Most recent sermon
Vine and Branches | John 15:1-11
Jesus uses many metaphors and images to describe his ministry, but perhaps no metaphor is so deeply woven into the biblical narrative as that of a garden. God is the gardener, and Jesus is the true vine, the one whom we must be connected to in order to have life.
Discussion Questions
1. Think through the storyline of the Bible through the lens of “garden.” Why is it significant that the story begins in a garden and ends in a garden city? How does God want us to think about our work in the world?
2. Where, apart from Jesus, are you prone to seek love and joy? How is he asking you to turn from those sources of life and remain connected to him?
3. How do those around you help you stay connected to the vine? How can you help and encourage others to remain connected to Jesus?
4. How might the use of imagery, story, and metaphor better help you to share the gospel with non-Christians in your life?
Prayer Points
1. Take time to pray individually this week, reminding yourself that this is one of the key ways that you abide in Jesus.
2. Pray for opportunities to invite others into relationship with Jesus. Remind yourself that what we see as dead branches can be brought to life by being connected to Jesus!
For Further Study:
https://derekzrishmawy.com/2012/12/07/9-reasons-the-garden-of-eden-was-a-temple
Current series
“Then he said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, and said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things.”
About the series
The Scriptures give us a look at the first advent of the Messiah from a variety of perspectives. Prophets wrote about his coming ahead of time. Angels sang of his glory. Shepherds were lifted out of their lowly position and brought into the presence of the King. And foreign wise men who were far away were brought near. Each of these unique perspectives help us to see Jesus, the Messiah, and how we too are called to be witnesses.
Sermon archives
