Pennsylvania Conference

“I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser” (John 15:1, NASB).

Jesus’ teaching in John 15:1 illustrates our dependence on Him: “I am the true vine,” He says. How often have we tried to be the vine, but produced sour grapes—the ugly works of the flesh? We have tried to find holiness and love for others in ourselves, which we will never find. “I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature” (Rom. 7:18, NIV).

Jesus, the true Vine, will produce the fruit of the Spirit as we allow Him to live in us. “I am crucified with Christ; nevertheless I live” (Gal. 2:20, KJV). Paul, who was crucified with Christ, was not the vine, vainly trying to do his best. He was the branch, whose self-confidence was broken and dependent on the Lord.

“Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil” (Eph. 6:11, NKJV).

“The term ‘armed to the teeth’ originated in Port Royal Jamaica in the 1600s when pirates were constantly looking for ships to loot and their guns were very primitive. As a result, pirates could shoot only once before a long reloading process. Consequently, they needed to carry a gun in each hand, and perhaps in each pocket. For extra power, they would also hold a knife between their teeth. To be ‘armed to the teeth’ means to carry the maximum number of weapons possible.”*

Story by Tamyra Horst

God is on the move in powerful ways across Pennsylvania—in lives, in churches and in schools.

During a recent virtual town hall meeting, Gary Gibbs, president; Will Peterson, vice president for administration; and Carlos Charnichart, treasurer, shared reports on the impact God has had on mission.

To watch these reports, along with “Testimonies of Faith,” a series of stories by members and pastors who share how God is moving in their lives and communities, visit paconference.org/godisonthemove.

Editorial by Carlos Charnichart

It all begins with our mission of “Reaching Everyone, Everywhere.” As Seventh-day Adventists, we are committed to the hope of Christ’s return, and we are passionate about sharing the everlasting gospel to as many people as we can. We believe that we are the last day church, allowing God to take control of every area of our human existence—including our resources. We have been called to live and trust the lordship of Jesus Christ daily (see Prov. 3:5; Luke 12:22). God is empowering our mission through our faithful return of tithes, offerings and other gifts.

“When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?’” (John 21:15, NIV).

There is a powerful truth that comes through this passage. For reasons not entirely clear, Peter had returned to fishing. In the days after the resurrection, he was an uncertain and insecure individual. What lay ahead, he didn’t know. In denial and cursing Jesus, Peter utterly failed when Jesus needed him most. He may have even thought that his sin and failure eliminated the possibility of ever being used by God again.