Posts

The Wicked Vinedressers

-
Image
  Mark 12:1-40 What is a “ vinedresser?” Vinedressers are farmers who take care of grapevines. Their job requires constant, daily attention to the vines. They must ensure that the grape plants receive enough water and are protected from pests, and do not develop disease. In Mark 12, Jesus speaks of vinedressers, and the profession continues to be practiced to this present day. Without careful, attentive vinedressers, the world would not enjoy a supply of grapes, grape juice, and, of course, wine. One critical task of the vinedresser is pruning. Pruning is where the name “ vinedresser” comes from. As the vinedresser cuts away dead or unnecessary branches, and excess, diseased or stunted fruit, he or she makes room for new growth and a healthier, more abundant harvest. In Mark 12:1-12, Jesus tells a story about a man who planted a vineyard. The man put a lot of time and money into making the vineyard just right. He built a wall, a wine press, a lookout tower and then leased the
Post a Comment
Read more

The Day of Visitation

-
Image
Mark 11,  ( Behold the Lord shall come suddenly into His temple. Malachi 3:1 ) We are living in unprecedented, difficult times. Riots, unrest, and divisions plague our nation and our world like never before. Each generation has said pretty much the same thing, and each generation has been right, in a sense. With each generation, the end draws closer and closer. In 1 Timothy 4:1 and following, the Holy Spirit warns us that there will be an increasing turning from the truth in the Church as the end draws near. And 2 Timothy 3:1 and following tells us that evil will increase in the world. We need to be aware of the times we live in and how they relate to God ’ s plan for the world. The people of Jesus’ day were misled and thus missed the day of their visitation. Jesus and the Apostles tell us to watch and be sober. (Parable of the virgins and 1 Thessalonians 4) There are two things that must concern us. One concern is that we are prepared for His return, and the other is that we ar
Post a Comment
Read more

Love

-
Image
  Love 1 Corinthians 13 Valentine’s Day is not an official holiday in any nation, yet it is celebrated worldwide. Valentine’s Day is recognized for its celebration of love and affection. Mass-produced cards saying “Be My Valentine” are passed around in our schools, and we see hearts and cupids during this time as symbols of romantic love.  Courtship and marriage are where we experience romantic love. The Bible book “Song of Solomon” is dedicated to the passions of romance. Interpreted in the context of the relationship between a man and a woman, Song of Solomon can be rather explicit. Romance of this kind is exciting and causes our hearts to race.  Some of the tamer expressions of the Song of Solomon are as follows: Song of Solomon 2:2–3 (NKJV) [man speaking] 2 Like a lily among thorns, So is my love among the daughters. [woman speaking] 3 Like an apple tree among the trees of the woods, So is my beloved among the sons. I sat down in his shade with great delight, And his fruit
Post a Comment
Read more