Centered In Christ

Centered In Christ: A Journey Through John 15

On the first Sunday of July, as we gather at Maple Avenue Ministries, we embark on a profound exploration of what it means to be **Centered In Christ**. This sermon draws from one of the most enriching passages in the Bible,  John 15:1-17, where Jesus presents the metaphor of the vine and the branches to illustrate our relationship with Him.

Abiding in Christ

The central theme of this scripture is the concept of abiding in Christ. Jesus uses the imagery of a vine to express the necessity of staying connected to Him. In John 15:4, He says, "Abide in me as I abide in you." To abide means to remain or stay, emphasizing the importance of making our permanent home in Christ. Just as a plant thrives when it is firmly rooted, we too must find stability in our connection to Jesus to bear fruit.

Bearing Fruit

What does it mean to bear fruit? In the context of this passage, fruit symbolizes the outcomes of living a life centered in Christ. The fruit we produce should foster beauty, nourishment, and generational growth. This means our actions and lives should positively impact not only ourselves but also our community and future generations.

Jesus emphasizes in John 15:8 that bearing much fruit glorifies the Father and proves us to be His disciples. Our lives should reflect qualities like love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, as highlighted by the fruits of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23.

The Commandment of Love

A pivotal part of being centered in Christ is understanding and practicing the commandment of love. In John 15:12, Jesus commands, "Love one another as I have loved you." This love is sacrificial, as demonstrated in John 15:13, "No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends."

Love is not merely a feeling but a deliberate action. It requires us to step beyond our comfort zones and extend kindness, patience, and generosity to others, even those we may not consider friends.

Practical Applications

Living a life centered in Christ involves practical daily actions. Here are a few ways to embody this:

- Prayer: Take time to intercede for others, showing love through spiritual support.
- Generosity: Offer help, whether it’s a meal, a listening ear, or financial aid.
- Presence: Be available to those in need, offering friendship, companionship and understanding.

To be Centered In Christ is to abide in His love and follow His commandment to love one another. By doing so, we not only align ourselves with His teachings but also create a community that thrives on mutual support and spiritual growth. Let us commit to this journey of faith, allowing our lives to reflect the love and joy of Christ, bearing fruit that nourishes and sustains our community for generations to come.

We are grateful for Nasario Pena for leading us into this text and know it will produce a harvest of righteousness.