Jesus prayed we'd be 'ONE' with each other in Him that the world will know! (John 17)

Tag: one

To my homosexual friends: May we all overcome temptation and be ‘ONE’ in Christ! What is the ‘fury fire’ that Piper Perabo talks about? How can it be tamed? What is God’s true perspective in “The Homosexuals Will Arise” prophecy and what does Romans 1 really say?

Ever since I got this prophecy in October of 2001, The Homosexuals Will Arise, I’ve had a soft heart for the homosexuals, those who are caught in this sin. I took off whatever ‘Baptist glasses’ I had. God helped me see more through His eyes what is going on.

The Homosexuals Will Arise

The homosexuals will arise. They have been hurt so badly in their heart. They are not the enemy. They are full of hurt, and are looking for a way out.

You can help if you don’t judge. Don’t criticize; show them the way through your smile. They are not worse than you, just unforgiven. They have a long way to go, but are not weird, as some would say. Do not mock. Lift them up. Give them space to watch.

Pray with them when you get a chance, but until then be slow. Their hearts are brittle, hardened by sin that has often been done unto them, not of their own accord. Have grace and Mercy, not judgment, or pain will come to you both, and alienation from the things of God, the life I can give.

It can happen. Love can start with you. It just takes one. Find it and run, run with arms outstretched, praying as you go, praying in tongues a lot. Don’t hold back. This is a precious gift. Use it now; it is for you to be free, to be built up in the might of My Spirit. Pray often, and do not faint. Do not let the world take control. I have overcome the world. You will too, if you walk in My steps, living a life of love.

God says homosexuals are not weird. They are just caught in a sin that is different, which is also similar to heterosexual lust, which many of the judgmental ‘Christians’ are also stuck in (whether it’s actually doing it with a person or just thinking it. And it is actually worse to do it with someone than just think about it). But both same and opposite-sex lust will put us in the who-doesn’t-go-to-heaven lists. See especially what Galatians 5 says in Who-Goes-To-Heaven Scriptures — Narrow is the Way | Who are the Children of God?

There is this critical spirit especially in the country western listening, evangelical community that homosexuals are the problem in America — along with al Qaeda. But it’s willfully sinning ‘Christians‘ who are the main problem in America: The Red Gate Prophecy — What If I Open It Just a Little Bit? The believers, not the non-believers, have opened the gate to sin, which is why this country has deteriorated.

All lusters are going to Hell unless we repent. And we need to get the plank (heterosexual lust, for example) before we can see clearly enough to take the speck (homosexual lust) out of our neighbor’s eye.

How’s that? I think this is actually how we are supposed to read this verse? Who knows what these dear people have gone through, often even at a young age, not of their own accord.

My heart is that we will all be one, truly in Christ, free from all kinds of lusts — and that those of who haven’t succumbed to this same-sex sin will not treat those who have any differently than those who have succumbed to opposite-sex lust.

People look at Romans 1 and put homosexuals in this worst-person category. But lets take another look at Romans 1:

18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because that which is known of God is revealed in them, for God revealed it to them. 20 For the invisible things of him since the creation of the world are clearly seen, being perceived through the things that are made, even his everlasting power and divinity; that they may be without excuse. 21 Because, knowing God, they didn’t glorify him as God, neither gave thanks, but became vain in their reasoning, and their senseless heart was darkened. 22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, 23 and traded the glory of the incorruptible God for the likeness of an image of corruptible man, and of birds, and four-footed animals, and creeping things.

24 Therefore God also gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to uncleanness, that their bodies should be dishonored among themselves, 25 who exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator [worshiping, lusting after the opposite or same-sex and not really worshiping God in Spirit or in truth – editor], who is blessed forever. Amen.

26 For this reason, God gave them up to vile passions. For their women changed the natural function into that which is against nature. 27 Likewise also the men, leaving the natural function of the woman, burned in their lust toward one another, men doing what is inappropriate with men, and receiving in themselves the due penalty of their error.

28 Even as they refused to have God in their knowledge, God gave them up to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not fitting; 29 being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, malice [desire to cause pain, injury, or distress to another — James-3 cursing – editor]; full of envy, murder [“he who hates his brother” — James-3 cursing – editor], strife, deceit, evil habits, secret slanderers, 30 backbiters, hateful to God, insolent [presumptuous and insulting in manner or speech; arrogant — I know pastors who are this way & ‘Christians’ who comment at this website — editor], haughty, boastful, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 without understanding, covenant breakers, without natural affection, unforgiving, unmerciful; 32 who, knowing the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but also approve of those who practice them.

I think there are two clear points here unlike what is commonly taught. First, when homosexuality is rampant in a society it says a lot about the morality of the entire society in general. Rampant homosexuality is a key sign of a fallen society.

Secondly, every adjective I underlined i the last paragraph is true of many heterosexual ‘Christians’ whom I know, especially pastors, who are especially prone to James-3 curse those they see as their enemy: Dennis Cramer: “Most ‘Christians’ curse for the purpose of retaliation and vindication … ‘Christian’ leaders are even more vulnerable”

Instead of holding as a standard the scriptures that are in the header at the top of this page — so we will then achieve this standard, the feel-good remedy that is popular in most evangelical churches today is to accept the “I’m okay; you’re okay” once-saved-always-saved, false, eternal security doctrine — so then we all go to heaven anyway, regardless of what the Bible says in so many texts, including Romans 1, above.

Most ‘Christians’ today fit somewhere in the Romans 1:28-32, “worthy of death” list as well as the many scriptures in my Who-Goes study that clearly show who will not go to heaven. Though, is it fair to say that many, if not most ‘Christians’ don’t see themselves in Romans 1 at all, because the teaching in American pulpits has not been really Biblical or Spirit-led.

All lusters are in trouble, period — as well as those who hate others, wish people evil; secret slanderers; have strife, deceit; are unforgiving, unmerciful.

We must repent, having mercy on all people.

Who is going to get the greater judgment: homosexuals or pastors who won’t get right with those they’ve hurt?

The Bible says that spiritual teachers will get a stricter judgment!

I’m trying to put this into perspective so that ‘Christians’ will be more merciful towards homosexuals and that homosexuals will have great hope! The homosexuals will arise!!! FREEeeeeeeeeeeeee———-DOM!!!!!!!

Bless you!!! And that has mainly been my heart in why I’ve written this. Personally, I don’t want anyone to think that I wouldn’t accept you just as I would if you had not fallen into this sin.

If therefore the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.

You can be free from homosexual sin just like opposite-sex lusters can be free from heterosexual sin. You don’t have to walk in guilt any longer. And we better not put any guilt on you either for what you did in the past that is now forgiven completely!!! If we do, slap us.

I’ve already tried to address this before, particularly here:

[Lust FREEDOM — “The Poison that Kills the Soul”] My experience: How DEMONS DRIVE heterosexual and homosexual lust in ‘Christians’ — The bad news is that demons drive lust. The good news is that demons drive lust, because freedom lies straight ahead!

I was trying to show that both heterosexual and homosexual lust is demon driven — that when people feel a powerful attraction to a person sexually, it’s demon driven. The fact that it’s demon driven is good news because when totally repent, 100% cold turkey, then the lust demons can’t affect us. We can be 100.00% free — no matter what we’ve done.

And we need to have Spirit-filled churches led by Spirit-filled people, which will be our sanctuary.

Some people can overcome without being a part of a great church, but many need the body of Christ to truly be the body of Christ. We can all be ONE, experiencing His glory till death do us part.

The willfully sinning leaders need to get out of the way and encourage those who are supposed to lead, so they can lead us into holiness.

And in the meantime, some of us can just get holy to then help bring in this bigger thing that has been prophesied. Then we’ll have the Third Great Awakening.

Having said all of this, I wanted to include this quote, transcribed by me from this video interview of Piper Perabo, which I don’t recommend most people watch because of some of the images — though I didn’t have a problem with them.

Piper was in a same-sex movie, Lost and Delirious, which she talks about here:

“It didn’t occur to me when I read the script that it would be a controversy. … I feel like we’re past that. I hope that we are. From my eyes we are. You love who you love, you know. And especially when people love so strong. It’s like how can you deny them that kind of…. I mean there is no denying that kind fury fire.”

I’m trying to give homosexuals hope — really big hope that you can be totally, 100% free from homosexual and heterosexual lust.

And heterosexuals can be free from lust too. There really isn’t that much difference. The source of the power (the addiction) is the same.

My contention is that this kind of fury fire that you may have felt is furious because it’s demonic. It may feel really good (a high like a drug — dopamine, actually), like there is no denying it, but the fire part of this lust comes from giving into sinful sexual desire in which lust demons are ready and waiting to take you to Cloud 9 — though you know it’s wrong and you feel guilty all of the time.

And we can be free now, and have right relationships within marriage that aren’t sinful or demon driven. Though there can be demon driven lust inside marriage too.

And some of us are single and don’t like it at all, but it wouldn’t be so bad if real Christianity was happening and we could bask in the glory of God.

It will be so easy to NOT sin when ONE happens. But until then, many of us can live pure and clean anyway. And those of us who do can help ONE to happen!

Power to the peaceful — the power to overcome sin and live together as ONE!

Jeff Fenske
Anchorage, Alaska
ToBeFree!
ONEcanhappen!

Related:

Against Masturbation: “Men rob themselves of the very essence and energy that fuel their lives and protect their health”

When Sin Looks Delicious: TAKE THE BLAME for wanting to sin; RESIST Satan; RESOLVE that you will not sin; GIVE THANKS for Jesus’ enabling grace

(video) Seattle Gay Pridefest Turns Violent; Street Preachers Get Attacked — What Would Jesus Do?

Who-Goes-To-Heaven Scriptures — Narrow is the Way | Who are the Children of God? — “There is therefore now *no condemnation* to those who are IN CHRIST Jesus, who don’t WALK according to the flesh, but ACCORDING TO THE SPIRIT” — Includes my dream of being in danger of going to hell just for lusting while watching TV

Spiritual Avalanche – Steve Hill: Many Challenge the Authority of the Word Despite its Clarity — “When the Scriptures contradict our feelings and preferences, RATHER THAN crucify our feelings and preferences and BOW DOWN BEFORE GOD and His Word, WE QUESTION GOD’S WORD”

[science] Why is Lust Addictive? — SEX increases dopamine by 200 units (1/6 the height of a METH euphoria)

The Red Gate Prophecy — What If I Open It Just a Little Bit? The believers, not the non-believers, have opened the gate to sin, which is why this country has deteriorated

Can a Christian Have a Demon? Absolutely! Most Have Many!

A Gift that Will Set Many Free! (A Death Warrant is Out for Your Souls)

[Lust FREEDOM — “The Poison that Kills the Soul”] My experience: How DEMONS DRIVE heterosexual and homosexual lust in ‘Christians’ — The bad news is that demons drive lust. The good news is that demons drive lust, because freedom lies straight ahead!

[Lust Freedom!] As Cautiously as Folding Our Own Parachute — “We ought to think out each step with the same kind of rationale and determination that a man uses when he folds his own parachute. Small, careful decisions can save his life. 5 minutes of pleasure earned Esau the loss of a lifetime of blessing and the enmity of God. Is it worth it?”

Joel Osteen: Homosexuals Get Into Heaven [But ‘Christians’ keep in mind that lusting HETEROsexuals WON’T INHERIT the kingdom either. We must all be holy so we can all be ONE!]

Wes Hall: It’s Not Just Porn! “You’re asking for power and there are areas of hidden compromise in your life. … I’m not talking about the R-rated movies. I’m talking about the PG-13s … certain sitcoms, TV shows where your spirit is being defiled.”

[ video ] David Icke with Alex Jones In-studio First Time!: The Royal Families Illuminati, Pedophilia, Murdering Past

The Homosexual Guild in D.C.: “They’re outing their white, male straights.”

Blackmail: How The Controlling Elite Owns Politicians — Almost every one of them has some dark secret that they can be blackmailed over if they fail to follow the Washington consensus.

[ video – full unedited ] Former Marine Colonel’s Wife: Sleeping With The Enemy — Kay Griggs Talks About Sexual Perversion Deep Within the Highest Levels of U.S. Military and Government, Military Assassin Squads, Drug Running, and Illegal Weapon Deals — “Why are Good People Silent?”

Madonna Fully Aware She’s Promoting Homosexuality

General Motors Psy-Op Ad Castrates Men By Using Feminism

“Reflections And Warnings: An Interview With Aaron Russo” – Entire Film – Aaron explains how the elite created the women’s liberation movement to break up the family and tax working women

Sandusky Part of Illuminati Pedophile Network

[NBC 1989] Call Boys Take Midnight Tour of Reagan/Bush White House

Retired FBI Chief Ted Gunderson: SATANISM & THE CIA — “The CIA is the most evil organization in the history of the world. They’re involved in kidnapping kids, international drug trafficking. They’re assassinating people….” | 50-60,000 human sacrifices per year in America!

Age of consent should be lowered to 13 to stop persecution of old men, says top barrister

[ video ] “Conspiracy of Silence”: The program that many compromised (and now blackmailable) Republicans don’t want you to see. It is the story of a cancer at the heart of America and its continuing cover-up at the highest level!

John DeCamp discusses the Franklin Cover-up: “The biggest monster I’ve ever encountered!”

Ted Gunderson: Many of our congressmen and senators have been blackmailed through children, sex and drugs…”and we don’t have enough people like Kucinich and Ron Paul to stand up.”

Invisible Empire Sneak Peek #4 — Call Boy Rings Exposed. “Many of us believe that our leaders are in fact Christian conservatives with our best interest at heart…” | But WE must have INTEGRITY no matter what.

[Video] Insider: Pedophilia Among America’s Leaders — Including ‘Conservative’ Republican Presidents?

Pedophilia in the White House — Interview with John DeCamp (Nebraska State Senator)

[video] Mike Bickle: Making a Purity Covenant so the HOLY Spirit can come … to bless His heart — that we may be ONE!

8/16/08
(15 months before the outpouring)

He’s about to release a Spirit of glory on the church.

But when He releases a Spirit of glory
He’s going to require a greater standard of agreement
with His heart and with His word
… which we call holiness.

Because if His glory comes
and the people are not in agreement with His glory
,
it is more trouble

because the Lord comes
not only as the God of power
but the God Who is zealous
for purity and love and holiness
.”

“God promised His Son a people
that would love Jesus
in the way that Jesus loved them
.”

— Mike Bickle

(Transcribed by Jeff Fenske)

Purity Covenant, Part 1 (The Call D.C. 8/16/08)

Purity Covenant, Part 2 (The Call D.C. 8/16/08)

Related:

[Mike Bickle IHOP 3/08] Making a Purity Covenant: Seven Practical Commitments — The Lord will visit IHOP-KC with an open door of glory in the spirit and a door of ministry to the nations. When Jesus opens a door of glory to release more of His manifest presence then He requires more agreement with His heart (a higher standard of obedience). … This is a promise with a warning of judgment.

U2 — 'Magnificent' Live on Letterman!!!!!!! "Till we die, you and I will magnify The Magnificent!"

One of the greatest songs of all time—just out, on the album, No Line on the Horizon! Lyrics by Bono and The Edge.

I was born to be with you
In this space and time

After that and ever after I haven’t had a clue
Only to break rhyme
This
foolishness can leave a heart black and blue

I was born to sing for you
I didn’t have a choice but to lift you up
And sing whatever song you wanted me to
I give you back my voice
From the womb my first cry, it was a joyful noise

only love can leave such a mark
only love can heal such a scar*

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VEGOb48gIe4][Song only, and what a song!!! Click on HD to get Highest Quality]

only love unites our hearts

Justify, till we die, you and I will magnify
The Magnificent

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XcvOWunC4N8]Low-Fi — with Dave’s intro and closing remarks

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h_xBl-TlJa8]Live Fordham University [HD – High Quality]
Good Morning America

To watch in HD, click on the video to open it, and then click on the HD symbol, which then becomes red when the video re-opens, bigger.
To watch either version in full-screen, click on the rectangle-within-a-rectangle icon.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0FIN7tMEIA]Live in London [HD – High Quality]
BBC Rooftop

* Question?

Such a scar* that only love can heal: is it the mark of the calling to sing and play for God, the alienation and put-downs from fallen man, the tremendous pressure to play something juicy? Or is it the black and blue heart caused by the foolishness of breaking rhyme with the Creator?

I was thinking the latter, but I’m not so sure now. I’m wondering what Bono and The Edge were thinking when they wrote the song. Imagine the struggle they’ve been through. Both attended a charismatic fellowship, called Shalom at one point with Larry Mullen. I’m really glad to see that Adam Clayton seems to also really like the song!!

Any ideas out there?

Incidentally, Bono has talked about how they could always count on God to show up when they would play live: Where the Streets Have No Name. God is in the house.

Related: [music video] U2 – Where the Streets Have No Name

A Preview of What is to Come

Below is a small portion of the prophecy that is supposed to be the basis for a book I’m way overdue in writing. It’s a long story of which I’ll explain more, later. [And now have: Intro: “Let Us Be ONE”]

A few days ago, I was praying a forgiving-others prayer, and was surprised and relieved to hear this:

“Launch out your book the first of the year. It’s okay to let them read it online. Let this be the start.”

______________________________________________

On the night before Jesus sacrificed his life for us, he prayed that those who would follow would be one. His heart still longs to see this fulfilled in our lives – “that the world may know.”

Not for these only do I pray, but for those also who believe in me through their word, that they may all be one; even as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be one in us; that the world may believe that you sent me. The glory which you have given me, I have given to them; that they may be one, even as we are one; I in them, and you in me, that they may be perfected into one; that the world may know that you sent me, and loved them, even as you loved me.
(John 17:20-23)

 

Let Us Be One

A prophecy given to Jeff Fenske

 

10/02/01
A KINDNESS TO FLOW
There is a kindness that I want to flow from My body. Let it saturate all those around you. Let it flow from your hearts. Let it fill you up. Let the Holy Spirit give you life. Let them be free—hate and anger no longer. Give your life to Me.
Do not hold grudges, My people. Get up and repent. The time is short. I will
not hold back much longer the tide that is about to come.
Let it fill you up, this love. Let it come. Let it give you life. Do not
worry. I am in charge. Hate and anger no longer. Be My bride. I want you. I
have no other. I long for you, to see you strong.
Do not fear, and live in hate no longer. Love your enemies. Let them be your
friend, for I am in charge. You need not fear those who hate your soul. I am
in charge. I will give you life and plenty. You will be filled up to the max
if you obey.
You see the way but you stumble. Get up and pray. I am there, giving life,
My hand outstretched. Take it. Let us be one. We need to be one, My people.
Let’s watch and pray. I will lead. Do not fear, for I am with you. I will
give you life if you let Me lead. This is the key.
OUR FATHER’S HEART-CRY
Let us be one. My cry is out to you to come near. I want My people, please?
May we be one. I need you to pray, to fall on your face and not give up.
Press in, overcome temptation. Be not afraid to obey. I will give you life,
all those who follow. You will not faint. You will grow strong when you give
up the ghosts that hold you back, the sins of iniquity.
Feel My hurt. It is great. My people have vanished from My life. I am sad,
and you are lonely. There are few that remain close to Me where I can
nourish their souls.
In Me there is life. There is no other way. I in you; you in Me, where we
belong—together. Let us be one, together in love, where we can pray,
enveloping each other in goodness. We can do that. It’s not all one way. I
am life. There is no other to follow. We can be friends. I will lead, but I
will receive as you repent and draw close to Me. For I love My people. I
love to pray. I intercede for the saints to bring them pleasure. We can be
one. We can be close, you and I.
There is a place of holiness, where you will always be at My feet, a place
of blessing. Let it come. Let it envelop you. Let it take over your pride.
Come, My people. Let us rest. Follow no other. I am your place of security,
where power dwells, power to overcome sin, pride and temptation. I have life
to give.
You are My friend. Get up and be counted among the sheep. For there is
error. Life has ceased for a reason. The church is dirty, a place of filth.
It is not My home. How can I dwell among an unclean people who hurt each
other, who tell each other stories, who hurt from the heart those that care?
‘A SIGHT FOR SORE EYES’

Tell one another the time is now. Get up and pray. Let’s go up to Zion.
Let’s be one. Let’s see the holy city. Let life begin, for we can be one.
I want to see the city set high on a hill for all to see—a sight for sore
eyes. For they will all know the truth, and the truth will set them free.
Let us be exalted, not above each other, but above our sin, where we can be
free. That is the message. Proclaim it. Let others know you care. Let others
know you are free. Let others feel My hurt, and do not fear, because they
are one. This will be the answer—all of us together, with Me in front,
giving life. There is no other way. It doesn’t work by itself. There must be
a catalyst, an igniter, a higher power, something that can create life,
giving you great abundance when you pray.
Stop sinning, and read My Word. Do what it says, daily, for It means
business. I have given you a path to follow, a God who indwells you, and
wants to give you life.
Come to Me. Let us walk together where we can be one, where others can
follow, where divorce is no more, where we will not be severed, where the
canker worm cannot grow. You and I can be one. Let it happen, let us not
grow weary. Let us not give up hope. I never will, but you must be in Me to
see over the mountains, to see the light of day, the victory that lies
ahead.
We can do it, together. Look up and find Mercy. I am waiting. You are My
friends. There is much potential when you wait on Me for answers, when you
read My Word and obey—from the heart, getting to know each other—feeling
each other’s hurts, deeply—applying salve where needed. The wounds will
boil. Faint not, My people, and come to Me.
HYPOCRITES CANNOT LEAD

The sin in the body is great. The sin in the body is evident to all who
watch from afar. They don’t want to go in and see the yuck. Why should they?
There is plenty, and it will take time to clean up the mess, and many will
see that you are My body. I will be glad. You will be one in Me.
The highway is great. Many travel on it: the way of happiness, but it leads
to destruction. They act like nothing is wrong. The sheep stealers rob the
sheep, unawares. They teach them vain imaginations and lead them astray,
where destruction awaits those who disobey. It is in the Word.
Read Psalm 26. David was a man of integrity. He was in the Holy Ghost,
awaiting for Me to lead him into truth, until he fell. His fall was great,
because he failed to wait on Me. He let lust take over, rule his heart. He
fell so hard the whole nation crumbled, aghast at what they saw, cringing,
because of David’s sin.
It can happen like this. For there is hurt in the body. The hurt is great.
Many hate each other and call it love. Hypocrites cannot rule. They must be
in Me to lead. The sheep are destroyed for lack of knowledge.
Faint not, My people. Lean on Me. Come back to where you belong, in My arms.
I will hold you where you will not faint, where the wolves will not devour,
but there must be love. Love conquers all. Love conquers hate, and brings
life.
[…]
© Jeff Fenske 2008

A Call to Intimacy: The Holy Spirit in John’s Gospel & Epistles, by Jeff Fenske [D. A. Carson – Johannine Theology, 1993]

A Call to Intimacy:

The Holy Spirit in John’s Gospel and Epistles

by

Jeff Fenske

D. A. Carson— Johannine Theology

Wed, Dec 8, 1993

The disciple whom Jesus loved (1) — John— who had the most intimate relationship with Jesus, who was entrusted with the Revelation of the future, and who it seems was chosen to have the most longevity (John 21:20-23) — this person of seemingly great sensitivity writes the Gospel and an accompanying epistle that provide for us the most intimate call to relationship with Jesus and the Father. And this call to intimacy with God is now possible because the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Godhead has been sent by Jesus and now indwells all true believers, enabling us to have communion with the Father and the Son and with each other. The holy catholic church, the communion of the saints credal terminology illustrates the Christian church as a union of believers under one God, joined together by himself. In John, Jesus calls us to unity with each other with an uncompromised decree which can only result from a very sensitive, intimate communion with Jesus through the Holy Spirit. Then the world will know much about the Father and the Son because they have seen God’s love demonstrated by his radiant church.

…that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me (John 17:21-23).

The glue in John that binds us to each other and to God is love, which we receive as a fruit as we position ourselves in him and under his directing guidance. John presents an illustration of us as the branches either connected to or not connected to Jesus, the vine, the only source from which we can bear genuine fruit— the only type of fruit that Jesus considers permanent and true (John 15:1-16). This mystical union between the Creator and his church is a necessity if we are to flourish and grow into complete union, not being a dormant, lifeless thing which is an embarrassment to God. D. George Vanderlip states regarding John 15: 4-6, the vine and the branches:

John is talking of a vital relationship in the literal root meaning of that word. It is a matter of life and death. Jesus is the source and channel of life for the branches, that is, the believers. When the branches “remain” in the vine, life-giving energy flows through the vine to the branches. This guarantees both health and fruit-bearing,. When the branches are separated from the vine, an inevitable result follows: the branches simply wither and dry up. Since no nourishment reaches them, they will bear no fruit. (2)

In order for the church to gain the respect of the world we must abide intimately in Christ so we will have the ability to completely love each other.

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