The Vine Church
Listen Slowly
Aaron Dowds
Locations & Times
The Vine Church
131 Garvock Hill, Dunfermline KY11 4JU, UK
Sunday 11:00 AM
General notes on message:
“The first duty of love is to listen.”
Paul Tillich
Paul Tillich
Autonomy meaning
au·ton·o·my | \ ȯ-ˈtä-nə-mē \
plural autonomies
Definition of autonomy
the ability to make your own decisions without being controlled by anyone else
1: the quality or state of being self-governing especially : the right of self-government. The territory was granted autonomy.
2: self-directing freedom and especially moral independence personal autonomy
3: a self-governing state
plural autonomies
Definition of autonomy
the ability to make your own decisions without being controlled by anyone else
1: the quality or state of being self-governing especially : the right of self-government. The territory was granted autonomy.
2: self-directing freedom and especially moral independence personal autonomy
3: a self-governing state
Shama
In V8-13 the Hebrew word shama is mentioned 4 times. Its translated as hear, listen, hearken and submit.
Psa 81:8 (KJV+) Hear, (H8085 ) O my people, (H5971) and I will testify (H5749) unto thee: O Israel, (H3478) if (H518) thou wilt hearken (H8085 ) unto me;
Psa 81:11 (KJV+) But my people (H5971) would not (H3808) hearken (H8085) to my voice; ( H6963) and Israel (H3478) would (H14) none (H3808) of me.
Psa 81:13 (KJV+) Oh that (H3863 ) my people (H5971) had hearkened (H8085) unto me, and Israel (H3478) had walked (H1980) in my ways! H1870
H8085 (Strong)
שָׁמַע
shâma‛
shaw-mah'
A primitive root; to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively to tell, etc.):
Total KJV occurrences: 1158
In V8-13 the Hebrew word shama is mentioned 4 times. Its translated as hear, listen, hearken and submit.
Psa 81:8 (KJV+) Hear, (H8085 ) O my people, (H5971) and I will testify (H5749) unto thee: O Israel, (H3478) if (H518) thou wilt hearken (H8085 ) unto me;
Psa 81:11 (KJV+) But my people (H5971) would not (H3808) hearken (H8085) to my voice; ( H6963) and Israel (H3478) would (H14) none (H3808) of me.
Psa 81:13 (KJV+) Oh that (H3863 ) my people (H5971) had hearkened (H8085) unto me, and Israel (H3478) had walked (H1980) in my ways! H1870
H8085 (Strong)
שָׁמַע
shâma‛
shaw-mah'
A primitive root; to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively to tell, etc.):
Total KJV occurrences: 1158
Shema Defintion
The first word of the SHEMA is hear or listen which in Hebrew is pronounced as SHEMA. Shema is a very commonly used word in the Hebrew Bible. But Hebrew authors use the word SHEMA to mean more than just letting soundwaves enter your ear.
It means and is used for “pay attention” so SHEMA means hear and pay attention to but there is more. It includes response. Asking God to SHEMA in Hebrew is asking God to hear and to respond, to hear and act. It’s similar when God asks people to listen.
When God asks His people to listen it’s the same as asking them to Listen and Obey. That’s the fascinating thing about Shema. In ancient Hebrew there is no separate word for obey – meaning to carry out the wishes of someone.
In the Bible, if you wanted to say: I will listen and do what you say – you would use the single word – SHEMA. In Hebrew listening and doing are 2 sides of the same coin. So in the Bible, if people were actually listening they would ACT and DO as requested. Hence the phrase, you have ears but are not listening. So in the end, Listening in the Bible is about giving respect to the one speaking to you and doing what they say. Real listening takes effort and ACTION.
It means and is used for “pay attention” so SHEMA means hear and pay attention to but there is more. It includes response. Asking God to SHEMA in Hebrew is asking God to hear and to respond, to hear and act. It’s similar when God asks people to listen.
When God asks His people to listen it’s the same as asking them to Listen and Obey. That’s the fascinating thing about Shema. In ancient Hebrew there is no separate word for obey – meaning to carry out the wishes of someone.
In the Bible, if you wanted to say: I will listen and do what you say – you would use the single word – SHEMA. In Hebrew listening and doing are 2 sides of the same coin. So in the Bible, if people were actually listening they would ACT and DO as requested. Hence the phrase, you have ears but are not listening. So in the end, Listening in the Bible is about giving respect to the one speaking to you and doing what they say. Real listening takes effort and ACTION.
Shema Bible Project Video
Is hearing and listening the same thing? In this video, discover how sound entering your ear-drums isn't synonymous with "listening", at least from a biblical perspective. This video is the first installment of our Word Studies series, a six-part exploration of the ancient biblical prayer called “The Shema.”
https://youtu.be/6KQLOuIKaRAWhy does God want us to listen to him?
We can see here the heart of a Father that his children would experience victory (v13) and blessing and abundance (v16)
We can see here the heart of a Father that his children would experience victory (v13) and blessing and abundance (v16)
“They will find furtherance in hindrances, fertility in barrenness; rocks will drop honey and stones will become bread.”
"The highest blessedness of man is to have a will submissive to God’s will, and to carry out that submission in all details of life. Self-engineered paths are always hard, and, if pursued to the end, lead into the dark. The listening heart will not lack guidance, and obedient feet will find God’s way the way of peace which steadily climbs to unfading light.”
The Expositor’s commentary on v13 says:
The Expositor’s commentary on v13 says:
What happens if we do not listen?
God's judgment
“It operates not by God’s intervention, but precisely by his not intervening, by letting men and women go their own way.”
Ziesler (1990), p.75.
“It operates not by God’s intervention, but precisely by his not intervening, by letting men and women go their own way.”
Ziesler (1990), p.75.
Open Wide Your Mouth
“God wants our emptiness, which seems to Him like the gaping beak of the young fledgling.
Give me room! is his incessant appeal. It must be the wonder of eternity, and it will certainly be our regret when we come to review our life, that we have asked so little.
Give me room! cries the river, as it comes with a rush to the plains.
Give me room! cries the wind, as it searches into the narrow courts and alleys of the slums.
Give me room! says the Spirit of God, as He breathes around the house of our heart, seeking by any tiny crack to enter.”
FB Meyer on Psalm 81
Give me room! is his incessant appeal. It must be the wonder of eternity, and it will certainly be our regret when we come to review our life, that we have asked so little.
Give me room! cries the river, as it comes with a rush to the plains.
Give me room! cries the wind, as it searches into the narrow courts and alleys of the slums.
Give me room! says the Spirit of God, as He breathes around the house of our heart, seeking by any tiny crack to enter.”
FB Meyer on Psalm 81
Free Christian Bible Study Netflix for you
RightNow Media
RightNow Media is a library of thousands of videos for all ages and stages of life that we are providing to our attenders for free. Think of it as a free subscription to Netflix with content that is designed to help you grow in your faith, family, and relationships. We are providing you with hours of content to encourage, strengthen, grow & challenge you. Use it for entertainment, teaching, small group prep, family time, etc. The content is for you to use as you please.
https://www.thevinechurch.com/rightnow-media/
RightNow Media is a library of thousands of videos for all ages and stages of life that we are providing to our attenders for free. Think of it as a free subscription to Netflix with content that is designed to help you grow in your faith, family, and relationships. We are providing you with hours of content to encourage, strengthen, grow & challenge you. Use it for entertainment, teaching, small group prep, family time, etc. The content is for you to use as you please.
https://www.thevinechurch.com/rightnow-media/
Giving
We are so thankful for the generosity of so many people at The Vine Church. Their support enables the vision of this local church to be outworked. Over and above Sunday morning voluntary offerings, there are a number of ways in which you can give.
You can give online easily here:
https://thevinechurch.churchsuite.com/donate/
You can give online easily here:
https://thevinechurch.churchsuite.com/donate/
Vine Kids
We are pleased to welcome new children and their families to Vine Church Children’s Gangs.
Our children’s Gangs are for all children from age 1 to those in Primary 7. Our Gang’s operate during the message part of the service and we enjoy bible stories, games, toys, craft, prayer, worship, snacks and lots of fun together.
Find out more and what ages kids gangs are for...
http://www.thevinechurch.com/childrens-work-2/
Our children’s Gangs are for all children from age 1 to those in Primary 7. Our Gang’s operate during the message part of the service and we enjoy bible stories, games, toys, craft, prayer, worship, snacks and lots of fun together.
Find out more and what ages kids gangs are for...
http://www.thevinechurch.com/childrens-work-2/
Prayer Request or Praise Report
If you have a prayer request or want to tell us about answered prayer, please do so here.
We Value the Power of Prayer
“Supernaturally Transforming Lives and Circumstances”
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” – Philippians 4:6 NIV
As a church we have numerous stories of people who have had prayer answered and seen incredible miracles take place. We have stories of; miraculous healings, miraculous protection from danger and harm, children being born when it seemed impossible, hospitals and orphan’s villages being built in Haiti and many, many more examples that God still answers prayer today and miracles do happen.
http://www.thevinechurch.com/prayer-and-care/
We Value the Power of Prayer
“Supernaturally Transforming Lives and Circumstances”
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” – Philippians 4:6 NIV
As a church we have numerous stories of people who have had prayer answered and seen incredible miracles take place. We have stories of; miraculous healings, miraculous protection from danger and harm, children being born when it seemed impossible, hospitals and orphan’s villages being built in Haiti and many, many more examples that God still answers prayer today and miracles do happen.
http://www.thevinechurch.com/prayer-and-care/
Join a Life Group
In an age where people lack community, Life Groups provide the ideal environment for friendship, connection and growth.
Read more about Joining a Life Group
https://www.thevinechurch.com/groups/
Read more about Joining a Life Group
https://www.thevinechurch.com/groups/
Synergie Youth
Synergie – A coming together producing something GREAT!
Read about our fantastic Synergie youth that work with high school age youth...
http://www.thevinechurch.com/synergie-youth/
Read about our fantastic Synergie youth that work with high school age youth...
http://www.thevinechurch.com/synergie-youth/
Join a Team
“Our Church is not built on the talents and gifts of a few but on the sacrifice of many.” –Brian Houston
The Vine church is as effective as our people. The greatness of our church relies on the heart of our people and their willingness to serve others. Our church functions because ordinary people give their time, talents and energy willingly and cheerfully to serve others.
Joining a team is an excellent way to get connected into the life of our church, make friends and help the church to grow. In fact the growth in health and size of our church depends on every member serving and “doing their own special work”:
“…as each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is growing and full of love.”
Eph.4:16 NLT
Read more and join a team https://www.thevinechurch.com/groups/
The Vine church is as effective as our people. The greatness of our church relies on the heart of our people and their willingness to serve others. Our church functions because ordinary people give their time, talents and energy willingly and cheerfully to serve others.
Joining a team is an excellent way to get connected into the life of our church, make friends and help the church to grow. In fact the growth in health and size of our church depends on every member serving and “doing their own special work”:
“…as each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is growing and full of love.”
Eph.4:16 NLT
Read more and join a team https://www.thevinechurch.com/groups/
Vine Church Events
https://www.thevinechurch.com/events-calendar/Adorn Women's Events
Ladies you’re warmly invited to Adorn, a regular inspirational evening with dynamic teaching, fun and a great place to make new friends and develop your inner beauty as woman after God’s heart.
Adorn more than your appearance and attire, let your adornment be what’s inside
“Let your adornment be what’s inside – the real you, the lasting beauty of a gracious and quiet spirit , in which God delights.” 1 Peter 3:4
https://www.thevinechurch.com/adorn/
Adorn more than your appearance and attire, let your adornment be what’s inside
“Let your adornment be what’s inside – the real you, the lasting beauty of a gracious and quiet spirit , in which God delights.” 1 Peter 3:4
https://www.thevinechurch.com/adorn/
Fight Club 59
Fight Club
Men, Your hour has come to move from fed up to head up.
Fight Club trains men to fight an excellent fight.
It leads men to win the right battles.
Fight Club trains men;
To fight to discover your identity, purpose and destiny.
To fight the real source of the opposition and resistance you face.
To fight for your life, your marriage, your family, your brothers, your cities and your nation.
Fight Club
Trains men to be
Strong|Confident|Mobilised|United
https://www.thevinechurch.com/fight-club/
Men, Your hour has come to move from fed up to head up.
Fight Club trains men to fight an excellent fight.
It leads men to win the right battles.
Fight Club trains men;
To fight to discover your identity, purpose and destiny.
To fight the real source of the opposition and resistance you face.
To fight for your life, your marriage, your family, your brothers, your cities and your nation.
Fight Club
Trains men to be
Strong|Confident|Mobilised|United
https://www.thevinechurch.com/fight-club/
Worship Nights
There is a great stirring in the worship and it’s time for us all to join the momentum building and get hungry for more. Nothing compares to God’s presence, and nothing can mimic, transform or breakthrough in our lives like His awesome presence.
Details here...
https://www.thevinechurch.com/worship-nights/
Details here...
https://www.thevinechurch.com/worship-nights/