The Vineyard- February 9, 2014

The Vineyard

I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. – John 15:5

Philippians 1:18b-30

Pray for God to speak to you through the reading of His word. 

Read the passage. 

-          Martyrdom

o   The word martyr is actually the Greek word for “witness”.  Early Christians who were killed for their faith were called martyrs no so much because they had died for Christ, but because they had lived for him even in the faith of death.  Would it be fair to call you a martyr for Christ?

-          Gaining Christ

o   Paul says that “to live is Christ, to die is gain.”  It is a remarkable statement of faith.  It is also challenging because gaining Christ at death, only happens if we have lived for him.  Have you lived for Christ?     

-          Standing Firm

o   Paul encourages the church to “stand firm” in the face of persecution.  Do you think it is easier to stand firm alone, or together? 

o   If the world was going after people who resembled Christ, would it persecute you?

Pray that we can live lives, individually and as a church, that are a witness to who Christ is. 

Pray that in the face of opposition to the gospel, we will stand firm together.