Reconnecting with Purpose
John 15:1-8
9/29/13
Introduction
Video: Live in me Video
Reconnecting with God changes our perspective on everything, including how we live, the purpose of our lives.
CONNECTING WITH GOD REESTABLISHES OUR PURPOSE
Look how Jesus describes this reconnecting process in our lives.
John 15:1-8
15 "I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. 3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4 Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.
5 "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. 8 This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. NIV
Reconnecting with God allows Him opportunity to fine tune our lives.
15 "I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.
Removes what is failing.
Skipper dragged a dead tail around the house for a few days until we realized it was in need of surgery.
Nurtures what is growing.
Spur-pruned vines are usually found in older vineyards. Spurs are the canes (or branches) trimmed back to only a pair of buds. Each bud will become a shoot which grows to a cane that bears the crop.
"cordon pruning", since the vine looks like outstretched arms (cordon is French for arm). The task for the cane-pruners is to train the current fruiting canes and at the same time consider which spurs to train for next season's fruiting canes.
Reconnecting with God leads to great fruit.
Impossible apart from God
Failing to accept that we cannot bear fruit apart from abiding in Christ.
4 Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.
5 "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.
Always bring God Glory
5 "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit;
8 This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. NIV
* Living lives that reflect him
* And bring others to him.
We do not exist to feel good about ourslevs but to bring glory to God.
Reconnecting with God ensures vital lives.
6 If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you.
Ten Traits of a Vital Christian
* Experiences God's Empowering Presence
* Engages in God-Exalting Worship
* Practices the Spiritual Disciplines
* Learns and Grows in Community
* Commits to Loving and Caring Relationships
* Exhibits Christlike Servanthood
* Shares the Love of Christ Generously
* Manages Life Wisely and Accountably
* Networks with the Body of Christ
* Stewards a Life of Abundance
Simple Ways to reconnect with power
1. The Gathering
they were all together in one place.
