Have you ever stood in great need of comfort and encouragement? If so, you know that in time of affliction, there is no thought or word that has deeper meaning, nor any possession of greater value, than that of effective and genuine comfort. The objective of this study is to equip us to have the assurance that there is comfort available, and to know how to be comforted, as well as how to be a comfort to others in the fires of affliction.
Gene Cunningham - September 25, 2003
Ezekiel #13
A vine without fruit is worthless (Eze 15:1-8). Jerusalem was burned by Nebuchadnezzar (606 BC) -- the vine is not even good for burning (Eze 15:4). Jerusalem was still to go through utter destruction to then know that He is the Lord (Eze 15:5-7). Israel referred to as a vine is usually is negative, except in Psa 80:7-10. Vineyard analogy explains God's care over Israel, but also bad fruit (Isa 5:1-7,Jer 2:20-22, Gal 5:1-13, Hos 10:1). For production in the Christian life God will lift and prune (Joh 15:1-2). "Remain in Me" is a command for obedience and fellowship (connection of the Branch to the vine) -- presence and power of God is promised if we are obedient to the Word of God (Joh 15:3-5, Joh 14:21). Liberty has to sacrifice for love Unsaved people will judge us if we don't stay in fellowship (Joh 5:6). Powerful, effective prayer is manifest in fellowship (Joh 15:7-8). We are a habitation of God in the Spirit (Eph 2:19-22). Active fellowship and joint participation is motivation -- that Christ may be at home in us (Eph 3:14-21).
Scripture References: John 15:1-27, Ezekiel 16:6-14, Psalms 80:7-10, Amos 2:10, John 15:3-5, Ezekiel 16:35-43, Ezekiel 16:1-5, Ezekiel 15:5-7, Ezekiel 16:1-4, John 15:1-2, Jeremiah 2:21, Ephesians 3:14-21, Ezekiel 15:4, Ezekiel 16:60-63, Hosea 10:1, Ezekiel 16:20-34, Ephesians 2:19-22, Ezekiel 15:1-8, Ezekiel 16:44-59, Galatians 5:1-13, Ezekiel 16:15-19, John 15:7-8, Galatians 5:22, Ezekiel 16:35-43, Jeremiah 2:20-22, Ezekiel 16:9-14, John 5:6, John 15:6, Ezekiel 16:15-34, Isaiah 5:1-7, Ezekiel 16:4-8, John 14:21
From Series: "Ezekiel - 2002"
Ezekiel's vision of God's glory effected his life.