26. BECOME A WORKER IN THE "VINEYARD" OF GOD

Become a witness for Jesus (Acts 1:8) and become a fisher of men. (Matt 4:19; Luke 5:10) Start right away (cp. John 4:28,29), for he who does that, undertakes an important task (cp. Jas 5:19, 20), brings great joy (Luke 15:7,10) and receives an immense reward. (Dan 12:3; Rev 22:12)
Every child of God must understand that the Lord has created us to dedicate our lives to the good works He has predestined for us (Eph 2:10; Gal 6:9; Heb 13:16) and to use the gifts given to us by the Spirit, in the service of others. (1 Pet 4:10).
Find your strength in the house of the Lord. (Ps 92:13,14) Scripture says: "Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another and all the more as you see the Day approaching." (Heb 10:25)
Become acquainted with the contents of the Bible because it is "able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus." (2 Tim 3:15) Peter writes: "Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk , so that by it you may grow up in your salvation." (1 Pet 2:2) Jesus said: "Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth" (John 17:17) and also: "You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you". (John 15:3) Yes, an explanation of the Bible brings light and gives wisdom to the ignorant. (Ps 119:130) The word of God keeps us from falling and prevents us from being overcome by evil. (Ps 119:133) It is the perfect law of God that makes us free. (Jas 1:25; 2:12) We will do well to pay close attention to the Bible, it is like a lamp that shines in a dark place (2 Pet 1:19), for the prophets of old (cp. Luke 1:70) and the teachers of the divine will and purpose of God (cp. 1 Cor 2:10-13) were under the control of the Holy Spirit when they brought us the message that came from God. (2 Pet 1:21) Paul writes: "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." (2 Tim 3:16,17)
Scripture commands us to "pray continually" (1 Thes 5:17) and says: "You do not have, because you do not ask God." (Jas 4:2) Prayer is so important that Paul wrote to Timothy saying: "I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone." (1 Tim 2:1) Pray regularly (cp. Dan 6:10), don't neglect it! Find prayer-partners (cp. Acts 12:5,12) to join you in the struggle and pray (Rom 15:30) that the message of the Lord will spread rapidly (2 Thes 3:1) and that many may be saved. (Rom 10:1)
Help those people who are in the service of Christ. Support them and provide for their needs by contributing to the spreading of the truth and by being a co-worker with those who proclaim the Gospel of God. (Cp. 3 John v.3-8)
Remember that a tree is recognised by its fruit. (Matt 7:16-20; 1 Thes 1:4-10; 1 John 2:3-5) Listen and you shall live! (Isa 55:3)

Dr Willie Marais