As Jesus and His disciples, now numbering 11, leave the upper room and walk through the darkness of Jerusalem toward that garden of waiting, Jesus continues to speak to them, and what He says to them is recorded in chapters 15 and 16 of the Gospel of John. Of all these things that He says, nothing is more definitive than the first eight verses of chapter 15. Our Lord here speaks not really in a parable – but in a word picture, a metaphor, a simile.
Listen to what He says, “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.”
Did you know that God is a farmer—the greatest farmer of all! God has planted people, we are God’s Garden, and God wants to produce an abundance of fruit in and through us. You and I were created by God for this purpose—to produce fruit for God—But what kind of fruit is God looking for? God is looking for love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, humility, and self-control—The “Fruit of the Spirit.” (Ephesians 5:22-23a) Join us this week at Sedona United Methodist Church as Rev. Fred Mast concludes a sermon series based on the seven “I Am” sayings of Jesus, this week in a message entitled, “A Bumper Crop”.
Sunday mornings we enter the spirit of worship at 9:30 a.m. featuring meaningful times of prayer, joyous music, and life messages that will help move you closer in your relationship with Jesus Christ. Our worship is upbeat and lively, and spirit filled! Immediately following worship, you are encouraged and invited to stay after worship and join us in our Fellowship Hall for the friendliest and best fellowship time anywhere!
Sedona UMC offers several weekly book and bible studies: Tuesday’s @ 1:45pm Adult Studies at The Gathering Place in West Sedona (Revelations Study); and Thursday’s Women’s Bible Study at 9:45am We offer so many great missions, ministries, and fellowship opportunities 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. All are welcome at Sedona UMC—Come and grow with us!
