The Fruitful Life

Scott Risley
John 15:1-16

Jesus used the metaphor of a gardener with the grapevine and branches to describe a fruitful life for God. He illustrated three types of people and commanded us to abide in him through the power of the Holy Spirit. This is the only way to bear fruit for God. Practical ideas for how to abide and the benefits of abiding are given. What better life is there?\r\n

Abiding: Our Part in Cooperating with the Spirit

Conrad Hilario
John 15:1-17

Jesus uses a horticultural example to explain God's role and the believer's role in abiding in Christ and the benefits that follow. God lifts us up, raises our level of need for Him, and disciplines us while the believer is called to read the bible, pray, commit to fellowship, and not resist God's discipline. The benefits of abiding in Christ are bearing fruit (i.e. the work God accomplishes through us in others), experiencing the privilege of being a part of God's great plan, cherishing God's friendship, and the joy that comes from Him.

The Helper

Dennis McCallum
John 14:1-31

Jesus is still with his disciples in the Upper Room as he begins to fill them in on what will happen after he leaves to be with the Father. Jesus tells the disciples that once he leaves, he will leave them with the Holy Spirit and highlights eight different ways the Holy Spirit will minister to believers: 1) empowering; 2) interceding; 3) transforming; 4) sealing; 5) indwelling; 6) regenerating; 7) baptizing; and 8) enlightening. Being led and understanding the role of the Holy Spirit is vital for Christians becoming effective in following God.

The Holy Spirit

Scott Risley
John 14:1-26

Jesus taught his disciples about the ministries of the Holy Spirit on the night before his crucifixion. Trusting in the Holy Spirit is the key to true spirituality and to all spiritual victory. We can do nothing supernaturally for God without the Holy Spirit. Will you step into the power, guidance, and closeness that only the Holy Spirit can provide?\r\n

Self-Promotion vs. Humility

Gary DeLashmutt
Luke 14:7-14

Jesus uses a unique parable to contract true versus false spirituality to the Jewish religious leaders in His time. The main principle within the parable is that God is opposed to those who exalt and promote self, but pleased and eager to show support towards those who are humble before Him. As we are more sensitized through the Holy Spirit about our tendency to exalt self, God is able to work powerfully to transform us into more radically humble servants in order to please Him.

Abide in Christ - Refining our Motives for Ministry

Jeff Gordon
Luke 14:7-14

When we attempt to do work for God, we are often confronted with our imperfect motives and sinful hearts. We need to grow roots deep into Christ by abiding, in order to have the power to really love people.

Feeding the 5000

Scott Risley
John 6:1-13

Jesus teaches his disciples three lessons through feeding the five thousand: 1) God wants availability over ability; 2) God works through weak people; 3) feeders get more food. God's blessings always prove to be much greater than our abilities.

Feeding the Multitude

Dennis McCallum
John 6:1-14

Jesus is with his disciples near the Sea of Galilee with a great multitude of people come seeking him. When Jesus presented his disciples with the opportunity to feed them, two attitudes from his disciples appear. The first comes from Phillip, who left God's power out of the scenario, and was simply looking to how he on his own could feed the people. The second, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, demonstrates the inadequacy to perform the work, and what little he does have he presents to Jesus. Jesus takes the loaves and fish presented by Andrew feeds the multitude so they are satisfied and even have leftovers. These attitudes are similar to the attitudes Christians can have today when attempting to be used by God, and as we look to move to love others, we ourselves are satisfied.

Jesus'Lessons on Failure

Jeff Gordon
John 21:1-17

Peter had an epic and public failure when he proclaimed that he would never betray Jesus, only to do so three times. In Jesus' lessons on failure, he teaches to admit the failure after it's happened, and to not trust yourself but to trust that God is at work within you.