The Greatest Connection
October 23, 2015
John 15:5-6 “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. If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers…”
We have talked a lot lately about being “connected.” We need to be connected to other believers through small groups, through our service, and our worship. While those connections are vital to our Christian lives and growth, the first and greatest connection must be with Jesus. Fall brings us a vivid reminder of how when connection is lost, there is withering and drying up. Just look at the leaves that lie on the ground. They were once vibrant when connected to their trees and when life flowed to them through the branches. Now they are dry, brown, and brittle. No longer attached to the tree, they no longer live. They will be gathered up and thrown away. What happens to us when we become detached from Jesus who is our vine? We will become fruitless, we will dry up, and we will lose our passion for the things of God. It is vital that we stay connected to Jesus because only then can we walk in His will for our lives and bear fruit for His kingdom. We must stay connected to Jesus through being in His Word, through regular prayer, through Bible study, through worship, and by serving with fellow Christians. I do not want to be like one of those branches who withers and is thrown away. How about you?
– Jan Niel, Prayer Ministry Director
We have talked a lot lately about being “connected.” We need to be connected to other believers through small groups, through our service, and our worship. While those connections are vital to our Christian lives and growth, the first and greatest connection must be with Jesus. Fall brings us a vivid reminder of how when connection is lost, there is withering and drying up. Just look at the leaves that lie on the ground. They were once vibrant when connected to their trees and when life flowed to them through the branches. Now they are dry, brown, and brittle. No longer attached to the tree, they no longer live. They will be gathered up and thrown away. What happens to us when we become detached from Jesus who is our vine? We will become fruitless, we will dry up, and we will lose our passion for the things of God. It is vital that we stay connected to Jesus because only then can we walk in His will for our lives and bear fruit for His kingdom. We must stay connected to Jesus through being in His Word, through regular prayer, through Bible study, through worship, and by serving with fellow Christians. I do not want to be like one of those branches who withers and is thrown away. How about you?
– Jan Niel, Prayer Ministry Director