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The Tree and Its Branches
Recently, while traveling abroad for a meeting, I noticed the weather outside changed drastically—from bright sunshine suddenly to continuous rain. Hurriedly, I pulled out my coat from the bottom of my suitcase. Perhaps I pulled too hard, because the button connecting the hood to the shoulder was torn off. Due to rushing and excessive force, the damage needed to be repaired to reconnect properly.
This scene reminded me of John 15:4-8 (NKJV):
“Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.
I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.
If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned.
If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.
By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.”
I once observed a conversation between a mother and her daughter at church. The ten-year-old daughter cried to her mother, “My classmate doesn’t want to be my friend anymore.” The mother replied, “It’s because our family is poor; others look down on us. No one wants to be our friend. Next time, let’s attend another church. We shouldn’t come here again!”
Hearing this deeply saddened me. Parents’ mistaken ideas can mislead their children.
Why didn’t this mother ask her child directly why others didn’t want to be friends with her? When facing difficulties, we should first reflect on ourselves. In the church, believers come in many types—not everyone is spiritually strong; some are weak. Especially hurtful words shouldn’t be taken to heart. Both those who cause others to stumble and those who are stumbled will experience trouble.
Rather than changing churches or leaving entirely, we should instead change our hearts, asking the Lord Jesus to heal and strengthen our fragile spirits. Only when our hearts remain closely connected to Jesus can God’s words enter us, guiding us to live according to His truth and bearing the fruit of the Holy Spirit.
Let us build our families on the Word of God, making our homes a place where faith thrives and Christ’s love reigns. Come and learn more about the Doctrine through bible study, sermons and fellowship. We warmly invite you to our upcoming Spring Evangelical Service and Spiritual Convocation (ESSC) to discover how we can ensure a lasting spiritual legacy. Come, bring your family, and let’s run this race together in faith!
You can also join us for the Spring 2025 ESSC via online streaming.
Thursday, April 17, 2025 6:50PM to 8:10PM
Friday and Saturday, April 18-19, 2025 9:00AM to 8:10PM
Sunday, April 20, 2025 9:00AM to 1:00PM
Please find our church location below:
4N550 Church Road
Bensenville, IL 60106
Google Maps
In the meantime, please feel free to join us for our regular Sabbath (Friday evening and Saturday) services online or in-person.
Friday Evening Service: 7:50PM – 9:00PM
Saturday Morning Service: 10:50AM – 12:00Noon
Saturday Afternoon Service: 1:30PM – 2:40PM
Email us at ilovejesus@tjc-chicago.org