Abiding in Christ as a Church

Abiding in Christ as a Church
John 15:1-17
Page # 1079

Abiding is a relationship in Christ of continual dependence.  

2 Corinthians 1:9 – “Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead.”

John 6:35
John 7:37
John 8: 31-32

     1. No Fruit
     2. Fruit
     3. More Fruit
     4. Much Fruit

Numbers 13:23 – “When they reached the valley….they cut off a branch bearing a single cluster of grapes. Two of them carried it on a pole between them, along with some pomegranates and figs.”   
     1. Prayer will be answered.
     2. God’s name will be honored.
     3. Love and obedience will be evident.
     4. Joy will be abundant.

 Faith Sheet      

 Main Themes    
~ Abiding is a relationship with Christ of continual dependence.  
~ Those who know Christ and abide in Him will demonstrate His life to
    others.
~ We are commanded to keep abiding in Christ together as believers and
    bear continually more fruit for His glory.

#1- Reviewing this Past Sunday    
Abiding in Christ as a Church
John 15:1-17

1. Read John 15:1-17. Discuss Sunday’s message.
2. What characterizes true believers in Christ? (5,7-8, 10-11, 12-13)
3. Discuss the degrees of fruit and what that might look like in your life and
    at MCC.
4. What are the results of abiding in Christ and why are they so important to
    a family and a church?
5. Pray for our community ministries that we support and for us to bear
    much fruit in Christ. (Inner City Ministry - Overflow Shelter, Sunday
    Suppers, Erie City Mission, Women’s Care Center, Second Harvest Food
    Bank, ServErie, Soldiers and Sailors Home.)

 # 2- Preparing for Next Sunday  
A Church Approved by God: Stay Passionate
Ephesus - Revelation 2:1-7

1. Read Revelation 2:1-7. Who is speaking and how is He described? (1)
2. What praises did the Lord speak toward the church? (2-3)
3. What did the Lord have against the church? (4)
4. What did the Lord command the church and what was His warning? (5)
5. What did the Lord promise to the one who overcomes? (7)
6. When have you felt closest to God in your Christian walk? How are you
    doing now in your love toward Him?
7. Why does genuine love sometimes grow cold over time?
8. What would you say to encourage a Christian friend who is growing cold
    in His or her walk with Christ and what would you pray?
9. Pray for MCC to keep growing fervent in Christ.