John 15: 1-4; 9-11
1 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes[a] so that it will be even more fruitful. 3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4 Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.
9 “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10 If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. 11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.
In July, a short term missions (STM) team of seven went to China for two weeks to partner with two organizations, Compassion for Migrant Children and Starfish Project. In many ways, God used their time in China to redeem, restore, and affirm who they are in Christ. They each had moments where they were WITH God. For some of them, it was seeing a bigger picture of God through migrant workers, human trafficking and China; for others it was realizing they were dealing with the lies of unworthiness, value and identity. They all experienced God’s love through the love within their team in community. He affirmed their identity and worth in Christ.
We are worthy despite our past and pains because God chose us to be His sons and daughters. God wants to be in communion WITH us. Pure joy is from abiding WITH God’s will – as you are being fed by the vine. He sees you.
Watch a small glimpse of the STM team’s time in China on Vimeo! http://vimeo.com/30582582
Listen to this sermon and others online!
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