” I am the true vine and my Father is the vine grower.  He takes away every branch in me that does not bear fruit, and everyone that does he prunes so that it bears more fruit.  You are already pruned because of the word that I spoke to you.  Remain in me as I remain in you.  Just as a branch  can not bear fruit on its own unless it remains on the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in me.”

–  John 15: 1-4