A to Heart Talk

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John 15:1-2 (KJV)

1. I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.
2. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every brankch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.

A to Heart Talk

1. My assessment of the greatest need in the people of Emmanuel . . .
   We have some wonderful families in our church. You look around and you see great people. People who are kind, warm, generous, and friendly. I've3 told you before, and I'll say it again: The people of Emmanuel are the greatest people that you will ever find --- anywhere! However, all that glimmers on the surface is not necessarily what shines inside the home. Many, many families struggle. Marriages are facing great difficulties. What is needed?
   
   Humility
   Humility is the product of grace. It is the fruit of the Spirit. It runs counter to culture. It is the opposite of man's nature, and yet is the panacea for man's problems. It's God answer.
   
   When humility is present:
   1. You don't always have to be right.
   2. You focus on the problems within you and not others.
   3. Never a day passes without you saying, "Will you forgive me."
   4. You are more interested in caring for others than you are comforting yourself.
   5. You easily forgive.
   When humility is absent:
   
   You are the opposite of the above five descriptions.

   My assessment of what this year holds for the people of Emmanuel . . .
   Again, there are many exciting things on the horizon for this church. We are moving into the new millennium with a fresh vision of what it means to reach people with the gospel. However, I wish to tell you what the new year holds for you and me personally.
   The Father will prune us . . . He is the Gardener. Christ is the Vine. We are the branches.

   1. The Father removes the dead branches that bear no fruit.
      These are professing Christians who through trial or affliction will abandon the faith, or through their own doctrinal errors will leave the way of Christ.
   2. The Father purges the branches that bear fruit --- that they may bear more.
      This purging I believe produces humility. The Father will remove some things. The Father will remove those thins that prevent you from being a humble person.

   It is much sweeter for the Word of God to humble than it is the work of God. May it happen.

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