Jesus used the metaphor of a branch connected to a vine to describe the importance of a disciple’s connection to him. He told his disciples to “abide” or “remain” in him, as a branch remains in the vine. Again, stressing the need for connection.
Before creation of the universe, God existed a three people living in communit7y. Their “connection” was their relationship. Their “connection” was the love, communication and heart-focus they gave each other. He is existed outside of time and space in giving, mutual community.
Then, he conceived of a way to demonstrate his nature before the universe. He created a world and populated it with humanity. Humans are like God in personality. There were meant to join in community and connect to one another in love, communication, heart-focus and mutual service. Other humans were to be initiated into this community. And the human community would also be connected to God in the same way.
Even after the Fall. God’s purpose remained the same. To create a community connected to himself, connected to one another, and demonstrating his character to all creation. This demonstration and connection become more important after the Fall, because of its function as an invitation to join him in community. Living in connection with God and connect with his human community should stand stark contrast to the remainder of the world.
Those who follow Jesus are connected to one another by the quality of their relationships. In the smae way, those who follow Jesus are connected to Jesus by the quality of their relationship to him.
The health of the branch is based on the quality of the connection to the vine. The health of the Jesus-follower is based on the quality of the connection to Jesus. The vine and branch have a physical connection. Jesus and his disciples have a relational connection.
Before creation of the universe, God existed a three people living in communit7y. Their “connection” was their relationship. Their “connection” was the love, communication and heart-focus they gave each other. He is existed outside of time and space in giving, mutual community.
Then, he conceived of a way to demonstrate his nature before the universe. He created a world and populated it with humanity. Humans are like God in personality. There were meant to join in community and connect to one another in love, communication, heart-focus and mutual service. Other humans were to be initiated into this community. And the human community would also be connected to God in the same way.
Even after the Fall. God’s purpose remained the same. To create a community connected to himself, connected to one another, and demonstrating his character to all creation. This demonstration and connection become more important after the Fall, because of its function as an invitation to join him in community. Living in connection with God and connect with his human community should stand stark contrast to the remainder of the world.
Those who follow Jesus are connected to one another by the quality of their relationships. In the smae way, those who follow Jesus are connected to Jesus by the quality of their relationship to him.
The health of the branch is based on the quality of the connection to the vine. The health of the Jesus-follower is based on the quality of the connection to Jesus. The vine and branch have a physical connection. Jesus and his disciples have a relational connection.
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