Jesus Unfiltered Week 5: Jesus Is The Vine Message Summary: Vines are, by their very nature, dependent. Everything they need to live and produce fruit flows through the branch to which they are connected. The same is true with our souls and Jesus. Without him, we are dead and bound for the fire of hell. With him, we are alive and bear fruit to God’s glory. ✦ John 15:1-9 — “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. 3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4 Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. 5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. 9 “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. “Remain” - to abide, to stay, to be in a place ✦ Unfiltered truth #1 — Remaining is a must. ✦ John 15:4 — Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. ✦ Unfiltered truth #2 — Remaining is hard. ✦ John 15:1-2 — “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. ✦ Unfiltered truth #3 — Remaining matters ✦ John 15:5-6 — “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. ✦ John 15:7-9 — If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. 9 “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. ✦ Unfiltered truth #4 — Remaining is worth it. ✦ 922 Take-away — Remaining rooted is a must. ✦ Colossians 2:6,7 — So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, 7 rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. Planting Jesus Roots GATHER — Please join us for our final midweek Lenten service this Wednesday at our St. Peter campus (4:15pm or 6:30pm). GROUP — Evaluate: Doing life with other Christians is one of the best ways to get through the three crucial moments we discussed in today’s message. GROW — Meditate on the rest of Jesus’ vine/branches message in John 15:10-17. GIVE — “God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7). Is there anything standing in the way of you being a joyful, generous giver? If so, what small step could you take this week to pursue a life of financial generosity? GO — Have you invited a friend to our upcoming Easter services at The CORE? If not, pray for an opportunity and invite someone you love to get connected to the risen Jesus! Homework: John 14:1-6