- News: Views
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28 May
[11-11-08] Update on our 08-09 Goals
We've been pursuing our strategic goals for 08-09 for over two months now, so I thought it would be good to update everyone on how they're going.[06-10-08] The Ten Commandments
This term we are looking at the Ten Commandments - barely 300 words long in English, yet they form the basis of our legal system, the foundations of our parliament and lie at the core of western civilisation.[01-10-08] Open Heaven at 15 Years Old: Growing Up
This summer, Open Heaven turned 15 years old.[26-09-08] Welcome to Loughborough
If you're a fresher (or even someone who's just thinking of coming along to Open Heaven for the first time) we'd like to give you a warm welcome.[15-09-08] To be Loved, to Love and to Serve
Here is a short account of what my last year has been like my aim is to encourage, motivate, and challenge us all, as we seek to be continually transformed into the likeness of our king, Jesus.[10-09-08] The Hidden Beauty of the Church
While walking around inside an old but still well used church building, I found myself in a kind of gatehouse with a dusty old staircase leading down from one end.[28-05-08] I Am the True Grapevine
Looking at a tree outside my office window the other day I realised how strong the trunk was and that the branches did little to support it.[12-02-08] Responding to the Call
We are embarking on a journey of adventure, into the unknown; a little nervous, anticipating many challenges but determined to position ourselves to be ever more used by God in establishing the Kingdom in every area of our personal and corporate lives.[27-11-07] Getting Closer...Part 2
For a while it's been everywhere.[08-11-07] What on Earth is Daniel on about?
So you've finished reading the story of the lion's den and you fancy reading on to find out what happens to Daniel next.
I Am the True Grapevine
Looking at a tree outside my office window the other day I realised how strong the trunk was and that the branches did little to support it. Each branch relies on the trunk to deliver water and nutrients for it to grow. It’s no good the branch trying to achieve that on its own.
When the branch bears fruit we comment on the beauty of the whole tree and not the individual branch. The fruit feeds insects and birds and in doing so spreads its seeds that it might continue to grow elsewhere...
In John 15, Jesus takes a closer look at the metaphor of trees and their branches:
"I am the true grapevine, and my father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn't produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more. You have already been pruned and purified by the message I have given you. Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me.“"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. Anyone who does not remain in me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned. But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted! When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my father.”
(John 15v1-8, NLT)
Jesus describes himself as the true vine, the trunk if you like. His spirit feeds us and helps us to grow strong. The fruit we bear is for the glory of the whole tree and ultimately God, the creator. The fruit in us also supports and helps others, with the seed of the gospel going out to take root for the Kingdom in other lives and other places.
“Remain in me, as I also remain in you”. It’s not enough for us to remain in the Church, or just in ‘Christian’ friendships, for they do not provide all that being attached to the ‘trunk’ provides. Only God’s spirit has the power to renew us, to wake us up, shed our old leaves and burst into blossom.
The presence of God is what we must return to, where we must start if our faith and our lives are to have any meaning. Let’s continue to be part of genuine community but also keeping God in his rightful place at the centre of our lives and pursue his presence with ever greater vigour and passion.
Posted by: Sam Huggill on Wednesday May 28th, 2008
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- Rich Wilson writes:
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amen
...left on Wednesday May 28th, 2008
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