Character
One Vine, Many Branches [questions]
04/02/07 15:52
One Vine, Many Branches
Pastor David Lenz
4 February 2007
Questions for Reflection and Discussion Focusing on One Vine, Many Branches.
The phrase “Remain in me” was used 8 times in 8 verses. How can we “Remain in Jesus?”
Individually?
As a church body?
Any personal examples you would like to share?
Give example of how Jesus prunes us that we may bear more fruit?
Individually?
As a church body?
Any personal examples you would like to share?
As we merge with Oliver, David listed examples of what bearing fruit might look like. What were some of the evidences he listed? What others can you add?
Pastor David Lenz
4 February 2007
Questions for Reflection and Discussion Focusing on One Vine, Many Branches.
The phrase “Remain in me” was used 8 times in 8 verses. How can we “Remain in Jesus?”
Individually?
As a church body?
Any personal examples you would like to share?
Give example of how Jesus prunes us that we may bear more fruit?
Individually?
As a church body?
Any personal examples you would like to share?
As we merge with Oliver, David listed examples of what bearing fruit might look like. What were some of the evidences he listed? What others can you add?
One Vine, Many Branches
04/02/07 15:50
One Vine, Many Branches
Pastor David Lenz
4 February 2007
Text: John 15:1-8
Opening story: The Ivy Covered Church in Iowa.
David’s church in Des Moines was covered in ivy. The ivy was destroying the mortar between the bricks. But the church got it’s community identity from the ivy covered structured. Like good Presbyterians the committee delayed the difficult decision on whether to cut down the ivy. In the mean-time a hearing impaired member of the committee showed up the next morning with a chain saw and severed all the trunks of the ivy branches near to the ground around the entire church. The disconnected branches withered and died just as the text in John 15 stated.
Vine/Branches/Fruit: A Fully Integrated System
Jesus is the vine.
We are the branches.
The objective and focus is on the fruit.
What does it mean to bear much fruit? What does that look like? Three indicators:
Quality of our Conduct. How do we live? – Luke 3:9-14
If you have 2 coats give one of them to someone who needs a coat.
If you have extra food, give some to someone who is hungry.
If you are a tax collector, be honest.
If you are a soldier don’t extort money.
Be satisfied with your wages.
Quality of our Character – Galatians 5: 19-24
Works of the flesh
Fruit of the Spirit
Quality of our Love- John 13-34-35, John 15:12-17
Our love for others indicates fruit.
Our love for others shows that we are His disciples.
Cutting and Pruning
Branches not bearing fruit are cut off.
Branches bearing fruit are pruned.
We are pruned for a purpose: to bear more fruit.
Key Phrase: “Remain in Me”
Used 8 times in 8 verses.
Summary and Call to Action
John 15:8 –“ This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my Disciples.”
Pastor David Lenz
4 February 2007
Text: John 15:1-8
Opening story: The Ivy Covered Church in Iowa.
David’s church in Des Moines was covered in ivy. The ivy was destroying the mortar between the bricks. But the church got it’s community identity from the ivy covered structured. Like good Presbyterians the committee delayed the difficult decision on whether to cut down the ivy. In the mean-time a hearing impaired member of the committee showed up the next morning with a chain saw and severed all the trunks of the ivy branches near to the ground around the entire church. The disconnected branches withered and died just as the text in John 15 stated.
Vine/Branches/Fruit: A Fully Integrated System
Jesus is the vine.
We are the branches.
The objective and focus is on the fruit.
What does it mean to bear much fruit? What does that look like? Three indicators:
Quality of our Conduct. How do we live? – Luke 3:9-14
If you have 2 coats give one of them to someone who needs a coat.
If you have extra food, give some to someone who is hungry.
If you are a tax collector, be honest.
If you are a soldier don’t extort money.
Be satisfied with your wages.
Quality of our Character – Galatians 5: 19-24
Works of the flesh
Fruit of the Spirit
Quality of our Love- John 13-34-35, John 15:12-17
Our love for others indicates fruit.
Our love for others shows that we are His disciples.
Cutting and Pruning
Branches not bearing fruit are cut off.
Branches bearing fruit are pruned.
We are pruned for a purpose: to bear more fruit.
Key Phrase: “Remain in Me”
Used 8 times in 8 verses.
Summary and Call to Action
John 15:8 –“ This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my Disciples.”