The Confession of Sins The Absolution The Introit p. 16
Introit
Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts:
of Him and through Him and to Him are all things.
Psalm. O Lord, our Lord:
how excellent is Thy name in all the earth!
The Gloria Patri The Kyrie p. 17 The Gloria in Excelsis The Salutation and Collect p. 19
Collect
Almighty and everlasting God, who hast given unto us, Thy servants, grace, by the confession of a true faith, to acknowledge the glory of the eternal Trinity and in the power of the Divine Majesty to worship the Unity, we beseech Thee that Thou wouldst lump us steadfast in this faith and evermore defend us from all adversities; who liveth, etc.
The Epistle and Gradual
Gradual
Blessed art Thou, O Lord, who beholdest the deep;
and who dwellest between the cherubim.
V. Blessed art Thou, O Lord, in the firmament of heaven:
and greatly to be praised forever. Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
V. Blessed art Thou, O Lord God of our fathers:
and greatly to be praised and glorified forever. Hallelujah!
The Sanctus p. 26 The Lord's Prayer p. 27 The Words of Institution The Agnus Dei p. 28 The Nunc Dimittis p. 29 The Benediction p. 31 The Hymn #249Isaiah Mighty Prophet
Prayers and Announcements
Tomorrow marks the day in which we honor our soldiers who died in battle, and we honor all those who have served our country.
Diagnosis and treatment - Sarah Buck, Pastor Jim Shrader and Chris, Kermit Way; Lori Howell. Doc Lito and his son were both in the hospital.
Bible John will receive a Super Giant Print Bible with the cover inscription Bible John KJV.
KJV Romans 11:33 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! 34 For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor? 35 Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? 36 For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.
KJV John 3:1 There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: 2 The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him. 3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. 4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? 5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. 8 The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit. 9 Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be? 10 Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things? 11 Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness. 12 If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things? 13 And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven. 14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: 15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
How Excellent Is Thy Name Psalm 8:1
KJV John 3:1 There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: 2 The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.
This is a great discussion between Jesus and a Jewish leader. Nicodemus was just beginning to have faith, but he was still captive to Pharisaical Judaism, human reason, and living in a region occupied by Rome. There is plenty of fear in his visit to Jesus, because he came at night when he would not easily be identified by others and condemned. He had some confidence in Jesus and spoke about the miracles, but he was still tentative.
3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
Instead of arguing Nicodemus into fellowship, Jesus began with His divinity majesty, not persuading but leaving Nicodemus confidence and bewildered. Saying truly truly for emphasis, Jesus lays down an absolute. "Born again" is literally "born from above." Nicodemus knows nothing, in spite of all his knowledge. He thinks he is very much in God's realm but his confusion reveals that he really knows nothing. The term "born from above" has a secondary meaning of "born again." Nicodemus is so stuck in reason and tradition that he cannot understand the divine meaning from Jesus, not only as a teacher, but The Teacher, the Son of God declaring - not explaining or persuading, as in sales. The power of the Gospel turns unbelief and shallow belief into being joined with the True Vine (John 15).
4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?
This shows that Nicodemus has made a small effort to connect with the Savior, but by asking such nonsense, he shows that he does not have the basics. The disciples were often stunned and confused, because Jesus was teaching what they needed to know and they could only imagine the future of being lords over the world. Nicodemus is an excellent example of those academics who speak very boldly in some respects but are dark in their own spiritual grasp, ashamed to become like a small child, trusting in the Savior. The academics offer some tidbits of faith, enough to show the importance of Jesus, but not enough to trust in Him. They do not want child-like faith but rest on (instead of wearing) the laurels of academe. They are filled with "problems, contradictions, and doubts." Nicodemus wants to make Jesus step back in suggesting something impossible, perhaps ask for a correction or modification. The term "from above" is very much like "a little while" - a simple term but filled with divine wisdom. Jesus is the example of being "from above," from heaven, the Son of God.
KJV James 3:17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.
KJV Romans 10: 6 But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above:)
5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
This is where people brush right by Holy Baptism and deny infant baptism. When my neighbor unwrapped her newborn baby at Walmart, the little girl turned toward me, fixed her eyes on me and my voice, and responded with coos and smiles. The grammar of this passage means - A man must be water-born and Spirit-born to enter the Kingdom of God. Those people enchanted by all our earthly values (even though provided by God) often though Jesus teaches being Spirit-born, receiving the Word of God energized by the Spirit always, never apart from the Word.
7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. 8 The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit. 9 Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be? 10 Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things?
The earth and all stars were created by the Lord, and the Spirit teaches us. We are the only country that has tornadoes and the prime areas for them form in the Great Plains (which were devoid of trees, even though the eastern states were packed with trees originally. Who figured that out?)
We know that the winds are powerful and yet invisible. We can see power of the winds, the debris, but not the wind itself. In Hebrew, wind and Spirit are the same, in Greek wind and Spirit are also the same. Even our human language reflects God's Creation.
Believers are the true Pentecostals because believe that the Holy Spirit is always at work in the Word. They also know the Spirit is very powerful and easily experienced through the Word.
11 Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness. 12 If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things?
Nicodemus represents the wise men of the world. Jesus is saying, "These are just the basics. There is so much more to learn, understand, and believe. If someone does not know the foundational truths, how can know anything about heaven, which is so far beyond us?"
13 And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven. 14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: 15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
I see the climax of the very next verse as proof of the planning of God, because John 3:16 depends on the metal serpents, and the bronze figures declared the future Christ teaching, healing, and rising to everlasting life.
KJV Numbers 21:6 And the Lord sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and much people of Israel died. 7 Therefore the people came to Moses, and said, We have sinned, for we have spoken against the Lord, and against thee; pray unto the Lord, that he take away the serpents from us. And Moses prayed for the people. 8 And the Lord said unto Moses, Make thee a fiery serpent, and set it upon a pole: and it shall come to pass, that every one that is bitten, when he looketh upon it, shall live. 9 And Moses made a serpent of brass, and put it upon a pole, and it came to pass, that if a serpent had bitten any man, when he beheld the serpent of brass, he lived.
Always remember - the New Testament is a series of sermons about the Old Testament. John's Gospel is very clear about the Five Books of Moses. The serpent story is very strange but it only made sense when Jesus explained it. John even called Jesus the Exegete (Explainer) of God, John 1.
The Spirit of the Lord filleth the world: Hallelujah!
Let the righteous be glad; let them rejoice before God: yea, let them exceedingly rejoice. Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Psalm. Let God arise; let His enemies be scattered: let them also that hate Him flee before Him.
The Gloria Patri The Kyrie p. 17 The Gloria in Excelsis The Salutation and Collect p. 19
Collect
O God, who didst teach the hearts of Thy faithful people by sending to them the light of Thy Holy Spirit, grant us by the same Spirit to have a right judgment in all things and evermore to rejoice in His holy comfort; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, who with Thee and the Holy Ghost liveth, etc.
The Epistle
Gradual
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Thou sendest forth Thy Spirit, they are created:
and Thou renewest the face of the earth. Hallelujah!
Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of the faithful:
Hebrews 13:14 For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come. God has called from our midst Randy Carlson. His memorial will be in October. He is survived by his wife Ivy, his daughters Andrea, Avelin, and Aimee.
Prayers continue for Dr. Lito Cruz' surgery, Lori Howell, Pastor Jim Shrader and Chris Shrader, and Sarah Buck.
Five Super Large Print and ten Large Print KJVs were delivered Saturday to be distributed for prison ministry and retired people.
Veterans Honor Rose on the altar, with Enchanted Peace. David Austin: Poet's Wife yellow; Queen of Sweden pink; and a two color.
KJV Acts 2:1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. 3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. 5 And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. 6 Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. 7 And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans? 8 And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born? 9 Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia, 10 Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, 11 Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God. 12 And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this? 13 Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine.
KJV John 14:23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. 24 He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me. 25 These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you. 26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. 27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. 28 Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I. 29 And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe. 30 Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me. 31 But that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do. Arise, let us go hence.
Keeping His Words
KJV John 14:23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. 24 He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me.
This passage should be a turning point for teachers, pastors, and various salaried managers (circuit pastors, district presidents, synod presidents, and bishops). However, it is not and seems to be mysterious to all those who pose as servants of the Word of God. Claiming "this is what they taught me" cannot stand the test, because the Scriptures are the ruling norm of the Christian Faith. No one has the authority to usurp the Word but that is done on a daily basis. As a result, few people understand the work of the Holy Spirit and therefore become more likely to drift into man-made ideas in conflict with the Scriptures.
Abode is an antique word but not mysterious, we use it in a favorite hymn - Abide With Me. Where people live is an abode, where people stay, unlike a visit or a lodge. So first of all, Jesus teaches the disciples about the Father and Son abiding in the disciples. But the Spirit is promised for the future. The disciples enjoyed their fellowship with Jesus, but they would be without Him for a little while until - the Spirit came upon them.
I was very puzzled by all the strange and conflicting statements from people who claimed to be experts in the Christian Faith. Hoenecke, who was a Biblical theologian wrote this, "The Spirit never without the Word, the Word never without the Spirit. That is sound doctrine." A liberal district president said off-handly - "It only happens through the Word." That left the pastors puzzled silent and deaf, because the Trinity is typically omitted from modern theology. The hip guys and girls only accept God in some, small trifling way. The Trinity is dark to them.
25 These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you. 26 But the Comforter (or Advocate), which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
This is essential, crucial. The Father and Son sent the Holy Spirit to the apostles, who sent the Spirit to their audience (faith comes by hearing) through adult and infant baptism. That also meant that the New Testament Scriptures were guided 100% by the Holy Spirit.
The Father will send the Spirit in the Name of Jesus. (Trinity)
He will teach all things to the Apostles
He will cause the Apostles to remember all things.
That is why the Scriptures are called efficacious, effective, always united with the Holy Spirit, which is why unbelievers and apostates cannot understand them and remain indifferent or even deaf to the Word. That is also why the Spirit's work is primarily to condemn the world of its unbelief. The condemnation can wake people up.
KJV John 16:8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: 9 Of sin, because they believe not on me; 10 Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; 11 Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.
These passages teach us about the power and primacy of the Word of God. We can open the Bible at any point and know with certainty that the Spirit is at work in what we are reading and remembering. In the Old Testament too, there is such a wealth that we cannot learn it in a lifetime but those Spirit-given words will shape and bless our thinking, our words, our prayers.
Faith is required to listen, read, and understand through the Holy Spirit. There is something for our benefit and our troubles all through the Bible, and in directly related sources. Hymns are a great source of spiritual medicine. So are sound books.
Some Biblical passages are quite difficult and they deserve our efforts in clarity. It can take decades to learn what is there and what has been tangled, mangled, and Fuller-angled.
It means the Spirit is teaching us about God the Father and God the Son.
27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
God answers our prayers according to His will. We should never ignore that blessing, and always keep in mind, God is fulfilling that request before we even ask - Ephesians and Isaiah.
KJV Ephesians 3:20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,
21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.
Isaiah 65:24 And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.
Tis funny that people put so little stock in God's will and action, but they count on their own gimmicks and attractions. Ancient Rome kept people relatively happy with free bread and Coliseum sports and spectacles. Everything was going downhill after Christ was born, crucified and raised from the dead. Rome had limits on its empire but the Christian Faith spread across the world by people believing in the King of Kings.
28 Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I. 29 And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe.
Comforting can come later. Trials and difficulties fill our minds, but the presence of the Holy Spirit is always there to guide believers. Jesus carefully guided the disciples so they would not be completely lost, though they did use a locked room for safety. The disciples were given layer upon layer of proof of Jesus' divinity, and that comes to us as well. Their shortcomings encourage us because they were ordinary men in a harsh political system, and Jesus fulfilled His many promises.
29 And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe. 30 Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me. 31 But that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do. Arise, let us go hence.
And so, we must see in this Gospel - that everything is in God's hand.
Pentecost Monday Text KJV John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. 21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.
The Sanctus p. 26 The Lord's Prayer p. 27 The Words of Institution The Agnus Dei p. 28 The Nunc Dimittis p. 29 The Benediction p. 31 The Hymn #370My Hope Is Built
In Our Prayers
Randy Anderson is at home; Sarah Buck; Dr. Lito Cruz, his wife and son; Pastor Jim Shrader and his wife Chris; Lori Howell; Kermit; those with stress and metabolic disorders.
We have ordered 15 Bibles for Bible John, 5 Super Giant Print, 10 Giant Print for prison ministries. All KJV.
The Letha cul-de-sac was festooned with roses for Mothers Day.
1 Peter 4:7 But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. 8 And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. 9 Use hospitality one to another without grudging. 10 As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 11 If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
John 15:26 But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me: 27 And ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning. 16:1 These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended. 2 They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service. 3 And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me. 4 But these things have I told you, that when the time shall come, ye may remember that I told you of them. And these things I said not unto you at the beginning, because I was with you.
Proverbs 31
10 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. 11 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. 12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. 13 She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. 14 She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar. 15 She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. 16 She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. 17 She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms. 18 She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night. 19 She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. 20 She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. 21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet. 22 She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple. 23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land. 24 She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant. 25 Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. 26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. 27 She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. 28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. 29 Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. 30 Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised. 31 Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.
Let Her Own Works Praise Her in the Gates
This is an easy passage to discuss, especially since I have so many years and experiences. But first, I have to confess that I should have praised my mother as much as my fellow students still do. She is praised for being a favorite teacher at Garfield and Coolidge. Looking back in time, I can remember the time I was interviewed for entering kindergarten with her taking part. Apparently I passed. We were in the same building, Garfield Elementary in Moline, which is now broken up into condo units. When I went on, to John Deere Junior High and then Coolidge, I realized she was connected to all the teachers, also true of Moline High.
I liked the idea of going to Augustana College, within walking distance. Those instructors also knew my mother, who took 10 years to finish college at Augie, teaching one room country schools during that time. She knew the college faculty and they knew me. The first day of English class I met my future wife, Christina, and decided to ask her out and maybe marry me.
My mother had four of us, managed the household, cooked, taught my sister domestic skills, and watched over all our activities. I was also drafted to do household chores, cut the grass, and rake leaves. We went to church every Sunday and went to Sunday School, where my mother also taught. She participated in many school, church, and community activities.
There was nothing else to do on Sunday, because all stores were closed, except the drugstore, which closed at noon on Sunday. Theaters were not open. The only restaurant was closed. Sports were for Friday and Saturday. We watched TV on Sunday and went to bed.
My mother and father grew up on the family farm, but FDR took care of that. They entered adulthood in their 20s and only knew work, no longer on the farm. They did what they needed to support themselves.
My mother's family farm waited to get electricity, which was a big deal. I urged her to get a computer, but she said, "I am waiting for the prices to go down." And she did, using an old DOS computer and typing to all her friends and former students. She loved editing with the keyboard instead of erasers. She posted letters all the time, when she lived at our house in Phoenix.
The post-WWII Baby Boomers had the advantage of parents who were trained at home and at church, respecting our Constitutional Republic and the Christian Church. That is no longer true, and I blame the long march of radicalism in the school system and in the denominations. If anyone thinks ELCA is bad, the Waltherian Four are close behind ELCA and working with them using their agenda. That agenda relishes the same categories. Corporations are going along with DEI, pushing other radical trends.
Since the basics of the family have been under attack for the last 50 years or more, it is essential for Christian believers to provide a shelter from the propaganda. The True Vine parable is a good example of that quiet but aggressive media storm. Jesus is the True Vine and the Father is the Gardener, John 15. This is a parable we should know quite well. I spent most of the time yesterday and today, gardening by pruning roses and watering them with rainwater. The spent blooms and deadwood are pruned away - that is primary because flowering energizes the plant. Rainwater has a perfect fertilizer (imagine that!), and pruning wakes up root and stem growth, as well as the buds that grow the flower and the hips (Vitamin C, good for tea).
KJV John 15:2 Every 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. 3 Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. 4 Abide 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.
This by itself is a perfect description of the Christian life. As long as we stay with Christ, believe in Him, we have access to God's grace (Romans 5:1-2 for synodicals).
The Gospel does not eliminate tribulations, but glorifies in them through faith in the Savior. Faith = righteousness, so the cross must always appear. It is through Justification by Faith that we are purged of our sins and bear fruit. Lacking faith, removing ourselves from the True Vine, means we cannot be fruitful and eventually become deadwood.
The gardener spends a lot of time cutting away the deadwood, because a vine or rosebush will eventually be choked by laziness. As I said more than once, my sister-in-law wanted me to fix her non-blooming roses. I sent the shoppers away and used pruning shears to cut away a large part of the bushes. She burst into tears when she saw the pruned bushes. I reminded her that roses are not a desert plant - they need water too. "Give them water every so often and wait two weeks." The phone rang two weeks later and she cried, "The bushes are packed with blooms!" Much later she trimmed away all the blooms, two weeks ahead of graduation. My brother (the grandson of a gardener, just as I am) said, "What are you doing? Graduation is near!") Two weeks later, the bushes were packed with blooms.
There is not much difference between basic truth and the Scriptures. The essential point is that Jesus teaches us so we can understand it in the simplest way. Mothers suffer in many ways in raising their children. Often it is unknown or treated lightly. Thanking mothers is fruitful, because they bear many burdens. Trials can be from illness or from emotional burdens. Women are often the ones who care the most about others, so they should also be thanked often with many pleasant surprises.
