Announcement
A memorial service for JoElla Bolt’s brotherTed Bolt will be held Sunday evening at 6:00pm in the sanctuary. A receptionwill follow in the fellowship hall.
Scripture
John 15:1-17
"I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. [2] He cuts offevery branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruithe prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. [3] You are already cleanbecause of the word I have spoken to you. [4] Remain in me, and I will remainin you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neithercan you bear fruit unless you remain in me.
[5] "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in meand I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. [6] Ifanyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away andwithers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. [7] Ifyou remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it willbe 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 inmy love. [10] If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as Ihave obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love. [11] I have told youthis so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. [12] Mycommand is this: Love each other as I have loved you. [13] Greater love has noone than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. [14] You are myfriends if you do what I command. [15] I no longer call you servants, because aservant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends,for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. [16] Youdid not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bearfruit--fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask inmy name. [17] This is my command: Love each other.
Questionsfor Reflection
1. Whatdid Jesus urge His disciples to do? (15:9)
2. Howwere Jesus’ disciples to remain in His love? (15:10)
3. Why did Jesus talk with His disciples about vines and branches? (15:11)
4. Whatcommand did Jesus give His disciples? (15:12)
5. Whatis the greatest manifestation of love? (15:13)
6. Howare we to remain in Jesus? Why?
7. Whatdoes it mean to bear fruit as a Christian?
8. Whenis it difficult to develop and maintain a personal relationship with Jesus?
9. Inwhat way is your joy complete?
10. When do you strugglewith loving others the way Jesus has loved you?
11. What kind of friendare you to Jesus?
