1. The Gardner is always working, v. 1-4

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires.” Galatians 5:22-24

2. If you are connected to the vine you will produce fruit, v. 5

3. If you’re not connected to the vine you can’t produce, v. 6-8

HOW TO STAY CONNECTED

1. Listen to Jesus and do what He says, v. 9-11

2. Love like Jesus loves, v. 12-14

Which Way Did He Go George?
John 14:1-7

1. Jesus lived the life we imitate.

2. Jesus makes sense of our world.

3. Jesus brings life where there is death.

“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.” Colossians 1:15

I Am the Resurrection and the Life
John 11:1-27

“But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” John 20:31

Jesus is hope to the hurting and helpless.

1. Dead in your doubts.

2. Dead in your discouragement.

3. Dead in the delay.

The resurrection is not something that did happen or will happen; the resurrection is a person with the power to bring life where there is death.

DO YOU BELIEVE THIS?

“But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” John 21:31

• Sheep have no sense of direction.
• Sheep cannot defend themselves.
• Sheep are dumb.
• Sheep are dirty animals.

What does a “Good Shepherd” do?

He Guides

“He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.” Psalm 23:3

He Provides

“The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters.” Psalm 23:1-3

He Corrects

"Blessed is the man whom God corrects; so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty. For he wounds, but he also binds up; he injures, but his hands also heal.” Job 5:17-18

He Protects

PS 23:4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

"Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, `Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.' Luke 15:4-6

Jesus is the light of the world.

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.
Isaiah 9:2

He says: "It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have kept I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring my salvation to the ends of the earth."
Isaiah 49:6

There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever.
Revelation 49:6

“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”
Psalm 119:105

2 Challenges:

1. Be the light of your world.

"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
Matthew 5:14-16

2. Relight if the fire has gone out.

We practice what we believe daily, the rest is just religious talk.

“After this, the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision: "Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward." Genesis 15:1

1. The problem is not the bread.

Jesus answered, "It is written: `Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.' " Matthew 4:4

2. The real need is belief in Jesus.

“Jesus answered, "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life." John 4:13-14

3. Taste and see the Lord is good.

“So Abraham called that place The LORD Will Provide. And to this day it is said, "On the mountain of the LORD it will be provided." Genesis 22:14

“But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” John 20:31

“Whoever watches the wind will not plant; whoever looks at the clouds will not reap.” Ecclesiastes 11:4

“Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near.” Isaiah 55:6

“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost." Luke 19:10

WE HAVE A VISION FOR A CHURCH WHERE:

1. Everyone is welcome.

“The Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" And let him who hears say, "Come!" Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life.” Revelation 22:17

“Then, leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people, "Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Christ?" They came out of the town and made their way toward him.” John 4:28-30

What 3 people can you invite to join us next week?

1)_______________________
2)_______________________
3)_______________________

2. Everyone is needed.

“There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men.” 1 Corinthians 12:4-6

“The eye cannot say to the hand, "I don't need you!" And the head cannot say to the feet, "I don't need you!" On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable.” 1 Corinthians 12:21-22

3. Everyone is changed.

“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Romans 10:13

”The Spirit of the LORD will come upon you in power, and you will prophesy with them; and you will be changed into a different person.” 1 Samuel 10:6

Jeremiah 1:4-10, 17

Jeremiah 29:13 has been our theme verse for this series, Seek and Find. “When you seek me with all of your heart you shall find me.”

Who is closest to you but furthest from God?

1. You are commissioned by the Father for the noble task of evangelism.

Jeremiah 15:16 When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart's delight, for I bear your name, O LORD God Almighty.

2. Your excuses circumvent God’s plan for your life.

a. Not qualified
b. Fear

3. Success is faithfulness not fruitfulness

Who is closest to you but furthest from God? ________________

a. Get ready
b. Stand up
c. Say whatever the Lord lays on your heart.

Jeremiah 20:9 But if I say, "I will not mention his word or speak anymore in his name," his word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot.”

Dr. Wesley Duewel said, “we must choose whether we will neglect the Spirit, quench the Spirit, or fan into flame the Spirit’s presence.

"I am the LORD, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?” Jeremiah 32:27

PS 9:10Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you."

What is one thing you need freedom from today?

1. We can be saved and still be in bondage.

“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” John 8:36

2. Evidence of God’s love isn’t found in the absence of trials, but in the strength to endure.

3. We don’t need more religion, we need more Jesus.

Matthew 16:19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven;

Revelation 1:18 I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.