Sunday Words of Encouragement October 20, 2019

We shared our praises and pray concerns in Sunday School. Then we watched and discussed a video by Dr. Michael Brown. The book of Esther describes how Haman would not be satisfied until Mordecai bowed to him. But Mordecai would not bow. We are seeing the same attitude by those who will allow no dissenting opinion. They will not be satisfied until the Christian voice is silenced.

The worship team opened the service with several good songs, including The Goodness of God. Pastor then shared Sermon three of The Blessed Life.

The blessed life must be based on God's definition, not our own. As stated in week one, the Blessed Life is having God's supernatural power working for us.

When we learn to ride a bicycle, our parent usually holds onto the back of the bike to keep us steady until we are ready to try on our own, to go free.

Pursuing the blessed life may lead us to a point where we don't want the steadying hand on the back of the bike. But, unlike riding a bicycle, when we are seeking the blessed life, we need to stay fully connected to Jesus.

The common thread woven through the blessed life is a deep, 100% dependent connection to Jesus.
The blessed life is what God wants for us. If you remain in Jesus you will produce much fruit, have life. This brings great glory to my Father. John 15:1-8.

If we are apart, we produce nothing, we rot, we wither, we die.

We often ask “Can I do both? Can I have my way but with God’s benefits?”

The Point: Remaining in Jesus is the catalyst of a blessed life.

Remain implies Constant connection to Jesus.
Opposite of remain is to cease; to be short-lived. This lifetime is worthless in eternity if it is not connected to Jesus.
Remain is a verb, active. Actively pursue Christ.
Many people go to ‘Jesus places’, do ‘Jesus things’, attend ‘Jesus events.’. But many are not connected to the power and the blessings that only come through a relationship, connection, with Jesus.
If we don't remain in Jesus, then we are cut off from the blessing.
Actively remaining in Jesus produces results; produces fruit.
Accumulation is not the same as connection.
Where is the fruit? What new fruit is shown in your life?
People are waiting for you to share the message of God’s salvation.
John 15:7 allows us to ask for blessings. Verse 8 tells us that when we remain in Jesus we are true disciples and we bring Glory to God.
Are you actively remaining in Jesus or merely doing Jesus things?

I thought I had the song picked out but then I found this one which fits today:
I'm Gonna Hold On To Jesus

Verses for Today:
John 15:4-8 (NIV)
The Vine and the Branches
4 Remain in me, as I also 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 you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If you do not remain in me, you are 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 done for you. 8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.