🌿 “Abide and Bear Fruit”

🌿 “Abide and Bear Fruit”

Scripture: John 15:4–7 Theme: Staying connected to Christ as the source of life, strength, and purpose

📖 Introduction

This week, we gather around a vine—not just any vine, but the True Vine. In John 15, Jesus speaks to His disciples on the eve of His crucifixion. These are intimate, urgent words—spoken not from a pulpit, but from a heart preparing to say goodbye.

He doesn’t give them a strategy. He gives them a relationship.

“Abide in Me, and I in you.” (John 15:4)

This is not a command to perform—it’s an invitation to remain. To dwell. To stay close.

🌱 The Vine and the Branches

Jesus says:

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in Me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5)

Let’s pause here. A branch doesn’t strive to bear fruit—it simply stays connected. The life, the nutrients, the strength all come from the vine. The branch’s job is to remain.

In our lives, we often try to produce without connection. We chase results, recognition, and relevance. But Jesus reminds us: fruitfulness flows from faithfulness. From abiding.

🔥 The Warning and the Promise

Jesus continues:

“If you do not remain in Me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers…” (John 15:6)

This is sobering. Disconnection leads to dryness. Without the Vine, we lose vitality. But this isn’t a threat—it’s a truth. Just like a lamp unplugged from the wall, we cannot shine without the source.

Yet the promise is just as powerful:

“If you remain in Me and My words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” (John 15:7)

This isn’t a blank check—it’s a heart alignment. When we abide in Christ, our desires begin to reflect His. Our prayers become echoes of His will. And heaven responds.

🌸 Application: How Do We Abide?

Abiding isn’t passive—it’s intentional. Here are three ways to remain in Christ:

• Stay in the Word: Let Scripture shape your thoughts, your choices, your prayers.
• Stay in Prayer: Not just requests, but relationship. Talk to Jesus. Listen.
• Stay in Community: The vine has many branches. We grow best together.

And when we abide, we bear fruit—not just achievements, but love, joy, peace, patience, kindness… the fruit of the Spirit.

 🌿 Closing Encouragement

So this week, let’s choose to abide. Not just visit Jesus on Sundays, but dwell with Him daily. Let’s stay rooted, nourished, and connected—because apart from Him, we can do nothing. But with Him, we can bear fruit that lasts.

Amen.

sunday Morning worship service | sermon message "Carnality Can get in our way" | sermon text roman 14:14| preached word of god by rev. dr. charles w. wormley, pastor

Video Ministry Recording provided by Church School Superintendent Brother Robert Lucas

Romans 14:14 (from the New Testament of the Bible) is often quoted in discussions about personal convictions and Christian liberty. Here's how it reads in the New International Version (NIV):

"I am convinced, being fully persuaded in the Lord Jesus, that nothing is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for that person it is unclean."

Romans 14:14 challenges believers to move beyond carnal thinking (focused on self and fleshly desires) and embrace spiritual discernment, which prioritizes love, unity, and conscience.

🏈 "Saints, Sinners, and Sunday Kickoffs: The NFL Season Returns to Our Church Family!" 🏈

As the choir warms up and the ushers straighten the bulletins, another sacred season begins — NFL football. Yes, it’s that blessed time of year when our congregation gathers for worship in the morning and worships their fantasy teams by afternoon.

Here in the Washington DC area, we proudly claim the Commanders as our home team. And while we pray for peace, healing, and good parking, we also pray for Jayden Daniels to throw fewer interceptions than prayers we offer during the service.

🫡 The Commanders Congregation

These faithful wear burgundy and gold like it’s liturgical fashion. They believe in Jayden Daniels like he’s been sent straight from the heavens (or LSU), and they rejoice that Dan Snyder is finally gone — hallelujah! With Josh Harris leading the charge and Magic Johnson sprinkling championship dust, hope is alive and well in the pews.

🏴‍☠️ The Raiders Revivalists

They come dressed in black, not for mourning, but for battle. These fans believe the Silver and Black are destined for greatness — even if their quarterback situation is more confusing than the Book of Revelation. They’re loyal, loud, and slightly intimidating during coffee hour.

🐴 The Broncos Believers

They still talk about the glory days of John Elway like they were last week. Now they’ve placed their faith in Bo Nix, praying he’ll lead them to the promised land — or at least a winning season. We admire their faith, especially when they say, “This is our year,” with the same conviction as a Sunday sermon.

🖤 The Steelers Saints

These fans are everywhere. You’ll spot them in black and gold, quoting Aaron Rodgers like scripture and treating every sack like a spiritual breakthrough. They’re organized, passionate, and somehow always have a cousin in Pittsburgh.

🦅 The Eagles Evangelists

They sing “Fly, Eagles Fly” louder than the choir and believe Jalen Hurts is the answer to every prayer. We love them, even if they occasionally try to turn communion into a tailgate.

🐆 The Jaguars Joyfuls

Yes, we’ve got some Jacksonville Jaguars fans in the mix. They’re optimistic, cheerful, and always talking about Trevor Lawrence’s hair like it’s a divine sign. Their faith is strong — even if their team’s playoff hopes are sometimes… theoretical.

🕊️ A Season of Unity (and Fantasy Football)

Despite our differences, we come together each Sunday — some for worship, some for kickoff, and some for both. Whether you’re kneeling in prayer or yelling at your fantasy team, remember: we’re one body in Christ… and one league in ESPN Fantasy.

So let’s celebrate this NFL season with laughter, love, and maybe a little friendly trash talk. And if your team loses? There’s always next Sunday — and always grace.

HELLO SEPTEMBER, A Tale of two seasons: a Reflection on change and grace

As the golden warmth of summer begins to fade and the crisp breath of autumn whispers through the trees, we find ourselves in a sacred moment of transition. The long, sunlit days filled with laughter, growth, and movement now give way to cooler evenings, falling leaves, and a slower rhythm. It is in this shift—from summer to fall—that we are reminded of God’s divine design in the seasons of life.

In Ecclesiastes 3:1, we read: 

"To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven."

Summer, with its vibrancy and energy, mirrors the seasons of abundance in our lives—times when we feel close to God, when our faith is active and our spirits are high. It’s a season of sowing, of planting seeds in relationships, ministries, and personal growth.

But fall brings a different kind of beauty. It is the season of harvest, of reflection, and of preparation. The leaves fall not in despair, but in surrender—making room for rest and renewal. Just as the trees shed what they no longer need, we too are invited to let go of burdens, distractions, and fears that keep us from drawing closer to God.

Jesus said in John 10:10: 

"I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."

This fullness of life includes both the bright days of summer and the quiet evenings of fall. It includes joy and contemplation, action and rest. As we come inside from the warm summer days and step into the cool September nights, may we embrace the spiritual rhythm of the season. Let us gather around the Word, around one another, and around the presence of God—who remains constant through every change.

So whether you are in a season of sowing or a season of harvesting, know this: God is with you. His grace is sufficient, His timing is perfect, and His love endures through every season.

sunday Morning worship service | Mount Zion Baptist Church School Quarterly Lesson | Isaiah's call and ministry| lesson text isaiah 6: 1-8, 38: 1-5| lesson introduction by rev. dr. charles w. wormley, senior pastor

Church Video Ministry recording provided by Church School Superintendent Brother Robert Lucas

Here are the two passages discussed from the Book of Isaiah in the Bible:

Isaiah 6:1–8 (The Call of Isaiah)

This passage describes the prophet Isaiah’s vision of God in the temple and his commissioning as a prophet.

1 In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord, high and exalted, seated on a throne; and the train of his robe filled the temple.
2 Above him were seraphim, each with six wings: with two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying.
3 And they were calling to one another:
“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty;
the whole earth is full of his glory.”
4 At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook and the temple was filled with smoke.
5 “Woe to me!” I cried. “I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty.”
6 Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar.
7 With it he touched my mouth and said, “See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for.”
8 Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who …

Here is the passage you requested from Isaiah 38:1–5, which recounts King Hezekiah’s illness and God's response to his prayer:

Isaiah 38:1–5 (Hezekiah’s Illness and Recovery)

1 In those days Hezekiah became ill and was at the point of death. The prophet Isaiah son of Amoz went to him and said, “This is what the Lord says: Put your house in order, because you are going to die; you will not recover.”
2 Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the Lord,
3 “Remember, Lord, how I have walked before you faithfully and with wholehearted devotion and have done what is good in your eyes.” And Hezekiah wept bitterly.
4 Then the word of the Lord came to Isaiah:
5 “Go and tell Hezekiah, ‘This is what the Lord, the God of your father David, says: I have heard your prayer and seen your tears; I will add fifteen years to your life.’” 

.

sunday Morning worship service | sermon message "Watch Out For the Scammer." | sermon text john 10:10| preached word of god by rev. dr. Patricia wormley

Video Ministry video recording provided by Church School Superintendent Brother Robert Lucas

John 10:10 is a well-known verse from the Bible, spoken by Jesus. In the New International Version (NIV), it reads:

"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."

This verse contrasts the intentions of a thief—often interpreted as Satan or false teachers—with Jesus’ purpose. It emphasizes the abundant, meaningful life that Jesus offers to those who follow him.

Backpacks, bells and blessings: a prayer for the new school year

As the school bells ring and backpacks get packed (with at least some of the right supplies), we welcome a new season of learning, growth, and grace. Whether you're a student stepping into a new grade or an educator preparing lesson plans and coffee in equal measure, this time of year is sacred—and slightly chaotic.

Let’s be honest: some kids are excited, some are nervous, and some are just wondering how many days until Christmas break. Teachers are reviewing curriculum, organizing classrooms, and praying their coffee doesn’t run out before the first recess. And parents? Well, they’re somewhere between celebration and concern, hoping their child remembers to bring home something besides a half-eaten sandwich.

But in the midst of all the pencils, planners, and permission slips, we remember this truth from Proverbs 2:6:

"For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding."

This school year, we pray for wisdom—not just the kind that helps with math tests, but the kind that builds character, compassion, and courage. We pray for grace—not just for mistakes made on paper, but for the ones made in friendships and growing hearts.

To our students:
 You are not just learning facts—you are discovering who God made you to be. May you walk into each classroom with confidence, curiosity, and kindness. And yes, may you remember your lunch.

To our educators:
 You are not just teaching lessons—you are shaping lives. May you be filled with patience, creativity, and the occasional moment of quiet. May you know that your work matters deeply to God and to us.

🙏 A Prayer for the School Year

Lord, bless our students with joy in learning and strength in challenges. Bless our educators with wisdom, endurance, and laughter. May every hallway be filled with peace, every classroom with purpose, and every heart with Your presence. Amen.

Here’s to a year of growth, grace, and maybe even a few snow days.

Our Sick and Shut-in | A Prayer of Thanksgiving

cHURCH SCHOOL | BIBLE STUDY | CONSTITUTION MEETING | COUPLES MINISTRY | PASTORAL MINISTRY | HEALTH & WELLNESS | MISSIONARY MINISTRY | DIACONATE MINISTRY | MUSIC MINISTRY | WOMEN'S MINISTRY | MEN'S MINISTRY | TRUSTEES MINISTRY

CHURCH SCHOOL

Judah, From Isaiah to Exile I Isaiah and the Renewal of the Temple I Unit 1 I Lesson 3 I Hilkiah's Discovery I 2Chronicle 34: 15 - 22, 26 - 27 I Lesson taught by Rev Dr. Patricia Wormley

CHURCH MEMBERSHIP cLASS

Monday | yOUTH BIBLE STUDY

Click on the picture to join 

Tuesday | NOON DAY BIBLE STUDY  

WEDNESDAY NIGHT BIBLE STUDY