just read this...

I seldom write two posts, but I couldn't pass up an opportunity to share 17 pretty amazing verses from a pretty amazing chapter.

Read it slowly...




John 15

1 "I am the true vine,

     and my Father is the gardener.

2 He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn't produce fruit,

     and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more.


3 You have already been pruned and purified by the message I have given you.


4 Remain in me,

     and I will remain in you.

For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine,

     and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me.



  5 "Yes, I am the vine;

          you are the branches.

Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit.

For apart from me you can do nothing.

6 Anyone who does not remain in me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers.

     Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned.


7 But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted!


8 When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples.

     This brings great glory to my Father.



  9 "I have loved you even as the Father has loved me.

        Remain in my love.


       10 When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love,

              just as I obey my Father's commandments and remain in his love.


11 I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy.

        Yes, your joy will overflow!


12 This is my commandment:

        Love each other in the same way I have loved you.


13 There is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friends.


        14 You are my friends if you do what I command.


15 I no longer call you slaves,

        because a master doesn't confide in his slaves.

Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me.


16 You didn't choose me.

        I chose you.

I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit,

     so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for,

          using my name.



17 This is my command: Love each other.