Connected to the Vine: Bearing Fruit Together
Summary
### Summary
In today's sermon, we explored the profound metaphor of the vineyard as presented in John 15:12-17. This passage emphasizes the importance of remaining connected to Jesus, the true vine, to bear fruit in our lives. We began by discussing the upcoming annual conference, highlighting the esteemed guest speakers and the theme of the Holy Spirit. We also celebrated the contributions of Dr. Melody Galloway and her team in using music to aid in healing and wholeness.
We then delved into a touching story shared by Kristen Johnson about her son's homemade wine, which unexpectedly turned out to be the best wine she had ever tasted. This story served as a beautiful illustration of how sometimes the simplest, most unassuming efforts can yield the most extraordinary results, much like how our connection to Jesus can produce remarkable fruit in our lives.
The sermon further explored what it means to bear fruit, drawing parallels between winemaking and spiritual growth. Just as a vineyard requires careful nurturing, our spiritual lives require a deep, abiding connection with Jesus. This connection is not just for personal piety but for the purpose of bearing fruit that benefits others and glorifies God.
We also reflected on the challenges of laboring in the vineyards during difficult seasons, such as the recent years marked by the pandemic. Despite these challenges, we are called to remain connected to the vine and to each other, emphasizing mutual flourishing and community support.
Catherine of Siena's vision of laborers in the vineyard was used to illustrate the ongoing process of spiritual pruning and growth. This vision reminds us that our work in the vineyard is a collective effort, requiring us to support and uplift one another.
Finally, we commissioned various district leaders and emerging community pastors, reaffirming our commitment to serve and bear fruit in our respective communities. The service concluded with a call to embrace our shared mission and to remain connected to Jesus and each other, trusting that God will measure our fruitfulness.
### Key Takeaways
1. Connection to the Vine: Our spiritual vitality depends on our connection to Jesus, the true vine. This connection is essential for bearing fruit that glorifies God and benefits others. Without it, there is no life, growth, or celebration. [40:39]
2. Bearing Fruit in All Seasons: Bearing fruit means producing something wonderful that can be shared in both joyous celebrations and everyday life. It involves being sustained through the highs and lows, remaining faithful even when we don't feel like it. [45:08]
3. Mutual Flourishing: Our spiritual journey is not a solitary endeavor. We are called to labor together in the vineyard, supporting and uplifting one another. This mutual flourishing is essential for our collective growth and fruitfulness. [46:50]
4. Spiritual Pruning: Just as vineyards require pruning to produce quality fruit, our spiritual lives require pruning to remove what hinders our growth. This process, though sometimes painful, is necessary for us to bear more fruit and fulfill our God-given purpose. [49:25]
5. Embracing Our Mission: We are commissioned to serve and bear fruit in our communities. This involves embracing our shared mission, trusting in God's guidance, and supporting one another in our ministries. Our ultimate goal is to bring about the kingdom of God on earth as it is in heaven. [01:40:00]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[33:04] - Introduction of Guest Speakers
[34:15] - Music and Healing
[35:07] - Celebrating Contributions
[36:12] - Kristen Johnson's Wine Story
[40:39] - Connection to the Vine
[45:08] - What It Means to Bear Fruit
[46:50] - Laboring in Difficult Seasons
[49:25] - Catherine of Siena's Vision
[01:00:30] - Commissioning District Leaders
[01:25:27] - Reaffirming Baptismal Covenant
[01:40:00] - Embracing Our Mission
[01:46:51] - Benediction and Closing
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. John 15:12-17 (NIV): "My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. This is my command: Love each other."
### Observation Questions
1. What does Jesus mean when He says, "I am the vine; you are the branches"? How does this metaphor illustrate our relationship with Him? [40:39]
2. In Kristen Johnson's story, what was the significance of her son's homemade wine? How did it relate to the sermon’s message about bearing fruit? [36:12]
3. What are some of the challenges mentioned in the sermon that we face while laboring in the vineyard, especially during difficult seasons like the pandemic? [46:50]
4. How does Catherine of Siena's vision of laborers in the vineyard contribute to our understanding of spiritual pruning and growth? [49:25]
### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean to "remain connected to the vine" in practical terms? How does this connection impact our ability to bear fruit? [40:39]
2. How can the story of Kristen Johnson's son making wine from wild blackberries serve as a metaphor for our spiritual lives and efforts? [36:12]
3. What does the concept of "mutual flourishing" entail, and why is it essential for our collective spiritual growth? [46:50]
4. How does the process of spiritual pruning, as described in the sermon, help us fulfill our God-given purpose? [49:25]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current connection to Jesus, the true vine. Are there specific areas in your life where you feel disconnected? What steps can you take this week to strengthen that connection? [40:39]
2. Think about a time when a simple, unassuming effort in your life yielded extraordinary results. How can you apply this experience to your spiritual journey and efforts to bear fruit? [36:12]
3. During difficult seasons, such as the recent pandemic, how have you managed to stay connected to the vine and to your community? What practices or habits helped you remain faithful? [46:50]
4. Identify one area in your life that may need spiritual pruning. What specific actions can you take to remove what hinders your growth and allow for more fruitful living? [49:25]
5. How can you contribute to the mutual flourishing of your small group or church community? What practical steps can you take to support and uplift others in their spiritual journeys? [46:50]
6. Reflect on the mission to serve and bear fruit in your community. What is one specific way you can embrace this mission in the coming week? [01:40:00]
7. Consider the vision of laborers in the vineyard. How can you support others in their spiritual growth and be open to receiving support from them? [49:25]
Devotional
Day 1: Connection to the Vine
Our spiritual vitality depends on our connection to Jesus, the true vine. This connection is essential for bearing fruit that glorifies God and benefits others. Without it, there is no life, growth, or celebration. [40:39]
In John 15:12-17, Jesus emphasizes the importance of remaining connected to Him, the true vine. This connection is not just a superficial attachment but a deep, abiding relationship that sustains our spiritual lives. Just as a branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it remains in the vine, we cannot bear spiritual fruit unless we remain in Jesus. This connection is the source of our spiritual vitality, enabling us to grow, thrive, and produce fruit that glorifies God and benefits others. Without this connection, our spiritual lives wither, and we miss out on the fullness of life that Jesus offers.
Remaining connected to Jesus involves daily practices of prayer, reading Scripture, and being in community with other believers. It means prioritizing our relationship with Him above all else and allowing His life to flow through us. As we stay connected to the true vine, we will see the evidence of His life in us through the fruit we bear—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. This fruit not only blesses our lives but also impacts those around us, drawing them closer to Jesus.
John 15:4-5 (ESV): "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."
Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to deepen your connection with Jesus, the true vine? How can you prioritize this relationship in your daily life?
Day 2: Bearing Fruit in All Seasons
Bearing fruit means producing something wonderful that can be shared in both joyous celebrations and everyday life. It involves being sustained through the highs and lows, remaining faithful even when we don't feel like it. [45:08]
Bearing fruit in our spiritual lives is not limited to times of joy and abundance; it also includes seasons of difficulty and challenge. Just as a vineyard produces fruit through careful nurturing and tending, our spiritual lives require consistent care and attention. This means remaining faithful to our spiritual practices and connection to Jesus, even when we face trials and hardships. The fruit we bear during these times can be a powerful testimony of God's faithfulness and grace.
In both joyous celebrations and everyday life, the fruit we produce is meant to be shared with others. It is a tangible expression of God's love and presence in our lives. Whether it's offering a word of encouragement, extending a helping hand, or simply being present with someone in their time of need, the fruit we bear can have a profound impact on those around us. By remaining connected to Jesus and allowing His life to flow through us, we can bear fruit that sustains us and blesses others, no matter the season.
James 1:2-4 (ESV): "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."
Reflection: Think of a challenging season you are currently facing or have recently faced. How can you remain faithful and continue to bear fruit during this time? What practical steps can you take to share this fruit with others?
Day 3: Mutual Flourishing
Our spiritual journey is not a solitary endeavor. We are called to labor together in the vineyard, supporting and uplifting one another. This mutual flourishing is essential for our collective growth and fruitfulness. [46:50]
The Christian life is meant to be lived in community. Just as a vineyard thrives through the collective efforts of many laborers, our spiritual growth and fruitfulness are enhanced when we support and uplift one another. Mutual flourishing involves recognizing that we are interconnected and that our spiritual journeys are intertwined. When one member of the community thrives, it benefits the whole body of Christ.
Supporting one another in the vineyard means being present for each other in times of need, offering encouragement, and holding each other accountable. It also means celebrating each other's successes and rejoicing in the fruit that others bear. By fostering a spirit of mutual flourishing, we create an environment where everyone can grow and thrive. This collective growth not only strengthens our individual faith but also enhances our witness to the world, demonstrating the love and unity that Jesus prayed for in John 17.
1 Thessalonians 5:11 (ESV): "Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing."
Reflection: Who in your community can you support and uplift today? How can you contribute to the mutual flourishing of your church or small group?
Day 4: Spiritual Pruning
Just as vineyards require pruning to produce quality fruit, our spiritual lives require pruning to remove what hinders our growth. This process, though sometimes painful, is necessary for us to bear more fruit and fulfill our God-given purpose. [49:25]
Pruning is an essential part of maintaining a healthy vineyard. It involves cutting away dead or overgrown branches to allow for new growth and increased fruitfulness. Similarly, our spiritual lives require pruning to remove anything that hinders our growth and prevents us from fulfilling our God-given purpose. This process can be painful, as it often involves letting go of habits, attitudes, or relationships that are not beneficial to our spiritual health.
Spiritual pruning is a work of God's grace in our lives. It is His way of refining us and shaping us into the image of Christ. While the process may be uncomfortable, it ultimately leads to greater fruitfulness and a deeper relationship with Jesus. By submitting to God's pruning, we allow Him to remove what is unnecessary and cultivate what is essential for our spiritual growth. This results in a more vibrant and fruitful life that brings glory to God and blesses others.
Hebrews 12:11 (ESV): "For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it."
Reflection: What areas of your life might God be calling you to prune? How can you submit to His refining work and trust Him to bring about greater fruitfulness?
Day 5: Embracing Our Mission
We are commissioned to serve and bear fruit in our communities. This involves embracing our shared mission, trusting in God's guidance, and supporting one another in our ministries. Our ultimate goal is to bring about the kingdom of God on earth as it is in heaven. [01:40:00]
As followers of Jesus, we are commissioned to serve and bear fruit in our communities. This mission is not just an individual calling but a shared responsibility that we undertake together as the body of Christ. Embracing our mission involves recognizing the unique gifts and callings that God has given each of us and using them to serve others and advance His kingdom. It also means trusting in God's guidance and provision as we step out in faith to fulfill our calling.
Supporting one another in our ministries is crucial for the success of our mission. By working together, we can accomplish more than we could on our own. This collective effort not only strengthens our individual ministries but also enhances our impact on the world. Our ultimate goal is to bring about the kingdom of God on earth as it is in heaven, reflecting His love, justice, and peace in all that we do. As we embrace our mission and support one another, we can trust that God will measure our fruitfulness and use our efforts for His glory.
Matthew 28:19-20 (ESV): "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."
Reflection: What specific ways can you embrace your mission to serve and bear fruit in your community? How can you support others in their ministries and work together to advance God's kingdom?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "We will only be sustained as we labor in the Lord's work right now in this season if we remain connected to the vine, and if we remain connected to each other. No self-appointed gurus, no lone rangers. We're in this together. Or we will not be in it very long. And it helps to know that it is about our mutual flourishing. Say that with me, our mutual flourishing." (47 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "To bear fruit in other words is to be sustained in the highs and the lows, the ups and the downs, when I feel like being in church and when I don't, when I feel like singing and when I don't, when I feel like praying and when I don't. That's what fruitfulness is." (30 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Jesus says, I am the vine, you are the branches. Life with each other, Jesus says, love one another as I have loved you. That's enough. And life in the world, Jesus says, I appointed you to go and bear fruit." (25 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We will spread scriptural holiness, do justice, and share the grace of God with all people. Build up the body of Christ. Engage communities. And establish hope. There is one God of all, one faith, one baptism, and one body. We will make every effort to remain in the unity of the Spirit and the bond of peace." (29 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We are called to work in these vineyards and as I reflected on this passage in you and us and the season we're in, I recognized we may be laboring in the vineyards in the midst of a storm or a drought that disrupts the cycle of planting and pruning and growing." (47 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "What does it mean to bear fruit? We can go back to those who heard this teaching of Jesus in John 15 for the first time. They would have heard these words and placed them in their Mediterranean context. The fruit of the vine produces figs, grapes, olives. These finally become food, oils, wine. But vineyards are primarily for the purpose of making wine." (33 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Jesus sensed that there were some dynamics going on among his followers. There were struggles over who would get to have the power. Struggles, by the way, that continue to be in the church, that continue to be in me. And so he gave them this commandment. He said, love one another. But it was always about more than my spiritual life, and it was always more than about how I love somebody else. It was always about more than what I want in my that he wanted the disciples to bear fruit he wanted their fruit to make a difference." (65 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We have to get better at measuring our fruitfulness, and we have to get real about questioning our assumptions about what we count. And who counts? And this really is about the question, is the world our vineyard, or is it the plot of earth inside the walls of our churches?" (50 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We will go where we are sent, trusting that God will begin a good work and be faithful to see it through to the day of completion. We will spread scriptural holiness, do justice, and share the grace of God with all people. Build up the body of Christ. Engage communities. And establish hope. There is one God of all, one faith, one baptism, and one body. We will make every effort to remain in the unity of the Spirit and the bond of peace." (29 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We are sent by God for ministry to all creation. We build upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets with Christ himself as the cornerstone. The good news of Jesus Christ is boundless in its goodness. We will go where we are sent, trusting that God will begin a good work and be faithful to see it through to the day of completion." (29 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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