I AM...Jesus Jesus is popular! You see his name plastered on billboards and bumper stickers. His name is regularly used in sacred and secular songs. Even those who belittle Christianity or the church may claim some sort of affection for Jesus. We want to be on Jesus' side. Perhaps more accurately, we want Jesus on our side. That presents a dilemma Diverse groups of people claim Jesus is on their side and they have mutually exclusive agendas. Is Jesus Republican or Democrat, communist or capitalist, guru or hippie, prophet or teacher, lunatic or Savior? Was He all of them or none of them? How did Jesus describe Himself? We will "listen" to His own words to better understand Him and to better share His truth with others as we prepare to celebrate His resurrection on Easter. Jesus made several "I am" statements in the Gospel of John that provide a clear picture of His own identity: "I tell you the truth," Jesus answered, "before Abraham was born, I am!" [John 8:58] I AM the True Vine John 15: 1-8 What do you know about the entropy of simple neglect? Why were Jesus' disciples shaken by what Jesus taught them in John 14? Our connection to Jesus transforms our lives: John 15:1-8 1. I HEARD IT ON THE GRAPEVINE! Israel is a vine planted by God: You brought a vine out of Egypt; you drove out the nations and planted it. You cleared the ground for it, and it took root and filled the land. Psalm 80:8-9 God's question about His vineyard: A vine had planted you like a choice vine of sound and reliable stock. How then did you turn against me into a corrupt, wild vine? Jeremiah 2:21 (check out Isaiah 5:1-2) God's plan for wild vines: Therefore this is what the Sovereign LORD says: As I have given the wood of the vine among the trees of the forest as fuel for the fire, so will I treat the people living in Jerusalem. Ezekiel 15:6 2. DO YOU HAVE A CONSISTENT CONNECTION TO JESUS? I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. John 15:1, 4 What is the value of our Jesus connection? The big idea is to remain, dwell, and abide in Christ. Abiding in Christ describes a healthy, ongoing relationship with Jesus. What is the fruit produced through our Jesus connection? So our faces are not covered. They show the bright glory of the Lord, as the Lord's Spirit makes us more and more like our glorious Lord. 2 Corinthians 3:18 This is true because he already knew his people and had already appointed them to have the same form as the image of his Son. Therefore, his Son is the firstborn among many children. Romans 8:29 (God's Word Translation) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Galatians 5:22-23a What is Jesus' expectation about our connection to Him? No fruit? bear fruit? more fruit? much fruit Myths that confuse people about their connection to Jesus: Settling for the minimum: Looking the part: 3.HOW DOES GOD MAKE US READY FOR TRANSFORMATION? 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. If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned John 15:2, 6 What does "cut off" mean? Describe the last time you "drooped down" in your life: How are burning branches related to God's discipline and transformation? Check out Hebrews 12:6a I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5 Transformation is abiding in Christ. Transformation is obeying and bearing fruit. (Check out John 14:15) We don't obey and do our way into a relationship with Jesus! If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. John 15:7-8 Jesus' words are change agents in our lives. Jesus' desire is that we bring glory to God by showing others we are really connected to Him! All Scripture taken from the New International Version (NIV) unless noted. Mar. 25, 2012. You can listen or download today's sermon from our website at http://www.tcaa.com. christian sermons,christian teachings,christian websites,what is christianity,christian messages,sermons online,online sermons,christian sermons online,church sermons online,sermon online,sunday sermons online,online audio sermons,who was jesus christ,christ jesus,lord jesus christ,the gospel of jesus christ,bible sermons,bible teachings,bible messages,online bible sermons,bible sermons outlines,sermon bible,sermons bible,97dollarvids,thechurchatarrowhead,glendale,tcaa http://www.97dollarvideomarketing.com http://www.youtube.com/user/TheChurchAtArrowhead
