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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. (John 15:5(ESV)
The family weekend was a great success. The pastor called it an incredible event. The pastor has an inspired vision for us of being a “church of conferences.” He believes that these conferences are not just events but opportunities to bear fruit for the Kingdom. He has high expectations for the upcoming Women’s and Men's Conference and encourages all to participate.
Pastor Scruggs’s sermon “It’s a Cold Case” was a fitting end to the Family Weekend. But there is more to be said about the subject. He is praying about connecting the Family Weekend theme “Together” with his current message series “Roots.”
When roots are deeply planted, fertilized, and nourished with water and sun, they produce a strong vine. After the gardener dresses the vine, it produces branches. It is the branch that produces the fruit. But if the branch does not produce fruit, it serves no purpose.
When we relate this agricultural principle to the Kingdom, God is the Gardener, Jesus is the Vine, and we are the branches. Thus, our purpose is to produce fruit. But we cannot unless the LORD “abides” in us, and we abide in the LORD.
The word abide means to remain faithful. Attending all church activities (Sunday worship; Wednesday Faith Development) helps us bear “much fruit.” In doing so, we receive nourishment from the Holy Spirit, which allows our fruit to grow and not rot.
Love & Blessings
Pastor Emeritus, Dave
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