Wesley Memorial Church (High Point, NC) Sermons & Podcast

A lot of people turn away from religion because they feel this pressure to be more than they are, that you never measure up, sort of like Michael Stipe singing "Losing my Religion". "I haven't said enough...I said too much." The sense of oncoming pressure to perform and be "fruitful" is too daunting a task.

However, Jesus doesn't put this pressure on us to perform. All of your religious striving, your failing, your falling short, Jesus says I’ve got you. Stop trying to do on your own what I can only help you do: bear much fruit. Fruit just comes through my Spirit at work in your life. If you abide in me, trust in me Jesus says...I will birth my love, joy, peace, patience and more through you. But apart from me...you can do nothing. You can't bear the characteristics of God apart from a relationship with me.

Jesus is saying to the nation of Israel and also to us today: you’re right. You can’t do this. I will now make this possible for you. WE are the same as they. We have the same needs as a people. As hard as we try to be moral and good people, we will fail but Jesus says if you stay connected to me….

I’ll prune you. Pruning has a purpose. Pruning is not punishment.