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RUSSELL SANDERS
11-23-2020
BE A FRUITFUL BRANCH
John chapters 13-17 tell of Jesus’ last day as a free man before being taken for trial. The Passover meal (The Last Supper) had just been completed when He began some very deep teaching with His disciples. (This is my favorite section of the bible.) They would remember this after Pentecost as Holy Spirit reminds them and opens their understanding.
I want us to look closely at John 15:1-6. Jesus often used illustrations from real life knowledge to which they could relate. In this case, He used the grape vine to teach them a kingdom principle.
He said in John 15:1, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.” A husbandman is the gardener or farmer who planted the vine (or any crop) and tends to it. The vine here is Jesus. A vine puts forth growth called branches. These branches bear fruit in its season.
Likewise, a fruit tree that never bears fruit is useless except as a shade tree (which they do poorly). I expect fruit from my own mango, avocado, papaya, and grapefruit trees. An unfruitful tree will be replaced.
Jesus next said in John 15:2, “Every branch in Me that beareth not fruit He (Father) taketh away (cuts off). And every branch that beareth fruit, He purgeth (prunes) it, (so) that it may bring forth more fruit.”
John 15:5 says, “I am the vine, you are the branches. He that abides in me, and I in him, the same brings forth much fruit…” Verse 6 says, “If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth (cut off) as a branch, and is withered…and cast into the fire…”
I do not wish to be ever cut off from Jesus for being unfruitful. Verse 4 says, “the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine.”
What is the fruit of a Christian? There may be some lesser things that one might consider as fruit, but the ultimate and best fruit is bearing “another Christian.” When you lead someone to Jesus, a born-again experience, that is the fruit the husbandman (Father) is looking for. The stars in your heavenly crown represent the souls you have led to Jesus.
The “Great Commission” given to us by Jesus (Matthew 28:19-20) tells us to go and teach (witness) to all people about Jesus. Every believer has this commission, but most are ill-equipped to do it. How do we become equipped to lead others to Jesus? First, we must choose to become obedient to that call to witness. Then we must know the Word. As we speak to someone, Holy Spirit will prompt us as to what to say. The most powerful thing is the Word of God. Ideally, we should have a Bible, show them scripture, and let them read it for themselves right then and there. On a more practical basis, we likely will not have it to show them.
What then? We quote the scripture to them. The word is most powerful. Oh, but you don’t know which scriptures to quote? That is a problem that I will address. Each day this week I will give you one verse or passage to memorize. We will discuss its’ impact. You should memorize it. You never know at what moment you will need to quote it to someone. Let us not be unfruitful.
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HELEN SANDERS
11-23-2020
BLACK FRIDAY
This Week we will celebrate Thanksgiving and then comes what is known as “black Friday." I don’t know what it will be like this year because 2020 has been a year that is unlike no other. Will the highway be jammed as it has been in the past? Will the parking lots be full of people intent on getting that “one in a million” special-priced item? Will the internet show pictures of people waiting for hours just to get into a store? Will frenzied crowds be intent on getting the few items that are specially priced. It definitely has been a mob scene in the past. I suppose this year will be no different.
I was thinking of what it would be like if people rushed and couldn’t wait to get to Church. Can you image thousands in the parking lot waiting so they could hear what God had to say on any given Sunday or Bible study night? Or, with Covid19 has the local church buckled under the weight of an oppressing command of “Thou Shalt Not Open” yet the local bars and other venues are not closed?
How it must break God’s heart that we put so much emphasis on “the creation” instead of “the creator”. We have become a greedy people both in the church and outside of the Church. We want more and more, and we give less and less. We get offended when someone asks us to do a small task, and we get offended when we don’t have control!
It is time for us to get out of the Church door and into the fields that are white unto harvest. It is time to repent of our selfishness and truly seek after God. It is time to be the Church and not just go to Church. Am I angry? No, I am disgusted with those that call themselves Christians yet do nothing for God. There is a great shaking going on and it is so evident as you look around.
Many think they are Christians, but they only have a form of Godliness. They are fake and full of themselves. It is time to get off the throne and put God back where he belongs. Let’s be the ones that take back what Satan has stolen and do all we can for God in our little corner of the world.
Let’s truly seek after him and put Christ back into our lives. We can if we choose to. The choice is ours.
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OUR CHILDREN'S BOOK
The Trail to Trouble
by Helen Sanders
When Jason and his friend Sean go down a trail that leads to trouble, they learn a lesson the hard way.
This children's 30-page paperback story book teaches children character traits like listening, obeying Mom and Dad, and praying.
A great gift for any young child or grandchild.
Order yours today!
only $9.95 which includes S&H (U.S.)
For shipping outside the continental U.S. please contact us.
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THIS WEEK'S MESSAGES FROM SPIRIT OF LIFE MINISTRIES |
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Sunday Service
11-22-2020
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DAILY EQUIPPING OF THE SAINTS
MON. WEDS. FRI. AT 1:00 P.M.
PRAYER
AND TESTIMONY OF HEALING
Friday, November 20, 2020
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What does it mean to be born again?
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TODAY'S TRIVIA QUESTION - |
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What City housed the first seat of the executive branch of the U.S.?
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YESTERDAY'S POLL RESULTS
How many of the Great Lakes actually border on the State of Michigan?
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The correct answer is:
4: Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, Lake Superior, Lake Erie
25% answered correctly with:
4
37.5% answered incorrectly with
2
25% answered incorrectly with:
3
12.5% answered incorrectly with:
5
We do not share these polls with any other sources. They are for your enjoyment and benefit only.
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NEWS FROM A CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE
Click on the icon to go to the link
The views, expressions and links given here are not necessarily endorsed by this ministry.. They are given for your research only
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Not yet, but I plan to be
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YESTERDAY'S SURVEY
Do you still iron your clothing?
Of those that responded:
33.3% Said Yes
50% said No
16.7% said Occasionally
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A little Inspiration
Click to read
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SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY
And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;
Ephesians 5:18 KJV
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TEACHING AND EQUIPPING THE SAINTS THROUGH:
Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors and Teachers
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November 17, 2016
Prophetic Word
As given to Helen Sanders
Rise up, rise up! This is not the hour to sleep! Rise up, rise up and put on the whole armor of God Rise up, rise up, and take the helmet of salvation to those that do not know me. Rise up, rise up and use the sword of the spirit which is the Word of God to penetrate the hardest of hearts. Rise up, rise up, shod your feet with peace and go forth and do mighty exploits in my name. Your protection is not of men, it is of me. Take the shield of faith, and use it my children, for the enemy is throwing fiery darts at you and would like to penetrate deep into your soul. Know that these things are certain to happen, but many are wounded and have fallen for they have not worn the protection of my armor. Many are asleep, believing that the battle is over, but I would say, that the battle is heating up and you will need the protection of my armor. It is not to be taken lightly. Put on the whole armor, and do not take it off, for the enemy is looking for a place that he can penetrate. Let your mind become focused on me, the author and finisher of your faith. Do not let it be focused on the things around you for those things are going to penetrate the helmet and get into your mind and then your spirit. My armor is sufficient in these days saith the Lord. My grace is sufficient in these days saith the Lord. My peace is sufficient in these days saith the Lord. Oh my children, there is a war raging and it is much greater than you see with the natural eye. It is being fought in the heavenlies and it is being fought in the spirit. If you could see it with your natural eyes you would faint, but I would say to you do not try to focus on that. Focus on me, the prince of peace, focus on me, the lover of your soul. Focus on my Word that will be a light to your path. Do not think on the enemy. Think on me, and you will win the battle. Yes, there are many that have fallen to the prey of the enemy by listening to his accusations and lies, for they did not focus on me and close their ears to his words. They took off the helmet thinking it would be good for another time. But I would say this is the day to wear all of my armor. There is no time to put it on. Wear it and keep it on for this will bring you protection in the battle that is before you. I am with you and am your provision saith the Lord. Take the armor and use my gifts to do what I have called you to do saith the Lord.
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Jesus said in His Father's House there were many of these and he is preparing one for us:
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YESTERDAY'S
BIBLE QUIZ QUESTION:
When the seventh seal is opened, how long is there silence in heaven?
The Correct answer is:
One Half Hour (Rev. 8:1)
40% got it right with
One Half Hour
40% got it wrong with:
One Hour
20% got it wrong with
One Day
We do not share these polls with any other sources. They are for your enjoyment and benefit only.
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What city did Jesus do his first miracle in?
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YESTERDAY'S QUIZ
How long did Jesus' earthly ministry last?
The correct answer is:
3-1/2 years
100% answered correctly with:
3-1/2 years
We do not share these polls with any other sources. They are for your enjoyment and benefit only.
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If you know a young woman or teen that is addicted,
this ministry can help them.
Call for an interview.
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