1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:02,000 Amen. 2 00:00:30,000 --> 00:00:32,000 Amen. 3 00:01:00,000 --> 00:01:26,000 How about that? Is it coming through now, Greg? So we have been, see, I can get it right after enough instruction. We have been talking about Jesus and what he has to say about himself in the Gospel of John. 4 00:01:26,000 --> 00:01:36,000 And this morning, we'll be hearing what Jesus says in the 15th chapter of the book of John when he says, "I am the truth." 5 00:01:36,000 --> 00:01:54,000 Just read together with me. "Abide in me, unless it abides in the vine." 6 00:01:54,000 --> 00:02:00,000 "Unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me." 7 00:02:00,000 --> 00:02:12,000 "I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit. For apart from me, you can do nothing." 8 00:02:12,000 --> 00:02:22,000 This is the word of the Lord. And as we worship this morning, we want to focus not on our strength or our goodness, but on the goodness 9 00:02:22,000 --> 00:02:26,000 and the strength and the power of God. So would you join me? 10 00:02:52,000 --> 00:03:03,920 And He died, and He rose. Those walls are rubble now. 11 00:03:03,920 --> 00:03:17,200 Remember those dyes we call death and grave? They were like mountains that stood in our way. But He came, and He died, and He died. 12 00:03:22,000 --> 00:03:47,000 This is our God. This is who He is and serves us. This is our God. This is what He does. He saves us. He bore the cross, beat the grave. Let heaven and earth proclaim. This is our God, King Jesus. 13 00:03:52,000 --> 00:04:21,000 Remember that fear that took us from the dead. We were able to pray for a week that we could barely pray. But He was able to pray for a week that we could barely pray. But He was able to pray for a week that we could barely pray. But He was able to pray for a week that we could barely pray. Tell the story of His faithfulness. 14 00:04:21,000 --> 00:04:22,000 Amen. 15 00:04:22,000 --> 00:04:23,000 Amen. 16 00:04:23,000 --> 00:04:24,000 Amen. 17 00:04:51,000 --> 00:04:57,240 Who pulled me out of that pit 18 00:04:57,240 --> 00:05:00,220 He did, he did 19 00:05:00,220 --> 00:05:02,980 Who paid for all of our sins 20 00:05:02,980 --> 00:05:05,540 Nobody but Jesus 21 00:05:05,540 --> 00:05:09,000 Who pulled me out of that pit 22 00:05:09,000 --> 00:05:13,300 He did, he did 23 00:05:13,300 --> 00:05:20,800 Who paid for all of our sins 24 00:05:21,000 --> 00:05:25,000 Nobody but Jesus 25 00:05:25,000 --> 00:05:28,000 Who rescued me from that grave 26 00:05:28,000 --> 00:05:31,000 Yahweh, Yahweh 27 00:05:31,000 --> 00:05:34,000 Who gets the glory and praise 28 00:05:34,000 --> 00:05:36,000 Nobody but him 29 00:05:36,000 --> 00:05:37,000 This is our God 30 00:05:37,000 --> 00:05:39,000 This is who he is 31 00:05:39,000 --> 00:05:41,000 He loves us 32 00:05:41,000 --> 00:05:43,000 This is our God 33 00:05:43,000 --> 00:05:45,000 This is what he does 34 00:05:45,000 --> 00:05:47,000 He saves us 35 00:05:47,000 --> 00:05:53,000 He bore the cross 36 00:05:53,000 --> 00:05:55,000 Beat the grave 37 00:05:55,000 --> 00:05:57,000 Let heaven and earth proclaim 38 00:05:57,000 --> 00:05:59,000 This is our God 39 00:05:59,000 --> 00:06:01,000 King Jesus 40 00:06:01,000 --> 00:06:05,000 He bore the cross 41 00:06:05,000 --> 00:06:07,000 Beat the grave 42 00:06:07,000 --> 00:06:09,000 Let heaven and earth proclaim 43 00:06:09,000 --> 00:06:11,000 This is our God 44 00:06:11,000 --> 00:06:13,000 King Jesus 45 00:06:17,000 --> 00:06:31,000 I was buried beneath my shame 46 00:06:31,000 --> 00:06:39,000 Who could carry that kind of weight 47 00:06:39,000 --> 00:06:45,000 It was my turn 48 00:06:45,000 --> 00:06:51,000 Till I met you 49 00:06:51,000 --> 00:06:59,000 I was breathing but not alive 50 00:06:59,000 --> 00:07:07,000 All my failures I tried to hide 51 00:07:07,000 --> 00:07:19,000 You called my name 52 00:07:19,000 --> 00:07:25,000 And I ran out of that grave 53 00:07:25,000 --> 00:07:29,000 Out of the darkness 54 00:07:29,000 --> 00:07:33,000 Into your glorious day 55 00:07:33,000 --> 00:07:37,000 You called my name 56 00:07:37,000 --> 00:07:41,000 And I ran out of that grave 57 00:07:41,000 --> 00:07:45,000 Out of the darkness 58 00:07:45,000 --> 00:07:51,000 Into your glorious day 59 00:07:51,000 --> 00:07:53,000 You called my name 60 00:07:53,000 --> 00:07:55,000 And I ran out of that grave 61 00:07:55,000 --> 00:07:57,000 Out of the darkness 62 00:07:57,000 --> 00:07:59,000 Into your glorious day 63 00:07:59,000 --> 00:08:01,000 You called my name 64 00:08:01,000 --> 00:08:03,000 And I ran out of that grave 65 00:08:03,000 --> 00:08:07,000 He has saved my soul 66 00:08:07,000 --> 00:08:24,000 You called my name 67 00:08:24,000 --> 00:08:29,000 And I ran out of that grave 68 00:08:29,000 --> 00:08:32,000 Out of the darkness 69 00:08:32,000 --> 00:08:36,000 Into your glorious day 70 00:08:36,000 --> 00:08:41,000 You called my name 71 00:08:41,000 --> 00:08:44,000 And I ran out of that grave 72 00:08:44,000 --> 00:08:49,000 Out of the darkness 73 00:08:49,000 --> 00:08:53,000 Into your glorious day 74 00:08:59,000 --> 00:09:02,000 I needed rescue 75 00:09:02,000 --> 00:09:05,000 My sin was heavy 76 00:09:05,000 --> 00:09:09,000 The chains break at the weight of your glory 77 00:09:09,000 --> 00:09:11,000 I needed shelter 78 00:09:11,000 --> 00:09:13,000 I wasn't open 79 00:09:13,000 --> 00:09:15,000 Now you call me 80 00:09:15,000 --> 00:09:17,000 Citizen of Heaven 81 00:09:17,000 --> 00:09:19,000 When I was broken 82 00:09:19,000 --> 00:09:21,000 You were my healing 83 00:09:21,000 --> 00:09:25,000 Now your love is the air that I'm breathing 84 00:09:25,000 --> 00:09:29,000 I have a future 85 00:09:29,000 --> 00:09:31,000 My eyes are open 86 00:09:31,000 --> 00:09:35,000 Cause when you call my name 87 00:09:35,000 --> 00:09:39,000 I ran out of that grave 88 00:09:39,000 --> 00:09:43,000 Out of the darkness 89 00:09:43,000 --> 00:09:47,000 Into your glorious day 90 00:09:47,000 --> 00:09:51,000 You call my name 91 00:09:51,000 --> 00:09:57,000 And I ran out of that grave 92 00:09:57,000 --> 00:10:01,000 Out of the darkness 93 00:10:01,000 --> 00:10:05,000 To your glorious day 94 00:10:17,000 --> 00:10:19,000 All right, you may be seated. 95 00:10:47,000 --> 00:10:49,000 You may be seated. 96 00:11:17,000 --> 00:11:19,000 You may be seated. 97 00:11:47,000 --> 00:11:49,000 You may be seated. 98 00:13:47,000 --> 00:13:49,000 Let's pray. 99 00:14:17,000 --> 00:14:19,000 Let's pray. 100 00:14:47,000 --> 00:14:49,000 Let's pray. 101 00:16:17,000 --> 00:16:19,000 Thank you. 102 00:16:47,000 --> 00:16:49,000 Thank you. 103 00:17:17,000 --> 00:17:19,000 Thank you. 104 00:19:17,000 --> 00:19:40,000 Let's pray. 105 00:19:40,000 --> 00:19:45,000 As we prepare to come to the table this morning, 106 00:19:45,000 --> 00:19:49,000 we're going to sing "Man of Sorrows." 107 00:19:49,000 --> 00:20:03,000 Man of sorrows, Lamb of God 108 00:20:03,000 --> 00:20:09,000 By His own betrayed 109 00:20:09,000 --> 00:20:15,000 The sin of man and broth of God 110 00:20:15,000 --> 00:20:21,000 Has been on Jesus' name 111 00:20:21,000 --> 00:20:31,000 Silent as He stood accused 112 00:20:31,000 --> 00:20:37,000 Feeds in mocked and scorned 113 00:20:37,000 --> 00:20:45,000 Bowing to the Father's will 114 00:20:45,000 --> 00:20:51,000 He took a crown of thorns 115 00:20:51,000 --> 00:20:57,000 Oh, that rugged cross 116 00:20:57,000 --> 00:21:01,000 My salvation 117 00:21:01,000 --> 00:21:05,000 Where your love poured out over me 118 00:21:05,000 --> 00:21:10,000 Now my soul cries out 119 00:21:10,000 --> 00:21:13,000 Hallelujah 120 00:21:13,000 --> 00:21:15,000 Praise and honor 121 00:21:15,000 --> 00:21:19,000 Run to Thee 122 00:21:19,000 --> 00:21:27,000 Send of heaven 123 00:21:27,000 --> 00:21:29,000 God's own Son 124 00:21:29,000 --> 00:21:33,000 To purchase and 125 00:21:33,000 --> 00:21:35,000 Redeemed 126 00:21:35,000 --> 00:21:39,000 And reconcile 127 00:21:39,000 --> 00:21:41,000 The very ones 128 00:21:41,000 --> 00:21:45,000 Who nailed him to 129 00:21:45,000 --> 00:21:47,000 That tree 130 00:21:47,000 --> 00:21:51,000 Oh that rugged cross 131 00:21:51,000 --> 00:21:53,000 My salvation 132 00:21:53,000 --> 00:21:57,000 Where your love poured out 133 00:21:57,000 --> 00:21:59,000 Over me 134 00:21:59,000 --> 00:22:03,000 Now my soul 135 00:22:03,000 --> 00:22:05,000 Cries out 136 00:22:05,000 --> 00:22:07,000 Hallelujah 137 00:22:07,000 --> 00:22:09,000 Praise and honor 138 00:22:09,000 --> 00:22:13,000 Unto me 139 00:22:13,000 --> 00:22:19,000 Now my debt 140 00:22:19,000 --> 00:22:21,000 Is paid 141 00:22:21,000 --> 00:22:23,000 It is paid in full 142 00:22:23,000 --> 00:22:25,000 By the precious 143 00:22:25,000 --> 00:22:27,000 Blood 144 00:22:27,000 --> 00:22:29,000 That my Jesus 145 00:22:29,000 --> 00:22:31,000 Spilled 146 00:22:31,000 --> 00:22:33,000 Now the curse 147 00:22:33,000 --> 00:22:35,000 Has no hold 148 00:22:35,000 --> 00:22:37,000 On me 149 00:22:37,000 --> 00:22:39,000 The sun sets free 150 00:22:39,000 --> 00:22:41,000 Oh, is free 151 00:22:41,000 --> 00:22:45,000 It is paid 152 00:22:45,000 --> 00:22:47,000 It is paid 153 00:22:47,000 --> 00:22:49,000 In full 154 00:22:49,000 --> 00:22:51,000 By the precious 155 00:22:51,000 --> 00:22:53,000 Blood 156 00:22:53,000 --> 00:22:57,000 Now the curse 157 00:22:57,000 --> 00:22:59,000 Of sin 158 00:22:59,000 --> 00:23:01,000 Has no hold 159 00:23:01,000 --> 00:23:03,000 On me 160 00:23:03,000 --> 00:23:05,000 The sun sets free 161 00:23:05,000 --> 00:23:07,000 Oh, is free 162 00:23:07,000 --> 00:23:09,000 Indeed 163 00:23:09,000 --> 00:23:11,000 That rugged 164 00:23:11,000 --> 00:23:15,000 Is my salvation 165 00:23:15,000 --> 00:23:17,000 Where your love 166 00:23:17,000 --> 00:23:19,000 Poured out 167 00:23:19,000 --> 00:23:21,000 Over me 168 00:23:21,000 --> 00:23:23,000 Now my soul 169 00:23:23,000 --> 00:23:25,000 Cries out 170 00:23:25,000 --> 00:23:27,000 Hallelujah 171 00:23:27,000 --> 00:23:29,000 Praise and all 172 00:23:29,000 --> 00:23:31,000 Who are 173 00:23:31,000 --> 00:23:35,000 To Thee 174 00:23:35,000 --> 00:23:39,000 See 175 00:23:39,000 --> 00:23:41,000 The stone 176 00:23:41,000 --> 00:23:43,000 Is rolled away 177 00:23:43,000 --> 00:23:45,000 Behold 178 00:23:45,000 --> 00:23:49,000 The empty tomb 179 00:23:49,000 --> 00:23:53,000 Hallelujah 180 00:23:53,000 --> 00:23:55,000 God 181 00:23:55,000 --> 00:23:57,000 Be praised 182 00:23:57,000 --> 00:23:59,000 He's risen 183 00:23:59,000 --> 00:24:03,000 From the grave 184 00:24:03,000 --> 00:24:05,000 Oh, that rugged 185 00:24:05,000 --> 00:24:07,000 Cross 186 00:24:07,000 --> 00:24:09,000 My salvation 187 00:24:09,000 --> 00:24:11,000 Where your love 188 00:24:11,000 --> 00:24:13,000 Poured out 189 00:24:13,000 --> 00:24:15,000 Over me 190 00:24:15,000 --> 00:24:17,000 Now my soul 191 00:24:17,000 --> 00:24:19,000 Oh, Christ 192 00:24:19,000 --> 00:24:21,000 Hallelujah 193 00:24:21,000 --> 00:24:25,000 Praise and honor 194 00:24:25,000 --> 00:24:27,000 To Thee 195 00:24:27,000 --> 00:24:29,000 Praise and honor 196 00:24:29,000 --> 00:24:31,000 To Thee 197 00:24:31,000 --> 00:24:33,000 Praise and honor 198 00:24:33,000 --> 00:24:35,000 To Thee 199 00:24:35,000 --> 00:24:41,000 We, as people, 200 00:24:41,000 --> 00:24:43,000 we like to try to 201 00:24:43,000 --> 00:24:45,000 deserve or earn 202 00:24:45,000 --> 00:24:47,000 the things we have 203 00:24:47,000 --> 00:24:49,000 We like to be strong enough 204 00:24:49,000 --> 00:24:51,000 to get what we want 205 00:24:51,000 --> 00:24:53,000 We want to be good enough 206 00:24:53,000 --> 00:24:55,000 We want to earn or deserve 207 00:24:55,000 --> 00:24:57,000 In fact, many of the things that we encounter in this life 208 00:24:57,000 --> 00:24:59,000 That's our argument 209 00:24:59,000 --> 00:25:01,000 I deserve this 210 00:25:01,000 --> 00:25:03,000 I earned this 211 00:25:03,000 --> 00:25:05,000 But when we see 212 00:25:05,000 --> 00:25:07,000 our brokenness 213 00:25:07,000 --> 00:25:09,000 and our sin 214 00:25:09,000 --> 00:25:11,000 and our shame 215 00:25:11,000 --> 00:25:13,000 and our fear 216 00:25:11,000 --> 00:25:13,000 and our guilt 217 00:25:13,000 --> 00:25:17,000 we find that no matter what we do 218 00:25:17,000 --> 00:25:19,000 and no matter how hard we work 219 00:25:19,000 --> 00:25:23,000 and no matter how strong we make ourselves 220 00:25:23,000 --> 00:25:29,000 we can never get ourselves far enough away from all of that 221 00:25:29,000 --> 00:25:31,000 And in Romans, the fifth chapter, Paul writes this 222 00:25:31,000 --> 00:25:33,000 For while we were still weak 223 00:25:33,000 --> 00:25:35,000 at the right time 224 00:25:35,000 --> 00:25:37,000 Christ died for the ungodly 225 00:25:37,000 --> 00:25:41,000 For one will scarcely die for a righteous person 226 00:25:41,000 --> 00:25:43,000 Though perhaps for a good person 227 00:25:43,000 --> 00:25:45,000 one would dare even to die 228 00:25:45,000 --> 00:25:47,000 but God shows His love for us 229 00:25:47,000 --> 00:25:49,000 in that while we were yet sinners 230 00:25:49,000 --> 00:25:51,000 Christ died for us 231 00:25:51,000 --> 00:25:53,000 Since therefore 232 00:25:53,000 --> 00:25:55,000 we now have been justified 233 00:25:55,000 --> 00:25:57,000 by His blood 234 00:25:57,000 --> 00:25:59,000 How much more shall we be saved by Him 235 00:25:59,000 --> 00:26:01,000 from the wrath of God 236 00:26:01,000 --> 00:26:03,000 For if while we were enemies 237 00:26:03,000 --> 00:26:05,000 we were reconciled to God 238 00:26:05,000 --> 00:26:07,000 by the death of His Son 239 00:26:07,000 --> 00:26:09,000 How much more, now that we are reconciled 240 00:26:09,000 --> 00:26:11,000 shall we be saved by His life 241 00:26:11,000 --> 00:26:13,000 More than that 242 00:26:13,000 --> 00:26:15,000 we also rejoice in God 243 00:26:15,000 --> 00:26:17,000 through our Lord Jesus Christ 244 00:26:17,000 --> 00:26:19,000 through whom we have now received 245 00:26:19,000 --> 00:26:21,000 reconciliation 246 00:26:21,000 --> 00:26:23,000 And Paul in these short 247 00:26:23,000 --> 00:26:25,000 verses 248 00:26:25,000 --> 00:26:27,000 begins to unpack a 249 00:26:27,000 --> 00:26:29,000 earth-shattering truth 250 00:26:29,000 --> 00:26:31,000 about our weakness 251 00:26:31,000 --> 00:26:33,000 and the goodness of God. Notice he says 252 00:26:33,000 --> 00:26:35,000 that we're not strong enough 253 00:26:35,000 --> 00:26:37,000 that while we were still weak, Christ died 254 00:26:37,000 --> 00:26:39,000 for us 255 00:26:39,000 --> 00:26:41,000 that we are love 256 00:26:41,000 --> 00:26:43,000 because while we are yet sinners 257 00:26:43,000 --> 00:26:45,000 Jesus died for us 258 00:26:45,000 --> 00:26:47,000 and that we were enemies 259 00:26:47,000 --> 00:26:49,000 from God 260 00:26:49,000 --> 00:26:51,000 and we have these three things 261 00:26:51,000 --> 00:26:53,000 that we're weak 262 00:26:53,000 --> 00:26:55,000 we're sinful 263 00:26:55,000 --> 00:26:57,000 and we're God's enemies 264 00:26:57,000 --> 00:26:59,000 but the one who was strong 265 00:26:59,000 --> 00:27:01,000 Jesus 266 00:27:01,000 --> 00:27:03,000 takes our weakness 267 00:27:03,000 --> 00:27:05,000 and dies for us 268 00:27:05,000 --> 00:27:07,000 the one who had no sin 269 00:27:07,000 --> 00:27:09,000 takes our sin at the cross 270 00:27:09,000 --> 00:27:12,000 so that in him we might be righteous 271 00:27:12,000 --> 00:27:14,000 the one that we had wronged 272 00:27:14,000 --> 00:27:16,000 and had become his enemy 273 00:27:16,000 --> 00:27:19,000 dies in love for his enemies 274 00:27:19,000 --> 00:27:22,000 so that we can be restored 275 00:27:22,000 --> 00:27:24,000 you see the cross 276 00:27:24,000 --> 00:27:27,000 is a testament to the goodness of God 277 00:27:27,000 --> 00:27:28,000 for broken 278 00:27:28,000 --> 00:27:29,000 hurting 279 00:27:29,000 --> 00:27:30,000 sorrowful 280 00:27:30,000 --> 00:27:31,000 separated 281 00:27:31,000 --> 00:27:32,000 sinners 282 00:27:32,000 --> 00:27:35,000 and as we come to the cross 283 00:27:35,000 --> 00:27:36,000 this morning we come 284 00:27:36,000 --> 00:27:37,000 with this bread 285 00:27:37,000 --> 00:27:39,000 and this cup 286 00:27:39,000 --> 00:27:41,000 that remind us 287 00:27:41,000 --> 00:27:43,000 that we are loved 288 00:27:43,000 --> 00:27:45,000 that we are saved 289 00:27:45,000 --> 00:27:47,000 and that we are reconciled to God 290 00:27:47,000 --> 00:27:48,000 through the death of his son 291 00:27:48,000 --> 00:27:49,000 let's pray 292 00:27:49,000 --> 00:27:51,000 Father in heaven I thank you for Jesus 293 00:27:51,000 --> 00:27:52,000 and for grace 294 00:27:52,000 --> 00:27:53,000 and I thank you 295 00:27:53,000 --> 00:27:57,000 that while we were weak 296 00:27:57,000 --> 00:28:00,000 not when we had cleaned ourselves up 297 00:28:00,000 --> 00:28:02,000 or fixed everything in our life 298 00:28:02,000 --> 00:28:03,000 but while we were broken 299 00:28:03,000 --> 00:28:04,000 and your enemies 300 00:28:04,000 --> 00:28:05,000 your son came 301 00:28:05,000 --> 00:28:08,000 and he took our place in the cross 302 00:28:08,000 --> 00:28:10,000 remind us of your love 303 00:28:10,000 --> 00:28:11,000 and your goodness 304 00:28:11,000 --> 00:28:13,000 and your patience with us 305 00:28:13,000 --> 00:28:15,000 may we see your mercy and grace 306 00:28:15,000 --> 00:28:16,000 as we partake of this bread 307 00:28:16,000 --> 00:28:17,000 and this cup 308 00:28:17,000 --> 00:28:19,000 it's in Jesus name we pray 309 00:28:19,000 --> 00:28:20,000 Amen 310 00:28:20,000 --> 00:28:23,000 if you would take the bread with me 311 00:28:23,000 --> 00:28:25,000 as Jesus did with his disciples 312 00:28:25,000 --> 00:28:26,000 and he tells them 313 00:28:26,000 --> 00:28:27,000 this is my body 314 00:28:27,000 --> 00:28:28,000 which is for you 315 00:28:28,000 --> 00:28:30,000 just in remembrance of me 316 00:28:30,000 --> 00:28:36,000 and in the same way 317 00:28:36,000 --> 00:28:38,000 after they finish eating 318 00:28:38,000 --> 00:28:39,000 he takes the cup 319 00:28:39,000 --> 00:28:40,000 which in the Passover 320 00:28:40,000 --> 00:28:44,000 symbolizes the redemption of God's people from Israel 321 00:28:44,000 --> 00:28:45,000 but for us 322 00:28:45,000 --> 00:28:48,000 symbolizes the redemption from sin and death 323 00:28:48,000 --> 00:28:49,000 that is accomplished through Jesus 324 00:28:49,000 --> 00:28:51,000 let's remember Jesus and partake 325 00:28:51,000 --> 00:28:56,000 and this is not simply 326 00:28:56,000 --> 00:28:58,000 a remembrance or an encouragement 327 00:28:58,000 --> 00:29:00,000 it is also for us 328 00:29:00,000 --> 00:29:02,000 a call to proclaim 329 00:29:02,000 --> 00:29:04,000 the good news about Jesus 330 00:29:04,000 --> 00:29:06,000 until he comes again 331 00:29:06,000 --> 00:29:08,000 before we dive into 332 00:29:08,000 --> 00:29:10,000 John the 15th chapter 333 00:29:10,000 --> 00:29:12,000 we sang it last week 334 00:29:12,000 --> 00:29:14,000 but 335 00:29:14,000 --> 00:29:16,000 Ezra and I had a talk this morning 336 00:29:16,000 --> 00:29:18,000 and we decided we're going to sing the hippopotamus song again 337 00:29:18,000 --> 00:29:20,000 so let's go ahead and stand up 338 00:29:20,000 --> 00:29:22,000 and for the kids 339 00:29:22,000 --> 00:29:24,000 get our wiggles out 340 00:29:24,000 --> 00:29:26,000 and for the adults 341 00:29:26,000 --> 00:29:28,000 get our wiggles out as well 342 00:29:28,000 --> 00:29:32,000 so let's go ahead and 343 00:29:54,000 --> 00:29:56,000 the mountains up so high 344 00:29:56,000 --> 00:29:58,000 on the very top 345 00:29:58,000 --> 00:30:00,000 he placed as God 346 00:30:00,000 --> 00:30:02,000 God's fingerprints 347 00:30:02,000 --> 00:30:04,000 are everywhere 348 00:30:04,000 --> 00:30:06,000 just to show 349 00:30:06,000 --> 00:30:08,000 how much he cares 350 00:30:08,000 --> 00:30:10,000 in between he had loads 351 00:30:10,000 --> 00:30:12,000 up but he made a hippo 352 00:30:12,000 --> 00:30:14,000 who weighs a ton 353 00:30:14,000 --> 00:30:18,000 hip hip hip hip 354 00:30:18,000 --> 00:30:20,000 a pot of us 355 00:30:20,000 --> 00:30:22,000 hip hip hooray God made all of us 356 00:30:22,000 --> 00:30:24,000 hip hip hip hip a pot of us 357 00:30:24,000 --> 00:30:28,000 hip hip hooray he made us 358 00:30:28,000 --> 00:30:30,000 so everybody sing 359 00:30:30,000 --> 00:30:32,000 hip hip hip hip hip a pot of us 360 00:30:32,000 --> 00:30:36,000 hip hip hooray God made all of us 361 00:30:36,000 --> 00:30:38,000 hip hip hip hip hip a pot of us 362 00:30:38,000 --> 00:30:40,000 hip hip hooray he made us 363 00:30:40,000 --> 00:30:42,000 hip hip hooray he made us 364 00:30:42,000 --> 00:30:50,000 Alright, you may be seated. 365 00:30:50,000 --> 00:30:52,000 We are going 366 00:30:52,000 --> 00:30:54,000 into the Gospel 367 00:30:54,000 --> 00:30:56,000 of John the 15th chapter 368 00:30:56,000 --> 00:30:58,000 you can follow along if you want 369 00:30:58,000 --> 00:31:00,000 the verses will be on the screen or they'll be 370 00:31:00,000 --> 00:31:02,000 in the handout or there are 371 00:31:02,000 --> 00:31:04,000 black Bibles in 372 00:31:04,000 --> 00:31:06,000 the seats if you would like 373 00:31:06,000 --> 00:31:08,000 to follow along. As 374 00:31:08,000 --> 00:31:10,000 we dive into this 375 00:31:10,000 --> 00:31:12,000 I just want to make a couple of say a couple 376 00:31:12,000 --> 00:31:14,000 of things before we 377 00:31:14,000 --> 00:31:16,000 read this text and pray 378 00:31:16,000 --> 00:31:18,000 but starting with this 379 00:31:18,000 --> 00:31:20,000 text which probably for some of us 380 00:31:20,000 --> 00:31:22,000 if you've been around church before 381 00:31:22,000 --> 00:31:24,000 you have heard these words. We read them at the 382 00:31:24,000 --> 00:31:26,000 beginning of our service this morning 383 00:31:26,000 --> 00:31:28,000 where Jesus will say, "I 384 00:31:28,000 --> 00:31:30,000 am the vine." 385 00:31:30,000 --> 00:31:32,000 And this text begins this 386 00:31:32,000 --> 00:31:34,000 morning with an illustration of vines 387 00:31:34,000 --> 00:31:36,000 specifically grape 388 00:31:36,000 --> 00:31:38,000 vines and vineyards 389 00:31:38,000 --> 00:31:40,000 and it's one of those texts that 390 00:31:40,000 --> 00:31:42,000 like we're familiar with the idea 391 00:31:42,000 --> 00:31:44,000 of a vineyard or a grapevine 392 00:31:44,000 --> 00:31:46,000 but we may not necessarily be 393 00:31:46,000 --> 00:31:48,000 familiar 394 00:31:48,000 --> 00:31:50,000 with the practice 395 00:31:50,000 --> 00:31:52,000 of taking care of grapes or 396 00:31:52,000 --> 00:31:54,000 taking care of vines 397 00:31:54,000 --> 00:31:56,000 and this picture is not a 398 00:31:56,000 --> 00:31:58,000 new picture for the Bible 399 00:31:58,000 --> 00:32:00,000 and through the entirety of the Bible 400 00:32:00,000 --> 00:32:02,000 this picture of vines and grapes 401 00:32:02,000 --> 00:32:04,000 is used in a lot of different ways 402 00:32:04,000 --> 00:32:06,000 in the Old Testament one of the ways that 403 00:32:06,000 --> 00:32:08,000 grapevines were used was as a blessing 404 00:32:08,000 --> 00:32:10,000 because in order to get grapes from a grapevine 405 00:32:10,000 --> 00:32:12,000 you have to be established 406 00:32:12,000 --> 00:32:14,000 you have to have time to work the vines 407 00:32:14,000 --> 00:32:16,000 to take care for them. Time has to pass 408 00:32:16,000 --> 00:32:18,000 and in the Old Testament 409 00:32:18,000 --> 00:32:20,000 likely that was about four years from the time 410 00:32:20,000 --> 00:32:22,000 you established your grapevine 411 00:32:22,000 --> 00:32:24,000 until the time you had fruit 412 00:32:24,000 --> 00:32:26,000 and so when you hear about God 413 00:32:26,000 --> 00:32:28,000 promising his people that they're going to have vines 414 00:32:28,000 --> 00:32:30,000 and harvest what you have 415 00:32:30,000 --> 00:32:32,000 is not just a picture of grapes 416 00:32:32,000 --> 00:32:34,000 but a picture of peace and the ability 417 00:32:34,000 --> 00:32:36,000 to spend time taking care 418 00:32:36,000 --> 00:32:38,000 of these vines 419 00:32:38,000 --> 00:32:40,000 and so we have 420 00:32:40,000 --> 00:32:42,000 this picture of a vine 421 00:32:42,000 --> 00:32:44,000 which is both positive but it's also 422 00:32:44,000 --> 00:32:46,000 a little frightening 423 00:32:46,000 --> 00:32:48,000 because there's pruning and there's chopping 424 00:32:48,000 --> 00:32:50,000 occasionally in this text 425 00:32:50,000 --> 00:32:52,000 you'll find stuff about throwing things into the fire 426 00:32:52,000 --> 00:32:54,000 and this text as we read it 427 00:32:54,000 --> 00:32:56,000 I want you to listen to it 428 00:32:56,000 --> 00:32:58,000 it can seem like it's a little bit 429 00:32:58,000 --> 00:33:00,000 maybe repetitive 430 00:33:00,000 --> 00:33:02,000 or sort of convoluted 431 00:33:02,000 --> 00:33:04,000 it's like who abides, whoever abides 432 00:33:04,000 --> 00:33:06,000 if you don't abide 433 00:33:06,000 --> 00:33:08,000 and so one of the things we want to do 434 00:33:08,000 --> 00:33:10,000 is we want to sort of read it through slowly and carefully 435 00:33:10,000 --> 00:33:14,000 to hear what is happening 436 00:33:14,000 --> 00:33:16,000 and so before I read through this text 437 00:33:16,000 --> 00:33:18,000 I want to give you just a little bit of an overview 438 00:33:18,000 --> 00:33:20,000 so as you hear these words 439 00:33:20,000 --> 00:33:22,000 you can try to put them together 440 00:33:22,000 --> 00:33:24,000 this text begins with a picture 441 00:33:24,000 --> 00:33:26,000 of Jesus saying I am the vine 442 00:33:26,000 --> 00:33:28,000 and my father 443 00:33:28,000 --> 00:33:30,000 is the gardener 444 00:33:30,000 --> 00:33:32,000 and he cares for this vineyard 445 00:33:32,000 --> 00:33:34,000 and there's the results of the care 446 00:33:34,000 --> 00:33:36,000 and he's going to 447 00:33:36,000 --> 00:33:38,000 sort of keep this 448 00:33:38,000 --> 00:33:40,000 in the back of our understanding 449 00:33:40,000 --> 00:33:42,000 this picture of vines and a gardener 450 00:33:42,000 --> 00:33:44,000 and the care for a vineyard 451 00:33:44,000 --> 00:33:46,000 for the next 16 verses 452 00:33:46,000 --> 00:33:48,000 we're only going to read 11 of them 453 00:33:48,000 --> 00:33:50,000 but understand he's not necessarily going to 454 00:33:50,000 --> 00:33:52,000 continually refer back to that picture 455 00:33:52,000 --> 00:33:54,000 it's sort of the backdrop 456 00:33:54,000 --> 00:33:56,000 like the back of a slide 457 00:33:56,000 --> 00:33:58,000 that we have with information on 458 00:33:58,000 --> 00:34:00,000 with vines and grapes 459 00:34:00,000 --> 00:34:02,000 this is the backdrop 460 00:34:02,000 --> 00:34:04,000 to all the things that Jesus 461 00:34:04,000 --> 00:34:06,000 is saying and it sort of winds its way 462 00:34:06,000 --> 00:34:08,000 like a vine through this text 463 00:34:08,000 --> 00:34:10,000 and it all sort of fits together 464 00:34:10,000 --> 00:34:12,000 and as a result 465 00:34:12,000 --> 00:34:14,000 can take a little bit of 466 00:34:14,000 --> 00:34:16,000 untangling 467 00:34:16,000 --> 00:34:18,000 and so I want you to be aware of context 468 00:34:18,000 --> 00:34:20,000 as we come to this. First of all 469 00:34:20,000 --> 00:34:22,000 this picture of a vine throughout 470 00:34:22,000 --> 00:34:24,000 the Old Testament 471 00:34:24,000 --> 00:34:26,000 the cultural context for Israel 472 00:34:26,000 --> 00:34:28,000 as they would have looked and seen 473 00:34:28,000 --> 00:34:30,000 vineyards and vines 474 00:34:30,000 --> 00:34:32,000 we see more and more of that in our area 475 00:34:32,000 --> 00:34:34,000 but for us it's not nearly as common 476 00:34:34,000 --> 00:34:36,000 as it would have been for them, but also 477 00:34:36,000 --> 00:34:38,000 the immediate context of this 478 00:34:38,000 --> 00:34:40,000 is Jesus is about to go to the 479 00:34:40,000 --> 00:34:42,000 cross. These are some 480 00:34:42,000 --> 00:34:44,000 of the last words that he will 481 00:34:44,000 --> 00:34:46,000 say to the disciples. 482 00:34:46,000 --> 00:34:48,000 He's going to speak here in John 15 483 00:34:48,000 --> 00:34:50,000 and in John 16 some more 484 00:34:50,000 --> 00:34:52,000 John 17 he's going to pray 485 00:34:52,000 --> 00:34:54,000 for them and then he will 486 00:34:54,000 --> 00:34:56,000 be betrayed and arrested 487 00:34:56,000 --> 00:34:58,000 go through the trials 488 00:34:58,000 --> 00:35:00,000 be beaten and be 489 00:35:00,000 --> 00:35:02,000 crucified. And so these are 490 00:35:02,000 --> 00:35:04,000 some of the last words Jesus says 491 00:35:04,000 --> 00:35:06,000 to his disciples. So as 492 00:35:06,000 --> 00:35:08,000 we read them, understand 493 00:35:08,000 --> 00:35:10,000 this is a picture that runs through the 494 00:35:10,000 --> 00:35:12,000 Bible, through the first century 495 00:35:12,000 --> 00:35:14,000 cultural context, and 496 00:35:14,000 --> 00:35:16,000 is deeply important because these are some of 497 00:35:16,000 --> 00:35:18,000 the last things that Jesus says 498 00:35:18,000 --> 00:35:20,000 to his disciples. So I'm going to read verses 1 through 499 00:35:20,000 --> 00:35:22,000 11 and then we will pray. 500 00:35:22,000 --> 00:35:24,000 I am the 501 00:35:24,000 --> 00:35:26,000 true vine, and my father 502 00:35:26,000 --> 00:35:28,000 is the vine dresser or gardener. 503 00:35:28,000 --> 00:35:30,000 Every branch 504 00:35:30,000 --> 00:35:32,000 in me that does not bear fruit 505 00:35:32,000 --> 00:35:34,000 he takes away. And every branch 506 00:35:34,000 --> 00:35:36,000 that does bear fruit he prunes 507 00:35:36,000 --> 00:35:38,000 so that it might bear more fruit. 508 00:35:38,000 --> 00:35:40,000 Already you are clean 509 00:35:40,000 --> 00:35:42,000 because of the word that I have spoken 510 00:35:42,000 --> 00:35:44,000 to you. 511 00:35:44,000 --> 00:35:46,000 Abide in me and I in you 512 00:35:46,000 --> 00:35:48,000 as the branch 513 00:35:48,000 --> 00:35:50,000 cannot bear fruit by itself unless 514 00:35:50,000 --> 00:35:52,000 it abides in the vine, neither can you 515 00:35:52,000 --> 00:35:54,000 unless you abide in me. 516 00:35:54,000 --> 00:35:56,000 I am the vine, you are the branches. 517 00:35:56,000 --> 00:35:58,000 Whoever abides in me 518 00:35:58,000 --> 00:36:00,000 and I in him, he it 519 00:36:00,000 --> 00:36:02,000 is that bears much fruit. For apart 520 00:36:02,000 --> 00:36:04,000 from me you can do 521 00:36:04,000 --> 00:36:06,000 nothing. If 522 00:36:06,000 --> 00:36:08,000 anyone does not abide in me 523 00:36:08,000 --> 00:36:10,000 he is thrown away like a branch and 524 00:36:10,000 --> 00:36:12,000 withers and the branches are gathered and thrown into 525 00:36:12,000 --> 00:36:14,000 the fire and burned. And if you 526 00:36:14,000 --> 00:36:16,000 abide in me and my words abide 527 00:36:16,000 --> 00:36:18,000 in you, ask whatever you wish 528 00:36:18,000 --> 00:36:20,000 and it will be done for 529 00:36:20,000 --> 00:36:22,000 you. By this my 530 00:36:22,000 --> 00:36:24,000 Father is glorified that you bear much 531 00:36:24,000 --> 00:36:26,000 fruit and prove to be my disciples. 532 00:36:26,000 --> 00:36:28,000 As the Father loved me, so I have 533 00:36:28,000 --> 00:36:30,000 loved you. Abide in 534 00:36:30,000 --> 00:36:32,000 my love. If you keep my commandments, you will 535 00:36:32,000 --> 00:36:34,000 abide in my love just as I have kept 536 00:36:34,000 --> 00:36:36,000 my Father's commandments and abide 537 00:36:36,000 --> 00:36:38,000 in his love. 538 00:36:38,000 --> 00:36:40,000 These things that I have spoken 539 00:36:40,000 --> 00:36:42,000 to you, that 540 00:36:42,000 --> 00:36:44,000 my joy may be in you 541 00:36:44,000 --> 00:36:46,000 and that your joy 542 00:36:46,000 --> 00:36:48,000 may be full. This is the 543 00:36:48,000 --> 00:36:50,000 word of the Lord. 544 00:36:50,000 --> 00:36:52,000 Let's pray. 545 00:36:52,000 --> 00:36:54,000 Father in heaven, 546 00:36:54,000 --> 00:36:56,000 thank you for Jesus. 547 00:36:56,000 --> 00:36:58,000 Help us this morning as we 548 00:36:58,000 --> 00:37:00,000 walk through this vine 549 00:37:00,000 --> 00:37:02,000 that nourishes us, that 550 00:37:02,000 --> 00:37:04,000 sustains us, 551 00:37:04,000 --> 00:37:06,000 that brings us to bear fruit. 552 00:37:06,000 --> 00:37:08,000 That you would help us to see 553 00:37:08,000 --> 00:37:10,000 your goodness for your people 554 00:37:10,000 --> 00:37:12,000 unpacked in this text. 555 00:37:12,000 --> 00:37:14,000 That you would nourish us in your 556 00:37:14,000 --> 00:37:16,000 son. That if we this morning 557 00:37:16,000 --> 00:37:18,000 are in this place where we are looking 558 00:37:18,000 --> 00:37:20,000 elsewhere for our happiness 559 00:37:20,000 --> 00:37:22,000 and our joy and our 560 00:37:22,000 --> 00:37:24,000 grace, may you bring our 561 00:37:24,000 --> 00:37:26,000 hearts to Jesus, the true 562 00:37:26,000 --> 00:37:28,000 vine, who truly 563 00:37:28,000 --> 00:37:30,000 nourishes and who truly 564 00:37:30,000 --> 00:37:32,000 transforms. It is in Jesus' name 565 00:37:32,000 --> 00:37:34,000 we pray. Amen. 566 00:37:34,000 --> 00:37:36,000 So, in this text 567 00:37:36,000 --> 00:37:38,000 we began 568 00:37:38,000 --> 00:37:40,000 with this idea of 569 00:37:40,000 --> 00:37:42,000 good news. And right, we're familiar 570 00:37:42,000 --> 00:37:44,000 with somebody coming, and 571 00:37:44,000 --> 00:37:46,000 for us maybe a little bit culturally conditioned 572 00:37:46,000 --> 00:37:48,000 for when somebody says, 573 00:37:48,000 --> 00:37:50,000 right, I have good news, 574 00:37:50,000 --> 00:37:52,000 you're also expecting them to say what? 575 00:37:52,000 --> 00:37:54,000 Well, I also have bad news. 576 00:37:54,000 --> 00:37:56,000 And most of us have a preference, one way 577 00:37:56,000 --> 00:37:58,000 or another. Do we want to hear the good news 578 00:37:58,000 --> 00:38:00,000 first, or the bad news first? Are we hoping 579 00:38:00,000 --> 00:38:02,000 the good news is bigger than the bad news, 580 00:38:02,000 --> 00:38:04,000 or the good news impacts the bad 581 00:38:04,000 --> 00:38:06,000 news in some ways? But I'll tell you this, with 582 00:38:06,000 --> 00:38:08,000 Jesus, for those 583 00:38:08,000 --> 00:38:10,000 who are searching and hurting 584 00:38:10,000 --> 00:38:12,000 and in desperate need of a 585 00:38:12,000 --> 00:38:14,000 transformation of their life, there 586 00:38:14,000 --> 00:38:16,000 is good news. 587 00:38:16,000 --> 00:38:18,000 And it's not good news with an asterisk 588 00:38:18,000 --> 00:38:20,000 or with a footnote. It's 589 00:38:20,000 --> 00:38:22,000 simply good news. 590 00:38:22,000 --> 00:38:24,000 And this text begins 591 00:38:24,000 --> 00:38:26,000 right away. 592 00:38:26,000 --> 00:38:28,000 There is good news. And if we're going to understand 593 00:38:28,000 --> 00:38:30,000 what Jesus is saying, we need 594 00:38:30,000 --> 00:38:32,000 just a little bit of cultural 595 00:38:32,000 --> 00:38:34,000 context. And if 596 00:38:34,000 --> 00:38:36,000 you're Jewish in the first century, this picture 597 00:38:36,000 --> 00:38:38,000 of vines and gardens 598 00:38:38,000 --> 00:38:40,000 and walled gardens filled 599 00:38:40,000 --> 00:38:42,000 with grapes would be a familiar one. 600 00:38:42,000 --> 00:38:44,000 And this vine, as we said, 601 00:38:44,000 --> 00:38:46,000 can represent the blessings of God. 602 00:38:46,000 --> 00:38:48,000 But also there's 603 00:38:48,000 --> 00:38:50,000 another picture that it represents. 604 00:38:50,000 --> 00:38:52,000 The vine is 605 00:38:52,000 --> 00:38:54,000 common symbolism in the Old Testament 606 00:38:54,000 --> 00:38:56,000 for God's people. 607 00:38:56,000 --> 00:38:58,000 Specifically, the nation of Israel. 608 00:38:58,000 --> 00:39:00,000 And here's what the vine 609 00:39:00,000 --> 00:39:02,000 represents throughout the Old Testament. 610 00:39:02,000 --> 00:39:04,000 The symbolism 611 00:39:04,000 --> 00:39:06,000 of God's people as 612 00:39:06,000 --> 00:39:08,000 this vine is not 613 00:39:08,000 --> 00:39:10,000 a good one in the Old Testament. 614 00:39:10,000 --> 00:39:12,000 Right? It's not a joyful 615 00:39:12,000 --> 00:39:14,000 picture. It's not 616 00:39:14,000 --> 00:39:16,000 an encouraging picture. 617 00:39:16,000 --> 00:39:18,000 In fact, every time in the Old Testament 618 00:39:18,000 --> 00:39:20,000 where you see God refer to 619 00:39:20,000 --> 00:39:22,000 His people as vines 620 00:39:22,000 --> 00:39:24,000 or a vineyard, it's always 621 00:39:24,000 --> 00:39:26,000 in judgment over 622 00:39:26,000 --> 00:39:28,000 their turning their backs to 623 00:39:28,000 --> 00:39:30,000 Him. The vine is a 624 00:39:30,000 --> 00:39:32,000 common symbol for God's people in the Old Testament 625 00:39:32,000 --> 00:39:34,000 and it's not a positive 626 00:39:34,000 --> 00:39:36,000 one. It's always a 627 00:39:36,000 --> 00:39:38,000 vineyard that's not bearing fruit or 628 00:39:38,000 --> 00:39:40,000 bearing fruit that is bad. 629 00:39:40,000 --> 00:39:42,000 And in fact, in Isaiah chapter 630 00:39:42,000 --> 00:39:44,000 5, in the first 631 00:39:44,000 --> 00:39:46,000 7 verses, there is such a picture. 632 00:39:46,000 --> 00:39:48,000 And I'm not going to read it, but to summarize 633 00:39:48,000 --> 00:39:50,000 Isaiah chapter 5, God says, "I have 634 00:39:50,000 --> 00:39:52,000 taken this beautiful 635 00:39:52,000 --> 00:39:54,000 fertile land on top 636 00:39:54,000 --> 00:39:56,000 of a hill, and I've built a wall 637 00:39:56,000 --> 00:39:58,000 around it, and I have planted 638 00:39:58,000 --> 00:40:00,000 vines and grapes, and it is 639 00:40:00,000 --> 00:40:02,000 a beautiful vineyard." 640 00:40:02,000 --> 00:40:04,000 And He's talking specifically about Israel. 641 00:40:04,000 --> 00:40:06,000 He says, "It doesn't sound so bad, 642 00:40:06,000 --> 00:40:08,000 but it turns out Israel 643 00:40:08,000 --> 00:40:10,000 in their pride and rebellion 644 00:40:10,000 --> 00:40:12,000 turned their backs on 645 00:40:12,000 --> 00:40:14,000 God, and they're not 646 00:40:14,000 --> 00:40:16,000 producing fruit." 647 00:40:16,000 --> 00:40:18,000 They're producing what's called wild grapes, 648 00:40:18,000 --> 00:40:20,000 bitter and full of rebellion 649 00:40:20,000 --> 00:40:22,000 and anger, and so God's 650 00:40:22,000 --> 00:40:24,000 response is essentially, "I'm showing up 651 00:40:24,000 --> 00:40:26,000 with a bulldozer and a 652 00:40:26,000 --> 00:40:28,000 weed whacker." And this 653 00:40:28,000 --> 00:40:30,000 is common picture 654 00:40:30,000 --> 00:40:32,000 of the vineyard 655 00:40:32,000 --> 00:40:34,000 in the Old Testament. 656 00:40:34,000 --> 00:40:36,000 That there is rebellion, there is 657 00:40:36,000 --> 00:40:38,000 brokenness, and the gardener 658 00:40:38,000 --> 00:40:40,000 comes to remove those plants 659 00:40:40,000 --> 00:40:42,000 that no longer 660 00:40:42,000 --> 00:40:44,000 are bearing fruit. 661 00:40:44,000 --> 00:40:46,000 But this text 662 00:40:46,000 --> 00:40:48,000 is different. This 663 00:40:48,000 --> 00:40:50,000 text turns all of that 664 00:40:50,000 --> 00:40:52,000 on its head, because for 665 00:40:52,000 --> 00:40:54,000 Jesus' disciples, when they heard Jesus' 666 00:40:54,000 --> 00:40:56,000 "I am the vine, and you are the 667 00:40:56,000 --> 00:40:58,000 branches," the Old Testament context 668 00:40:58,000 --> 00:41:00,000 would have been one of fear 669 00:41:00,000 --> 00:41:02,000 and judgment, but Jesus 670 00:41:02,000 --> 00:41:04,000 is bringing us hope and light 671 00:41:04,000 --> 00:41:06,000 and joy by saying 672 00:41:06,000 --> 00:41:08,000 this. Look at what Jesus says, the very 673 00:41:08,000 --> 00:41:10,000 first verse. Just so simply, 674 00:41:10,000 --> 00:41:12,000 "I am the true 675 00:41:12,000 --> 00:41:14,000 vine, and my Father 676 00:41:14,000 --> 00:41:16,000 is the vine dresser." 677 00:41:16,000 --> 00:41:18,000 Do you know what Jesus is saying? 678 00:41:18,000 --> 00:41:20,000 All those 679 00:41:20,000 --> 00:41:22,000 Old Testament pictures where you are the vine 680 00:41:22,000 --> 00:41:24,000 and you're bearing wild 681 00:41:24,000 --> 00:41:26,000 grapes and bitter grapes and 682 00:41:26,000 --> 00:41:28,000 the fruit of rebellion and 683 00:41:28,000 --> 00:41:30,000 idolatry. Jesus is 684 00:41:30,000 --> 00:41:32,000 saying, "I am being what you could 685 00:41:32,000 --> 00:41:34,000 never be, and I am 686 00:41:34,000 --> 00:41:36,000 doing what you were never 687 00:41:36,000 --> 00:41:38,000 able to do." That I am 688 00:41:38,000 --> 00:41:40,000 the good vine that bears good 689 00:41:40,000 --> 00:41:42,000 fruit. And what Jesus 690 00:41:42,000 --> 00:41:44,000 is saying is, "I am taking all of that 691 00:41:44,000 --> 00:41:46,000 Old Testament brokenness, all 692 00:41:46,000 --> 00:41:48,000 of your sin and your rebellion, 693 00:41:48,000 --> 00:41:50,000 and I'm turning it upside down. 694 00:41:50,000 --> 00:41:52,000 That all of your hurts and your guilt 695 00:41:52,000 --> 00:41:54,000 and all of that 696 00:41:54,000 --> 00:41:56,000 brokenness, I am 697 00:41:56,000 --> 00:41:58,000 turning into something good." 698 00:41:58,000 --> 00:42:00,000 Right? These words are not 699 00:42:00,000 --> 00:42:02,000 words of condemnation. They are words 700 00:42:02,000 --> 00:42:04,000 that are filled with promise 701 00:42:04,000 --> 00:42:06,000 and hope for God's 702 00:42:06,000 --> 00:42:08,000 people. That there is a 703 00:42:08,000 --> 00:42:10,000 good vine. And Jesus is saying, "I am 704 00:42:10,000 --> 00:42:12,000 the true vine." And He goes on later to say 705 00:42:12,000 --> 00:42:14,000 that you are the branches. That those 706 00:42:14,000 --> 00:42:16,000 who are in Christ, what He is 707 00:42:16,000 --> 00:42:18,000 saying is, "I am your strength." 708 00:42:18,000 --> 00:42:20,000 And when you look at Jesus 709 00:42:20,000 --> 00:42:22,000 and say, "I'm not strong enough." 710 00:42:22,000 --> 00:42:24,000 He goes, "I know, but I am." 711 00:42:24,000 --> 00:42:26,000 And when you say, "I don't know that 712 00:42:26,000 --> 00:42:28,000 I can hold up to this." Jesus says, 713 00:42:28,000 --> 00:42:30,000 "I know, but I can." And when you say, "I don't 714 00:42:30,000 --> 00:42:32,000 think I'm good enough." Jesus says, "I know, 715 00:42:32,000 --> 00:42:34,000 but I am." 716 00:42:34,000 --> 00:42:36,000 You say, "I don't think I can 717 00:42:36,000 --> 00:42:38,000 bear fruit." And Jesus says, "I know, 718 00:42:38,000 --> 00:42:40,000 but I will nourish you to do 719 00:42:40,000 --> 00:42:42,000 that." Right? These words, 720 00:42:42,000 --> 00:42:44,000 "I am the true vine." It's 721 00:42:44,000 --> 00:42:46,000 beautiful, and it's wonderful, 722 00:42:46,000 --> 00:42:48,000 and it brings us hope because Jesus 723 00:42:48,000 --> 00:42:50,000 comes to a broken 724 00:42:50,000 --> 00:42:52,000 vineyard filled with rebellious 725 00:42:52,000 --> 00:42:54,000 people with the fruit of their life 726 00:42:54,000 --> 00:42:56,000 being brokenness and separation 727 00:42:56,000 --> 00:42:58,000 from God. And He says, "I am the true vine." 728 00:42:58,000 --> 00:43:00,000 And if you are 729 00:43:00,000 --> 00:43:02,000 in Me, 730 00:43:02,000 --> 00:43:04,000 that brokenness is turned 731 00:43:04,000 --> 00:43:06,000 upside down. 732 00:43:06,000 --> 00:43:08,000 And what Jesus says 733 00:43:08,000 --> 00:43:10,000 in this text as we walk through it, 734 00:43:10,000 --> 00:43:12,000 He'll say next 735 00:43:12,000 --> 00:43:14,000 that this is where you 736 00:43:14,000 --> 00:43:16,000 belong. Look at 737 00:43:16,000 --> 00:43:18,000 John 15:4. And there is 738 00:43:18,000 --> 00:43:20,000 so much in this text. But 739 00:43:20,000 --> 00:43:22,000 in John 15:4, He says, "Abide 740 00:43:22,000 --> 00:43:24,000 in Me, and I in you, 741 00:43:24,000 --> 00:43:26,000 as the branch cannot bear fruit 742 00:43:26,000 --> 00:43:28,000 by itself, unless it abides 743 00:43:28,000 --> 00:43:30,000 in the vine, neither can you unless 744 00:43:30,000 --> 00:43:32,000 you abide in 745 00:43:32,000 --> 00:43:34,000 Me." That word 746 00:43:34,000 --> 00:43:36,000 abide, Jesus really 747 00:43:36,000 --> 00:43:38,000 loves in this place. 748 00:43:38,000 --> 00:43:40,000 It's used nine times, 749 00:43:40,000 --> 00:43:42,000 nine separate verses in the 750 00:43:42,000 --> 00:43:44,000 book of John. Seven 751 00:43:44,000 --> 00:43:46,000 of those verses are in this section, 752 00:43:46,000 --> 00:43:48,000 and several of those verses, Jesus uses 753 00:43:48,000 --> 00:43:50,000 it more than once. Here, for example, 754 00:43:50,000 --> 00:43:52,000 He says it three times, right? 755 00:43:52,000 --> 00:43:54,000 "Abide in Me, unless it abides 756 00:43:54,000 --> 00:43:56,000 in the vine, unless you abide 757 00:43:56,000 --> 00:43:58,000 in Me." This word 758 00:43:58,000 --> 00:44:00,000 abide, 759 00:44:00,000 --> 00:44:02,000 most of us today don't abide very much, right? 760 00:44:02,000 --> 00:44:04,000 We don't think about 761 00:44:04,000 --> 00:44:06,000 abiding. It means 762 00:44:06,000 --> 00:44:08,000 to stay, 763 00:44:08,000 --> 00:44:10,000 it means to remain, and it means 764 00:44:10,000 --> 00:44:12,000 in this context to 765 00:44:12,000 --> 00:44:14,000 lodge or to place your dwelling 766 00:44:14,000 --> 00:44:16,000 in a place, right? This is where 767 00:44:16,000 --> 00:44:18,000 I live now, that I am attached 768 00:44:18,000 --> 00:44:20,000 to the vine. It is a picture 769 00:44:20,000 --> 00:44:22,000 of our relationship 770 00:44:22,000 --> 00:44:24,000 with Christ. 771 00:44:24,000 --> 00:44:26,000 And here's the thing that happens 772 00:44:26,000 --> 00:44:28,000 in our life. We're constantly 773 00:44:28,000 --> 00:44:30,000 moving around to try 774 00:44:30,000 --> 00:44:32,000 to find something that we need. 775 00:44:32,000 --> 00:44:34,000 So it might be in 776 00:44:34,000 --> 00:44:36,000 terms of our work. Well, if I 777 00:44:36,000 --> 00:44:38,000 can move from this where I'm dissatisfied 778 00:44:38,000 --> 00:44:40,000 to there, to that job, or that 779 00:44:40,000 --> 00:44:42,000 company, or that new career 780 00:44:42,000 --> 00:44:44,000 path, maybe I will 781 00:44:44,000 --> 00:44:46,000 find that peace I'm looking for. Sometimes 782 00:44:46,000 --> 00:44:48,000 our moving isn't 783 00:44:48,000 --> 00:44:50,000 just maybe in our vocation, but maybe 784 00:44:50,000 --> 00:44:52,000 it's in our relationships, 785 00:44:52,000 --> 00:44:54,000 right? If I can have these friends, 786 00:44:54,000 --> 00:44:56,000 my life will change. If I can 787 00:44:56,000 --> 00:44:58,000 leave these people behind, 788 00:44:58,000 --> 00:45:00,000 then my life will change. If I can cut 789 00:45:00,000 --> 00:45:02,000 them out of my life and add them in, maybe 790 00:45:02,000 --> 00:45:04,000 it's in relationships romantically, 791 00:45:04,000 --> 00:45:06,000 that if I can have this, or do this, 792 00:45:06,000 --> 00:45:08,000 or be with them, I'll be happy. 793 00:45:08,000 --> 00:45:10,000 And sometimes it's with physical locations, 794 00:45:10,000 --> 00:45:12,000 right? We'll say, "Well, you know, 795 00:45:12,000 --> 00:45:14,000 this house doesn't really meet my needs, 796 00:45:14,000 --> 00:45:16,000 so I'll go move over there, 797 00:45:16,000 --> 00:45:18,000 and there's a bigger yard, and there's a pool, 798 00:45:18,000 --> 00:45:20,000 and there's more room for the kids." And we 799 00:45:20,000 --> 00:45:22,000 get there, and we go, "Well, I don't like this." And so we 800 00:45:22,000 --> 00:45:24,000 if I move there, we 801 00:45:24,000 --> 00:45:26,000 as people are 802 00:45:26,000 --> 00:45:28,000 constantly moving around 803 00:45:28,000 --> 00:45:30,000 to try to find a place that meets 804 00:45:30,000 --> 00:45:32,000 all our needs. And we do it in a million different 805 00:45:32,000 --> 00:45:34,000 areas in our life, from our physical 806 00:45:34,000 --> 00:45:36,000 location, to our relationships, 807 00:45:36,000 --> 00:45:38,000 to our vocation, to our hobbies, 808 00:45:38,000 --> 00:45:40,000 to our entertainment, trying 809 00:45:40,000 --> 00:45:42,000 to find a place where we can live 810 00:45:42,000 --> 00:45:44,000 where the needs of our souls are 811 00:45:44,000 --> 00:45:46,000 met. And Jesus says, "It's in me." 812 00:45:46,000 --> 00:45:48,000 That you don't have to 813 00:45:48,000 --> 00:45:50,000 keep running here or there 814 00:45:50,000 --> 00:45:52,000 to find a place where you will find 815 00:45:52,000 --> 00:45:54,000 hope. It is in 816 00:45:54,000 --> 00:45:56,000 me. Abide 817 00:45:56,000 --> 00:45:58,000 in me. 818 00:45:58,000 --> 00:46:00,000 Abiding 819 00:46:00,000 --> 00:46:02,000 with Jesus brings us joyful 820 00:46:02,000 --> 00:46:04,000 good news. It means 821 00:46:04,000 --> 00:46:06,000 that you belong. 822 00:46:06,000 --> 00:46:08,000 That there, first of all, 823 00:46:08,000 --> 00:46:10,000 there is room for you. Have you ever 824 00:46:10,000 --> 00:46:12,000 had that experience where you went in 825 00:46:12,000 --> 00:46:14,000 and it just was so crowded, you didn't know if there was room 826 00:46:14,000 --> 00:46:16,000 for you? A few weeks ago, 827 00:46:16,000 --> 00:46:18,000 Rachel and I went to see 828 00:46:18,000 --> 00:46:20,000 a friend's play, and it was a very 829 00:46:20,000 --> 00:46:22,000 small theater kind of in 830 00:46:22,000 --> 00:46:24,000 downtown Winchester, 831 00:46:24,000 --> 00:46:26,000 and we walked in, and we'd never been there 832 00:46:26,000 --> 00:46:28,000 before, and because of the 833 00:46:28,000 --> 00:46:30,000 busyness of the day, we walked in just right before 834 00:46:30,000 --> 00:46:32,000 it starts, and we walk into this room 835 00:46:32,000 --> 00:46:34,000 and there was maybe like, I don't know, 836 00:46:34,000 --> 00:46:36,000 eight or ten chairs on either side, 837 00:46:36,000 --> 00:46:38,000 and we look around, and there's like one chair here, 838 00:46:38,000 --> 00:46:40,000 one chair there, and it's like, is there room for us? 839 00:46:40,000 --> 00:46:42,000 Like, they sold us a ticket, so I hope 840 00:46:42,000 --> 00:46:44,000 there is room. Turns out there was two seats 841 00:46:44,000 --> 00:46:46,000 in the back corner, and I used 842 00:46:46,000 --> 00:46:48,000 the word "seat" 843 00:46:48,000 --> 00:46:50,000 generously, because the chairs were from like 844 00:46:50,000 --> 00:46:52,000 1945, 845 00:46:52,000 --> 00:46:54,000 and if you've sat on a 846 00:46:54,000 --> 00:46:56,000 hard wooden chair from 1945, 847 00:46:56,000 --> 00:46:58,000 they're like a quarter of the size 848 00:46:58,000 --> 00:47:00,000 of one of these chairs, 849 00:47:00,000 --> 00:47:02,000 right? And I'm not a small guy, right? 850 00:47:02,000 --> 00:47:04,000 I need like three of these chairs, 851 00:47:04,000 --> 00:47:06,000 and we're sitting there like, I'm like 852 00:47:06,000 --> 00:47:08,000 an old grumpy man. It's like, my legs are 853 00:47:08,000 --> 00:47:10,000 numb, my back hurts, I just, you know, 854 00:47:10,000 --> 00:47:12,000 and it just felt like there 855 00:47:12,000 --> 00:47:14,000 wasn't room. 856 00:47:14,000 --> 00:47:16,000 And here's the good news. When you come to 857 00:47:16,000 --> 00:47:18,000 Jesus, he's not like, 858 00:47:18,000 --> 00:47:20,000 well, I might have a seat for you over 859 00:47:20,000 --> 00:47:22,000 there, or I might have... 860 00:47:22,000 --> 00:47:24,000 He says that there's room. The second thing 861 00:47:24,000 --> 00:47:26,000 Jesus says to us is not 862 00:47:26,000 --> 00:47:28,000 just that you belong, this is 863 00:47:28,000 --> 00:47:30,000 a place that is peace, there is room, but 864 00:47:30,000 --> 00:47:32,000 you are wanted, 865 00:47:32,000 --> 00:47:34,000 right? Abide with me that you 866 00:47:34,000 --> 00:47:36,000 are not a burden. 867 00:47:36,000 --> 00:47:38,000 You are not a problem, and you are 868 00:47:38,000 --> 00:47:40,000 not too much 869 00:47:40,000 --> 00:47:42,000 for God. 870 00:47:42,000 --> 00:47:44,000 When we begin to see this picture of 871 00:47:44,000 --> 00:47:46,000 abiding, 872 00:47:46,000 --> 00:47:48,000 Jesus says, "This 873 00:47:48,000 --> 00:47:50,000 is where you belong." You're not a burden, 874 00:47:50,000 --> 00:47:52,000 you're not a struggle, 875 00:47:52,000 --> 00:47:54,000 you're not too broken. 876 00:47:54,000 --> 00:47:56,000 And 877 00:47:56,000 --> 00:47:58,000 one of the good news about being called 878 00:47:58,000 --> 00:48:00,000 to abide in Jesus, to hear that we belong 879 00:48:00,000 --> 00:48:02,000 and we're wanted, it fixes one of the greatest 880 00:48:02,000 --> 00:48:04,000 problems we have in life. 881 00:48:04,000 --> 00:48:06,000 Right? So when sin enters 882 00:48:06,000 --> 00:48:08,000 the world, in Genesis chapter 3, 883 00:48:08,000 --> 00:48:10,000 there's sort of three standard responses 884 00:48:10,000 --> 00:48:12,000 to this. We've talked about this before. 885 00:48:12,000 --> 00:48:14,000 One of the standard responses to sin 886 00:48:14,000 --> 00:48:16,000 is we break something and we try to fix it. 887 00:48:16,000 --> 00:48:18,000 That's why Adam and Eve in the garden, 888 00:48:18,000 --> 00:48:20,000 they go, "Let's make some clothes out of 889 00:48:20,000 --> 00:48:22,000 leaves." They're trying to fix the problem. 890 00:48:22,000 --> 00:48:24,000 The third way we respond to 891 00:48:24,000 --> 00:48:26,000 sin is by making and blaming other people. 892 00:48:26,000 --> 00:48:28,000 That's what they do at the end. 893 00:48:28,000 --> 00:48:30,000 But in the middle, they do something 894 00:48:30,000 --> 00:48:32,000 that we're all really good at. 895 00:48:32,000 --> 00:48:34,000 They hide and they seek 896 00:48:34,000 --> 00:48:36,000 to avoid the one that they have wronged. 897 00:48:36,000 --> 00:48:38,000 That's God. Right? We understand 898 00:48:38,000 --> 00:48:40,000 this because this is our 899 00:48:40,000 --> 00:48:42,000 habit, right? When there is a 900 00:48:42,000 --> 00:48:44,000 break in our relationship 901 00:48:44,000 --> 00:48:46,000 with somebody where we have sinned against them 902 00:48:46,000 --> 00:48:48,000 or they have sinned against 903 00:48:48,000 --> 00:48:50,000 us, what do we do? 904 00:48:50,000 --> 00:48:52,000 We don't want to be near them. Any time that a 905 00:48:52,000 --> 00:48:54,000 relationship breaks, we 906 00:48:54,000 --> 00:48:56,000 separate from them. We try to get as 907 00:48:56,000 --> 00:48:58,000 far away from them as possible. 908 00:48:58,000 --> 00:49:00,000 When I was in college, 909 00:49:00,000 --> 00:49:02,000 I talked to Rachel about this morning. She said it was fine 910 00:49:02,000 --> 00:49:04,000 to share this story. When I was in college, 911 00:49:04,000 --> 00:49:06,000 I had dated this girl 912 00:49:06,000 --> 00:49:08,000 in the last couple years of high school 913 00:49:08,000 --> 00:49:10,000 and a year or so in college 914 00:49:10,000 --> 00:49:12,000 and eventually we broke up 915 00:49:12,000 --> 00:49:14,000 and I did it like a guy who's really 916 00:49:14,000 --> 00:49:16,000 mature and who's dated a girl for like 917 00:49:16,000 --> 00:49:18,000 three years. I just called her and told her I didn't want to date her 918 00:49:18,000 --> 00:49:20,000 anymore. It was 919 00:49:20,000 --> 00:49:22,000 great. It worked out well. 920 00:49:22,000 --> 00:49:24,000 I was back on a break 921 00:49:24,000 --> 00:49:26,000 from college and I was with my cousin and he 922 00:49:26,000 --> 00:49:28,000 had a job delivering 923 00:49:28,000 --> 00:49:30,000 milk and cereal. Think of 924 00:49:30,000 --> 00:49:32,000 a UPS truck that's refrigerated. 925 00:49:32,000 --> 00:49:34,000 Same kind of look. 926 00:49:34,000 --> 00:49:36,000 We were trying to go to a movie 927 00:49:36,000 --> 00:49:38,000 and I said, "Hey, I'll come work with you 928 00:49:38,000 --> 00:49:40,000 and speed it up so we can get out of here 929 00:49:40,000 --> 00:49:42,000 until we don't have to watch a movie at like 11 o'clock 930 00:49:42,000 --> 00:49:44,000 at night." We had worked 931 00:49:44,000 --> 00:49:46,000 through the day. We're down to our 932 00:49:46,000 --> 00:49:48,000 last couple stops and we were kind of 933 00:49:48,000 --> 00:49:50,000 coming back into the area where we lived 934 00:49:50,000 --> 00:49:52,000 and I was in the back packing up 935 00:49:52,000 --> 00:49:54,000 the last couple orders 936 00:49:54,000 --> 00:49:56,000 and I look out the front window 937 00:49:56,000 --> 00:49:58,000 and he's driving down her 938 00:49:58,000 --> 00:50:00,000 road and like, "I didn't 939 00:50:00,000 --> 00:50:02,000 want this. I didn't want to be anywhere near 940 00:50:02,000 --> 00:50:04,000 there." And I look at him and I was like, 941 00:50:04,000 --> 00:50:06,000 "What are you doing?" He's like, "It's the shortcut." 942 00:50:06,000 --> 00:50:08,000 I was like, "Drive! Drive!" So he steps on 943 00:50:08,000 --> 00:50:10,000 the gas being silly like you do. 944 00:50:10,000 --> 00:50:12,000 And at this moment, 945 00:50:12,000 --> 00:50:14,000 as we're going by her 946 00:50:14,000 --> 00:50:16,000 house, the back 947 00:50:16,000 --> 00:50:18,000 wheels on the one side of the milk truck 948 00:50:18,000 --> 00:50:20,000 just come off. Not like off 949 00:50:20,000 --> 00:50:22,000 rolling down the road, but like think of a UPS 950 00:50:22,000 --> 00:50:24,000 truck with the back dueled wheels just 951 00:50:24,000 --> 00:50:26,000 sticking out the side. 952 00:50:26,000 --> 00:50:28,000 And there we are, broke down 953 00:50:28,000 --> 00:50:30,000 on the side of the road, directly 954 00:50:30,000 --> 00:50:32,000 in front of her house, and she knows my cousin, 955 00:50:32,000 --> 00:50:34,000 and she knows that I'm likely 956 00:50:34,000 --> 00:50:36,000 with him, and so I'm in the back 957 00:50:36,000 --> 00:50:38,000 trying to build myself a fort out of milk 958 00:50:38,000 --> 00:50:40,000 crates because I just don't want to be anywhere 959 00:50:40,000 --> 00:50:42,000 near this situation. 960 00:50:42,000 --> 00:50:44,000 And this is what happens 961 00:50:44,000 --> 00:50:46,000 when you and I 962 00:50:46,000 --> 00:50:48,000 wrong God. 963 00:50:48,000 --> 00:50:50,000 Right? We're doing everything in our 964 00:50:50,000 --> 00:50:52,000 power to try 965 00:50:52,000 --> 00:50:54,000 to hide from Him, 966 00:50:54,000 --> 00:50:56,000 to avoid the confrontation, 967 00:50:56,000 --> 00:50:58,000 to not be, and here's the thing, just like Brandon 968 00:50:58,000 --> 00:51:00,000 in the milk truck, it doesn't work. 969 00:51:00,000 --> 00:51:02,000 Like, you know milk crates 970 00:51:02,000 --> 00:51:04,000 have holes, and you can see through them, 971 00:51:04,000 --> 00:51:06,000 so even if you're in your little milk crate fort, 972 00:51:06,000 --> 00:51:08,000 like your ex-girlfriend can still see you? 973 00:51:08,000 --> 00:51:10,000 Like, and it's ridiculous. 974 00:51:10,000 --> 00:51:12,000 You say, "Why would he ever do that?" 975 00:51:12,000 --> 00:51:14,000 It's like, "Why do we run from the Almighty God 976 00:51:14,000 --> 00:51:16,000 who can see and know everything?" 977 00:51:16,000 --> 00:51:18,000 It's because we're ashamed, 978 00:51:18,000 --> 00:51:20,000 and that relationship is broken. 979 00:51:20,000 --> 00:51:22,000 And in these verses, 980 00:51:22,000 --> 00:51:24,000 when Jesus says, "I am the vine, 981 00:51:24,000 --> 00:51:26,000 and you can abide in me, 982 00:51:26,000 --> 00:51:28,000 and I in you, and you will 983 00:51:28,000 --> 00:51:30,000 bear fruit," he's saying 984 00:51:30,000 --> 00:51:32,000 that that separation 985 00:51:32,000 --> 00:51:34,000 and that desire, 986 00:51:34,000 --> 00:51:36,000 you don't have to hide anymore. 987 00:51:36,000 --> 00:51:38,000 You don't have to run. 988 00:51:38,000 --> 00:51:40,000 You don't have to, like, head for the hills 989 00:51:40,000 --> 00:51:42,000 that there is a place that you 990 00:51:42,000 --> 00:51:44,000 belong. 991 00:51:44,000 --> 00:51:46,000 There is a way to be made clean 992 00:51:46,000 --> 00:51:48,000 and new and brought into 993 00:51:48,000 --> 00:51:50,000 the vineyard 994 00:51:50,000 --> 00:51:52,000 through the reality of who Jesus is 995 00:51:52,000 --> 00:51:54,000 and what he has done. This is what it means in verse 3 996 00:51:54,000 --> 00:51:56,000 when he says, "Because of the word I have spoken 997 00:51:56,000 --> 00:51:58,000 to you, I've made you clean." Because of 998 00:51:58,000 --> 00:52:00,000 who Jesus is and what he has 999 00:52:00,000 --> 00:52:02,000 done, you can be made clean. 1000 00:52:02,000 --> 00:52:04,000 There's a place for you 1001 00:52:04,000 --> 00:52:06,000 filled with mercy and with 1002 00:52:06,000 --> 00:52:08,000 grace, and God is joyful 1003 00:52:08,000 --> 00:52:10,000 at your presence, 1004 00:52:10,000 --> 00:52:12,000 and God is 1005 00:52:12,000 --> 00:52:14,000 at work in your life. 1006 00:52:14,000 --> 00:52:16,000 So here we are 1007 00:52:16,000 --> 00:52:18,000 dwelling. 1008 00:52:18,000 --> 00:52:20,000 How do you know that you're 1009 00:52:20,000 --> 00:52:22,000 really dwelling in the vine? 1010 00:52:22,000 --> 00:52:24,000 It's because you're bearing 1011 00:52:24,000 --> 00:52:26,000 fruit. And this is not 1012 00:52:26,000 --> 00:52:28,000 fruit that comes from your effort, 1013 00:52:28,000 --> 00:52:30,000 but it is fruit that is brought about 1014 00:52:30,000 --> 00:52:32,000 by the transformation and the nourishment 1015 00:52:32,000 --> 00:52:34,000 brought in Jesus. Look at what he says 1016 00:52:34,000 --> 00:52:36,000 in verse 5. "I am the vine, 1017 00:52:36,000 --> 00:52:38,000 you are the branches. Whoever abides in 1018 00:52:38,000 --> 00:52:40,000 me and I in him, it is 1019 00:52:40,000 --> 00:52:42,000 he that bears much fruit. 1020 00:52:42,000 --> 00:52:44,000 For apart from me, you can 1021 00:52:44,000 --> 00:52:46,000 do nothing." Right? If you are 1022 00:52:46,000 --> 00:52:48,000 in Christ, there will be fruit 1023 00:52:48,000 --> 00:52:50,000 in your life. 1024 00:52:50,000 --> 00:52:52,000 If you are truly connected 1025 00:52:52,000 --> 00:52:54,000 to Jesus. Right? 1026 00:52:54,000 --> 00:52:56,000 Apart from me, 1027 00:52:56,000 --> 00:52:58,000 you can do nothing. 1028 00:52:58,000 --> 00:53:00,000 And so if you are in Christ, 1029 00:53:00,000 --> 00:53:02,000 there will be fruit 1030 00:53:02,000 --> 00:53:04,000 in your life. 1031 00:53:04,000 --> 00:53:06,000 If you are truly connected 1032 00:53:06,000 --> 00:53:08,000 to Jesus. 1033 00:53:08,000 --> 00:53:10,000 And then in verse 15-2, 1034 00:53:10,000 --> 00:53:12,000 John will say this. 1035 00:53:12,000 --> 00:53:14,000 It says there's two kind of branches. 1036 00:53:14,000 --> 00:53:16,000 One that is 1037 00:53:16,000 --> 00:53:18,000 there, but dead. 1038 00:53:18,000 --> 00:53:22,000 Every branch of me that does not bear fruit 1039 00:53:22,000 --> 00:53:24,000 he takes away. 1040 00:53:24,000 --> 00:53:26,000 It's dead. It's not taking any nourishment 1041 00:53:26,000 --> 00:53:28,000 from the vine. 1042 00:53:28,000 --> 00:53:30,000 And then here's what he says to us who are 1043 00:53:30,000 --> 00:53:32,000 in the vine. Every branch 1044 00:53:32,000 --> 00:53:34,000 that does bear fruit he 1045 00:53:34,000 --> 00:53:36,000 prunes. 1046 00:53:36,000 --> 00:53:38,000 That it may bear more fruit. 1047 00:53:38,000 --> 00:53:40,000 The picture here 1048 00:53:40,000 --> 00:53:42,000 is not just that we bear fruit, but that 1049 00:53:42,000 --> 00:53:44,000 God is continually at work 1050 00:53:44,000 --> 00:53:46,000 in our lives to prune 1051 00:53:46,000 --> 00:53:48,000 us. You know what pruning means? 1052 00:53:48,000 --> 00:53:50,000 It means trimming and cutting 1053 00:53:50,000 --> 00:53:52,000 to encourage and spur on growth. 1054 00:53:52,000 --> 00:53:54,000 That as we are in 1055 00:53:54,000 --> 00:53:56,000 Christ and bearing fruit, like it's not just 1056 00:53:56,000 --> 00:53:58,000 here you are, stay here and be satisfied, 1057 00:53:58,000 --> 00:54:00,000 but that God is continually at 1058 00:54:00,000 --> 00:54:02,000 work to improve 1059 00:54:02,000 --> 00:54:04,000 and to bring you closer to him 1060 00:54:04,000 --> 00:54:06,000 to bear more fruit. 1061 00:54:06,000 --> 00:54:08,000 It's not 1062 00:54:08,000 --> 00:54:10,000 that life will be easy 1063 00:54:10,000 --> 00:54:12,000 or simple. 1064 00:54:12,000 --> 00:54:14,000 It's that God is at work even in difficult ways 1065 00:54:14,000 --> 00:54:16,000 to make us stronger. Look at this in Galatians 1066 00:54:16,000 --> 00:54:18,000 5:22 and 23. 1067 00:54:18,000 --> 00:54:20,000 "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, 1068 00:54:20,000 --> 00:54:22,000 kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 1069 00:54:22,000 --> 00:54:24,000 gentleness, self-control. 1070 00:54:24,000 --> 00:54:26,000 Against such things there is no law." 1071 00:54:26,000 --> 00:54:28,000 Notice here, first of all, the fruit is singular. 1072 00:54:28,000 --> 00:54:30,000 These are not individual 1073 00:54:30,000 --> 00:54:32,000 fruits, but it's a list of one 1074 00:54:32,000 --> 00:54:34,000 fruit with different characteristics. 1075 00:54:34,000 --> 00:54:36,000 And this is not 1076 00:54:36,000 --> 00:54:38,000 some kind of weird personality test 1077 00:54:38,000 --> 00:54:40,000 where somebody goes, "I'm really good at 1078 00:54:40,000 --> 00:54:42,000 loving because I'm an apple," and somebody goes, "Well, I'm 1079 00:54:42,000 --> 00:54:44,000 really good at faithfulness because I'm an orange." 1080 00:54:44,000 --> 00:54:46,000 Right? And the orange goes, "Well, 1081 00:54:46,000 --> 00:54:48,000 I don't have to be self-controlled because that's 1082 00:54:48,000 --> 00:54:50,000 not what an orange does." An orange is 1083 00:54:50,000 --> 00:54:52,000 faithful. This is not a bunch of individual 1084 00:54:52,000 --> 00:54:54,000 fruits that you get to pick. This is 1085 00:54:54,000 --> 00:54:56,000 not a menu. This is one 1086 00:54:56,000 --> 00:54:58,000 fruit that is brought about 1087 00:54:58,000 --> 00:55:00,000 in all of these characteristics in our 1088 00:55:00,000 --> 00:55:02,000 life. And the remarkable thing is they are 1089 00:55:02,000 --> 00:55:04,000 woven together. 1090 00:55:04,000 --> 00:55:06,000 That if I'm not loving, 1091 00:55:06,000 --> 00:55:08,000 it's going to be 1092 00:55:08,000 --> 00:55:10,000 real hard for me to be patient with people. 1093 00:55:10,000 --> 00:55:12,000 Patient can mean long-suffering, 1094 00:55:12,000 --> 00:55:14,000 putting up with people, 1095 00:55:14,000 --> 00:55:16,000 especially when they're difficult. If I don't love them, 1096 00:55:16,000 --> 00:55:18,000 I'm going to struggle to be patient. 1097 00:55:18,000 --> 00:55:20,000 And if I'm not patient, 1098 00:55:20,000 --> 00:55:22,000 I'm going to struggle to be kind. 1099 00:55:22,000 --> 00:55:24,000 And if my 1100 00:55:24,000 --> 00:55:26,000 hope isn't in Jesus, in the 1101 00:55:26,000 --> 00:55:28,000 love, joy, and peace, and patience that's found in Him, 1102 00:55:28,000 --> 00:55:30,000 I'm going to have it so hard to be faithful. 1103 00:55:30,000 --> 00:55:32,000 Right? You find 1104 00:55:32,000 --> 00:55:34,000 that these are not just individual 1105 00:55:34,000 --> 00:55:36,000 characteristics, but they're all together. 1106 00:55:36,000 --> 00:55:38,000 And they all work 1107 00:55:38,000 --> 00:55:40,000 together, and they're woven together. 1108 00:55:40,000 --> 00:55:42,000 And you might say, "Well, what does that have to do with 1109 00:55:42,000 --> 00:55:44,000 pruning?" If 1110 00:55:44,000 --> 00:55:46,000 I'm to bear fruit and increase in the 1111 00:55:46,000 --> 00:55:48,000 fruit in my life, what needs to happen? 1112 00:55:48,000 --> 00:55:50,000 God's got to work on these areas in my 1113 00:55:50,000 --> 00:55:52,000 life. If I am 1114 00:55:52,000 --> 00:55:54,000 not patient, 1115 00:55:54,000 --> 00:55:56,000 maybe it's that He needs to increase my 1116 00:55:56,000 --> 00:55:58,000 love. Or maybe He needs 1117 00:55:58,000 --> 00:56:00,000 to put me in situations that practice that patience. 1118 00:56:00,000 --> 00:56:02,000 Or maybe 1119 00:56:02,000 --> 00:56:04,000 it's peace that I struggle with, and 1120 00:56:04,000 --> 00:56:06,000 God puts me in a place where I have to find 1121 00:56:06,000 --> 00:56:08,000 my peace and hope in Him, not in 1122 00:56:08,000 --> 00:56:10,000 me, that God will 1123 00:56:10,000 --> 00:56:12,000 work in our life to 1124 00:56:12,000 --> 00:56:14,000 prod and to remove things 1125 00:56:14,000 --> 00:56:16,000 that are keeping us from 1126 00:56:16,000 --> 00:56:18,000 bearing fruit. 1127 00:56:18,000 --> 00:56:20,000 I don't just need nourishment, but I need those 1128 00:56:20,000 --> 00:56:22,000 things taken away that are 1129 00:56:22,000 --> 00:56:24,000 distracting and moving away. 1130 00:56:24,000 --> 00:56:26,000 So the question here 1131 00:56:26,000 --> 00:56:28,000 is, are we bearing fruit? 1132 00:56:28,000 --> 00:56:30,000 I'm not a big vine 1133 00:56:30,000 --> 00:56:32,000 guy, but growing up we 1134 00:56:32,000 --> 00:56:34,000 had a whole bunch of apple trees. 1135 00:56:34,000 --> 00:56:36,000 Actually, 500 apple trees 1136 00:56:36,000 --> 00:56:38,000 until Dad bought a chainsaw. 1137 00:56:38,000 --> 00:56:40,000 And then we slowly decreased 1138 00:56:40,000 --> 00:56:42,000 until I think there were ultimately no apple 1139 00:56:42,000 --> 00:56:44,000 trees. But when we were trying 1140 00:56:44,000 --> 00:56:46,000 to have apples on those apple trees, 1141 00:56:46,000 --> 00:56:48,000 one of the things that happened every winter 1142 00:56:48,000 --> 00:56:50,000 is you went through and there are 1143 00:56:50,000 --> 00:56:52,000 branches that will bear fruit and those 1144 00:56:52,000 --> 00:56:54,000 will not. And in the winter 1145 00:56:54,000 --> 00:56:56,000 you go through and you cut off the branches 1146 00:56:56,000 --> 00:56:58,000 that do not bear fruit. And I know this 1147 00:56:58,000 --> 00:57:00,000 because our job as kids was to pick 1148 00:57:00,000 --> 00:57:02,000 up those branches and put them 1149 00:57:02,000 --> 00:57:04,000 all in a pile. 1150 00:57:04,000 --> 00:57:06,000 There are a lot of people who 1151 00:57:06,000 --> 00:57:08,000 if asked would say, "I'm 1152 00:57:08,000 --> 00:57:10,000 a Christian." 1153 00:57:10,000 --> 00:57:12,000 Simply hearing that Jesus 1154 00:57:12,000 --> 00:57:14,000 is, is not 1155 00:57:14,000 --> 00:57:16,000 being attached to the 1156 00:57:16,000 --> 00:57:18,000 vine. Being in 1157 00:57:18,000 --> 00:57:20,000 proximity to people who love Jesus 1158 00:57:20,000 --> 00:57:22,000 that's not being attached 1159 00:57:22,000 --> 00:57:24,000 to the vine. Even 1160 00:57:24,000 --> 00:57:26,000 making ourselves through external 1161 00:57:26,000 --> 00:57:28,000 righteousness. What I mean external 1162 00:57:28,000 --> 00:57:30,000 righteousness is righteousness that your 1163 00:57:30,000 --> 00:57:32,000 heart is not in. So as 1164 00:57:32,000 --> 00:57:34,000 a kid, we would go to somebody's house, and 1165 00:57:34,000 --> 00:57:36,000 my parents would say, "Be on your best 1166 00:57:36,000 --> 00:57:38,000 behavior." And I'm on my best behavior 1167 00:57:38,000 --> 00:57:40,000 not because I want to be on my best behavior, 1168 00:57:40,000 --> 00:57:42,000 right? But because I'm worried about what happens 1169 00:57:42,000 --> 00:57:44,000 if I don't be on my best behavior. 1170 00:57:44,000 --> 00:57:46,000 That's external righteousness. Righteousness 1171 00:57:46,000 --> 00:57:48,000 that our heart is not 1172 00:57:48,000 --> 00:57:50,000 in. 1173 00:57:50,000 --> 00:57:52,000 So what makes you 1174 00:57:52,000 --> 00:57:54,000 a Christian and not just 1175 00:57:54,000 --> 00:57:56,000 a dead branch? 1176 00:57:56,000 --> 00:57:58,000 It's abiding in the vine. 1177 00:57:58,000 --> 00:58:00,000 Not just close. 1178 00:58:00,000 --> 00:58:04,000 Not just trying to make yourself look like you're a part of it, 1179 00:58:04,000 --> 00:58:06,000 but actually being there. Taking your nourishment 1180 00:58:06,000 --> 00:58:08,000 from Jesus, and through 1181 00:58:08,000 --> 00:58:10,000 his strength, bearing fruit. 1182 00:58:10,000 --> 00:58:12,000 And notice that this is the work 1183 00:58:12,000 --> 00:58:14,000 of God in this text. 1184 00:58:14,000 --> 00:58:16,000 This is not because you're good or strong. 1185 00:58:16,000 --> 00:58:18,000 It's because Jesus is good and strong. 1186 00:58:18,000 --> 00:58:20,000 And you see the transforming 1187 00:58:20,000 --> 00:58:22,000 power of love. 1188 00:58:22,000 --> 00:58:24,000 "As the 1189 00:58:24,000 --> 00:58:26,000 Father loved me, so I have loved you. 1190 00:58:26,000 --> 00:58:28,000 Abide in my love, and if you keep 1191 00:58:28,000 --> 00:58:30,000 my commandments, you will abide in my love, 1192 00:58:30,000 --> 00:58:32,000 just as I have kept my Father's commandments, 1193 00:58:32,000 --> 00:58:34,000 and abide in His love." 1194 00:58:34,000 --> 00:58:36,000 And when we hear this, 1195 00:58:36,000 --> 00:58:38,000 oftentimes I think our attention 1196 00:58:38,000 --> 00:58:40,000 goes right to the middle of this section. 1197 00:58:40,000 --> 00:58:42,000 "Keep my commandments, 1198 00:58:42,000 --> 00:58:44,000 and you abide in my love." 1199 00:58:44,000 --> 00:58:46,000 And if we hear that, 1200 00:58:46,000 --> 00:58:48,000 and it says, "Keep my commandments, and you'll abide 1201 00:58:48,000 --> 00:58:50,000 in my love," it sounds a little bit 1202 00:58:50,000 --> 00:58:52,000 like through keeping 1203 00:58:52,000 --> 00:58:54,000 commandments, we somehow 1204 00:58:54,000 --> 00:58:56,000 bring ourselves into 1205 00:58:56,000 --> 00:58:58,000 the love of God. 1206 00:58:58,000 --> 00:59:00,000 It's a little bit, it seems like, saying 1207 00:59:00,000 --> 00:59:02,000 if you do this, I'll love you. 1208 00:59:02,000 --> 00:59:04,000 That's not what Jesus 1209 00:59:04,000 --> 00:59:06,000 is saying, and we know it's not what Jesus is saying, 1210 00:59:06,000 --> 00:59:08,000 because He says this 1211 00:59:08,000 --> 00:59:10,000 first, "As the 1212 00:59:10,000 --> 00:59:12,000 Father has loved me, 1213 00:59:12,000 --> 00:59:14,000 so I have loved you. 1214 00:59:14,000 --> 00:59:16,000 Abide in my 1215 00:59:16,000 --> 00:59:18,000 love." 1216 00:59:18,000 --> 00:59:20,000 And what He's saying is that the obedience 1217 00:59:20,000 --> 00:59:22,000 to keep the commandments 1218 00:59:22,000 --> 00:59:24,000 comes first of all from abiding 1219 00:59:24,000 --> 00:59:26,000 in our love. And as we abide 1220 00:59:26,000 --> 00:59:28,000 in the love, and we are obedient, 1221 00:59:28,000 --> 00:59:30,000 then we're going to keep those commandments, 1222 00:59:30,000 --> 00:59:32,000 and it's going to make our love even 1223 00:59:32,000 --> 00:59:34,000 stronger, and hold us even 1224 00:59:34,000 --> 00:59:36,000 closer. It's about the 1225 00:59:36,000 --> 00:59:38,000 source of the love that comes 1226 00:59:38,000 --> 00:59:40,000 first from 1227 00:59:40,000 --> 00:59:42,000 Jesus. 1228 00:59:42,000 --> 00:59:44,000 Jesus says, "I love you. 1229 00:59:44,000 --> 00:59:46,000 You live and dwell and abide in my house 1230 00:59:46,000 --> 00:59:48,000 in love." And that changes how we think 1231 00:59:48,000 --> 00:59:50,000 about commandments, right? They go 1232 00:59:50,000 --> 00:59:52,000 from obligations to joy. 1233 00:59:52,000 --> 00:59:54,000 Last week was Rachel's birthday, 1234 00:59:54,000 --> 00:59:56,000 and there was something I had my eye 1235 00:59:56,000 --> 00:59:58,000 on for a while that I wanted 1236 00:59:58,000 --> 01:00:00,000 to buy her, and I ended up ordering it 1237 01:00:00,000 --> 01:00:02,000 thankfully early enough that 1238 01:00:02,000 --> 01:00:04,000 it got there right before her birthday 1239 01:00:04,000 --> 01:00:06,000 because if I get stuff too early, I'll give it to her 1240 01:00:06,000 --> 01:00:08,000 as soon as it arrives, so I'm so excited about it. 1241 01:00:08,000 --> 01:00:10,000 And I didn't buy 1242 01:00:10,000 --> 01:00:12,000 her a birthday gift because I was like, you know what? 1243 01:00:12,000 --> 01:00:14,000 If I get her a good gift, maybe she'll love me, 1244 01:00:14,000 --> 01:00:16,000 right? I bought her a good 1245 01:00:16,000 --> 01:00:18,000 gift because I love her. 1246 01:00:18,000 --> 01:00:20,000 And my buying 1247 01:00:20,000 --> 01:00:22,000 this was a reaction 1248 01:00:22,000 --> 01:00:24,000 because of the love that's in my heart. 1249 01:00:24,000 --> 01:00:26,000 The same is true with obedience to the 1250 01:00:26,000 --> 01:00:28,000 commands of love. It's not just 1251 01:00:28,000 --> 01:00:30,000 external effort, I gotta do this, 1252 01:00:30,000 --> 01:00:32,000 but rather it's the love 1253 01:00:32,000 --> 01:00:34,000 that comes from God into 1254 01:00:34,000 --> 01:00:36,000 our hearts and pours back out 1255 01:00:36,000 --> 01:00:38,000 through listening to what He has 1256 01:00:38,000 --> 01:00:40,000 to say. One of the 1257 01:00:40,000 --> 01:00:42,000 realizations I've had about my parents 1258 01:00:42,000 --> 01:00:44,000 now that I've had kids, 1259 01:00:44,000 --> 01:00:46,000 my parents' commands, 1260 01:00:46,000 --> 01:00:48,000 and this is gonna probably explode their 1261 01:00:48,000 --> 01:00:50,000 minds, they weren't there to steal my 1262 01:00:50,000 --> 01:00:52,000 joy. The commands 1263 01:00:52,000 --> 01:00:54,000 my dad and mom gave me weren't there just 1264 01:00:54,000 --> 01:00:56,000 to do this or don't do 1265 01:00:56,000 --> 01:00:58,000 this, although they probably 1266 01:00:58,000 --> 01:01:00,000 had to do a whole lot more of the second one, 1267 01:01:00,000 --> 01:01:02,000 don't do this. 1268 01:01:02,000 --> 01:01:04,000 It wasn't to steal my joy, right? 1269 01:01:04,000 --> 01:01:06,000 It was to keep me safe, to increase 1270 01:01:06,000 --> 01:01:08,000 my joy, and probably in my case, keep me out of jail, 1271 01:01:08,000 --> 01:01:10,000 right? They weren't there 1272 01:01:10,000 --> 01:01:12,000 saying, "Do this because we want to make you 1273 01:01:12,000 --> 01:01:14,000 miserable." They're saying, "We do this because we 1274 01:01:14,000 --> 01:01:16,000 know and have a bigger perspective 1275 01:01:16,000 --> 01:01:18,000 about what is good for 1276 01:01:18,000 --> 01:01:20,000 me." Those commands 1277 01:01:20,000 --> 01:01:22,000 were an outpouring of love. 1278 01:01:22,000 --> 01:01:24,000 As a kid, it's hard to see 1279 01:01:24,000 --> 01:01:26,000 that, but as an adult, you realize 1280 01:01:26,000 --> 01:01:28,000 that. And then 1281 01:01:28,000 --> 01:01:30,000 when you realize that commands are an outpouring 1282 01:01:30,000 --> 01:01:32,000 of love, it ceases to become 1283 01:01:32,000 --> 01:01:34,000 an obedience of duty 1284 01:01:34,000 --> 01:01:36,000 and becomes one of 1285 01:01:36,000 --> 01:01:38,000 love. 1286 01:01:38,000 --> 01:01:40,000 So here we see Jesus, the true vine, 1287 01:01:40,000 --> 01:01:42,000 the source, the power, the support, 1288 01:01:42,000 --> 01:01:44,000 abiding in Him. He's at work 1289 01:01:44,000 --> 01:01:46,000 in us transforming Him, and it's love 1290 01:01:46,000 --> 01:01:48,000 and obedience. It's not a burden, but a joy. 1291 01:01:48,000 --> 01:01:50,000 But this obedience also 1292 01:01:50,000 --> 01:01:52,000 drives us deeper into love. That's what he 1293 01:01:52,000 --> 01:01:54,000 says, "Abide in my love." You're going to 1294 01:01:54,000 --> 01:01:56,000 keep my commandments out of love, 1295 01:01:56,000 --> 01:01:58,000 but as you keep those commandments, 1296 01:01:58,000 --> 01:02:00,000 it's going to abide you in love. It's like, 1297 01:02:00,000 --> 01:02:02,000 it's going to draw you deeper and deeper 1298 01:02:02,000 --> 01:02:04,000 into the love of God. 1299 01:02:04,000 --> 01:02:06,000 Obedience strengthens 1300 01:02:06,000 --> 01:02:08,000 our love. 1301 01:02:08,000 --> 01:02:10,000 And this leads us all to a very simple 1302 01:02:10,000 --> 01:02:12,000 question: Where are we 1303 01:02:12,000 --> 01:02:14,000 dwelling? 1304 01:02:14,000 --> 01:02:16,000 Where are you abiding? 1305 01:02:16,000 --> 01:02:18,000 It's no accident that Jesus 1306 01:02:18,000 --> 01:02:20,000 begins this text by saying, 1307 01:02:20,000 --> 01:02:22,000 "I am the true vine." 1308 01:02:22,000 --> 01:02:24,000 Jesus doesn't have to 1309 01:02:24,000 --> 01:02:26,000 specify that He is the true vine 1310 01:02:26,000 --> 01:02:28,000 if there are no false vines. 1311 01:02:28,000 --> 01:02:30,000 What Jesus is saying is there's 1312 01:02:30,000 --> 01:02:32,000 a lot of places you can abide, a lot 1313 01:02:32,000 --> 01:02:34,000 of places that you can see your hope 1314 01:02:34,000 --> 01:02:36,000 and your nourishment in, but there's only one 1315 01:02:36,000 --> 01:02:38,000 that will transform you and satisfy your soul. 1316 01:02:38,000 --> 01:02:40,000 Maybe 1317 01:02:40,000 --> 01:02:42,000 hear words of judgment 1318 01:02:42,000 --> 01:02:44,000 in this, and it's 1319 01:02:44,000 --> 01:02:46,000 uncomfortable. 1320 01:02:46,000 --> 01:02:48,000 When Jesus talks about that, He's not trying to belittle 1321 01:02:48,000 --> 01:02:50,000 or threaten us. 1322 01:02:50,000 --> 01:02:52,000 He's doing so for our joy. 1323 01:02:52,000 --> 01:02:54,000 In the same way we might tell a child, 1324 01:02:54,000 --> 01:02:56,000 "Don't eat gum off the ground 1325 01:02:56,000 --> 01:02:58,000 because it's going to hurt you." 1326 01:02:58,000 --> 01:03:00,000 When Jesus 1327 01:03:00,000 --> 01:03:02,000 talks to us in these commands, He's not 1328 01:03:02,000 --> 01:03:04,000 doing so to rob you of something 1329 01:03:04,000 --> 01:03:08,000 good, but to give you something better. 1330 01:03:08,000 --> 01:03:10,000 All we have 1331 01:03:10,000 --> 01:03:12,000 in this, ultimately, 1332 01:03:12,000 --> 01:03:14,000 is Jesus. 1333 01:03:14,000 --> 01:03:16,000 You can put your hope in so 1334 01:03:16,000 --> 01:03:18,000 many things in this world, 1335 01:03:18,000 --> 01:03:20,000 and they will wither 1336 01:03:20,000 --> 01:03:22,000 and they will fade. 1337 01:03:22,000 --> 01:03:24,000 But in Jesus, 1338 01:03:24,000 --> 01:03:26,000 if your hope is in 1339 01:03:26,000 --> 01:03:28,000 Him, and you abide 1340 01:03:28,000 --> 01:03:30,000 in Him, there's a place 1341 01:03:30,000 --> 01:03:32,000 for you, and He loves you, and He will 1342 01:03:32,000 --> 01:03:34,000 nourish you, and you will bear fruit, 1343 01:03:34,000 --> 01:03:36,000 and you will grow deeper in love. 1344 01:03:36,000 --> 01:03:38,000 There's a place 1345 01:03:38,000 --> 01:03:40,000 for you, Jesus says. 1346 01:03:40,000 --> 01:03:42,000 It's a place that's rooms, and 1347 01:03:42,000 --> 01:03:44,000 filled with joy, and there's hope. 1348 01:03:44,000 --> 01:03:46,000 In this text, there is 1349 01:03:46,000 --> 01:03:48,000 this question: Where am I dwelling? 1350 01:03:48,000 --> 01:03:50,000 Where am I living? As Christians, right, 1351 01:03:50,000 --> 01:03:52,000 it's easy to look at other things, 1352 01:03:52,000 --> 01:03:54,000 to get distracted from Jesus, and this 1353 01:03:54,000 --> 01:03:56,000 text is a call to fix our 1354 01:03:56,000 --> 01:03:58,000 eyes upon Him. And if you're not a Christian, 1355 01:03:58,000 --> 01:04:00,000 maybe you've 1356 01:04:00,000 --> 01:04:02,000 walked away after one of those 1357 01:04:02,000 --> 01:04:04,000 distractions. Jesus is calling 1358 01:04:04,000 --> 01:04:06,000 you back, and He's calling you home. 1359 01:04:06,000 --> 01:04:08,000 If you have questions about 1360 01:04:08,000 --> 01:04:10,000 that, and want to know more about it, 1361 01:04:10,000 --> 01:04:12,000 I'd love to talk to you. There's others 1362 01:04:12,000 --> 01:04:14,000 who would, too, to know that Jesus 1363 01:04:14,000 --> 01:04:16,000 is the one source of hope 1364 01:04:16,000 --> 01:04:18,000 that we have. Let's pray. 1365 01:04:18,000 --> 01:04:20,000 Father in Heaven, 1366 01:04:20,000 --> 01:04:22,000 bring us to Jesus, 1367 01:04:22,000 --> 01:04:24,000 and we dwell in Him, and abide 1368 01:04:24,000 --> 01:04:26,000 in Him. Thank you that we don't 1369 01:04:26,000 --> 01:04:28,000 have to hide, or run, or 1370 01:04:28,000 --> 01:04:30,000 pretend, but in Jesus 1371 01:04:30,000 --> 01:04:32,000 there is hope, and peace, and joy. 1372 01:04:32,000 --> 01:04:34,000 Direct us to Him. 1373 01:04:34,000 --> 01:04:36,000 It's in Jesus' name we pray. Amen. 1374 01:04:36,000 --> 01:04:38,000 We're going to stand, 1375 01:04:38,000 --> 01:04:40,000 and we're singing, "All I have 1376 01:04:40,000 --> 01:04:42,000 is Christ." 1377 01:05:02,000 --> 01:05:31,980 I once was lost in darkest night. Yet thought I knew the way. The sin that promised joy in life had led me to the grave. I had no hope that you would own a rebel to your will. 1378 01:05:31,980 --> 01:06:01,960 And if you had not loved me first, I would refuse you still. But as I ran my hell-bound race, indifferent to the cross, you looked upon my helplessness and led me to the grave. 1379 01:06:01,960 --> 01:06:31,940 And I beheld God's love displayed. You suffered in my place. You bore the wrath reserved for me. Now all I know is grace. 1380 01:06:31,940 --> 01:07:01,920 All I have is Christ. Hallelujah. Jesus is my light. Hallelujah. All I have is Christ. Hallelujah. 1381 01:07:01,920 --> 01:07:06,920 Jesus is my light. 1382 01:07:31,900 --> 01:08:01,880 See, the strength you fought for your commands could never come from me. Oh, Father, use my ransom light in any way you would choose. Oh, Father, use my ransom light in any way you would choose. 1383 01:08:01,880 --> 01:08:31,860 If I let my soul forever be my only prostitute. Hallelujah. All I have is grace. Hallelujah. 1384 01:08:31,860 --> 01:09:01,840 Jesus is my life. Hallelujah. All I have is grace. Hallelujah. Jesus is my life. Jesus is my life. 1385 01:09:01,840 --> 01:09:31,820 I want to thank you for joining us this morning. We are so glad that you are here. We are back Wednesday night for our Wednesday evening Bible study. That is at 6:00 PM. We spend a little bit of time in prayer, and then we just simply spend some time together studying the Bible. 1386 01:09:31,820 --> 01:10:01,800 At 6:00 PM. Also, I think that's most of our announcements for this week. We are starting, not next week, but the first Sunday in June. We're going to spend the summer in the first few chapters of the book of Samuel, seeing both the power of God and the goodness of God, and it acts as this wonderful bridge between the law from 1387 01:10:01,800 --> 01:10:31,780 Moses and to the promise of Jesus through David. So we're going to spend about six or eight weeks in the book of Samuel through the summertime, and I'm excited to do that. I've never preached out of the book of Samuel. I don't know even that I've referenced it very much, but starting the first Sunday in June, that's where we're going to be. We're going to pray, and I'll read a Scripture, and we'll sing the doxology. Father in heaven, thank you for Jesus and grace. Thank you that we can be 1388 01:10:31,780 --> 01:11:01,760 found in Him through your Son. It's in Jesus' name we pray. Amen. John ends his first letter like this, "And we know that the Son of God has come and given us understanding, so that we may know Him who is true, and we are in Him who is true, in His Son, Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life." 1389 01:11:01,760 --> 01:11:31,740 Praise God, from whom all blessings flow. Praise Him, all creatures here below. Praise Him, above ye heavenly hosts. Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. 1390 01:11:31,740 --> 01:12:01,720 Praise God, Son, and Holy Ghost. 1391 01:12:01,720 --> 01:12:21,180 Praise God, Son, and Holy Ghost.