Secrets of the Vine: Breaking Through to Abundance Reviews

• Good Lessons; Questionable Exegesis

  
  By A2T3KLY0CCKTG4 on 2001-05-05
  I first heard the substance of this book in several video lectures by Wilkinson about seven years ago. At the time, it was very impactful for me. I was especially blessed by seeing the difference between chastening and pruning.

  Wilkinson uses John 15 and the analogy of the Vine and Branches to develop three basic principles for Christian living, which he names "Secrets of the Vine." Starting with the premise that there are four levels of fruit-bearing in the lives of all Christians (barrenness, fruit, more fruit, and much fruit), coupled with the presupposition that every branch spoken of in John 15 is a true believer, Wilkinson teaches:

  1. If your life consistently bears no fruit, God will intervene to DISCIPLINE you.

  2. If your life bears some fruit, God will intervene to PRUNE you.

  3. If your life bears a lot of fruit, God will invite you to ABIDE more deeply with him.

  The book is pretty much built around these three concepts: disciplining (chastening), pruning, and abiding. There is no doubt that there is much truth here. God DOES discipline his sinning children who for a season may not bear fruit, as Hebrews 12 makes clear. (But I am not absolutely convinced that this is what John 15:2 is describing.) Again, God DOES prune (or purge) his children, as the text makes clear. And Wilkinson does well in drawing distinctions between chastening and pruning. They are not the same. It is also true that we have a command to "abide" in Christ. But I think all Christians will do this to some degree, whereas Wilkinson seems to think that many, if not most, Christians never attain to "abiding." I think he may go wrong here, not in his description of Christian experience(for it is without dispute that there can be vastly different degrees of closeness in people's relationships with the Lord), but in his interpretation of this particular passage.

  There are some subtle theological beliefs which seem to be underlying this book, which I think are dangerous. Wilkinson seems to believe that it is possible to have Jesus as Savior, but not as Lord,and that perseverance in faith is not essential to eternal security (hence, the author's denial that John 15:6 refers to hell), and that there are "levels" in the Christian life (the old higher/deeper/fuller Christian life myth popularized by Keswick).

  For a balance check out: D. A. Carson's Commentary on John: he gives a better interpretation of these verses. See also John MacArthur in "The Gospel According to Jesus" chapter 15. And to combat the Keswick-type deeper-life teaching, see Packer's "Keep In Step With the Spirit." I think the teaching in these books is more true to Scripture.

  HOWEVER, (to be fair) I will say (though I was quite surprised to see it) that A. W. Pink takes essentially the same interpretation that Wilkinson does. But Pink's Exposition of John was written in the early portion of his ministry and may reflect a position which he eventually discarded.

  Anyway, with all of that said, I enjoyed my reading of this book. It has some very good lessons for us. I just wish Wilkinson had grounded it in a more accurate exegesis of Scripture.
  
  

• How to Prepare to Receive from The Prayer of Jabez

  
  By A1K1JW1C5CUSUZ on 2001-05-21
  I enjoy hearing what others have to say about the Bible, especially those who have a knowledge of Hebrew. They can gather meanings that are not apparent to me from the plain words in the English translation. I was delighted to find that The Secrets of the Vine focuses on one of the most puzzling Bible stories I have ever read, and expanded my knowledge of what that story means. Through a combination of this new understanding and reflecting on The Prayer of Jabez, I have come to appreciate new choices concerning my relationship to God. That's a great gift, and I feel deeply moved by the experience. I think you will be, too.

  After the Last Supper, Jesus took His disciples outside to visit a vineyard in order to teach a lesson. Obviously, this was a most important lesson because it came as the last ordinary conversation they could have together in person. The story is told in John 15.

  "I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser." John 15:1

  "Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away . . . ."

  ". . . and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit."

  "I am the vine, you are the branches."

  "He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit."

  "By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit."

  Bruce Wilkinson does a good job of explaining about viticulture as a way of expanding the meaning of these passages. The vine itself is the bulky gnarly trunk that comes up from the ground and is kept pruned into just a few branches. The branches are tied up to keep them in the air. If they are not tied up, they fall to the ground where dirt and disease will keep them from bearing fruit. The branches must be cut back in order that the vine will produce fruit rather than leaves and new growth. The older the vine gets, the more it has to be cut back to be productive. But the older it gets, the better the grapes can be.

  If you have fallen off the wires, God will tie you back up so that you can once again bear fruit. Once there, He will keep you pruned.

  The book argues then that much of the time we will feel like we are being disciplined (in a loving way) when we sin or pruned (to become more productive) when we are doing God's work. The book describes how to tell when you are receiving the one versus the other. Both may be painful, but each provides a different lesson.

  What I got from this interpretation is that we should focus on how we can better do God's will. Mr. Wilkinson makes a fine point when he says that "we don't really believe God likes us." I often find it hard to imagine why God would be willing to put up with our tiny and incomplete lives. When we overcome that feeling though, we can realize that God wants us to strengthen our relationship with Him first to "deepen the quality of my devoted time with God" and then to "broaden my devoted time" until it is "all the time."

  A particular point that was revealing to me was that this means we should spend more time abiding with God and less time doing works. Most of us try to do more and more works. The final pruning causes us to bear more fruit. "If your life bears a lot of fruit, God will invite you to abide more deeply with Him."

  I also see this as an invocation to narrow our focus onto God, so that His will permeates our thoughts and actions more thoroughly. Obviously, one action taken through God's will accomplishes much more than all of our actions taken without His will.

  As a test of the validity of these thoughts, I was pleased to see that they made my experiences with the prayer of Jabez more vivid and moving. Thinking about this Bible lesson from John 15 also served to expand and sharpen my mental and visual focus. I took these experiences to mean that these messages were redirecting my life. I am very grateful for the experience.

  After you have read and prayed upon what you learn from this book, may you find ways to abide more and more deeply with God. God bless you!

  
  
  

• Secrets of Intimacy with God

  
  By A34WPIYQ42OLXD on 2001-07-30
  "Secrets of the Vine" offers readers another uplifting dose of Bruce Wilkinson's positive preaching. You come away from "Secrets" and "Jabez" invigorated by God's grand vision for your life, desiring to do more for God and be more in God. This is a wonderful gift Wilkinson offers to readers, both Christian and others.

  I have some major theological critiques of "Secrets" when placed beside the Greek text of John 15:1-17, the portion of John's Gospel from which Wilkinson draws his secrets of the vine.

  1) Wilkinson empasizes a distinction throughout the book between "discipline" and "pruning". This distinction is not found in the Greek text of John 15. Raymond Brown, the great John scholar writes in his definitive commentary on John, "Verse 2 describes two different actions of the vinedresser. The first, that of cutting off branches that cannot bear fruit, takes place in February-March. Sometimes the vines are so completely cut back that one sees in the vineyards only the stalks bereft of branches. Later (August), when the vine has put forth leaves, comes the second stage of pruning, as the vinedresser pinches off the little shoots so that the main fruit-bearing branches get all the nourishment" (The Gospel According to John, Vol.II, pg.675). Both verbs describe pruning activities of the vinedresser.

  2) The imperative (command) word in the Greek text is NOT "Bear Fruit!" Wilkinson places his major emphasis for our lives upon bearing more and more fruit, upon producing. This emphasis is not in the Greek. The word, "abide" or "remain" (Gk:menein) is found 10 times in the Greek. Fruit is found 7 times. Twice the word for abide is a command, "meinate"! Here is the true emphasis of Jesus' teaching: not upon production of more and more fruit (good works according to Wilkinson), but upon simply abiding in the Vine (intimacy with Christ) and having the Vine abide in us. You must read through 88 pages before this central teaching on abiding from John 15 is found in Wilkinson's writing. I would recommend readers to skip over pages 1-88 and go directly to "More with God" on page 89. Fruit is a by-product of remaining in Jesus and having Jesus remain in us, not the goal of our lives.

  3) I don't know where the 4 baskets come from. They are not found in the Greek text of John 15. There is enough in John 15 to interpret without adding in more imagery to distract readers from Jesus' teaching.

  4) Fruit for Wilkinson equals "good works", both outward and inward. The context of John does not favor this understanding of fruit. John's gospel emphasizes the fruit of Christlikeness, eternal life and being filled with grace and glory, NOT mere good works.

  5) Even in Wilkinson's teaching on "Abiding" there are some disconcerting human-centered viewpoints which are not found in the Greek text of John 15. He writes on page 95, "In abiding, it's always our move!" No. Both Christ and Christian can move. In fact, Jesus emphasizes his choice and appointment towards the end of his parable when he says, "It was not you who chose me; it was I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit--fruit that will remain" (John 15:16). Wilkinson also offers a dangerous understanding of "abiding" on page 122 when he states, "If you are in a season of abiding..." Abiding is never a mere "season" in the life of a follower of Jesus Christ but the vital relationship which keeps us alive and growing. Wilkinson envisions three seasons in the believers' life: a season of discipline, a season of pruning and a season of abiding. This is a forced interpretation of the Greek text. Abiding is a lifelong, intimate, growing relationship with Jesus, the Word become flesh, full of grace and truth.

  Apart from these textual concerns, I found "Secrets of the Vine" a refreshing, uplifting sermon on fruitful living in Christ. I'm delighted to see millions rediscovering the life-changing person of Jesus Christ through such writers as Bruce Wilkinson.

  For two more books on the life-changing person of Christ and fruitful living for parents, look into "The Family Cloister: Benedictine Wisdom for the Home" (New York, Crossroad, 2000) and "The Christian Family Toolbox: 52 Benedictine Activities for the Home" (New York: Crossroad, 2001), both by David Robinson.
  
  

• Finding our purpose in life...

  
  By A281NPSIMI1C2R on 2001-06-18
  In the first book: The Prayer of Jabez, Dr. Bruce H. Wilkinson explains how we can have an abundant life by knowing how to pray to God. In this second book of the BreakThrough Series, he takes the verses in John 15 and explores the four levels of "fruit bearing" in order to show you how God works in your life to answer your prayer.
  
  This is the message Jesus gave to his disciples on the night he was betrayed. As he was about to defeat sin, he was explaining how his followers could also defeat sin and live an abundant life.
  
  "The disciples knew grapes like an Englishman knows tea." pg. 59
  
  So, it is no wonder the story of vines would have made complete sense to the disciples and be perhaps a bit of a secret to those of us who have never been taught how to grow grapes. Dr. Wilkinson brings the story alive as he tells of how the disciples followed Jesus to a vineyard. There he teaches them about how he is the true vine and his father is the vinedresser/husbandman (gardener). The fruit God desires of us is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. When God works through you, others will see these qualities in your life and want to know who God is and perhaps become Christians themselves.
  
  When a Christian does not bear any fruit, it is often thought that perhaps they are not a Christian after all. Jesus says that if a branch does not bear fruit he takes it away. Dr. Wilkinson delves into the Greek translation to bring more understanding to the words used. He brings a new meaning to the word "airo" and explains how it could mean "take up" instead of "cut off." This was enlightening in many regards and is an explanation of this verse as I have never heard it before. You will never read John 15 in the same way again! I recommend this book for pages 34-35 alone. There are also three main secrets of the vine that are revealed in this book.
  
  The Bible has such beautiful messages for our souls and Dr. Wilkinson expands on that beauty and helps us to have a deeper understanding. I enjoyed reading this devotional even more than the first one. You will come away with a renewed sense of love for God and a deeper understanding of what your purpose is in this life.
  
  "These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy may might be full." John 15:11
  
  I wish you joy and hope you will also look for The Prayer of Jabez, which is the first book in the series. I look forward to reading each book as they are published. If you enjoy reading companions to the Bible, The Complete Bible Handbook by John Bowker is one I have enjoyed reading. The New Open Bible Study Edition is also extreemly helpful if you want to study the Bible.
  
  ~The Rebecca Review
  
  

• Secrets of the Vine Unleashed

  
  By A2KV4LG2GNM6CP on 2001-07-01
  Bruce did a wonderful job of expounding on Jesus teaching about the vine and the branches. His analogy of the four baskets--from "no fruit" to "much fruit" is enlightenng. And his insight into the difference between discipline and pruning shows that both processes are painful and how we can discern between the two. Something we can all benefit by knowing, because at some time in our lives, if we are truely in the vine, we will experience both. I have.

  It's encourageing to know that even during times of discipline the vinedresser--our loving Father--is caring for us in a tender, loving way, in order that we might bear fruit. If only we would choose to bend in the way that He chooses. And when He prunes us, even though it's painful, it's so that we will be more fruitful.

  While reading this little gem, I was able to recognize that the pain I suffered a couple of years ago, was a result of God's pruning in my life. It brought me joy to be able to recognize the fruit that's sprung forth as a result of that pruning. Now, all I have is the task of living in obedience and abiding in Him, waiting for the pruning shears to cut again, in order for more fruit to come forth. What could be better?

  But because I'm not perfect, at some time I'm sure the hand of disciple will touch me again. Only after reading this book, now I know what to look for in discering why the pain is there, whether it be pruning or discipline.

  By applying the Prayer of Jabez and the principles in Secrets of The Vine my life has been enriched. But something that struck me as I read this book, was how often I miss out on understanding a spiritual truth because I didn't take the time to really study. I have a Strong's Concordance, so I have no excuse. Why do I like so many others, leave it to someone else to do the footwork for me?

  Jesus gave the analogy of the vine and the branches for a reason. But how many of us have looked into what tending a vineyard is all about? If we had, we wouldn't need Bruce to show us.

  2 Timothy 2:15 says, "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth." NIV How can we correctly handle the Word if we don't read it--study it? Each of us has a responsibility to study for ourselves. I want my life to be as enriched as Bruce's, because I took the time to find out for myself by thorough study.

  By Bruce's faithfulness, he is bearing "much fruit", and I am thankful that God is using him to help others have a better understanding of what scipture teaches, including myself.

  This comprehensive book can help your understanding of the vinedresser's work in your life. Do you desire to bear fruit and then more fruit? Do you want to learn what it means to abide in the vine? Are you suffering through painful circumstanes and wonder why? Then I highly recommend you read this book, along with careful personal study, and begin to bear the fruit you were destined to bear. The Lord Bless You until He Comes!
  
  

• Small book, but power packed..
  By A1K7QNOEU42BU7 on 2001-06-26
  It is about John 15, written from the perspective of a person who knows about growing grapes.

  He talks about discipline, pruning, and abiding (both for grapes and also the same concepts/realities occuring in people's lives). Wilkinson describes difference between all three and how you can tell which one is going on in your life at present. He explains what "abiding" is and what it is not.

  As a result of what I read, I started changing how I meet with G-d, what my focus is. The book was very timely for me, and I will refer to it again and again to give to friends who are confused or tired or growing cold in their love because of discouragement or misunderstanding about what G-d is doing or Who He is-- what He is about in our lives. The book would also help a new believer start out well, although it is written from the perspective of a mature believer who came to a crisis in his faith twenty years ago and who wrote the book after putting what he learned from John 15 and a vineyard into practice.

  The book answered some questions I have had about G-d and His ways for years now. :)

  It encouraged me to take the daily stresses or challenges that come and to appreciate them, seeing the larger picture, and to cooperate with G-d in what He is doing in me, rather than getting frustrated about why He is allowing them or misunderstanding His heart towards me in them.

  I finished the book feeling more loved and more encouraged and with more passion to press on to know Him more.. to BE more with Him as opposed to DOING more for Him.

  There is a reason that it is a national bestseller! See what you think! If you are not a believer in Yeshua [Jesus], I think the book would still have some helpful concepts and perspectives for the reader about life and our responses.
  
  

• Secrets of the abundant life
  By A1IOJE0W1NXOSE on 2001-07-25
  "Secrets of the Vine" is a sequel to Bruce Wilkinson's best selling "The Prayer of Jabez". In this book he uses grapes and vineyards as analogies for our lives and the fruit we are called upon to produce. He tells about 3 "secrets" or stages in life where God can intervene and help us to bear more fruit. He details the stumbling blocks we can come across in our Christian life and shows us how God can rescue us in any stage of despair or period of life when we are not bearing fruit. As always, Wilkinson has a way of encouraging the reader to look deeper into himself and shows how we can live life more abundantly in the way God intends us to live.
  
  
• A worthy follow up
  By AGXM6QA8TZSYW on 2001-04-27
  Not a sequel, but truly the next step. The Prayer of Jabez had opened my life to God's blessings in unexpected and inconceived ways. The Secrets of the Vine provides us with direct teaching and scriptural references on how to open our lives up so that we can be ever more able to expand our reach, be prepared, and not to block God's work in our lives.

  I'm thinking of planting a grapevine in my yard as a physical reminder of the powerful lessons in this book.
  
  

• Simple, yet profound
  By A1QAOEM1BDFYSM on 2001-05-18
  The most profound lessons are most often the simplest. That's true of these lessons/secrets of the vine. Discipline, chastening, and pruning are things we try to avoid, no matter how often God tells us it's for our own good. Are you are follower of Christ? Is there sin in your life? Then pay attention because God wants to change you.

  An excellent follow up to the Prayer of Jabez.
  
  

• A spiritual eye opener
  By on 2001-04-26
  This book is a gift! As wonderful as Prayer of Jabez was, this one surpasses it. The part about abiding was a particular eye-opener for me as I was always under the misconception that I wasn't truly abiding unless I experienced some kind of supernatural feeling. This book truly inspires and opens my mind to a better understanding of what Jesus meant for each of us in John 15. I highly recommend it!
  
  
• Revealing
  By A1B0L379PV9QJ4 on 2001-08-16
  Was referred to Secrets of the Vine after reading Prayer of Jabez. Secrets of the Vine patiently explains where you are on the "Vine" and you will personally realize why you are experiencing specific life challenges. When you are finished with this book, you will have a concise plan to make your life and the lives of others more fruitful. Don't miss this opportunity to expand your understaning!
  
  
• Three Seasons
  By A183ZZ9Y0I4ZDO on 2001-10-10
  This book is a sequel to THE PRAYER OF JABEZ which shows Christians how to ask for a life of abundance in service for God. SECRETS OF THE VINE instructs us how God works in our lives to give us that life of abundance if we cooperate with Him to make it happen.

  We can expect to go through three seasons. In the first one God disciplines us to remove sin and in the next season God does some pruning to allow us to better order our priorities. In the third one we will be invited by God to abide more deeply with Him.

  The author shows us how to recognize which season we are presently in and how to get the most out of it. The lessons of the book are easy to understand but the prescriptions for growth appear quite difficult to complete. It is important to remember that most worthwhile goals in life are not easy to reach. I recommend this book as a follow-up to THE PRAYER OF JABEZ - especially if you are serious about your walk with Christ.
  
  

• Best kept Secret
  By A2HXJ8W5OQPQKL on 2002-06-29
  The Secrets of the Vine shows Christians how they are to have a personal relationship with our Lord, Jesus Christ. Using the parable of the vinedresser from John 15 in the Bible, this book provides valuable insight into the ways in which we are to become more intimate with the Father. The reason for the parable is to learn how God "prunes" us in order to prepare us for bearing more spiritual fruit.
  
  By allowing us free will, God has allowed us to make our own choices throughout life. This book shows us how to see just how close we can become to our spiritual Father in heaven. It provides valuable information for developing the relationship that we should have as opposed to the "fire insurance" of having Christ as our Savior alone. There is so much more to a relationship with Christ than just saying a prayer to accept Him into our lives. Building that relationship is exhilarating and necessary for us to live as productive Christians throughout the rest of our lives.

  This book has value for Christians and non-Christians alike, allowing them to see that there is more to life than to just exist. This book is the second in the series but more than adequately provides beneficial information to be read by itself. Pick up "Secrets of the Vine" and see why this book is a crucial part of any believer's life.
  
  

• Secrets of the Vine
  By ALVC2UILRVXVF on 2001-07-03
  Don't Judge a Book by it Cover! This book is small but powerful. It contains a wealth of information for a successful life. Through this book the author communicates the loving God who will work within our lives if we choose to allow Him to be our source. A message that can be life changing no matter where you are in your walk with God....
  
  
• ABUNDANCE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IS THE SECRET
  By AGBHLVDAQNYIN on 2002-03-07
  Building on the power and privilege of Prayer, the author takes
  the next step and elaborates on Jesus's teaching of His vineyard.
  To live the truly abundant Kingdom life of love, peace, joy and the fruit of the Spirit, one must be abiding in the vine of
  Christ where the flow of the Holy Spirit can fill the life of
  the believer.

  This book makes living in the Spirit very practical and gives
  powerful illustrations about cultivating and harvesting grapes
  from healthy vines in the lives of those who follow Jesus' vineyard principles.

  Important concepts like Planting, Pruning, Perseverence, and
  Purity flesh out the secrets of the vine. When we realize our
  Heavenly Father is the Gardener/Caretaker, Christ is the Vine
  and we are but branches, we realize the Lord will flow the life
  sap of the Spirit through us to produce abundant quality and
  quantity fruit to His Glory as we remain in His Word.
  Blessed are they who hear the Word of God and keep it!
  Do not be filled with spirits, but be being filled with the Spirit!
  
  

• Better than Jabez, but be discerning still
  By A1N6DGOK9OH5EE on 2003-03-23
  I read this out of curiosity more than anything. I didn't like Jabez, and I wasn't expecting much out of this either. But I did find it to be better than Jabez. I'm still not convinced it is entirely biblically sound, but he has some good points and some interesting applications. And I didn't find anything I seriously objected to, like with Jabez.

  I found his explanation of vineyards and grapevines very helpful in understanding this passage of John. I thought he did a good job in making the distinction between discipline and pruning, and that is important. But I disagree that abiding is the next step after bearing much fruit. I think that abiding is a continuous state for all Christians...without Jesus, you can do nothing. Including bear fruit. So you need to be abiding to bear fruit in the first place.

  I can't really argue with anything he said per se, but I do think he still bordered on the "this is the secret of getting what you want out of God" type of mentality, which I'm uncomfortable with. My radar always goes up when authors use phrases like "God wants to....if you'll just let him" and assorted other phrases that seem to suggest that God's action is dependent on my permission. God is God and doesn't need my permission to do anything. He's the Creator and I'm the creature, and it's not my place to tell him how to form me, as Romans tells us. The clay doesn't say to the potter "Why have you made me this way?"

  I also liked the idea of a spiritual journal, but I doubt that I'll ever do it as he describes. I've tried it in the past and it just doesn't work for me.

  So I guess Secrets is a good read, but I'd be discerning too.
  
  

• Secrets of the Vine
  By on 2001-06-06
  Having studied the John 15 passage in various Bible Studies, the analogies of the "vinedresser" Wilkinson used in this book were a blessing to me. I was able to envision Christ teaching his disciples via the grapevine on his way to the Garden of Gethsemane. How the vinedresser "lifts up" the branches that are in the dirt, cleanses them and ties them into the branch so they can grow only served to remind me that God Almighty (the ultimate "Vinedresser") saw our need. So, He sent His Son, Jesus Christ to lift up those branches in the "dirt" that need His cleansing. Through the shed blood of Jesus Christ, He cleanses us (the dirty branches) and ties us to Himself, the ultimate Branch, so we can grow. The sap running through the vine to the branch is the Holy Spirit.

  So much said in so few pages.
  
  

• Surprised!
  By A2LEGHNT305BWZ on 2001-07-16
  After reading the first book in the this little book series I was expecting more of the prosperity gospel that was promoted in the prayer of Jabez. I read the first ten pages and was trying not to be cynical. I stopped and started over. Again I was looking for error like in his previous book. Soon I saw that this was a very, very good.

  Two points to ponder here. First: The book may be a million or two best seller. However my guess would be that it will not be a million best read book. Many people will probably start reading the book. Instead of being able to read how God is there for your every whim and then asking,expecting and demanding that God blessing them they will be reading about how God will be doing pruning and discipling thier life. This is a much different tone than the shallow approach of the "Prayer of Jabez Book." People would rather read about the things they can get from a God that acts like a genie rather than a God who wants to see fruit and serious grow and commitment from followers of Christ.

  Second: The illustration on the vine. The descriptive words the author uses are incredible. The branches on the vine thier natural tendancy is to grow downward, no trueer description of human nature. Then the husbandman (christ) takes up the branch because it is too valuable to throw away, and then ties it to the tressle. The husbandman (christ) job is to make the vine fruitful. What a beautiful picture. This little portion of the book is worth more than the price of the book.

  Like I said Million seller but most will read about ten pages and say this disciplining stuff and pruning stuff is too hard. I prefer the christian lite approach or the previous book and other books of that type.

  One last thought. I wish he would have used a different title. There are no secrets in the bible. The truths have been there for centuries... actually forever. Ps. says "forever o Lord thy word is settled in heaven." a better title would be truth's from the vine, but then again those that want someting easy would prefer that somebody else five them the secrets rather than study and get them themselves.
  
  

• simple, direct, wonderful word pictures
  By on 2001-11-30
  Rarely does a book have such a combination of strong practicality and clear Biblical teaching. I plan to give some as Christmas gifts!

  I am also greatful that the author was careful in his explanation of the Scriptures. Often sloppy Bible students have proclaimed that the cut off vine goes to hell. Not only is that merely an unsupported guess, but it makes either Jesus or the Apostle Paul out to be a liar.

  Jesus said that vines that don't produce are cut off, and speaks of the fire of judgement of Christians. He does not say hell, that is only one of many possible interpretations of the word "fire."

  Paul stated that vines with no fruit go through the fire of judgement, the wood, hay and stubble are burned, but the person is SAVED. In fact, Paul speaks of a person who has failed ENTIRELY to produce fruit, but is saved through the fire. This is not an issue of Lordship, but of fruitfulness. Jesus can be your Lord and savior, and you can still produce no fruit worthy of reward.

  If fruitless Christians are lost, Paul lied and eternal life is gained by good deeds. No, Jesus is not referring to hell. Fire is a word with many meanings, and it is wrong to simply assume one interpretation of a parable before comparing Scripture with Scripture.

  Thankfully the author was careful to make the distinction between unwarranted assumptions.

  I do not belief that the author was preaching salvation without Lordship, an accusation that was mentioned. It merely shows that the reviewer has misunderstood the concept of fruitfulness. Confusing salvation and sanctification, justification with fruitbearing, leads to many unBiblical errors.

  Buy the book, read it several times, and enjoy!
  
  

• Well intentioned but sells selfish message
  By A2QKAGS88J8BYM on 2002-02-27
  I'm just afraid the author is exploiting readers' desire to be rewarded by faith, when faith is its own reward. A relationship with our God is so precious - even for those of us who (for reasons only he understands) are helpless and hurt. For this to be a bestseller tells me we are hungry for a message of gratification. At bottom we still want our works to be rewarded. If only we had the keys to our own salvation, to bring ourselves reward. Still it is only grace that saves us.
  
  
• The Great Secret
  By AE9O506V6FLLT on 2002-03-22
  Secrets of the Vine is a continuation to the popular and very well written Prayer of Jabez. I think this book is a more helpful spiritual journey than the first book was. Not to take anything away from the Prayer of Jabez. (Which has totally changed my life for the better) But this is easier to see where he is going and how to make the abundant life that he discussed in the first book.

  Secrets contains the look at John 15. Which I have read many of times, but never grasped the full message that Jesus was talking about here. It went over my head. Just as it did to the disciples that day standing in the garden. But now the secret has been opened, and wow does it explain what I have been missing.

  It contains four versions of the vine and the look at each one. "No fruit", "Little fruit", "Some fruit", and "Abundant fruit". And through this book Wilkinson shows that God is continually pruning you to create more fruit for yourself. But you have to be willing and ready to take the pruning necessary. I loved this book, and it's not hard to read. It has really changed they way I look at my life. Much like his predecessor book "Prayer of Jabez" and it's not filled with hard to understand concepts that you get you lost or confused. Instead it's right there.

  A must have for yourself.
  
  

• If you hated Jabez... You'll probably LIKE THIS!
  By A2TWSWNQFN2KEZ on 2002-04-28
  I was intrigued to read Wilkinson's "follow up" to the the work on Jabez's prayer-- especially after seeing the way it polarized so many people (being completely for it, or completely against it). I wondered what he would say, what message he would carry on, how we would clarify (if at all) the ideas presented in his first book.

  The one aspect I did not like about Jabez was that it seemed so preoccupied with material things (hence, much of the criticism that was levelled at the work-- and much of the interest in it at the same time). In the "Secrets of the Vine," which I thought might lead us more towards "getting that stuff" (i.e. Was there a magic thing to do while you prayed the prayer of Jabez? Did you need to say it in a certain tone, or certain amout of times...?), I was impressed that Wilkinson directs us to...

  Intimacy with God.

  That's it. And that's really what we need to know. Know, intellectually-- and know, experientially.

  Wilkinson speaks of what that looks like-- and wrestles (skillfully-- much more skillfully than in the prayer of Jabez) with the text of John 15 ("I am the vine, you are the branches... Abide in me...").

  He speaks of how God wants to (not bless us with stuff) use us so that we can be a blessing. And how we must be intimate with Him for Him to shape us into vessels He can use to do that. Incredible.

  Even if you didn't like Jabez, by this one.
  
  

• winning on God's terms
  By A2NFA5NNGE3M6X on 2003-10-31
  Secrets of the Vine walks us through the first half of John 15, where Jesus says, "I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser...I am the vine, you are the branches." As Christians we have likely heard this metaphor before, but have we really grasped all that it implies?

  Taking slight liberties with the text, Wilkinson introduces us to four distinct stages of a vine bearing fruit: no fruit, fruit, more fruit and much fruit. He expands on each, introducing us to our current stage and offering helpful guidance to propel us toward the "much fruit" category.

  The first "secret" talks of God's fatherly discipline that pushes us toward a life that bears fruit. Secret number two is that God the vinedresser will prune us of our selfish desires so we can bear even more fruit. Secret number three involves God's invitation to abide more deeply with Him.

  In the words of the author, "...the secrets of the vine reveal how God changes you so that you will become even more useful (fruitful) for His glory."

  This little book will help you come to terms with the current struggles you have in your life, and focus your attention on becoming the person God meant you to be. Highly recommended.

  Larry Hehn, Author of Get the Prize: Nine Keys for a Life of Victory
  
  

• As Bad As The Prayer of Jabez
  By A3ENVHXOY03P5B on 2005-04-05
  Both "The Prayer of Jabez" and "Secrets of The Vine" appeal to greedy, self centered people. One of the greatest weaknesses of both books is their faulty exegesis or reading meaning into a passage of Scripture that isn't specifically stated in the text.
  
  In Revelation 20:10 & 14-15 we see that Hell with its lake of fire is most certainly a real place. Bruce Wilkinson's graphic description of hell adds much speculative detail to the several verses the Bible shares with us about this place. As revolting as Mary Baxter's description of Hell is in her book "A Divine Revelation of Hell," Wilkinson's isn't much better. I contend we should stick with what is specifically stated in the text of any Scripture and not add to it. Especially when quoting from a passage in Revelation. Revelation 22:19 warns us, "And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life..."
  
  
  
  
• Wonderful look at John 15
  By A1CWIB8E3HVNFU on 2001-04-19
  This book is based on John 15 and Wilkinson's interpretation. I found it insightful and spiritually helpful.
  
  
• Another Breakthrough!
  By A2VWR29DY9NJ9Z on 2001-05-29
  SECRETS OF THE VINE is a wonderful follow-up to THE PRAYER OF JABEZ. Using Jesus' analogy of the vine from the Book of John, Wilkinson effectively explains how one can live a life of abundance for the Lord. This is a short book, like its predecessor, but packs a powerful message. Another blessing - indeed.
  
  
• Defining and clarifying!
  By A3LBX0EPJLYB83 on 2001-08-24
  Bruce Wilkinson has done it again-totally clarified things through his amazing gift of interpretation of the scriptures. What an incredible gift gained through this book! I got this book for my birthday and have been so blessed!
  
  
• The Better of The Two
  By A12G0C1T78B7S5 on 2001-11-22
  This book is definitely the better of Wilkinson's two books. While "The Prayer of Jabez" did give me insights into prayer, it did not center enough on Christ. This work corrects that error. He starts right away talking about the Lord and our relationship with him. I think that it is extraordinarily important to any study of Christianity. I would recommend that you read this book prior to "The Prayer of Jabez." If you already have read the other, you should read this one soon.

  The second thing that I liked about this book is the characterization of discipline. He portrays God and our relationship with him so well. He describes a God that is not out there to SLAM us for the least little error, but a loving Father that is interested in growth. How true!

  The third thing I enjoyed about this book is that it drew a distinction between pruning and discipline. I agree that there are times where the Lord is trying to correct a behavior in which we are participating and in the other he is trying to lead us on to more fruitful behavior.

  The fourth thing I enjoyed about this book is the definition of fruit. I read this at a good time in my life. So often we think of fruit as simply leading people to the Lord. In this book he describes fruit as doing things that glorify God. So, we can see things like being a good father and husband, a good employee, and a good neighbor as all things we do to glorify God. This really helped me prioritize some of the things in my own life.

  I can go on and on about this book, but I won't. You should just read it. What I enjoy most about this entire series of books is that they are brief and to the point. They teach a specific lesson and move on. I see them as having a larger scope than an individual sermon, but not so large that there needs to be volumes and volumes written. I hope to see more books in this series.
  
  

• Clear, succinct and straightforward
  By A240EIBVVZX9WL on 2001-12-14
  Like he did in the Prayer of Jabez, author Bruce Wilkinson manages to extract striking truths from a passage with which we are all familiar (John 15) in a very clear, readable manner. It's amazing how much truth Wilkinson gleaned from Jesus' final words to His disciples. Secrets of the Vine is encouraging, uplifting, and most importantly, instrumental to someone who truly seeks to reach the next level in their spiritual walk. Looking forward to the next book in this series.
  
  
• Wilkinson brutalizes scripture
  By A3AHZ33EBRZQTD on 2003-05-08
  If you want a feel good book that exemplifies eisegesis, you found it her. The man who is the master of missing the point and imposing an agenda into the Word of God has once again accomplished his purpose. To his credit he makes some good suggestions for abiding in Christ at the end of the book, but he spends the majority of the book ignoring most credible scholars, while affirming that those who don't produce fruit are okay, just wait and the Lord will lift you up. Maybe he won't. Don't allow you salvation to rest or be lost on the teachings in this book