Untitled Sermon (3)

The Road to The Cross: Abide In Me

Jordan Sheneman | CHURCH | 4/6/25

Types and Shadows:

The OT shows Israel being God’s chosen people to bring salvation to the world. In many places Israel is described as a vine or vineyard. Psalm 80:8 “You brought a vine out of Egypt; you drove out the nations and planted it.” (Also, Isa 5:1-7, Ezk 15:1-5; 19:10-14). Jesus replaces Israel as the central focus of God’s plan of salvation. In actuality, He fulfills that role.

I AM Statements:

This is the last one of John’s famous “I Am” statements where Jesus defines Himself for us.

Pruning:

Ex. Purple Showers in Yard

Pruning ensures a good crop. Pruning is maintenance for the vine, a branch that cannot produce fruit will be removed. A branch that is weak will be pruned to give it strength. Look at the disciples, Judas was removed but the others get pruning before producing the fruit of the early church.

Abiding:

Remaining, Reading, Requesting

Remaining: faithfulness in the midst of adversity. Reading: Christ’s words are tethered to the idea of remaining in Him. How can you remain and abide, if you do not know what He says? Requesting: Ask whatever you wish and it will be done for you. KEEP ASKING OF GOD. Prayer puts us in a dependent position with the Lord, and that’s what abiding is all about.

The branches cannot live without the vine, they have no life apart from Him.

Our spiritual livelihood is fully reliant upon Jesus–it’s not about how good of Christians we can be. Rather, can you remain in HIM.