I write this study because of a burden the Lord has placed on my heart. The burden relates to the state of the church in our day. Many believers are content with their spiritual lives. Reading John 15:1-8, however, I am struck by the words "fruit," "more fruit," and "much fruit." In these words, the Lord Jesus expresses the desire of the Heavenly Vinedresser that we become more productive.

The second part of the burden relates to the source of our strength and wisdom for the task. The imagery of a vine and its branches rebukes our self-reliance and shows us that, connected to the Vine as the source of all power and authority, there is no limit to what God can do.

I trust that the Lord will enable us to see His heart for us as branches on the Vine. I pray that He will give us greater passion and boldness to be His instruments in a world that so desperately needs a Saviour.