Biblically the church only exists to be a faithful steward of the kingdom of God. The church exists to help us all grow as disciples of Jesus. And we are disciples of Jesus when we bear much fruit of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

But as John 15:1-8 tells us (below), we can’t bear the fruit of the Holy Spirit in our lives out of our own strength or will power. We bear fruit in our lives only when we remain relationally connected to the Vine, Jesus. For Jesus is the true power source of life.

As I said, biblically, the church is to be a faithful steward of God’s kingdom. The church IS NOT the kingdom of God. The church IS NOT the vine. The church IS NOT the power source of life. Simply attending church services alone will never empower you to grow as a true disciple of Jesus.

My Prayer

My prayer is that the modern church rediscovers its biblical purpose for existence. For it exists to help us all to remain connected with the power source of Jesus in relational community. This is why the church should exist.

Reflect

Meditate on John 15:1-8 below:

“Jesus said to his apostles, “I am the true vine. You are the branches. My Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that doesn’t produce fruit. He does this so that it will produce even more fruit. You are already clean because of my teaching. Live in me, as I live in you. No branch can produce fruit apart from the vine. The branch must remain in the vine. You cannot produce fruit unless you remain in me. If you live in me and I live in you, you will produce much fruit. But apart from me you can do nothing. If you do not live in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and dries up. And dried branches are gathered and thrown into the fire and burned up. If you live in me and my words live in you, ask me for whatever you desire, and it will be done for you. The Father is glorified when you produce much fruit. When you produce much fruit, you prove that you are my disciples.”