Divine is a teaching Jesus gives to his disciples before the cross. John records the flow of the narrative in this way:
- John 12 – Jesus enters Jerusalem with people cheering
- John 13 – Jesus washes his disciples feet, and then shares the last supper with his disciples. Judas leaves after dinner.
- John 14 – Jesus comforts the disciples with his words to them, ” I am the way, the truth, and the life…you will do even greater things than these.”
- John 15 – I am (last of seven I am statements) the true vine
Spiritual growth can only happen in a relationship with Jesus
1. Are you attached to Jesus? (Savior)
2. Are you growing in your relationship with Jesus (Discipleship)
*In our theology, we have separated these teachings to understand the dimension of our commitment. The problem is when we keep them separated. Salvation and discipleship were never meant to separate. They are connected.
- Salvation is not an event (Pray the prayer or walk the aisle)
- Salvation is not a place (Pray this prayer to go to heaven)
- Salvation is a relationship –> growing relationship!!!
WHAT BRANCH ARE YOU?
Branch without fruit
1. The Gardener cuts [airei = take away, to separate, or remove] (Matthew 22:33-45)
2. The Branch must return (Romans 11:17-24)
Branch with fruit
1. The Gardener prunes [kathairei = prunes, cleansed, purged]
- Pruning is removing bad parts (lack of nourishment, disease, immature growth, innattention)
- Pruning is also sometimes removing good parts (discipline, correction, trial, circumstance) like a job, a relationship, house, another material possession, or an achievement. Proverbs 3:11-12
2. The Branch must endure 2Peter 1:5-8
WHAT BRANCH ARE YOU?
1. Is anything hindering your attachment (communion with God)?
- What needs attention?
- How are your priorities?
- Does your life produce the kind of results of those in the Bible?
- What is destroying growth or connection in your life?
2. What is the gardener doing? Are you growing or is it time to return?
Experience the elements of communion – Bread and Cup
