Abide in Christ Way InThe context of John 15 Jesus’ words to the disciples whom He would be leaving behind; He sent into the world with His mission Trinity Methodist Church PJ Vision: A Disciple-making Church 1. Relationship between God - Jesus - His disciples (us). Jesus the Vine, we the branches, God-Father the Vinedresser (15.1) 2. The purpose of our being – bear fruit, fruit that will last for the glory of God (branches which do not bear fruit will be cut down, burnt – life which ends in naught) (15.2) 3. How to be fruitful? Abide in Christ. (15.4) 3.1 Fruitfulness is not our work, it is the work of God but the branch needs to be attached to the Vine. 3.2 Fruitfulness? Worship and evangelism – bringing others to Christ, to become friends of Christ. Social involvement – reaching out in love Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5. 22-23) 4. Abiding in Christ – not a high mystical experience (15.4-11) 4.1 Communing with Christ. Life centred upon Christ. Communion in Jesus’ name. 4.2 Obeying the commands. Life of joyful obedience to Christ’s words 4.3 Remaining in Christ’s love 5. 6. What does abiding in Christ entail? (15.2b; 18-25) 5.1 Pruning (cleaning, cutting of parts which hinder fruit bearing, so that the branch may bear more fruit) 5.2 Facing of opposition/rejection/persecution Not about us and our self-importance – Jesus said, “I chose you, not you me.”(15.14-16) 6.1 Staying focus on mission entrusted to us – ‘bear fruit that will last for the glory of God’ 6.2 Not on our own - Promise of the Helper, the Holy Spirit Over to you, over to us1. Review your relationship with God and therefore the purpose of your life and living 2. Decide to abide in Christ. We need each other’s help. 3. Reorganise/Sharpen our priority in light of the Word – bear fruit as disciple of Jesus Christ