Abide in Me

Beyond the Present Time
Resurrection Hope
The Holy Spirit Comes

John 15:1-8

The Message

The Vine and the Branches

15 ^1-3 “I am the Real Vine and my Father is the Farmer. He cuts off every branch of me that doesn’t bear grapes. And every branch that is grape-bearing he prunes back so it will bear even more. You are already pruned back by the message I have spoken.

⁴ “Live in me. Make your home in me just as I do in you. In the same way that a branch can’t bear grapes by itself but only by being joined to the vine, you can’t bear fruit unless you are joined with me.
^5-8 “I am the Vine, you are the branches. When you’re joined with me and I with you, the relation intimate and organic, the harvest is sure to be abundant. Separated, you can’t produce a thing. Anyone who separates from me is deadwood, gathered up and thrown on the bonfire. But if you make yourselves at home with me and my words are at home in you, you can be sure that whatever you ask will be listened to and acted upon. This is how my Father shows who he is—when you produce grapes, when you mature as my disciples. 

For Reflection

Pruned by the Word, we all are prepared for obedient service to God.  Apart from God in Christ, we are helpless, wandering in the brambles of human affairs.  Maturing as disciples, we act in accord with God's law and intentions for our lives. 

Pray

that you will in all things abide with Christ.  Pray that you will be a beacon of peace to all who surround you.  Pray that those whose lives you touch will be touched by the hand of God and find in Him the peace that only He can give.