One of the greatest images Jesus gives us about the Christian life is the image of the vine. In this beautiful passage, he compares living in the Body of Christ to a flowering plant - he is the vine, we are the branches, and God the Father is the gardener. At the heart of the image is the idea that we are all connected -- to each other and to Christ -- and it is the connection which helps us grow in our faith. For the next few weeks we are going to explore this image and see what it means for us as we attempt to be the best Church we can be. Today we look at the fact that we are connected to the vine. As we read in the famous passage from Philippians 4, we can do all things through Christ. This means that when we are connected to our source, nothing is impossible. But when we pull ourselves off from Christ -- that is when we wither and die. In order to fully grow, it is vital that we keep ourselves connected to the ultimate giver of life -- through prayer, discipleship, and missional action. May we always go to the source to gain our strength.
Branches of the Vine
<p>A series of sermons are planned based on John 15.</p>
June 24, 2019
Related
The Road to Capernaum
<p>When Jesus left Nazareth where he had not been well received, he went on the road for a three-year tour of preaching, teaching, healing, helping, judging, forgiving, enabling, challenging, calling, and lifting.</p>
March 12, 2020
Have you ever received a compliment which you felt you did not deserve because it was directed towards something you did which was simply a part of your job? In other words, you were doing what you ...
The Road to Nazareth
<p>Today, we go back on the road with Jesus as we follow him home. After his baptism and temptation in the wilderness, Jesus decided to get back on the road, turn around, and go back home to Nazareth – the place where he had grown up and lived practically
March 12, 2020
The idea of going home is one which has always been cherished in our society. Whether during the holidays or just for a visit throughout the year, we always treasure the times spent when family gets...
The Road to the Wilderness
<p>This Lent, we are going to go on the road with Jesus, as we travel the roads Jesus traveled in order that we can see him and his ministry more clearly, and understand more nearly what it is we are to do</p>
March 12, 2020
How many of you like to go on road trips? You know what I’m talking about – the times when you get in your car and just drive somewhere. Maybe you go on a day trip to a place somewhere nearby. Or pe...