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Friday, November 5, 2010

The difference is are you growing?


As a pastor I constantly run into people who ask me the question " what is the difference between United Methodist and other denominations", the second most asked question is why go to church because they all say something different? Well a person should go to church for a variety of reasons, however the church you choose to become apart of should equip you Spiritually to live in our society daily. In short the difference between the church you belong to and others should be the fact that your church is where you grow the most! You go where you can grow. Jesus wants us to be healthy and whole, to grow and bear fruit. Our text for today say's it a little better than I can, lets look:

John 15:1-8 (NIV)

“I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 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. 3 You have already been pruned and purified by the message I have given you. 4 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.

5 “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. 6 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. 7 But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted! 8 When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father.

God calls us to grow, the more we grow and are pruned, the more fruit we will bear for the kingdom of Christ. So the difference is are you growing in all ways, spiritually, emotionally,mentally etc? Despite the name on the building, or the denominational affiliation, go where you grow!

Dear God , help us to not get caught up in names of churches or preachers but to plant ourselves in good soil so that we may grow for you. Amen!

Until Next Time, Love
P.J.

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