ROOTS, FLOWERS AND FRUIT!

--John 15: 1-8

It’s time to get back to the Bible!

John 15:1-8(New Living Translation)

"I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. [2] He cuts off every branch that doesn't produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more. [3] You have already been pruned for greater fruitfulness by the message I have given you. [4] Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful apart from me.

John 15:1-8 (continued)

[5] "Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. [6] Anyone who parts from me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned. [7] But if you stay joined to me and my words remain in you, you may ask any request you like, and it will be granted! [8] My true disciples produce much fruit. This brings great glory to my Father.

TAKE HOME

• Spiritual Growth will only occur sporadically, unless my daily regimen is intentional and persistent.

• Spiritual Growth will only occur sporadically, unless my daily regimen is intentional and persistent.

• Salvation is free, but personal growth is time consuming, expensive and collaborative.

• Salvation is free, but personal growth is time consuming, expensive and collaborative.

• It is time to shake the dust off of my Bible, get down on my knees and find a friend to walk along side of me on the Jesus Trail.

• It is time to shake the dust off of my Bible, get down on my knees and find a friend to walk along side of me on the Jesus Trail.

Father, forgive me Father, forgive me for coasting or for coasting or expecting others to expecting others to feed me. I hereby feed me. I hereby take responsibility take responsibility for growing up in for growing up in Christ and becoming Christ and becoming more fruitful. I'll more fruitful. I'll need your help, of need your help, of course!course!

Father, forgive me Father, forgive me for coasting or for coasting or expecting others to expecting others to feed me. I hereby feed me. I hereby take responsibility take responsibility for growing up in for growing up in Christ and becoming Christ and becoming more fruitful. I'll more fruitful. I'll need your help, of need your help, of course!course!

Commitment:

ANNOUNCEMENTSANNOUNCEMENTSANNOUNCEMENTSANNOUNCEMENTS

Worship in SongWorship in SongWorship in SongWorship in Song

• VRP (very resourceful people) What Paul was to Timothy

• VIP (very inspirational people) What Paul was To Silas

• VNP (very nice people) What the crowds were to Jesus

• VDP (very draining people) What Judas, religious leaders and critics were to Jesus.

RELATIONSHIPS THAT SHARPEN Proverbs 27:17

David and Jonathan are great examples of this!--I Samuel 18: 1-4

We all need to spend more time with people who help us grow, mentors and fellow sojourners.

Pray without ceasing, Praise the Lord always, Walk with Jesus continually!

Commend God! Borrow words from David or Isaiah, sing spiritual songs!

Enter into his courts with thanksgiving, throughout the day.

Sink your roots down into the loamy soil of God.

WORSHIP TO SINK THOSE ROOTS DEEPER --Eph 5: 18-20

• Determine to purge every known sin from your life, with God's help.

• II Timothy 3: 16,17 Let God point out your weak points.

• Hebrews 4:11 Invite the Holy Spirit to reveal faulty intentions and selfish designs.

• I John 1: 10 Get that slate cleaned, now!

CONFESSION TO PURIFY

COMMUNION!A TIME TO REFLECT

Confession:I believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God. Jesus is my Lord Jesus is my Lord and Savoir.and Savoir.

Worship in SongWorship in SongWorship in SongWorship in Song

Reading the Bible opens up a whole new world

• Proverbs 1:7 Read your stacked up letters from God!

• Matthew 5:6 Really want to get nurtured by God. He wants that for you too.

• Psalm 119: 35 Make me walk along the path of your commands, for that is where my happiness is found.

STUDY LAY HOLD OF GOD'S HEART

Psalm 63:6 I lie awake thinking of you,

meditating on you through the night.

7 I think how much you have helped me; I sing for joy in the shadow of your protecting wings.

8 I follow close behind you;your strong right hand holds me securely.

MEDITATE TO ASSIMILATE

Turn off the T.V. and iPod. Turn off the T.V. and iPod. Get away by yourself. Get away by yourself. Ponder the goodness, Ponder the goodness, greatness and of God.greatness and of God.

Put your life under the Put your life under the scrutiny of God's Word.scrutiny of God's Word.

Turn off the T.V. and iPod. Turn off the T.V. and iPod. Get away by yourself. Get away by yourself. Ponder the goodness, Ponder the goodness, greatness and of God.greatness and of God.

Put your life under the Put your life under the scrutiny of God's Word.scrutiny of God's Word.

It's a good book, read it! Make a plan and stick to it.

Possibilities:

• Through-The-Bible-In-A Year Bible

• A Gospel each week, An Epistle each month

• 7 Minutes with God

• One-A-Day Proverbs

• Underline, comments, questions, date of reading, don't let failures stop you.

• Bible on Tape or CD

READ TO FEED

Worship in SongWorship in SongWorship in SongWorship in Song

PRAYER & PRAISE

Worship in SongWorship in SongWorship in SongWorship in Song

TAKE HOME

• Spiritual Growth will only occur sporadically, unless my daily regimen is intentional and persistent.

• Spiritual Growth will only occur sporadically, unless my daily regimen is intentional and persistent.

• Salvation is free, but personal growth is time consuming, expensive and collaborative.

• Salvation is free, but personal growth is time consuming, expensive and collaborative.

• It is time to shake the dust off of my Bible, get down on my knees and find a friend to walk along side of me on the Jesus Trail.

• It is time to shake the dust off of my Bible, get down on my knees and find a friend to walk along side of me on the Jesus Trail.

Father, forgive me Father, forgive me for coasting or for coasting or expecting others to expecting others to feed me. I hereby feed me. I hereby take responsibility take responsibility for growing up in for growing up in Christ and becoming Christ and becoming more fruitful. I'll more fruitful. I'll need your help, of need your help, of course!course!

Father, forgive me Father, forgive me for coasting or for coasting or expecting others to expecting others to feed me. I hereby feed me. I hereby take responsibility take responsibility for growing up in for growing up in Christ and becoming Christ and becoming more fruitful. I'll more fruitful. I'll need your help, of need your help, of course!course!

Commitment:

God “is holding back the End because he doesn't want anyone lost. He's giving everyone space and time to change.”

Go and help others know Jesus.

GO, SERVE, GROW!--John 15: 1-8