Connected!

For Friday, November 14, 2025:

John 15:5-6 NLT, Jesus speaking: “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. 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.”

In Jesus’ day, the economy was largely agricultural. Most people would have known the basics of tending sheep, and vineyards were abundant. So this vine/branches analogy helps clarify our relationship with Christ.

If a branch is severed from its host vine, it will wither and die, only to be tossed into the fire. But mankind will thrive when connected to the Creator, the source of life.

Knowing this, how could any of us ever get separated from the host? Neglect seems to be a key factor. Your vineyard needs water and fertilizer. Pruning away the unproductive branches leaves more nutrients for those focused on Jesus’ mission. Maintenance of our heavenly connection should top our list of “things to do today.”

Jesus promises a reward for our persistence. “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted!” He sums it up like this: “When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father.” Let’s put a smile on God’s face today!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Vine, Branches, Vineyard!

For Sunday, November 9, 2025:

John 15:1 NLT, Jesus speaking: “I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener.”

Jesus is teaching people who have tended vineyards, who know more than a wee bit about growing grapes. So it makes sense that he’d use an agricultural analogy as his example.

The Father is the gardener. He not only planted this vineyard, but he cares for it deeply and watches over it constantly. In fact, he planted his Son in the midst of everything!

Believers are the fruit of the Son’s mission. As long as believers are connected to the Son, the vine, they will thrive. But if severed, a lake of fire lies in their future. Total destruction!

Christians do their best to stay connected. We’re advised to join a local church, a community of like-minded believers. We’re told to study our Bibles daily. Belong to a small group. Hang out with like-minded people. Believers love the Lord and love their neighbors without fail. It’s an all-in, 24/7 commitment.

God knew that mankind would do better as a group, where we could lean on one another, where we could be accountable to one another. Satan’s temptations still haunt us, but God said that we won’t be tempted beyond our ability to resist.

As followers of Jesus, we have become children of God. So our religion has now become family business!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

My Vineyard!

For Friday, October 3, 2025:

Luke 20:15b-16 NLT: “What do you suppose the owner of the vineyard will do to them?” Jesus asked. “I’ll tell you—he will come and kill those farmers and lease the vineyard to others.”

Jesus is sharing the parable of the evil farmers. This is not a well-known story, but it has relevance for all of us, so let’s have a look.

A man planted a vineyard and leased it to others. As the owner, he was to receive a share of the crop. When it was time, he sent three representatives, and eventually his son, to claim his portion. The farmers drove away the reps, and murdered the man’s son, hoping to keep the vineyard for themselves. Jesus asks the listeners, “What do you suppose the owner of the vineyard will do to them?”

You already know Jesus’ answer: “He will come and kill those farmers and lease the vineyard to others.”

In this parable, the man with the vineyard is God Almighty. The farmers are prospective believers who made the wrong decision. They had a chance at eternal life, but they tried to cut God out of their lives. Didn’t work. As it turns out, God cut them out of His life! They had their chance. God will share eternity with those who are loyal and obedient!

Just like the farmers, each of us has been given an opportunity to play on the Jesus team. Have you said “yes?” I hope so. That’s the answer that points to eternal life in God’s Kingdom!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship