Harvest Thanksgiving at St Paul’s & St Barnabas: Abiding in the True Vine (John 15:1–17)
Date: Sunday Harvest Service • Preacher: Bishop Darren McCartney (Rector of St Paul’s, Lisburn)
In this Harvest service at St Paul’s & St Barnabas, Belfast, we welcomed Bishop Darren McCartney, Rector of St Paul’s Lisburn, as our guest preacher. Preaching from John 15:1–17, Bishop Darren reflects on Jesus as the true vine, the Father as the gardener, and the call for believers to remain in Christ and bear fruit that lasts. He reminds us that pruning, though painful, leads to greater fruitfulness, and that abiding in Christ shapes our lives with the love and likeness of Jesus.
“I Am the True Vine”: The Centre of the Christian Life
At the heart of the passage is Jesus’ declaration, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener.” Bishop Darren helped us see that Christian faith is not primarily about activities or achievements, but about union with Christ. Branches do not live by effort; they live by attachment. A branch is only alive when the life of the vine flows through it. In the same way, the Christian life is sustained by abiding in Jesus—depending on him, trusting him, drawing life from his word and his Spirit.
This is both humbling and liberating. Humbling, because Jesus is explicit: “Apart from me you can do nothing.” We cannot manufacture spiritual life. We cannot produce the fruit of godliness by sheer determination. But it is also liberating, because Jesus invites us to live from his fullness. His word cleanses, his Spirit empowers, and his love anchors us. Abiding is not a mystical trick; it is a daily posture of remaining—remaining in his word, remaining in prayer, remaining in the fellowship of his people.
The Father’s Pruning: Pain with a Purpose
The image of the Father as the gardener brings comfort and clarity. The Father does not neglect his vine; he tends it with wise, loving hands. Bishop Darren unpacked the promise and the pain of this work. Where there is no fruit, the Father cuts away. Where there is fruit, the Father prunes so that it may be more fruitful. Pruning is never random; it is purposeful. It may involve God removing what hinders growth—habits, patterns, or even good things that have become ultimate things. It may involve trials that refine our faith, teaching us to lean into Christ rather than ourselves.
Importantly, pruning is not punishment for those in Christ; it is preparation. The goal is not bare branches, but abundant fruit. As Bishop Darren noted, the fruit Jesus seeks is ultimately his own life reproduced in us: Christlike character—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. The Father’s pruning is how he conforms us to the image of his Son, shaping us to reflect the beauty and goodness of Jesus.
Prayer, Obedience, and Joy: Marks of Abiding
Jesus links abiding with three marks that Bishop Darren highlighted. First, prayer: “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish.” Abiding shapes our desires; we begin to ask in line with the Father’s will as Christ’s words dwell richly in us. Second, obedience: “If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love.” Obedience is not the condition that earns love, but the pathway that enjoys love—the practical outworking of trust in the One who loved us first. Third, joy: “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” Abiding does not make life easy, but it does make joy possible—Christ’s own joy taking root within us.
From Servants to Friends: The Fruit of Love
Jesus’ command climaxes in love: “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.” Abiding is not a private spirituality; it bears communal fruit. The love of Christ moves us towards others in costly, patient, practical care. Bishop Darren reminded us that Jesus calls us friends, not because we are worthy, but because he has made known the Father’s heart to us and laid down his life for us. If the sap of the vine runs in the branches, then the love of Christ must run through his people. The Church becomes a living testimony to the gospel when our life together bears the flavour of Christ’s self-giving love.
The Challenge: Remain and Bear Fruit That Lasts
Bishop Darren closed with a clear and gracious challenge. What is your relationship to the vine? Are you attempting to live the Christian life apart from Christ—busy but barren? Or are you abiding in him—listening to his word, remaining in his love, and submitting to the Father’s wise pruning? Jesus has chosen and appointed us “to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last.” Lasting fruit comes as we remain in Jesus, rely on his Spirit, and walk in obedience together as his friends.
Perhaps the Father’s pruning shears are close to you in this season. Take heart. His pruning is careful, purposeful, and loving. Yield to his hand. Ask him to bring forth the likeness of Christ in you. And fix your eyes on the Saviour who laid down his life for his friends and now pours his life into all who abide in him.
Join Us on Sundays
We would love to welcome you any Sunday at 10:30 a.m. as we seek to know Christ and show Christ. Whether you are exploring faith or looking for a church family, there is a place for you at St Paul’s & St Barnabas, 208 York Street, Belfast. Come as you are, and stay for a cuppa and a chat after the service. If you would like to learn more about our ministries and midweek gatherings, visit our website or speak to a member of the team on Sunday.
Listen to the Sermon
Catch the full message from Bishop Darren McCartney via our podcast player below.
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