I AM the Vine…
John 15:1-17
1 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. 3You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.
5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
9 “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. 11I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. 12My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 13Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. 14You are my friends if you do what I command. 15I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. 16You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. 17This is my command: Love each other.
“I AM the Vine”
History of Israel and the vine
Meaning of Jesus’ declaration
Impact of staying connected
What is “fruit” and how do we bear it?
Fruitful
Unfruitful
Pruning
Questions we ask ourselves:
Am I connected to the vine?
Am I abiding in the vine?
Am I being fruitful?
Can I still get connected to the vine?
CLOSING PRAYER
Lord Almighty, I pray this morning in the mighty name of Jesus - declaring that I want to be connected to You - I want to abide in You and allow You to abide in me - I want to be fruitful and faithful so that all may know You are the Lord God Almighty. Use me as You will to be a vessel that reflects Your Light, and hope, and grace, and peace. In Jesus Mighty Name we pray …….. Amen
TODAY’S PREACHER
Randy Reese is Directing Pastor of Calvary UMC