05-23-21 | The Gospel: The Vine—Remaining in Jesus

Plainfield Christian Church

Steve White preaches from John 15:1-8 on Sunday May 23, 2021. JOHN 15:1-8 1 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. 3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4 Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples." Grace opposes earning; grace does not oppose effort. Fruit is proof of our relationship with Jesus. MATTHEW 7:16 "By their fruit you shall recognize them." JOHN 15:8 "This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples." GALATIANS 5:22-23 ...the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. We can't produce fruit; we display the fruit Jesus produces Either you are mechanically religious or vitally connected. JOHN 15:4 "Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself, it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me." "A branch is just a grape rack that God has there to hang His fruit on." Fruitful branches are pruned to produce more fruit JOHN 15:2 "He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful." Learn. Trust. Obey. Our primary task is to remain firmly connected to Jesus Either you are mechanically religious or vitally connected. JOHN 15:5 "I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." "Jesus, I can't. You never said I could. You can. You always said You would."