November 18, 2003 :: Seventh Day Baptist Board of Christian Education

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November 18, 2003

The Bible Says:

I Am the True Vine (Listen)

“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.

(ESV)

—John 15:1-7

And here is a thought:

by: Margaret Taylor.

Jesus calls us to "Come unto me" (Mattew 11:28) and "Dwell in me"(John 15:4). These two invitations will be the determining factors in the life of every person. Though they offer so much (help, hope, comfort, eternal life) to make life better and easier ("I will give you rest," "you will bear much fruit.") they also determine our options, life or death. Verses 6 and 7 speak clearly to our dispositions. Our modern culture encourages self-realization, independence, and pride in owning our own accomplishments.

Jesus calls for all or nothing. The abiding does not end with the grafting in, but requires submission to repeated pruning and cleansing to live and bear fruit.

November 18, 2003

The Bible Says:

I Am the True Vine (Listen)

And here is a thought:

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