Pray Pray and Pray Again
In the heart of Drew’s sermon lies a profound truth: our essential need to stay connected to Jesus, who identifies Himself as the Vine. Drew eloquently illustrates how our brokenness and the prideful pursuit of our own understanding separate us from God. Yet, despite our imperfections, God’s love remains unwavering, for He is not only loving but also just and holy.
Holiness, as Drew emphasizes, signifies the absence of imperfection in God’s presence. Despite this, God desires communion with us, His beloved creation. Thus, He sent Jesus to bridge the gap between our flawed selves and His perfect holiness. We cannot accomplish what Jesus does for us; hence, our primary task is to remain connected to the Vine, Jesus Christ.
Our connection to the Vine is sustained through prayer, as Drew passionately imparts. Prayer becomes our lifeline, reminding us of our complete dependence on Jesus every moment of every day. Drew echoes the apostle Paul’s exhortation in 1 Thessalonians 5:17, urging us to “pray without ceasing.” This constant communion with God reinforces our bond with the Vine, ensuring our spiritual vitality.
Drew’s sermon echoes the timeless truth that Jesus is the true Vine, the source of abundant life. In a world filled with distractions and temptations, our sole purpose remains: to abide in Him. As Drew so powerfully articulates, “What else is there to do but to cling to Jesus?” In Him alone do we find redemption, restoration, and true fulfillment.
Drawing from Drew’s poignant words, we are reminded of God’s meticulous care and attention to every detail of His creation. From the very beginning, God walked in union with humanity, longing for communion with His beloved. Despite our rebellion and the curse of sin, God never forgot us.
Consider the thorns — once a consequence of humanity’s disobedience, causing pain and suffering. Yet, in the ultimate act of redemption, God orchestrated a divine reversal. On the cross, Jesus wore a crown of thorns, bearing the weight of our sin and shame. This profound symbol of suffering became a testament to God’s unfathomable love. In the thorns that pierced Christ’s brow, we see the depth of God’s commitment to our redemption.
God is the great and perfect author who will never forget you. He never misses or forgets a detail of your life. Every moment, every struggle, every joy is held in His loving embrace. Lakeview Christian Church in Portage Lakes invites you to embrace this truth and experience the depth of God’s love firsthand.
As we reflect on Drew’s sermon, let us embrace the call to abide in the Vine with fervent prayer and unwavering trust. May we heed the words of Jesus, who assures us, “Apart from me, you can do nothing” (John 15:5). In our constant communion with the Vine, we discover the abundant life and enduring grace that flow from our Savior’s boundless love. Let us, as a community, commit to staying connected to the Vine and bearing fruit that glorifies God’s name.
