Nurture

Bible readings for April 2024

stjohnstmarkchurchburyThursday, March 28, 2024

Here are the Bible readings for April 2024 which we’ll be using in our two churches. Please make use of these readings and reflect on what they might be saying to you. The Gospel readings cover the period just after the resurrection as well as zipping back to some of Jesus’ final words before his arrest.

The readings

This month we also spend time in the Book of Acts, where Luke explores how the disciples come to grips with their calling to witness to the world. And we take a closer look at the first letter of John who was writing to encourage a church which had been deeply divided – telling of the importance of loving one’s neighbour in connection with loving God.

• April 7 – 2nd Sunday of Easter: Acts 4:32-35; 1 John 1:1-2:2; John 20:19-end;
• April 14 – 3rd Sunday of Easter: Acts 3:12-19; 1 John 3:1-7; Luke 24:36b-48;
• April 21 – 4th Sunday of Easter: Acts 4:5-12; 1 John 3:16-24; John 10:11-18;
• April 28 – 5th Sunday of Easter: Acts 8:26-40; 1 John 4:7-21; John 15:1-8;

If you don’t have access to a Bible, then please follow this link to the Vanderbilt Divinity Library. It’s not always the same but it’s usually pretty close.

The Bible readings for April 2024 include these words from John 15, where Jesus explains that sometimes pruning is needed in order to grow…

Jesus the true vine

‘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.

Thanks once again to Olivia Snow for the photo on Unsplash