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READ:  John 15:1-10
LISTEN: John 15

I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5

God uses vineyard imagery throughout Scripture to illustrate his relationship with his people. His people are to grow spiritual fruit and bless the world. However, through the prophet Isaiah, God describes Israel as his vineyard that produced bad fruit (Isaiah 5:1-7). Jesus, God’s Son, later declares himself the “true vine,” revealing he is the way God’s people can produce the fruit God desires. This powerful metaphor teaches that without a connection to Jesus, spiritual fruit is not possible.

Being connected to the vine starts with accepting Jesus’s love and forgiveness through his death on the cross for our sins. Breaking free from sin begins by admitting we need Jesus and that apart from him, we can do nothing (John 15:5). Sometimes, we accept his forgiveness but struggle to receive and remain in his love. We might think we need to work harder, but Jesus is waiting for surrender. Through his Holy Spirit, he transforms our character to produce the fruit of “love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23).

TODAY: You cannot break free from sin apart from Jesus. If you’ve never accepted his love and forgiveness, today is the day. Tell him about your sin and that you believe he died and rose again to set you free from sin. If you’d like to have a conversation about accepting Jesus, email us at btw@adabible.org. We’d love to talk with you. If you already follow Jesus, thank him for your connection to him as the vine. Join Ada Worship as they sing “Firm Foundation” and praise Jesus for being your solid ground.