ELCA Lutheran Sermon Sermons, Pastor Don Rose "What's the Point?" 2006-05-14

What's the point? In a world of extreme individualism and focus upon self, the point is that in Christ we are called into community as the branches of the vine that will bear the fruit of God's love for the world.

The Holy Gospel according to John, the 15th chapter:

"I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinegrower. 2He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit. 3You have already been cleansed£ by the word that I have spoken to you. 4Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. 5I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing. 6Whoever does not abide in me is thrown away like a branch and withers; such branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. 7If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples.

(John 15:1-8)