Welcome to Worship
December 11, 2022
8:30am
The Third Sunday of Advent
The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. —(Luke 2:20)
Lighting the Advent Wreath: Shepherd Candle: Joy
The Erickson Family
Worship Song: Joy to the World (Unspeakable Joy)
Prayer: Rev. Peggy Peek
Redland Happenings and Welcome: Rev. Peggy Peek
Musical Praise: Fum, Fum, Fum
Waves of Grace Handbells
Worship Song: O Come All Ye Faithful
Christmas Offering for International Missions Video: Jason and Robyn Ebeyer, Thailand
Ministry and Mission Moment: Jim Arnie
Musical Meditation: The Little Drummer Boy
Waves of Grace Choir
Scripture: John 15:1-17
Sermon Series: A Chrismon Christmas
Sermon Title: The True Vine
Rev. Mark Adams
Sermon Notes:
“I am the Vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in Me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing.” —John 15:15
“In the temple of Jerusalem, above and round the gate, seventy cubits high, which led from the porch to the holy place, a richly carved vine was extended as a border and decoration. The branches, tendrils and leaves were of finest gold; the stalks of the bunches were of the length of the human form, and the bunches hanging upon them were costly jewels. Herod first placed it there. Rich and patriotic Jews from time to time added to its embellishment. One contributed a new grape, another a leaf, and a third even a bunch of the same precious materials. This vine must have had an uncommon importance and a sacred meaning in the eyes of the Jews. With what majestic splendor must it likewise have appeared in the evening, when it was illuminated by tapers!” —Calmet’s Dictionary describes this special vine-covered door
“I am the TRUE Vine and My Father is the Gardener.” —John 15:1
“And there shall come forth a shoot out of the stock of Jesse, and a Branch out of his roots.” —Isaiah 1:11
1 – “I am the True Vine, and My Father is the Gardener.
2 – He cuts off—or lifts up—every branch in Me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit He prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.
3 – You are already clean because of the Word I have spoken to you.
4 – Remain in Me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in Me.
5 – I am the Vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in Me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing.
6 – If anyone does not remain in Me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.
7 – If you remain in Me and My words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you.
8 – This is to My Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be My disciples.
9 – As the Father has loved Me, so have I loved you. Now remain in My love.
10 – If you obey My commands, you will remain in My love, just as I have obeyed My Father’s commands and remain in His love.
11 – I have told you this so that My joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.
16 – You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in My name. —John 15:1-17
“It is Christ in you the hope of glory.” —Colossians 1:27
Ways we BENEFIT when we ABIDE in Christ—the True Vine:
1.) Our lives become more
.
“He who abides in Me, and I in him, BEARS MUCH FRUIT.” —John 15:5
“This is to My Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be My disciples.” —John 15:8
“Before I was afflicted, I went astray…but it was good for me to be afflicted—PRUNED—so that I might learn Your decrees.” —Psalm 119
“Dear brothers, is your life full of difficulties and temptations? Then be happy, for when the way is rough, your patience has a chance to grow. So let it grow, and don’t try to squirm out of your problems. For when your patience is finally in full bloom, then you will be ready for anything, strong in character, full and complete.” —James 1:2
“My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when He rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those He loves—and He punishes everyone He accepts as a son–no discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace…” —Hebrews 12:5ff
2.) Our prayers are more
.
“If you abide in Me, and MY WORDS in abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.” —John 15:7
Time of Decision and Commitment: Hope is Dawning
Business Meeting Continuation: Vote on 2023 Ministry Expenditure Plan
Benediction: Rev. Mark Adams