On Being Pruned
John 15
It is interesting that those of us who bear fruit are routinely pruned so that we may bear more fruit. Pruning is part of the process of health - the dictionary says that pruning is useful to remove unnecessary growth. The idea is that extra growth is removed in order to make room for healthier growth.
This metaphor really does work for us spiritually. Having some fruit is not enough - we are constantly being pruned to bear more fruit. If the fruit being talked about here is the Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22 - love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control), then this simply means that our lives are bearing Christ-like qualities. The more Christ-like we become, the more God prunes us, which allows us to be even more Christ-like. It is a lifestyle - a cycle - of becoming more like Christ.
Is there a way for us to initiate this or speed it up? It seems that this fruit is a natural outcome of growth. The more we focus on staying connected to Jesus and growing spiritually, the more we can expect to see this fruit. And having this fruit, according to this passage, leads to pruning which leads to more fruit. So let's focus more on Christ and becoming like Him; let's be passionate about serving others, giving generously, reading His Word, and learning more about God.
Used by permission from NewSpring Church
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Upcoming Events
November 24 - No Kid's Night or Wednesday Night Prayer & Bible Study
November 27 - Special Speakers Rick Paterni, Ron Salomon, and Hug McKinney, also we will be observing the Lord's Supper and be taking up the deacon offering
December 3 - Ladies' Ornament Exchange @ Gloria Kelly's Home. For more information, please contact Gloria
December 4 - Special Business Meeting following the AM Worship Service
December 6 - Nominating Committee Meeting at 7 PM, Trustee Meeting to follow
Please Note: Pastor Ben will be out of the office from Wednesday, November 24 till Sunday, November 27
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Current Series
Weird
These days, it's normal to deal with financial debt, high divorce rates, and bad relationships. Maybe it's time to shake things up. Join us as we explore life beyond normal in our series, WEIRD. The messages are entitled: Weird In A 'God' Way, Weird Is Better, Weird Desires, Weird View of Money, Weird Way To Save The World.
Yesterday:
Yesterday we talked about finished our series of Weird with the message a Weird Way To Save The World. In the final message of the series, we saw that religion is the Normal view of God, and how that religion is man's attempt to please God. The Weird view of God is a relationship with Jesus Christ.
This message is (or soon will be) available on our website, just under the calendar, or you can visit us on iTunes. You can also listen to previous messages.
Next Week:
We will have special speakers, Rick Paterni in the Sunday School hour for the adults, Ron Salomon in the AM Worship Service, and Hug McKinney in Sunday Night Bible Study.
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