Introduction

Good morning, beloved family of God. It's a joy to be standing here, sharing the word of God with you. We are gathered here today, not by chance, not by coincidence, but by divine appointment. We are here to share the bread of life, to drink from the well of salvation, to be nourished and refreshed by the word of God.

Today, we are turning our hearts and minds to a beautiful image from the Gospel according to John. Jesus, in His divine wisdom, gives us a metaphor that is both simple and profound. He speaks of a vine, branches, and fruit. His words are found in John 15:1-8, "I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples."

In these verses, Jesus invites us to abide in Him, to become branches of the divine vine, to bear fruit for the world. He invites us to a relationship that is vital, dynamic, and life-giving. It's a relationship that transforms us, empowers us, and enables us to impact the world for the glory of God.

Becoming Branches of the Divine Vine

Let's start with the image that Jesus presents us with. He says, "I am the true vine." Now, a vine is a plant that is known for its ability to grow and spread. It's a plant that is known for its strength and vitality. And Jesus is saying, "I am the true vine." He is the source of life, the source of strength, the source of vitality.

Now, if Jesus is the vine, then we are the branches. We are connected to Him, drawing our life from Him. We are not separate entities, but part of the same organism. We are not independent, but dependent. This means that our identity is found in Christ. It means that our purpose is found in Christ.

But it's not just about being connected to the vine. It's also about bearing fruit. Jesus says, "Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit." So, as branches of the divine vine, we are not only connected to Christ, but we are also called to bear fruit for Him.

Now, what does it mean to bear fruit? Well, in the Bible, fruit often symbolizes the results or outcomes of our lives. It's the visible evidence of our invisible faith. It's the tangible manifestation of our intangible beliefs. It's the practical demonstration of our spiritual devotion.

So, when Jesus talks about bearing fruit, He's talking about living a life that reflects His character, His values, His priorities. But here's the thing. We can't bear fruit on our own. We can't produce the results that God desires in our own strength, in our own wisdom, in our own efforts.

Jesus says, "As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me." So, abiding in Christ is not optional. It's not a luxury. It's not a bonus.

Now, how do we abide in Christ? How do we stay connected to the vine? How do we draw our life from Him? Well, there are many ways, but let me suggest four.

First, we abide in Christ through prayer. Prayer is our lifeline to God. It's our communication with Him. It's our conversation with Him. It's our connection with Him. Through prayer, we express our love for God, we confess our sins to God, we thank God for His blessings, we ask God for His help.

Second, we abide in Christ through the Word. The Word of God is our spiritual food. It's our spiritual nourishment. It's our spiritual sustenance. Through the Word, we learn about God, we learn from God, we learn to love God, we learn to live for God.

Third, we abide in Christ through worship. Worship is our response to God. It's our reverence for God. It's our adoration of God. Through worship, we honor God, we praise God, we glorify God, we exalt God.

Fourth, we abide in Christ through fellowship. Fellowship is our relationship with other believers. It's our partnership in the gospel. It's our participation in the body of Christ. Through fellowship, we encourage one another, we edify one another, we exhort one another, we serve one another.

Baptismal Bond with Christ

In the book of Acts, we find a compelling narrative that beautifully illustrates the baptismal bond with Christ ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO