Daily Readings - Sun Apr 29 2018
Acts
26And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple.27But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.28And he was with them coming in and going out at Jerusalem.29And he spake boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, and disputed against the Grecians: but they went about to slay him.30Which when the brethren knew, they brought him down to Caesarea, and sent him forth to Tarsus.31Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.
1 John
18My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.19And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him.20For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.21Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God.22And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.23And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.24And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.
John
1I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.2Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.3Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.4Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.5I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.6If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.7If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.8Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter powerful messages about unity, love, and our connection to God. The first reading from Acts recounts Paul's journey as he joins the early Christian community in Jerusalem, with Barnabas's support, and his courageous preaching to the Gentiles. This passage highlights the unity and growth of the early church, despite the challenges they faced. The second reading from 1 John emphasizes the importance of expressing love through actions rather than just words, and the necessity of obeying God's commandments. The Gospel from John presents Jesus as the vine, teaching us that our ability to bear fruit depends on our connection to Him.
These readings are interconnected through the theme of relationship and unity. Just as the early church found strength in their unity and faith, we too are called to live in harmony with one another. The second reading underscores that genuine love is demonstrated through our actions and obedience to God's will. The Gospel reinforces this by illustrating that our spiritual vitality and effectiveness in serving others stem from our abiding relationship with Jesus.
In our daily lives, these teachings remind us to stay connected to God through prayer and community. By loving others through our actions and remaining faithful to God's commandments, we bear fruit that glorifies Him. Let us strive to maintain a deep connection with Jesus, allowing His love to flow through us, so that we may serve others and bring joy to God's heart.