One of the questions our minister asked the congregation at the beginning of yesterday's sermon was, "What is the difference between a branch and a stick?" Several congregation members popped up with the right answer, "A branch is still connected to the tree. A stick isn't."

"Yes, I am the Vine; you are the branches. Whoever lives in me and I in him shall produce a large crop of fruit. For apart from me you can't do a thing. If anyone separates from me, he is thrown away like a useless branch, withers, and is gathered into a pile with all the others and burned."

~ John 15:5 - 6 LAB

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Bible Commentary:  "Many people try to do good, be honest, and do what is right. But Jesus says the only way to live a truly good life is to stay close to Him, like a branch attached to the vine. Apart from Him our efforts are unfruitful. Are we receiving the nourishment and life offered by Christ? If not, we may be missing the special gift He has for us."

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