The True Vine of Agape
Sermonette by Bill OnisickJesus Christ is the Vine and His Father is the Vinedresser; we are the branches, subject to trimming and pruning in order that we bear abundant fruit.
The Vinedresser - Revisited
Sermonette by Clyde FinkleaDr. Bruce Wilkinson explains that 'takes away' should be more properly rendered 'takes up,' meaning new grape vines are lifted out of the dirt.
The Vinedresser
CGG Weekly by Clyde FinkleaJohn 15:2 may seem to say that the Vinedresser cuts off every barren branch, but the Greek behind "takes away" shows something else. Here is what God does.
Responding to God's Pruning Is Not Passive (Part One)
Sermon by David F. MaasOur Heavenly Father, the Vine Dresser, has provided His junior partners some valuable tools to assist in pruning and cultivating His emerging spiritual crop.
Christ, the Chief Cornerstone
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughIf a foundation is flawed, the building cannot stand. God built His spiritual temple on the prophets and the apostles, and Jesus Christ is the chief cornerstone.
Pruning and Cleansing
CGG Weekly by Charles WhitakerJesus takes away unproductive branches and prunes productive ones. Both actions involve cutting, but the reasons for and the results of God's cutting are different.
Without Me, You Can Do Nothing (Part One)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeWe tend to avoid acknowledging our weaknesses, but at some point, each of us will admit our powerlessness and inability to carry out God's will on our own.
The Branch Of God's Planting
Sermonette by Bill OnisickThree factors are necessary for successful grafting: (1) compatibility, (2) alignment and pressure, and (3) proper care of the joint site.
John (Part Twenty-Two)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughJesus encouraged His disciples by promising to send the Holy Spirit to empower them for the challenges of the Christian life, making us sensitive to God.
John (Part Twenty-Three)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughIn Christ's vine and branch analogy, Jesus presents Himself as the true or genuine Vine, as contrasted to the unfaithful vine (ancient Israel).
Hebrews: Its Background (Part Nine)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe Book of Hebrews is a must-read for all members of God's church who seek the key for spiritual growth through a meaningful relationship with Jesus Christ.
Fully Accepting God's Sovereignty (Part Six, Conclusion)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Our responsibility is to yield to God's sovereignty. Nevertheless, God has enabled us to freely sin, but holds us responsible for governing ourselves.
Until the Kingdom
Sermonette by Bill OnisickJesus' statement, 'I will not drink of this fruit of the vine ... until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father's kingdom" looks like a contradiction.
Childrearing (Part Three)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughOur children internalize our values; we teach largely by example. If we do not take seriously the responsibility for rearing our children, somebody else will.
Unleavened Bread and the Holy Spirit (Part One)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)God's command to eat unleavened bread teaches that He rescued His people from the bondage of sin, something they had no power to accomplish of themselves.
John (Part One)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughJohn presents Jesus, not as a phantom emanation, but as the reality, transcending the shadows represented by the temporal physical life.
The Book of Joel (Part Three)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsIn the fullness of time, God will pour His spirit on all peoples, including those who had formerly directed their hostility on God and His chosen people.