John 15:8
Last Sunday we finished our third week examining this passage known as The Vine, found in John 15. As we conclude this passage, I wanted to leave you with a couple of closing thoughts. From the passage we learned that pruning is critical to a branch if it is to bear any fruit. Without pruning, we get no fruit. With pruning, we can have much fruit. The key is to “remain” in Christ and the pruning will literally take care of itself because we will be following the lead of God. When we let God lead us, we will see great fruit come from our lives. It’s easy to want to resist pruning because we think it will hurt, but the truth is we already hurt. God is trying to get us to the other side of the pain caused by insecurity, anger, bitterness, lust, jealousy, etc. Give in to the pruning. God’s work “fruit” will not become your worst nightmare, it will become a beautiful dream come true. Remember, to move from bearing no fruit, to bearing much fruit. The following will draw you in the right direction.
1. Work through obvious contradictions in my life.
2. Simplify...sort out my priorities!
3. Who am I now?
a. Words, thoughts, behaviors and attitudes.
4. Who does God describe me to be?
a. Psalm 15, Galatians 5:16-26, Matthew 5, 6 & 7
5. Let God’s grace have its way!
a. Freedom from: Time to cut loose of some of the old life...friends, hobbies, habits and pursuits that are wasting my time.
b. Freedom to: Be intentional about next steps and embrace the freedom and confidence He created me to live in.
This coming Sunday we will be closing our series with a portrait of the “Risen Christ.” This will be a great event to bring a friend to. Take a look at the last chapters of John as you look toward Sunday.
We are excited to see you as we all come together and celebrate the goodness of our God.
Pastor Craig, Becky, Seth, Hannah and Riley the dog.
