Apart from him we can do nothing.

Jesus is the vine, and his word is the sap that feeds the branches; without him we can do nothing;  that is, apart from his word his apostles and pastors can do nothing. But with his word the fruit is produced from the vine through the branches; and the people of God receive Christ, his mercy, his Sacraments, and his life. And without his word they too can do nothing; but in him they are heirs of salvation and possess all things. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly. Sermon For Midweek of Trinity XVIII.
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