At the beginning of each fall semester, Coach Hoffman would give his basketball players a binder. The cover would have pictures of the 8 locations of the first two rounds of the NCAA tournament, as well as a verse and a word that he picked for the year. During the first team meeting, he would explain how the word and verse should guide the team where they wanted to go. He explained the necessary steps to make our goals possible. He wanted the team to share the same vision, thinking and planning ahead with imagination and wisdom.
This year, we want to do something similar and focus on being connected, being brought together so that a real link is established. We know that we are called to connect as Christians, but we must be intentional to act on this command. We want to be obedient to live a life connected to God, other believers, and the nonbelievers around us. Jesus teaches in John 15:1-8 that the essence of following Him is connection.
1 I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. 7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. – John 15:1-8
- Jesus is the only connection point for true life
In the Old Testament, the nation of Israel is often described as a vine. By saying that He is the true vine, Jesus is saying that He is the one and only way to get to God. There is no other status, accomplishment, or identity that can give us the life God created us to live.
- Connection is necessary for life
The call to abide in Christ is not fleeting or based on how we feel. It is a call to be constantly rooted in faith and obedience. We do not live the Christian life on our own, but we rely on the Holy Spirit who dwells within us to lead and strengthen us daily.
- True connection is proven by the fruit
If we are branches that are truly connected to the vine of Christ, we will produce the fruit of the Spirit. God does not hide in believers, He uses us to make Himself known to the world. A genuine relationship with God will involve Him working in our lives to make us look like Him.
Being a follower of Christ means remaining connected to Him, so that we can live like Him and make Him known to the world. He will continually fill us so we can produce good fruit for His glory.
— If you’d like to hear the full message click HERE