Sermon: Abide In Me and In My Love
Scripture: John 15: 9-17
Theme: Abiding with and in another comes by way of invitation. All that is needed has already been set up. In this passage, love, the most sacred and human need, is ready to be known and shared. This type of preparation that Jesus beckons us to is a beautiful expression of hospitality. It comes with nourishment, protection, even self-sacrifice illustrated last week in the vine and branches providing the means of nourishment and fruitfulness to this week when the vine is poured out into a cup on the communion table, set and waiting for us. The best of hospitality engenders joy- the deepest, most surprising, fully hopeful, and assuring joy (convinced that will exist in the experience of love hosting).