Living With Jesus (John 15:1-11)

What is it like to live with you? What do people who interact with you regularly become like? Do you rub off on them, even change them?

This week at Grace we're going to look at John 15:1-11. In it, Jesus describes himself with another of his "I AM" statement (which are tentposts of Jesus' identity in John); in this one, Jesus says, "I am the true vine" and that we are his branches. When we abide in him (that is, live in him), it changes who we are. Through connection with him, we are able to bear fruit we never could otherwise.

So, how do we do that? And what does "fruit" look like? Let's talk about it together on Sunday.

In Christ,
Pastor Bob

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“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 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. If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.

- John 15:1-11