Alleluia! Christ is Risen!
Welcome to your online worship from St. Mark’s for Sunday, April 28, 2024.
In today’s sermon we explore how Jesus uses the metaphor of the vine and branches to illustrate the intimate connection believers have with Jesus. Abiding in Christ entails continual communion, leading to spiritual strength, growth, and fruitfulness. Through discernment, promise, and a deep relationship, Jesus calls us to abide in Christ daily, finding sustenance and purpose in our union with the true vine.
Today’s Opening Sentence
I am the vine, you are the branches, says the Lord. Those who abide in me, and I in them, bear much fruit. – John 15.5
Today’s Reading – John 15:1-8
Jesus said, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinegrower. He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit. You have already been cleansed by the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me as I abide in you. Just 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. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing. Whoever does not abide in me is thrown away like a branch and withers; such branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples.1
Your Online Message and Prayers
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Reflection questions for the week:
- How do you currently experience your relationship with Christ? In what ways do you actively abide in him, and in what areas of your life do you find it challenging to remain connected to Christ?
- Reflect on the concept of spiritual pruning mentioned in our reading. Are there areas in your life where you sense God may be pruning you for greater fruitfulness? How can you cooperate with God’s pruning process to grow closer to God and bear more fruit?
- Think about the warning Jesus gives regarding the consequences of not abiding in him. Are there aspects of your life where you feel disconnected or distant from Christ? What steps can you take to recommit yourself to abiding in Jesus and experiencing the fullness of God’s life-giving presence?
- Consider the promise Jesus offers to those who abide in him. How does the assurance of God’s presence and provision influence your faith journey? How can you practically apply this promise in your daily life to bear fruit for God’s glory and become a more faithful disciple of Christ?
A continued reminder that if you are at all uncomfortable being in-person for worship, or if you are not feeling well, please join us here online.
Thank you again for joining with your parish family in our online worship today.
Find out how you can support our ministry and good work in the community here.
God Bless you and have a blessed week. Be well!
Peace,
The Rev’d Canon Rob Park
- Scripture quotation is from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.