Building a Stronger Church: Examining Our Connection to the Vine
On 12 May, Brother Bryan Tay delivered a thought-provoking sermon titled “Detached from the True Vine!” Taking inspiration from the powerful vine-and-branches metaphor in John 15, his message challenged the congregation to examine their spiritual health. The core question? Are we living disconnected from Jesus Christ, missing out on the growth and fulfillment that comes with being connected to Him?
A WhatsApp message subsequently circulated among JCCians, exhorting them to reflect on 3 important questions:
- Which of the 4 ”poisons” are you allowing the evil one to break your unity with the church body and detach you from the True Vine: Pride, Offence, Self-ambition, Envy? What will you do about it?
- What is the visible fruit of Christian growth that others can see in your life (vs. what you think you see): Knowledge, Skills, Participation & Service.
- Which area of your life is God pruning to bear (more) fruit? How have you submitted to the pruning? What is the result of your response to God?
Confession time: Life’s been hectic, and the sermon’s message took a backseat. Thankfully, the sermon is still available on YouTube! Combined with the insightful PowerPoint slides, it’s a valuable resource to revisit the key benefits of abiding in Christ and understand the “poisons” that hinder our connection.
The sermon highlights three key benefits of abiding in Christ:
- Protection: Just as a branch receives protection from the vine, we are shielded from evil by our connection to Christ (John 17:11).
- Unity: Abiding in Christ fosters a sense of oneness with God and other believers (John 17:23a).
- Sanctification: Our connection to Christ nourishes us with God’s word, leading to personal growth and sanctification (John 17:17).
The sermon identifies four “poisons” (obstacles) that can hinder this connection and growth:
- Pride ‒ We believe we are better than others. (Romans 12:3)
- Taking Offence ‒ We get upset easily. (Ecclesiastes 7:9)
- Self-Ambition ‒ We focus on our own goals over God’s. (Haggai 1:4)
- Envy ‒We desire what others have. (James 3:16)
How do your reflections on the sermon go?
The following are some of the challenges for us to strengthen our spiritual connection to Jesus, the True Vine:
- The Poisons: We can combat them through humility, grace, and realigned priorities – serving others, acknowledging others’ gifts, and seeking understanding over offence.
- Fruits of Growth: While we might feel like we’re growing spiritually, it’s important to see how it shows in our actions. We can deepen our knowledge, utilize our talents for ministry, actively participate in worship, and serve others.
- God’s Pruning: This can sometimes feel disruptive, but it’s for our spiritual growth. When God removes things from our lives, it creates space for deeper connection with Him. Submitting to this process involves prioritizing activities that nourish our faith, like prayer, Bible study, and participating in church life.
By actively engaging these points, we can not only strengthen our connection to the Vine but also cultivate a more supportive and understanding church body. By approaching each other with empathy and compassion, we can offer meaningful help to those facing challenges. Through acts of service, encouragement, and shared vulnerability, we can all grow closer to Christ and each other.
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