I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinegrower.

He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit.

Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit.

John 15:1–2

I am not a gardener by any stretch, but I do understand the concept of pruning.

Cutting down the plant allows for new, vibrant growth to occur.

If the plant is left unpruned, the health of the plant begins to decline.

Spiritually, this suggests that our faith has natural ups and downs, with the low moments creating opportunities to grow.

Most of us would not volunteer to be pruned, rather the pruning happens to us.

In Christ, we know the power of resurrection, that death is not the end of our story and that God can always do something new in our lives.

Message delivered by Pastor Ben Sandin.