Home > Church Family > Sermon Summaries > 17 Aug 2002, Pr George Porter - The Time of The Vine

The Time of The Vine

17 Aug 2002, Pr George Porter

(George is Thornleigh's Church Pastor. Communion was also celebrated today.)

TITLE: The Time of The Vine

SCRIPTURE READING: Isaiah 5:1-7

INTRODUCTION:

In Matthew 26:30 Pastor Matthew records that after establishing Feet washing and the Lord's Supper Jesus went to the foort of the Mt of Olives. On the way He past grape vines and olive trees. One tree at least which is believed to be still alive today. Jesus was on His way to Gethsemane. His place of prayer.

Jesus had spoken of the World Mission task He was entrusting to the men He would leave behind. He then focused on the vine as an illustration of His preferred relationship with them. The disciples need to be united with Him.

Ordinance of Humility

Pruning Time

John 15:1

I am the True Vine (Not Tree)

We are branches -- Vine branches need support

John 15: 2-3

Fruitless branches are cut off and burnt

Bearing branches are pruned

We are pruned by the Word

Communion Table

Bread

John 15: 4-8

Live in Christ Live with Christ We receive nourishment from Him

Spiritual nourishment bears fruit. Without Him - nothing

Vine Juice

John 15: 9-16

Love from the Father Love from the Son. Love for each other.

The test of discipleship - to remain in His love

Discipleship bear fruit and joy having been chosen by Christ

Disciples are friends and are ordained appointed to action

The appointment is for relationship and fellowship.

"The life of the vine becomes the life of the branch. So the life dead in trespasses and sins receives life through connection with Christ. By faith in Him as a personal Saviour the union is formed. The sinner unites his weakness to His strength, His emptiness to Christ's fullness, His frailty to Christ's enduring might. Then he has the mind of Christ. The humility of Christ has touched our humanity, and our humanity has touched divinity. Thus through the agency of the Holy Spirit man becomes a partaker of the divine nature. He is accepted in the beloved Family of God. " Ellen G. White Desire of Ages p. 675

Speaking of Christ the vine, Pastor Peter said in 2 Peter 1: 3-4

" According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that has called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these you might be partakers of the divine nature ...."

Cleansed by pruning. Fruitful by the power of His divine nature flowing through our lives.

May God grant us all the grace to accept his challenge to remain connected to Him.

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