July 17, 2017 – John 15:1-2

“I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more.” John 15:1-2.

Jesus uses the Creation,we can see. to teach what we cannot see.  Believing leads to faith is the first part of bearing fruit. It begins in Genesis 1:1 – God created the heavens and earth…

God the Father is the Gardener, Jesus is the vine, and we are the branches.  When the branches do not bear fruit, the Gardener trims the branches, so that it continues to bear fruit.  There is a way to avoid the pruning shears, and John 15 continues to teach. “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.” Verse 5.

Verse 7 and 8 explains the purpose of being in Christ Jesus.  But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted!  When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father.  Our sole purpose on earth is to glorify our Father God.

Yes, just as you can identify a tree by its fruit, so you can identify people by their actions.  Matthew 7:20.

All too quickly in this life, our worries can separate us from God.  Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.”  Matthew 11:28.

Next time you hold a cluster of luscious grapes in your hand, consider the truths of John 15.

You have already been pruned and purified by the message I have given you. Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me. John 15:3-4