Recorded Media

Misty Creek Community Church
4/21/24 Worship Service:
"Abide & Produce" (Returning to Discipleship, Pt.3)
John 15:1-10, 16

In this week’s sermon, "Abide and Produce," I will emphasize the importance of disciples staying strongly connected to Jesus. I will open the sermon with a personal story about my wife Karen's daily devotional habits, using her example to illustrate the concept of abiding in Jesus. I will reference the Gospel of John, particularly the unique perspectives John offers regarding life in Christ. The focus is on the concept of a new heart in God's children, where divine law becomes a living force shaping their lives, unifying them with Jesus just as He aligns with the Father.

The sermon employs powerful metaphorical imagery of the vine and its branches, a resonance with ancient Jewish traditions. In this allegory, Jesus designates himself as the true vine whose followers should remain connected to him to bear good fruit. I employ this metaphor to underline the essentiality of remaining linked to Jesus, as spiritual growth cannot be achieved independently. The act of abiding in Jesus signifies an ongoing intimate relationship with Him, fueled through consistent prayer, worship, and immersion in God's Word. Towards the conclusion, a call to action is made: disciples need to evaluate their lives, discern areas not bearing healthy fruits, and prune those parts to foster fruitfulness. Encouraging listeners to acknowledge their grafting into the divine vine through Jesus, I will underscore the need to bear fruit which testifies to God's glory.

The sermon highlights the importance of abiding in Jesus, thereby leading his followers towards a spiritually richer life firmly established in Christ. The sermon leaves an impactful message that a prosperous spiritual life stems from maintaining a close relationship with Jesus.

Grace & Peace,
Stephen

Senior Pastor: Stephen Streett
Worship Pastor: Doug Allen