Dr. W's Reflections...

THE VINE AND THE BRANCHES (John 15:1-8)

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”

“Life” with Christ is all about abiding or remaining in Christ. To “remain” in Christ is to know Him in a personal kind of way (Phil 3:7-11). To “remain” in Christ is to confess that Jesus is the “way and the truth and the life” and that no one comes to the Father except through Him (John 14:6). To “remain” in Christ is to experience the life of Christ minute by minute, hour by hour, day by day (Galatians 2:20).

Jesus said, “...apart from me you can do nothing.” As we hear these words, we can’t help but conclude that “apart” from Christ, failure is not only an option... but failure will be our destiny. So now–as we hear these words, let us agree that while we can be “good” without Jesus, our goodness won’t save us. While we can be generous with our time and money, our generosity won’t save us. And while we can volunteer at the local food bank, recycle our trash, and vote for the right political party, our choices to do these kinds of things won’t save us.

Only Jesus can save us! He is the “vine.” We are the “branches.” If we “remain” in Him, then we will bear much fruit and show ourselves to be His followers. For without Him–and “apart” from Him, we can do “nothing.” Amen.

The Lord be with you,

Dr. Wyatt E Fenno

Pastor, First Christian Church of Allen

Be the first to comment