9:30am | Here Comes the Bloom x John 15:16-17 | Dr. Tara Jenkins

Main message: Jesus is the divine Gardener who has chosen and appointed us to bear lasting fruit; the storms, pruning, and seasons of rain in our lives are necessary to produce a “bloom” — so we should trust God’s unfailing love, recommit to him, and cooperate with his work in us.

Key points:

• Jesus the Gardener chose and appointed us to bear fruit that remains (John 15:16); we are part of his bouquet and have an unrecallable calling.
• Growth and blooming often require storms, rain, pruning, and seasons of waiting — difficulties are part of God’s process for producing fruit.
• Nothing can separate us from God’s love (Romans 8:37–39); God gives “one more chance” and is faithful when we fall short.
• Recommitment and dependence on God (seeking him, submitting to his word) enable the bloom; God who began a good work will complete it (Philippians 1:6).
• Community and discipleship (being formed by others) help shape us into Christlikeness and support our growth.

Scriptures mentioned: John 15:16, Romans 8:37–39, John 3:16, Philippians 1:6, John 1:1