On the afternoon of April 19th, the second lecture of the Oceania Easter Retreat was held at the regional Olivet Center, bringing abundant grace to the participants. Pastor Faith Yang, OA Oceania General Secretary, delivered a powerful message from John 15, exploring the profound spiritual teaching of union with Christ and the calling to bear fruit in the Christian life.
This lecture centered around the theme of “bearing fruit” and was guided by three reflection questions for group discussion prior to the lecture:
- What does it mean to “bear fruit”?
- How can we “bear fruit”?
- Have you ever been hated by the world because of following Jesus? What did you experience, and has your understanding changed after reading today’s passage?
The Meaning of “Bearing Fruit”
Pastor Faith began by uncovering the biblical foundation of fruitfulness, referring to the first words God ever spoke to humanity in Genesis 1:28 – “Be fruitful and multiply.” She explained that this was not merely about physical multiplication but pointed to God’s greater design for human life: to live in a way that reflects His image, reproduces His love, and blesses the world.
Jesus, as the true vine, perfectly embodied this purpose. His life was one of abundant fruitfulness – marked by perfect love and unity with the Father, and overflowing with compassion, peace, healing, and salvation for others. In contrast, Pastor Faith noted how the lives of many in Jesus’ time, especially among the religious elite, had become lifeless and burdensome under the weight of 600 laws. Like the cursed fig tree, their faith bore no real fruit.
Jesus upheld and fulfilled the greatest commandment: to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. He called His disciples to bear fruit by remaining in Him, living in His love, and sharing that love with others. This, Pastor Faith explained, is the true meaning of a fruitful life – one that mirrors Jesus’ love and glorifies the Father.
How to Bear Fruit: Pruning and Union
To live such a fruitful life, two essential steps were emphasized: being pruned by the Father and being united with Jesus Christ.
- Pruned by the Father, the Gardener
Drawing from John 15:2, Pastor Faith explained that the Father lovingly prunes every branch that bears fruit, so it may bear even more. This pruning process involves cutting away everything that is worldly, defiling, or distracting from the life of Christ within us. Whether it is secular influence, unhealthy habits, or selfish desires, God uses His Word to cleanse us and shape us. As Jesus said in John 15:3, “You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you.” The Holy Spirit, who is the Spirit of Truth, sanctifies believers to live a life that increasingly reflects Christ. - United with Jesus Christ, the True Vine
Pastor Faith then unpacked the meaning of being united with Christ in three dimensions:- Loved and Redeemed in Christ: Union begins not with what we do, but with what Christ has already done. He loved us first, redeemed us through His blood, and gave us new birth. Through this, we are grafted into Him – the true vine – and receive a new life rooted in His love.
- Living the Commandment of Love: True union with Christ leads us to obey His command to love one another as He loved us (John 15:12). This Christ-like love is sacrificial and unconditional, and it is the clearest evidence that we are abiding in Him.
- Fellowship in Christ’s Sufferings: Pastor Faith reminded attendees that abiding in Christ also means sharing in His sufferings. Just as the world hated Jesus, His followers will face persecution and rejection. However, this fellowship in suffering deepens our union with Him and strengthens our witness to the world.
Group Reflection and Sharing
After the lecture, participants gathered in small groups to reflect the grace received in the lecture. The sharing were filled with sincerity and spiritual breakthroughs. One brother shared how the gospel liberated him from a legalistic approach to parenting, allowing love and grace to take root in his family. Another testified about the challenges of maintaining faith amid business relationships and how the message helped him embrace humility and a Christ-centered posture.
Conclusion
This Easter Retreat lecture served as a powerful reminder that the Christian life is not a matter of external performance but internal transformation. As believers are pruned by the Father and remain united with Christ, they are empowered to live fruitful lives that glorify God and serve others with His love.
The message of John 15 continues to echo: “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit.” May all who attended this retreat walk forward with renewed desire to abide in Christ and live fruitfully for the Kingdom of God.
Event Date: Sat, April 19, 2025