9.15.2024 | Connected To The Vine

CONNECTED TO THE VINE

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-35

“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” John 14:12

“I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit.” John 15:1-2

“You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.” John 15:3-4

“I am the vine; you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” John 15:5

“If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned.” John 15:6

“If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so, you will be My disciples.” John 15:7-8

GOD WORKS THROUGH PEOPLE!

God works through ordinary people to do extraordinary things to advance His Kingdom!

WHO IS INVESTING IN YOU?

WHO ARE YOU INVESTING IN?

THE INVESTED LIFE!

1. DISCIPLES SEEK TO LOVE OTHERS AS JESUS LOVED THEM.

Jesus’ Love is sacrificial, unconditional, supernatural, eternal, and truthful.

“If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet.” John 13:14

We choose to love them.

We choose to pray for them.

We choose to serve them.

“Now hope does not disappointment, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” Romans 5:5

“The distinguishing mark of discipleship is Christ’s love in us that allows us to love one another.” Fredrickson

2. DISCIPLES SEEK TO DO WHAT JESUS DID

“Because I go to My Father.” John 14:12b

“Nevertheless, I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you.” John 16:7

“How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.” Acts 10:38

“They stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing him to be dead.” Acts 14:19b

“However, when the disciples gathered around him, he rose up and went into the city.” Acts 14:20a

I AM A DISCIPLE OF JESUS CHRIST, ANOINTED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT TO ADVANCE HIS KINGDOM!

3. DISCIPLES STAY CONNECTED TO THE VINE OF CHRIST

“I am the vine; you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” John 15:5

How do we abide in the vine of Christ? By allowing Jesus to abide in us.

“You are already clean because of the words I have spoken to you.” John 15:3

“Abide in Me and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.” John 15:4

Discussion Questions:

1. Who has God used in your life to point you to Jesus Christ?

2. What person in your life are you having the hardest time loving right now?

3. What steps is the Holy Spirit calling you to take to love them more?

4. Do you believe that the Holy Spirit can work miracles through ordinary believers?

5. Do you see yourself as a believer?

6. Are you connected to the Vine of Christ? Is anything blocking the flow of life through Him into you and through you into others?

JC EditorSeptember 17, 2024