At least a dozen apple trees dot the church property. Most of these trees are old. All of them are untended. As a result, they are big, full trees with lots of branches. The large number of branches is bad for their fruitfulness. Most of the trees produce apples, but none of them produce the apples they could. Every year some branches will be loaded with apples, but many are practically leafless and cannot begin to produce healthy fruit. Because the tree is not able to provide enough nutrients to all its branches many are barren. An apple branch will bear no apples unless it is attached to the tree, but if it is attached to an overloaded tree or unhealthy tree it will not produce fruit. The Christian is a branch connected to a Vine who is infinitely powerful and unfailingly perfect. The abiding Christian will be fruitful because the Trunk supporting him is sufficient to supply all that is needed to bear fruit.

The Vine supplies abundant resources for every need of every believer. Jesus supplies all the Christian and all a Christian church needs to serve Him for His glory. The Christian who is depending on Jesus needs never fear he will come up short at a crucial moment. The Christian who is depending on Jesus need not despair when things do not go according to plan. The Christian who is depending on Jesus can be faithful in obedience because he trusts Christ to bring about His intended results. This confident obedience gives great peace. The Christian does not have to make things happen. All he has to do is obey and trust.

Jesus promises the ones abiding in Him will bear much fruit. “He that abideth in the me, and I in him, the same bringeth much fruit.” Jesus also said,“I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit shall remain.” This promise is certain. It is as certain as God’s promise to save you and give you eternal life. It as certain as the presence of the Holy Spirit within you. If you are abiding, you will be fruitful. Jesus saved you so you would be fruitful. He chose you to go out and bring forth eternal fruit. Because He chose you He empowers you. Because He is the all-powerful Creator He is sufficient for the ministry He has called you to do. He is mighty to make you fruitful. If you abide in Him, He will make you fruitful.

Abiding in Jesus is a hopeful admission that He has given you all the strength you need to successfully live the Christian life. Because of Jesus you are righteous, you are able to come boldly before the throne of grace and you have eternal life. Because of Jesus you have His Holy Spirit, you are gifted to do the work of the ministry, you are equipped for every good work and you are able to be pleasing to Him. Because you are in the Vine, you have all you need to be fruitful for Him.