FAITH RELOADED-PART 4.

RECONNECT THROUGH REPARATION

• The goal of any relationship is NOT Reconciliation

• The goal is Connection!

• Destination is Connection, not Reconciliation

• Reconciliation helps to get to our Destination

John 15:1-5 (NIV)

A. Remain In God

• Regular and consistent time with Him

• People who avoid this for a few reasons:

a) they have not gone through the first 3 steps (Faith Reloaded)

b) they have reconciled but don't realize the need for repair and connection

E.g.

i) I need my QT every day (regular). I have it at 6:15am every day (consistent).

ii) I spend time with my wife every week (regular). We go out on a date every Sunday around 7pm (consistent).

• Relationships don't need perfection to work.

• You don't need Perfection for there to be Connection.

• Then Why Do We Not Pursue It?

i) They Don't Want Connection

• They have decided it is not important.

• They just want a relationship, but Connection is not necessary.

• They just want to be IN a relationship with Him without being TOO close.

• Connection reveals many things in your life.

• There are simply things they refuse to give up.

ii) They Don't Want To Change

Mark 8:34-35 (NIV)

• They don't want to know because they don't want to change.

• They don't want to repent of their sins.

• Shame is a terrible excuse to remain in sin.

• Easier to NOT change and grow.

2 Thessalonians 2:9-12 (NIV)

• People perish NOT because they don't know the truth.

• They perish because they REFUSE to love the truth!

• It is a choice we make.

B. Ruminate Over His Word

John 15:7 (NIV)

• Ruminate: to reflect deeply on a subject.

• Ruminate by Asking Penetrating Questions.

Penetrating questions about the Bible:

a) What is God telling me about myself in this passage?

b) How am I not like Jesus?

c) What is stopping me from obeying this command?

d) What excuses do I usually give for not living like a disciple?

e) What is stopping me from loving like Jesus?

C. Return To Obedience

John 15:10-14 (NIV)

• Studying God's Word has only one purpose - so we could obey.

• World preaches independence more than obedience.

• Independence does not produce character - Obedience does.

John 15:5 (NIV)

• He IS the vine, and we ARE the branches.

• That means He calls the shots.

• Our job is simply to receive, not filter!

• Everything the vine decides, we follow!

John 15:6 (NIV)

• They are cut off.

• What does the vine tell us today?

• Obey His commands.

• Is Obedience a trademark in your life?

D. Reflect His Glory

John 15:8 (NIV)

• We are the branches - our job is to bear fruit. What is the meaning of fruit?

a) Deeds, Works or Conduct following Repentance (Mt 3:8; 7:16,20; 21:43; Lk 3:8).

b) The result of Walking in step with the Spirit (Ro 15:28; Ga 5:22, "the fruit of the Spirit"; Ep 5:9; Heb 12:11; Jas 3:17).

c) "Fruit of our lips," meaning praise (Heb 13:15).

d) In the NT, the redeemed human life (Jn 15:16; 1 Cor 3:9; Mt 21:33-44; Rom 1:13, 7:4)

• You cannot hope to remain connected without producing fruit.

• It would kill the vine.

• It would kill the church.

• There are no cheap branches attached to the vine.

• They would be cut off.

• The only branches God was interested in are the ones who produce fruit.

• They are the ones who are connected.

• They really do the work of the branch.

• They are not interested in superficial attachment.