The Vinedresser, the True Vine, and the Branches (John 15:1-11), part 2 of 2

We easily overlook the word "true" in Jesus' clam "I am the true vine" and so we miss its significance. He was building on the Old Testament concept of Israel as God's vine (Psalm 80:8-9; Isa. 5:1-7). Under the new concept, there is only one vine in God's garden. A person must be attached to him to be counted as God's own. Being an Israelite doesn't automatically mean you are in God's vineyard; you must be connected to the Lord Jesus Christ.

Somehow I fear, that some of you think you are close to God just because you are connected to an organization formed 17 years ago. You may be diligent in attending the services and activities of Guiding Light Christian Church Dagupan. You may have signed the membership documents. When you are asked by friends, "To what church do you belong?", you answer proudly and without hesitation, "GLCC Dagupan". Surely, many souls were enriched here for all these years. Yet they grew spiritually not because they belong to a special organization, but because they heeded the command to abide in Christ. Even your stay at GLCC Dagupan will not do you any good unless you abide in Jesus.

Fruit-bearing: the result of abiding in Christ (John 15:5)
I heard it a few times; at least once or twice from the mouth of pastors. They assert that "fruit" here means "souls won for Jesus". And so these people measure your fruitfulness by counting the number of souls you bring to the church. Perhaps this is a result of the Evangelism Fallacy. They may have failed to understand that the command to evangelize and make disciples were not given to individuals but to the church. And the church fulfills the Great Commission as various gifts and skills empowered by the Spirit are faithfully used by its members. The gift and skill of gospel communication is one of them, but it is not the only gift.

So what are fruits? I propose that fruits are:

• The manifestations of a godly life (Gal. 5:22-23). In contrast with the works of the flesh (5:19-21).
• Accomplishments of eternal value  (John 15:5b). Jesus doesn't mean here that a man separated from him could no longer do woundrous feats. He could still conquer lands, build structures, invent useful things for humanity, create breathtaking artworks-- all the good things in man's eyes. By his common grace, even non-Christians could do great things. What he means by saying “part from me you could do nothing” are deeds that will be remembered and rewarded in eternity.

C. T. Studd said it well: “Only one life, twill soon be past. Only what's done for Christ will last.” Only deeds done for Christ and produced out of abiding in him are the ones that will last for all eternity. What a joy reserved for those who would cling to Christ! Not so to the wicked. The destiny of those who will not bear fruit is eternal destruction (John 15:6; Matt. 3:10-12)

Abiding in Christ vs. Christmas Tree Spirituality
Perhaps you were frightened by the mention of fire and destruction in verse 6. So now you make a resolution: “I will try my best to show fruit so I will not be judged.” You don't get it man! What is commanded of us is to abide in him, and by abiding in him, the branches will bear fruit naturally. Aside from falling into "Salvation by works" mentality,  the other danger with this resolution is we might present a Christmas tree spirituality. It's like bringing a shrub indoors. You attach to it artificial fruits: shining balls, sweet candies, miniature figures and other decors. You display a form of spirituality and morality yet it did not come from the true vine. It's all flesh, devoid of the Holy Spirit's power. What God wants are fruits produced in branches by being nourished by him.

“To be connected to the vine means that the life of Jesus is flowing through us, and this leads to fruitfulness. Fruitfulness will be the inevitable outcome of an interior spiritual life with Jesus” (Gary Burge, NIVAC)

I like the quote because it shows how the fruitbearing operates:

1. it is from the life of Jesus flowing in us. And since it is Jesus, how could he be fruitless? Never!
2. it takes place inwardly, not a fruit artificially attached.

The Vinedresser, the True Vine, and the Branches (John 15:1-11), part 1 of 2

Among the “I am” Sayings of Jesus, what makes this one unique is the prominent role given to the Father. He is the Vinedresser. That truth alone should us comfort in the assurance that the gardener is not lacking in skill. He is a perfect vinedresser. Some of his actions may be unpleasant to us branches but we have to trust that the vinedresser knows what he is doing. Some of the things the Vinedresser does are two time-tested practices in viticulture:

a. Taking away fruitless branches
Someone is absent in this scene—Judas—he just left a few hours ago to betray his Lord in exchange of 30 pieces of silver. Just like the rest of them, he too was exposed to Jesus' teaching for three long years. But he developed no love for the words of Christ. Judas is unclean (John 13:10-11). He is an example of a branch that was taken away. Those who will persist in their love for sin shall be thrown away from the vine for the health of the vine.

b. Pruning fruit-bearing branches for improved production
The Greek for 'prunes' also means cleans. The means of cleaning the vine is the word of God (verse 3). Three years of continued exposure to the words of Jesus made them clean. And so as long as you keep on exposing yourself to the word of God, you are being cleaned for a fruitful life. Merrill Tenney comments:

“The means by which pruning or cleaning is done is the Word of God. It condemns sin; it inspires holiness; it promotes growth. As Jesus applied the words God gave him to the lives of the disciples, they underwent a pruning process that removed evil from them and conditioned them for further service.” (John and Acts, EBC Vol. 9)

The place of this pruning process is the doctrine of sanctification where we are changed into his image more and more. Sanctification is God's will for us (I Thess 4:3). If you have stayed long enough in the vine, you know that pruning often involves pain. For sure it would be unpleasant, yet it's end result is greater fruitfulness for the vine (Hebrews 12:5-11).

The need to prune sometimes  involves sin just like in the case of David. For this reason, we should not despise those who have underwent severe discipline because of some grievous sin. If they have already repented, and they have undergone that painful process of restoration, then expect productivity from them. Expect to be blessed when you are near them. If they have already humbled themselves before the Lord, they will soon be lifted up (James 4:10).

The need to prune is sometimes preventive of sin as in the case of Paul. "To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me." (2 Corinthians 12:7)

The need to prune sometimes involves  no known sin at all, as in the case of Job.  Here is a man walking uprightly yet he was put to some of the most unbearable tests. In fact, the Lord is so proud of him. He told Satan: “Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil." (Job 1:8)

So before you murmur and complain, “I am walking in holiness Lord. I can't understand. Why are you allowing this suffering in my life Lord?”, consider the possibility that the Lord may be so proud of you as His child. Perhaps he told Satan, “Have you considered my servant __________? (put your name in the blank). There is no one in Pangasinan like him.”

Maybe you are already fruitful, but there is still room for improving your yield; so he lets you go to that painful process called pruning. It may not pleasant at the present time but soon you will see the yield and your joy will be complete.

Index: WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH: Metaphors of Faithful Christian Service in Difficult Times

Part 1 - Introduction
Part 2 - The Devoted Soldier
Part 3 - The Rule-Abiding Athlete
Part 4 - The Hard-Working Farmer (with Conclusion)

THE HARD-WORKING FARMER (Part 4 of 4: When the Going Gets Tough: Metaphors of Faithful Christian Service in Difficult Times)

"The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops." (2 Timothy 2:6)

Last year, the National Bureau of Investigation reported a large-scale pyramid scheme that victimized some 15,000 people in Visayas and Mindanao. The culprit is Manuel Amalilio through his Malaysia-based company. The total amount of money involved is said to be around 12 billion pesos. Though I symphatize with the victims, I see that people want to get rich quick without much effort. The multitudes of people falling in line before a lotto outlet once the jackpot hit nine digits is also an indicator of this.

There is no instant income in farming. For instance, planting onions would take three to five months before you could harvest; and while waiting you have to work hard. The idea of working hard for a long period of time in a farm, enduring heat or rain, is simply not appealing to us. Yet for Paul, a faithful servant of God must imitate the hardworking farmer's work ethic. The assurance Paul gives is that if we end endure hardships in serving God, we will enjoy the fruits of our labors when harvest time comes.
 
I started this series by showing how tough if is for our Christian brothers in America with the current president's agenda regarding gay marriage. Things only got worse since then with the U.S. Supreme Court's decision on the Defense of Marriage Act.

In his inaugural address, President JFK's word: "Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country." While we Christians should be eager to heed those words, what could we do when the government says, "Because of your gospel convictions, our country does not need you."

In moments like this, we turn to another quote commonly attributed to JFK's father, Joseph P. Kennedy: "When the Going Gets Tough,the Tough Get Going"

THE RULE-ABIDING ATHLETE (Part 3 of 4: When the Going Gets Tough: Metaphors of Faithful Christian Service in Difficult Times)

 

LEFT: Antonio Margarito's illegal hand wraps confiscated by the California State Athletic Commission just before the Margarito-Mosley bout (Jan. 25, 2009) RIGHT: The then undefeated Miguel's Cotto's devastated face when he fought Margarito (July 26, 2008). It is now highly suspected that Margarito used the same illegal hand wraps in that fight. Cotto faced Margarito again in Dec. 3, 2011. This time, Margarito was badly beaten forcing the referee to stop the fight in the 9th round.

2 Timothy 2:1-6

"You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others. 3 Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs--he wants to please his commanding officer. 5 Similarly, if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor's crown unless he competes according to the rules. 6 The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops." (NIV)

From my memory, here are some of the most scandalous cases in sports:

• 1988: Ben Johnson at the Seoul Summer Olympics (click HERE)
• 1992: The Zamboanga City Little League Baseball Team (click HERE)
• 2008- 2009: Antonio Margarito matches against Miguel Cotto and Shane Mosley (click HERE)
• 2012: Lance Armstrong (click HERE)

Just like the soldier imagery, the athlete imagery is also one on Paul's favorites. In 1 Cor. 9:24-27 for instance, he admires two things about athletes: i) their "giving my all" attitude, and ii) their rigorous preparation. But there are some athletes who want the honor and glory of victory yet they want to achieve it not by hardwork and discipline but by breaking the rules uncaught.

They wanted glory and honor
Yet their deeds brought shame

Let us do life and ministry according to the manual given to us. In tough times, it is very tempting to abandon biblical principles. We keep silent have to speak up; we agree when we have to oppose -- all in violation of what his Holy Word tells us to do.

In this world, Christ is despised together with his cross. They tell us, "Abandon that old rugged thing and I will give you a medal. Throw that old rugged gospel away and I'll give you a trophy. Honor awaits you, just abandon Christ and his gospel."

Some will take the offer; they will throw the gospel away. "Give me my trophy" they say. "Give me my medal" they say. But in the end, it is not honor they will reap but shame. But those who are wise will sing: 

"To the old rugged cross I will ever be true;
Its shame and reproach gladly bear;
Then He’ll call me some day to my home far away,
Where His glory forever I’ll share." (~George Bennard, 1913)

THE DEVOTED SOLDIER (Part 2 of 4: When the Going Gets Tough: Metaphors of Faithful Christian Service in Difficult Times)

Read Part 1 HERE

2 Timothy 2:1-6

"You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others. 3 Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs--he wants to please his commanding officer. 5 Similarly, if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor's crown unless he competes according to the rules. 6 The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops." (NIV) 

Some Christians believe in Pacifism. They hold that it is never God's will for a Christian to join the military. But it seems that Paul highly regards the soldiers' profession. Whenever he used it as a methapor, he does so positively. In this letter, he shows his admiration for the soldiers' endurance in hardship and their dedication to their duty.

When the commanding officer announces to his men that they would go to Basilan for a military operation, will the soldiers ask,"Sir, do we have a hotel reservation?" or "Sir, we won't go there until you can provide for us blankets, pillows and mosquito nets." No they won't. Though they would be happy if they will be provided with some comfort, they would willingly fulfill their duty with or without it.

The term of service for a soldier in those days was 20 years; two decades of total devotion to the profession without being entangled with civilian affairs. For every 100 enlisted men, only about 50 of them survived to retire ¹ . That's an indication of the difficulties a soldier must face within those two decades of service. Paul urged Timothy to have that same intensity of dedication.

How do you apply that today? Does it mean we can only engage in religious activity and not in secular pursuits? It can't be. It can't be because Paul himself would often work to earn and instead of seeing that as a hindrance to ministry, he saw it as profitable to his testimony (1 Cor. 9:1-18). John Stott wrote:

"The Christian, who is intended to live in the world and not contract out of it, cannot of course avoid ordinary duties at home, at work and in the community. Indeed as a Christian he should be outstandingly conscientious in doing and not dodging them. Nor should he forget, as Paul reminded Timothy in his first letter, either that ‘everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving’ or that ‘God … richly furnishes us with everything to enjoy’ (1 Tim. 4:4; 6:17). So what is forbidden the good soldier of Jesus Christ is not all ‘secular’ activities, but rather ‘entanglements’ which, though they may be perfectly innocent in themselves, may hinder him from fighting Christ’s battles." ²

So what are entangling civilian affairs? I take the position that these are activities which keep God's servants from fulfilling the tasks given by God, thus causing his displeasure. Sinful acts are surely included here. Also entangling secular pursuits like taking earning opportunities that will force you to give up church attendance. Or being busy with pursuits that will lead to the non-usage of your spiritual gifts. Even spiritual activities could be entanglements if it leads to the neglect of your primary duties (Acts 6:1-4)

What do we have to gain for being devoted soldiers? It is the pleasure of our Commander-in-Chief (Matt. 25:21)

NOTES:
1. Craig S. Keener, The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament
2. John Stott, The Message of 2 Timothy: Guard the Gospel (The Bible Speaks Today Series)

Isang Pagbubulay Matapos ang Halalan

Ilang mga botante mula sa Classes A, B and C ang dismayado sa resulta ng katatapos na halalan. Sa kanilang pananaw, may mga nakapasok sa Magic 12 na hindi naman karapat-dapat at merong mga karapat-dapat na malayo sa magic 12.

Ang kanilang sinisisi ay ang mga botante mula sa Classes D and E. Sila yung mga nasa pinakamababa sa mga antas ng lipunan.Karaniwan, sila ay may kakulangan sa edukasyon at hikahos sa buhay. Dahil sa kanilang kalagayan, marami sa kanila ay may mababaw na batayan sa pagpili ng mga iboboto: sayaw-awit sa mga patalastas sa telebisyon; matunog na apelyido mula sa mga angkan may dinastiyang politikal, mga pangalang kasali sa sampol ballot na iniabot ni Kapitan; at pinakamalala: mga kandidatong bumibili ng boto gamit ang salapi at groceries.

Upang ipakita ang pagkakaiba ng pagpili ng mga botanteng nagmula sa magkaibang antas ng lipunan, gagamitin natin ang datos mula sa exit polls ng Social Weather Stations noong 2010. Sa eleksyon na iyon, 15% lang ng mga botanteng nakatapos ng kolehiyo ang bumoto pabor sa kandidatong hinatulan ng hukuman sa kasong pandarambong. Pero sa mga botanteng elementarya ang tinapos, isang malaking hiwa na 31% ang bumoto para sa kanya.

Para sa mga botante mula sa Classes A, B, and C, ang mga kababayang mula sa Classes D and E ang nagpapapangit sa resulta ng mga halalan. Maaaring tama sila. Sa aking pagsang-ayon, hindi ko nilalahat ang mga mula sa Classes D and E. Meron din sa kanila ang matalino sa pagpili. Pero hindi maikakaila na napakarami mula sa antas na ito ang hindi marunong pumili ng mga taong dapat ihalal.

Subalit pagdating sa pagpili sa Diyos, ang lahat ay pantay-pantay. Walang kalamangan ang mga mula sa Classes A, B and C sa mga Classes D and E. Lahat sila ay pare-pareho ng saloobin. Lahat ng tao mula sa iba't ibang antas ng lipunan ay pare-parehong umaayaw sa Diyos. Ang lahat ay naghihimagsik laban sa kanya. Ayaw nilang kilalanin ang Diyos bilang Hari ng Daigdig.

Paano ko nasabi ito? Ito ay aking nasabi dahil sa nakasaad sa bibliya:

"Walang matuwid, wala kahit isa.
"Walang nakakaunawa, walang naghahanap sa Diyos.
Ang lahat ay lumihis ng landas at nagpakasama.
Walang gumagawa ng mabuti, wala kahit isa." Roma 3:10-12

Subalit dahil sa kanyang mayamang habag, nagliligtas ang Diyos mula sa Classes A, B, C, D and E. Yun nga lamang, ayon na rin sa kanyang perpektong karunungan, minarapat niya na mas marami ang kanyang ililigtas mula sa mga mas mababang mga antas. Sa anong layunin? Upang walang sinumang magmalaki sa kanyang harapan.

Ano kaya kung ganito ang iyong patotoo:

"Praise the Lord, naniwala ako sa ebanghelyo. Minsan lang ipinaliwanag sa akin, naunawaan ko agad. Buti na lang matalino ako. Hayaan na niyo yung mga tamatanggi sa ebanghelyo; Low I.Q. kasi ang mga 'yan."

Sino ang naparangalan? Sino ang naluwalhati? Ang Diyos ba? Hindi. Ikaw ang naparangalan. Ikaw ang naluwalhati. Ang galing-galing mo kasi.

Anu-ano ang nararapat na tugon sa katotohanang ito:

Una, PAGPAPAKUMBABA dahil nalaman natin na walang anumang katangiang taglay natin ang dahilan kung bakit tayo naligtas.

Ikalawa, PASASALAMAT dahil tayo, bagamat mga hindi karapat-dapat ay tumanggap ng masaganang pabor mula sa Panginoon.

Ikatlo, PAGLUWALHATI sa Diyos, dahil ito ang layunin niya sa pagliligtas sa atin-- ang matanyag ang kanyang dakilang ngalan.

1 Corinto 1:26-31: Mga kapatid, alalahanin ninyo ang inyong katayuan noong kayo'y tawagin ng Diyos. Iilan lamang sa inyo ang matatawag na marunong, makapangyarihan at maharlika sa paningin ng tao. Subalit pinili ng Diyos ang mga naturingang hangal sa sanlibutan upang hiyain ang marurunong, at pinili niya ang mga naturingang mahihina upang hiyain ang malalakas. Pinili niya ang mga pangkaraniwang tao, mga hampas lupa, at mga mahihina sa sanlibutang ito upang ipawalang saysay ang mga kinikilala ng sanlibutan. Kaya't walang sinumang makakapagmalaki sa harap ng Diyos. Sa kanya nagmula ang buhay na taglay ninyo dahil sa pakikipag-isa ninyo kay Cristo Jesus na siyang ginawang karunungan natin. Sa pamamagitan din niya, tayo'y itinuring na matuwid, ginawang banal at iniligtas ng Diyos. Kaya nga, tulad ng nasusulat, "Ang sinumang nais magmalaki, ang ipagmalaki niya'y ang ginawa ng Panginoon." (Ang Bagong Magandang Balita Bibliya)

WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH: Metaphors of Faithful Christian Service in Difficult Times (part 1 of 4)

"You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him. An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. It is the hard-working farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops."  (2Tim. 2:1-6 ESV)

In a gathering hosted by the Christian Evangelical Ministerial Fellowship (CEMF) in celebration of the National Bible Week, Dagupan City Administrator Vlad Mata urged the churches to approach the civil authorities and offer their help in nation-building. That's a very good idea. We become productive citizens of our community and at the same time, we get opportunities to share the gospel of Christ. One such project is CEMF's cooperation with the City PopCom office in conducting mass weddings and marriage counseling. Hopefully through it, the couples will learn about strong marriages and responsible parenthood. And most of all, may they know Jesus as Lord and Savior as participating churches reach out to them.

We should cooperate with the leaders of our community while we are still welcome. Let me repeat that phrase:  "while we are still welcome". There's an element of uncertainty in our times. Now we are still counted by the government as partners in nation-building but it may not always stay this way. There may come a time when we will offer our helping hand to our nation's leaders and they will tell us: "You have no part in nation-building unless renounce your gospel."

There was a time when our brothers in America were very much a part of nation-building in that part of the world. Billy Graham, then the icon of evangelicalism was present in at least 10 presidential inaugurations. Though there has always been opposition to the gospel in the government and everywhere, at least Christians then were free to speak their minds and were recognized by the government as partners in the development of the nation.

Something radical has changed in just four years. Barrack Obama has been reelected and the first person who was  invited to lead the opening prayer in this 2nd inaugural is Louie Giglio, pastor of  Passion City Church in Atlanta. But some opposed the invitation. For what reason? Because Pastor Giglio preached a biblical message on homosexuality almost 20 years ago. Pastor Giglio is not even the most vocal preacher against homosexuality. By his own admission, he did not prioritize this issue for the past 15 years.

Because of the pressure applied against him, he withdrew from participating in the inaugural ceremonies. But even without withdrawing, he will be disinvited anyway. That is clear from the statement issued by the Presidential Inaugural Committee:

“We were not aware of Pastor Giglio’s past comments at the time of his selection, and they don’t reflect our desire to celebrate the strength and diversity of our country at this inaugural. Pastor Giglio was asked to deliver the benediction in large part because of his leadership in combating human trafficking around the world. As we now work to select someone to deliver the benediction, we will ensure their beliefs reflect this administration’s vision of inclusion and acceptance for all Americans.”

There you have it! Everyone who opposes this Administration's agenda can't be a partner in nation-building. By this standard, even Rick Warren who led the prayer in Obama's first inaugural is now unwelcome.

The present is therefore a tough time for our Christian brothers in America. Yet the church had been in tougher times before. In Timothy's time, faithful gospel ministers were not only excluded from participation in nation-building; they were arrested, imprisoned and sometimes executed. In fact, his mentor in the faith was one of those in prison. With no modern postal system, it is possible that by the time Timothy were reading this letter, Paul's already dead.

The time was so tough that Paul reports: "At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them." (2Tim. 4:16)

There are indications that due to the toughness of times, Timothy's faith was severely weakened. He had neglected his gift (2 Tim. 1:6) and Paul needed to remind him that they did not received a spirit of fear. Furthermore, Paul saw the need to exhort him to "be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus" (2:1 ESV). The passive voice is noteworthy here. Though Paul is issuing a command that Timothy should obey, it will not be Timothy strengthening himself. The strengthening is by God's grace found in Jesus.

Without grace we would all be weaklings in tough times. As weaklings, we have this tendency to either deny the faith or dilute it so we could avoid the hardships that accompany faithfulness. Without God's grace, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego would have had feared the burning furnace and would have had bowed down before the grand idol. Without God's grace, Daniel would have had abstained from praying to the true God for 30 days in fear of the lions. Daniel and his friends were strong in tough times not because of any inherent strength in them but because they sought strength in God's grace.

In order to encourage the younger pastor, Paul used three metaphors of strength:
1. a devoted Soldier
2. a rule-abiding Athlete
3. a hardworking Farmer

To these metaphors we shall turn in the succeeding posts.