Fruit Inspector
Series: I AM
May 24, 2020
Frank Foreman
This week, Frank Foreman finishes our series of messages based on the seven affirmative statements Jesus makes about Himself in the Gospel of John. He begins each of these unique with the statement "I Am." This week, we look at his linked statements from John 15 ... I AM the True Vine! ------------- Of course, these statements Jesus makes were not simply affirmations of His character. They tied directly to the personal name of God from the Old Testament (I Am that I Am). In each of these statements, He profoundly ties His characteristics to the Father and declares His divine nature. ------------- We are so grateful you have come to worship with us today. From all of us on the leadership team of the church, we hope you experience God's glory and presence through our worship today. Please be encouraged to join in the singing when you know the songs and participate thoroughly in our worship together. --------------- If you would like to follow along with our Live Worship featuring sermon notes and other helpful links, it is available through the Bible.com App. You can simply use this link to be taken directly to it: http://bible.com/events/14127241 ---------------- Afterward, please feel free to follow up with questions, feedback, etc. in the comment section. If you do have a question we will try to get back with you as quickly as possible. In addition, should you have a need of any kind, please reach out to us through phone call (407.654.5050) or through email (info@nhcchome.org) and we will use whatever resources we may have to help and encourage you in this difficult time. Of prayer requests and praise reports are also always welcome. ---------------- Finally, if you would like to give online, the simplest way to accomplish this is to go to our to the link on the main page of our website (http://www.notibutchrist.church). Of course, if you would prefer a text-to-give option, simply text a dollar amount to 84321 and then follow the simple instructions to give from a card or bank account.
Episode Notes
John 15:1, I am the True Vine, and my Father is the Vinedresser.
Pause: Jesus is the True Vine... What might be referred to as false “vines”?
Big Idea: Fruit is the direct result of what ever controls your heart...
Remain in Jesus and be a blessing in this fallen world.
1. Fruitfulness is increased by being pruned.
John 15:2-3, Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you.
Philippians 1:6, And I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.
2. Fruitfulness is impossible apart from Christ.
John 15:4-7, Abide in Me, and I in you. 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. Whoever abides in Me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.
Philippians 4:13, I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.
3. Fruitfulness is evidence of our discipleship.
John 15:8, By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be My disciples.
Philippians 1:9-11, And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.
Pause: What are examples of the “much fruit” Jesus commands that we bear?
Galatians 5:22-23, But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
Next Step: Remaining in Jesus, and bearing fruit, is an internal application...
Devote yourself to prayer and to the ministry of the Word. (Acts 6:4)
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