” (1 Timothy 2:9 KJV).
Fruitful branches are purged and kept clean by the Word. They allow themselves, by choice, to be used by God. They are EMPOWERED by the indwelling Holy Spirit who works, speaks, and displays spiritual fruit “IN” them and “THROUGH” them.
The early believers understood the relationship they had with God, the indwelling Holy Spirit and his mission upon earth.
God, the Holy Spirit SAID he would work “in” and “through” them to display his power and they trusted and depended upon him to do it. “…The … HOLY SPIRIT …does the work IN and THROUGH all of us who are HIS… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “…The HOLY SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s power THROUGH each of us … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).
"… [YOU]… can [NOW] do all things through Christ which strengtheneth [you]…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV).
“…It is God who works in [you]… to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose” (Philippians 2:13 NIV).
“… the God of peace, … that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip[s] you with everything good for doing his will, and …work[s] in [you]… what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV).
“… [God is] … watching over [his]… Word to perform it…” (Jeremiah 1:12 NASB). “…So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it” (Isaiah 55:11 KJV). THE WORD SAYS: “…The Father (the indwelling HOLY SPIRIT) that dwelleth in [YOU] he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).
“…NOW UNTO HIM THAT IS “ABLE” TO DO… according to the power that worketh in us…” (Ephesians 3:20 KJV).
“… THE LORD … is Your rock and Your fortress, your deliverer, Your GOD, Your rock, in whom [you] … take refuge; Your shield and the horn of Your salvation, YOUR stronghold...[YOUR husbandman]…" (Psalms 18:3 NASB).
“…Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing...” (John 15:1-10 KJV).
LIVE A LIFE "EMPOWERED" BY THE INDWELLING HOLY SPIRIT!
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