Jesus: The True Vine Pastor Kile Baker February 18th, 2024 John 15:1-4 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. Every branch in me that does not produce fruit he removes, and he prunes every branch that produces fruit so that it will produce more fruit. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, and I in you. Just as a branch is unable to produce fruit by itself unless it remains on the vine, neither can you unless you remain in me. Machines, programs, processes and systems can all produce results and effectiveness. But only something living can produce more life. No fruit = no use. Some fruit = some potential. More fruit = more focused. John 15: 5-8 “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. 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. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in me and I in him produces much fruit, because you can do nothing without me. If anyone does not remain in me, he is thrown aside like a branch and he withers. They gather them, throw them into the fire, and they are burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you want and it will be done for you. Whatever you want, you’ll get. “God will only give you what you would have asked for if you knew everything he knows.” - Timothy Keller My Father is glorified by this: that you produce much fruit and prove to be my disciples. A lot of fruit = A lot of EVIDENCE. You did not choose me, but I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce fruit and that your fruit should remain,so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he will give you. So, who is this fruit for? If you’re a Christian, your fruit is not for you. LifePoint’s Mission: “To help as many people as possible know and love God most, so they can know and love themselves and others best,” Today’s ‘Next Step’: Take your next step, so you can be ready when someone you know and love takes their first. Next Steps you can start today: Join a group to connect with and develop friendships. Join a team to use your gifts for the benefit of others. Become a growing giver to invest in what God’s doing. Get baptized to show God and others who you belong to.