The Ship Series- Christ

Our Relationship with Christ

John 15:1–10 NRSV

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinegrower. He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit. You have already been cleansed by the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me as I abide in you. Just 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. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing. Whoever does not abide in me is thrown away like a branch and withers; such branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love.

—> Our relationship with Christ

what does it look like?

living

growning

not static

Connection Points

John 15:4–6 NRSV

Abide in me as I abide in you. Just 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. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing. Whoever does not abide in me is thrown away like a branch and withers; such branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned.

connection of some kind

Spending intentional time

Prayer

Bible Study

Connection to the Body

Spiritual Disciplines

pruning

John 15:2 NRSV

He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit.

loss of things

loss of people

difficulties

trials

cleansing

Bearing fruit

John 15:7–8 NRSV

If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples.

Knowing what God wants

Seeking that end knowing it will be successful

Connection with God means being in the same heart and mind with Christ