During several key points in His ministry, Christ emphasized His equality with God in the clearest possible ways. The strongest affirmations of His deity employed the name for God used when God first revealed Himself to Moses—”I AM…” (Exodus 3:14). Jesus in the Gospel of John said, “I am the light of the world” (John 8:12); “I am the bread of life” (John 6:35); “I am the Way” (John 14:6); and “I am the Door” (John 10:9). Now Jesus tells his disciples, “I am the Vine.” Like the other great “I am” statements recorded in the Gospel of John, it points to Jesus’ deity. Each one is a metaphor that elevates Jesus to the level of Creator, Sustainer, Savior, and Lord—titles that can be claimed only by God.

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 bears fruit, He prunes it so that it may bear more fruit. You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he is thrown away as a branch and dries up; and they gather them and cast them into the fire and they are burned. If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples. (John 15:1-8)

This metaphor in John 15 is of a vine and its branches. The vine is the source and sustenance of life for the branches, and the branches must abide in the vine to live and bear fruit. Jesus, of course, is the vine, and the branches are people—And we are called into an intimate love relationship with God through the cross of Jesus Christ. Join us this week at Sedona United Methodist Church as the Rev. Fred Mast continues a series of resurrection messages with a message entitled “Do You Believe In the Cross of Jesus Christ”. Sunday mornings we enter the spirit of worship at 9:30 am featuring beautiful and uplifting music, special times of prayer and passionate life changing messages designed to move you closer in your relationship with Jesus Christ and others. Immediately following worship, you are encouraged and invited to stay and join us in our Fellowship Hall for the friendliest and best fellowship time anywhere featuring delicious snacks and great coffee and always friendship.

Saturday, beginning at 8am until 2PM you are invited to join our “Annual SUMC Community Flee Market” held in our front parking lot. Shop for New & Used Household Items, Jewelry, Antiques, Tools, Toys, Crafts, Knick Knacks, Yard Art, Kitchen Items, Books, Artwork, and more—Great Deals galore! The day will feature lots of Great Treasures, Music, Food, Fellowship, and a Great Time for all. You never know what treasures you might uncover.

We offer a number of book and bible studies: Wednesday’s our Men’s Bible Study at 9am; and Thursday’s our Women’s Bible Study at 9:45am. So many great missions, ministries and events happening at Sedona UMC—Visit our website at us on www.sedonaumc.org and “Like” us on Facebook. We would love to pray for you!—Prayer requests may be submitted online or by calling us at 928-282-1780. We are conveniently located at 110 Indian Cliffs Road off the Back O’Beyond roundabout on Route 179 in Sedona. Come and grow with us!