(Acts 9:26-31; Ps.22:26-28,30-32; 1Jn.3:18-24; Jn.15:1-8) "Let the coming generation be told of the Lord..." Let the vine that is Christ continue to grow; let its branches extend to the ends of the world. Anointed by the Spirit, let all His children proclaim the name of Jesus, that "all the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the Lord," that in our midst the call upon the Church of God shall be fulfilled. Brothers and sisters, we should all be like Paul, who "spoke out boldly in the name of the Lord." Though it brought him the threat of death, he did not mind; his sole concern was for greater growth of the people of God – that all might become branches of the vine of Jesus. And so, by apostles like Paul, "with the consolation of the Holy Spirit [the Church] grew in numbers" and spread to the four corners of the world, and "a people yet to be born," including ourselves, have heard of the salvation that comes only by the Lord. And so this growth must continue. Those who are still yet to be born, whether because they are still in their mother's womb or because their hearts have not been touched by the Spirit of God, must also come to be grafted upon the holy vine. And so, can we fail to speak of Jesus our God? Can we fail to perform the deeds to which our Father calls us? Would you see any deprived of the blessing of "the true vine"? "By this is [the] Father glorified, that [we] bear much fruit and become [His Son's] disciples," bringing others to that same discipleship, that the house of the Lord might be filled to overflowing. "The lowly shall eat their fill," hearts hungry for the word of God shall find their joy, only if we "fulfill [our] vows before those who fear the Lord," only if we do the will of Him who sends us forth. Brothers and sisters, let us "remain in Him, and He in [us]"; let "the Spirit He gave us" preserve us in His love… Let it be His blood which courses through our veins as we drink His cup. And let us call all souls to share in this cup, that we might be assured all our "descendants shall serve Him." Lord, let your Church be built up in your truth and your love. May all believe in your name. Written, read & chanted, and produced by James Kurt. Music: "Branch of the Vine" from Loving Spirit, third album of Songs for Children of Light, by James Kurt. ******* O LORD, let your Spirit be with us to strengthen us to speak out in the Name of your Son. YHWH, let us go out to the ends of the earth preaching your Name fearlessly among the nations. Let us be true branches of the holy vine that is your Son Jesus. If in truth we live before you, then we shall be blessed with doing your will. Help us, O LORD, to love one another, to believe in your Son and be as He was. If we live in Him, He shall live in us and we shall bear fruit in His Name. Let us never be separated from Him, becoming branches fit for the fire, but ever have His blood coursing through our veins. Yes, let your Church be built up now, LORD, in the power of the Holy Spirit; let all be well fed on your Word, that every soul might bow humbly before you. We ask in the Name of your Son that your glory become known in us all.