Download
Summary
The sermon focuses on John 15, discussing the relationship between Jesus as the true vine, God as the husbandman, and believers as the branches. The pastor emphasizes the difference between being a Christian and being a true friend of God, explaining that friendship with God requires obedience and bearing spiritual fruit. He warns about losing one’s ‘first love’ for God and the importance of maintaining that initial passion and devotion.
Intro Prayer
Heavenly Father, as we gather to discuss Your Word, we ask that You would open our hearts and minds to understand what it means to be truly connected to You as branches to the vine. Help us to be honest with ourselves about our relationship with You and guide our discussion. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Ice Breaker
Think back to when you first fell in love with someone or something – what made that initial excitement so special?
Key Verses
John 15:1-2
John 15:14
John 15:16
Revelation 2:4
Questions
What’s the difference between being a Christian and being a friend of God according to the sermon?
How does the pastor define spiritual fruit versus religious activities?
What does it mean to ‘remain’ in Christ, and why is this concept important?
How can we tell if we’ve lost our ‘first love’ for God?
What role does obedience play in our friendship with God?
Why does God prune branches that are already bearing fruit?
How can we maintain our enthusiasm and passion for God despite life’s challenges?
What practical steps can we take to remember and return to our ‘first love’ for God?
Life Application
This week, take time each day to intentionally remember and write down specific moments when God has shown up in your life in meaningful ways. Use these memories to rekindle your first love for Him and share one of these testimonies with someone else.
Key Takeaways
Being a Christian doesn’t automatically make you a friend of God – friendship requires obedience
True spiritual fruit comes from maintaining a genuine connection with Christ
God’s pruning process is designed to help us bear more fruit
Losing our ‘first love’ happens gradually through distractions and life’s challenges
Remembering what God has done for us is crucial in maintaining our relationship with Him
Ending Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for desiring friendship with us, not just religious activity. Help us to return to our first love for You and bear the spiritual fruit that brings glory to Your name. Restore any areas where we’ve grown cold or distant, and help us remain firmly connected to You, the True Vine. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Visit http://HardcoreChristianity.com for our healing/self-deliverance guide and details of our Phoenix and online meeting schedule. Be equipped! Join us at http://fb.com/groups/hardcorechristianity LiveStream of additional meetings is at http://www.livestream.com/hohaz Free Counseling for Christians. Come with your burdens! Go with Jesus love & joy!
Arizona Deliverance Center
3342 N. 15th Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85015
(S. of Osborn Rd., w. of 15th Ave.)
