Truth Lutheran Church worship center is located at the corner of 5th and Kingwood Streets near downtown Brainerd.
Truth Lutheran Church extends an invitation to worship to all who are seeking a relationship with Jesus Christ. Worship is at 9:00 a.m. Sunday morning.
Fifth Sunday of Easter
Lessons for April 28, 2024 Acts 8:26-40
Philip and Stephen were among the first deacons chosen for service in the early church. After Stephen was martyred, Philip and the rest were scattered but continued to preach. In this encounter, reflection on scripture leads to baptism into the body of Christ. 1 John 4:7-21 This letter is a commentary on Jesus' command to "love one another." Love is the mark of God's abiding presence, because God is love. Love gives itself away in service to those in need. John 15:1-8 On the night of his arrest, Jesus taught his disciples about the relationship they would have with him. Those who abide in his word and love would bear fruit, for apart from him, they could do nothing. Comments have been prepared by Chris Haslam using reputable commentaries, and checked for accuracy by the Venerable Alan T Perry, of the Anglican Diocese of Edmonton |
Sermons for Kids
The True Vine
John 15:1-8 I’m sure you all know the song, "This Little Light of Mine." I’m going to sing it, and I want you to sing along. While we do, I’ll hold up this light and shine it all around. (Start to sing the song, but stop when you notice that the light isn't shining.) What’s wrong? My light isn't shining. (Wait until someone notices that it isn't plugged in.) Oh, the problem is, my light isn't plugged in. (Plug the lamp in). Now that we’re plugged in, let’s try it again. (Lead kids in singing.) That was much better with the lamp shining brightly. It's pretty hard for a light to shine when it isn't connected to the power source. Actually, it’s not just hard; it’s impossible! It reminds me of something Jesus said in the Bible. He told His disciples a story to help them understand why it’s important to stay connected to Him. But He didn’t use a lamp. In His example there was a grapevine. A vine is a plant with a lot of branches growing out from it. The branches have fruit on them. So grapevines have grapes on them. Think about a branch that’s been broken off of a tree or a vine. (Hold up tree branch). What happens to it? It withers up and dies. It can’t ever have fruit on it again; it’s not good for anything except firewood. (Discard broken tree branch). Jesus said, "I am the vine and you are the branches. If you remain in me, you will have much fruit, but apart from me, you can do nothing." (John 15:1-8) Jesus wants us to produce fruit. Good fruit, like kindness, generosity, and faithfulness. Most of all, He wants us to love others as He has loved us. But we can’t do it on our own. Just as the lamp must be plugged in before its light can shine, and just as the branches must be connected to the vine before they can produce fruit, you and I must stay connected to Jesus to produce the good fruit that God expects of us. Dear God, help us remember that we need to stay plugged into Jesus if we’re going to produce the kind of fruit You expect. In Jesus' name, amen. kidsermons.com sermons4kids.com |