Don't Get Burned

It will be more difficult for preachers to avoid the warning contained in this Sunday's Gospel reading than it was last Sunday.

"I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine-grower. He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit. You have already been cleansed by the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing. Whoever does not abide in me is thrown away like a branch and withers; such branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples." John 15:1-8

Revisionist preachers will talk about being fruitful, which to them means going out and marching in gay pride parades or some such foolishness. They will scrupulously avoid talk about being burned in fire unless they can somehow twist that to mean all who oppose their radical sexual agenda will be tossed into the flames.

I will be the first to admit that I have been unfruitful, and that I am fit to be tied up and tossed into the fire, but I know that in spite of my sins, Jesus will still be there as my advocate with the Father, and who could ask for a more perfect advocate.