H.J. Vine
Henry James Vine (1857 - 1930). English Bible teacher, author, and Plymouth Brethren leader born in London. Converted in his youth, he joined the Brethren assembly at Fore Street, Exeter, and was mentored by figures like George Müller. A self-educated scholar of Greek and Hebrew, he began preaching in the 1870s, traveling across England, Scotland, and Ireland to teach at conferences and assemblies. Vine authored numerous articles and books, including The Work of Christ and contributions to The Witness magazine, emphasizing dispensationalism and Christ’s preeminence. Known for his gentle demeanor and expository clarity, he influenced thousands within the Brethren movement. Married with children, he lived modestly, often supporting missions. In later years, he focused on writing from Bournemouth, where his home became a hub for Bible study. His teachings, preserved in Brethren archives, remain influential among conservative evangelicals. Vine’s emphasis on scriptural precision and humility shaped a generation of Bible students.
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H.J. Vine preaches about the true essence of heaven, emphasizing that being with Jesus is the ultimate desire for those who have experienced His love and salvation. He shares a story of a man who, despite being taught wrongly about heaven, found true joy and fulfillment in knowing that Jesus has prepared a place for him and longs for his presence. The preacher highlights the importance of seeking Jesus above all else, as His presence in His Father's house is the greatest joy for believers.
"A Place for You"
The above words were used twice (see John 14), by our Lord Jesus Christ. He said, “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” A certain teacher of religion, used to tell a lot of black girls and boys, they would have a place in the kitchen in heaven, provided they were good, and did what they were told! One of the boys, in spite of this bad teaching, through divine mercy, was truly converted to God. As a repentant sinner he trusted Christ as his Saviour; and his soul was filled with joy and praise, as he learned how the Son of God had loved him and given Himself for him. Betaking himself to prayer, and learning to read the Word of God, very soon the Holy Spirit opened his lips to speak of Christ to others. When quite an old man, after long, zealous and happy service for the Lord, he once told us how earnestly he searched the Scriptures, vainly trying to discover what the kitchen in heaven would be like; and then exclaimed, “I could not find one! but, thank God, I found that Jesus said, Where I am, there ye shall be also! That is heaven for me!—TO BE WHERE MY SAVIOUR IS!—TO BE WITH HIM!” Yes, the one who knows the love of Jesus, desires to be with Himself. His presence there, in His Father’s house, will be the pre-eminent thing for our hearts; and our presence there is what His heart looks forward to; so He said, “I will come again, and RECEIVE YOU UNTO MYSELF.” “Then each shall share His joy above, Behold Him whom unseen we love.”
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Henry James Vine (1857 - 1930). English Bible teacher, author, and Plymouth Brethren leader born in London. Converted in his youth, he joined the Brethren assembly at Fore Street, Exeter, and was mentored by figures like George Müller. A self-educated scholar of Greek and Hebrew, he began preaching in the 1870s, traveling across England, Scotland, and Ireland to teach at conferences and assemblies. Vine authored numerous articles and books, including The Work of Christ and contributions to The Witness magazine, emphasizing dispensationalism and Christ’s preeminence. Known for his gentle demeanor and expository clarity, he influenced thousands within the Brethren movement. Married with children, he lived modestly, often supporting missions. In later years, he focused on writing from Bournemouth, where his home became a hub for Bible study. His teachings, preserved in Brethren archives, remain influential among conservative evangelicals. Vine’s emphasis on scriptural precision and humility shaped a generation of Bible students.