WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:04.120 Good morning, Watermark. Good morning. 00:00:05.980 --> 00:00:12.800 The scripture today comes from John chapter 15, verses 1 to 11. 00:00:12.800 --> 00:00:15.080 I know it's printed 17, I'll read up to 11. 00:00:15.080 --> 00:00:20.000 You can find the scripture at page 848 in the Church Bible. 00:00:20.000 --> 00:00:31.420 I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. 00:00:32.359 --> 00:00:35.679 Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, 00:00:36.079 --> 00:00:40.439 and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 00:00:41.240 --> 00:00:44.579 Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. 00:00:45.340 --> 00:00:47.460 Abide in me, and I in you. 00:00:47.460 --> 00:00:52.060 As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, 00:00:52.560 --> 00:00:54.960 neither can you, unless you abide in me. 00:00:55.880 --> 00:00:58.120 I am the vine, you are the branches. 00:00:58.880 --> 00:01:03.640 Whoever abides in me, and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit. 00:01:03.939 --> 00:01:05.719 For apart from me, you can do nothing. 00:01:06.719 --> 00:01:11.340 If anyone does not abide in me, he is thrown away like a branch and withers. 00:01:11.840 --> 00:01:14.819 And the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. 00:01:14.819 --> 00:01:22.839 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 00:01:23.739 --> 00:01:29.639 By this, my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be my disciples. 00:01:30.879 --> 00:01:34.119 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. 00:01:34.959 --> 00:01:35.959 Abide in my love. 00:01:35.959 --> 00:01:43.299 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. 00:01:43.979 --> 00:01:49.280 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. 00:01:50.019 --> 00:01:52.379 Let us believe and respond to God's true word. 00:02:05.959 --> 00:02:09.419 Are we on now? 00:02:09.719 --> 00:02:10.500 Ah, good. 00:02:11.039 --> 00:02:11.439 Wonderful. 00:02:11.979 --> 00:02:13.519 It's so wonderful to be with you. 00:02:14.359 --> 00:02:22.039 Thank you, Kevin, for inviting me and for just the opportunity to bring God's word this morning as always a joy. 00:02:22.039 --> 00:02:27.159 And this is just a unique privilege for us to be with you here in Hong Kong. 00:02:27.579 --> 00:02:29.099 As you said, the greatest city in the world. 00:02:29.799 --> 00:02:34.399 And I do want to take a little bit of an issue with something you said earlier, Kevin. 00:02:34.459 --> 00:02:37.759 You said that man may not live by dim sum alone. 00:02:39.199 --> 00:02:43.680 We had a wonderful dim sum yesterday with Franklin and Teresa and their family. 00:02:43.680 --> 00:02:51.420 It was just wonderful for us to be there with also our colleagues, Biao Chen and his wife, Shiguang. 00:02:51.860 --> 00:02:53.000 So that is the connection. 00:02:53.780 --> 00:03:01.700 The Chens and the Tzins are connected to Watermark, and so now we are connected to Watermark. 00:03:01.879 --> 00:03:03.280 And we're so thrilled about that. 00:03:03.939 --> 00:03:08.040 But the other part of it is that we do pray for our daily dim sum. 00:03:08.659 --> 00:03:09.200 That's right. 00:03:09.300 --> 00:03:09.640 That's right. 00:03:09.659 --> 00:03:10.520 We do pray for that. 00:03:13.680 --> 00:03:18.760 I want you to turn to the end of John's gospel just for a moment to chapter 20. 00:03:18.860 --> 00:03:22.159 I know we just read from chapter 15, and we're going to be coming back there. 00:03:22.300 --> 00:03:26.980 But did you know that John's gospel has a purpose statement? 00:03:27.939 --> 00:03:34.960 And I'd like for us to read it together as we begin our journey through John's gospel this morning. 00:03:35.020 --> 00:03:40.300 We're going to look at several of the unique aspects of John's gospel, 00:03:40.300 --> 00:03:45.000 but we're going to camp out in John chapter 15 towards the end this morning. 00:03:45.100 --> 00:03:50.580 But I'd like to start with this purpose statement that begins in verse 30. 00:03:51.000 --> 00:03:56.939 Now, Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book, 00:03:56.939 --> 00:04:03.780 but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, 00:04:04.300 --> 00:04:09.960 and that by believing you may have life in his name. 00:04:10.819 --> 00:04:15.900 Now, life, that is going to be our theme this morning. 00:04:17.220 --> 00:04:23.180 The Jesus is a whole ecosystem for fruitful living. 00:04:23.180 --> 00:04:27.959 That is the picture that John gives us that when Jesus says, 00:04:28.259 --> 00:04:31.780 I am the true vine or the true vineyard, 00:04:32.660 --> 00:04:38.740 that our Lord and Savior who defeated sin and death generates life. 00:04:38.840 --> 00:04:40.100 He is the creator. 00:04:40.259 --> 00:04:41.460 He is the life giver. 00:04:41.879 --> 00:04:46.560 The word that was with God in the beginning became flesh and dwelt among us, 00:04:46.800 --> 00:04:49.560 and our life is in him. 00:04:49.560 --> 00:04:55.800 And so if you are hungry to suck the marrow of life, 00:04:55.899 --> 00:04:58.600 that you want to get everything out of life, 00:04:59.160 --> 00:05:00.579 you must know Jesus. 00:05:01.540 --> 00:05:06.699 You must be introduced to Jesus because he is the source of life. 00:05:07.379 --> 00:05:10.439 He is the creator and the life giver. 00:05:10.560 --> 00:05:15.360 He is the whole dwelling place of everything that really pertains to life. 00:05:15.360 --> 00:05:18.639 John has so many different adjectives. 00:05:18.720 --> 00:05:20.300 He has so many different words for life. 00:05:20.379 --> 00:05:24.020 He says abundant life, eternal life. 00:05:25.580 --> 00:05:28.819 Jesus is the life. 00:05:29.379 --> 00:05:33.920 As we begin our journey this morning, let's pray together and ask for the Spirit's help. 00:05:34.920 --> 00:05:40.199 Lord Jesus, we come this morning like those Greek-speaking Jews 00:05:40.199 --> 00:05:44.199 who had traveled so far for the Feast of Passover. 00:05:45.039 --> 00:05:47.259 But when they heard about you, they came to Philip, 00:05:47.879 --> 00:05:50.639 and they said, we want to see Jesus. 00:05:50.939 --> 00:05:52.240 We want to meet Jesus. 00:05:53.279 --> 00:05:55.259 And, Lord, that is what we want this morning. 00:05:55.319 --> 00:05:58.659 We want to see you in John's portrait, 00:05:58.879 --> 00:06:00.599 in his unique picture of you. 00:06:01.819 --> 00:06:03.860 But, Lord, we confess that we are distracted, 00:06:04.039 --> 00:06:07.159 that there are many things on our hearts that weigh on our hearts, 00:06:07.240 --> 00:06:08.419 many things on our minds. 00:06:08.420 --> 00:06:12.300 And so, Lord, we ask that you would help us by your Holy Spirit, 00:06:13.300 --> 00:06:16.780 that you would give the helper, the advocate to us, 00:06:16.819 --> 00:06:18.360 who leads us into the truth, 00:06:18.960 --> 00:06:21.060 that you would illuminate our hearts, 00:06:21.160 --> 00:06:22.720 that you would illuminate our minds, 00:06:23.020 --> 00:06:27.660 and you would quicken us to believe and to trust your word. 00:06:27.740 --> 00:06:29.200 We ask it in Jesus' name. 00:06:30.040 --> 00:06:30.379 Amen. 00:06:30.379 --> 00:06:30.560 Amen. 00:06:33.560 --> 00:06:38.220 Do you recall the first I Am statement? 00:06:38.960 --> 00:06:40.379 Here's what we're going to do this morning. 00:06:40.460 --> 00:06:42.300 We're going to look at and remember 00:06:42.300 --> 00:06:47.140 one of the unique aspects of John's portrait of Jesus, 00:06:47.340 --> 00:06:51.140 and that is that there are seven I Am statements. 00:06:51.860 --> 00:06:53.860 Now, we are going to build a house. 00:06:53.939 --> 00:06:57.860 We're going to build a tent on the seventh and the last one, 00:06:58.300 --> 00:06:59.340 I Am the True Vine. 00:06:59.400 --> 00:07:01.020 We're going to explore that further. 00:07:01.740 --> 00:07:04.399 But before we get there, we're going to take a little journey together, 00:07:04.399 --> 00:07:07.680 and we're going to look at the I Am statements. 00:07:08.539 --> 00:07:10.859 So let's go back through, if we could. 00:07:10.919 --> 00:07:13.299 Do you remember the first one in John 6? 00:07:14.659 --> 00:07:17.359 Jesus has just fed 5,000 men, 00:07:17.479 --> 00:07:22.060 and then even more women and children who are traveling with him to the feast. 00:07:22.060 --> 00:07:26.879 This is one of the first feasts of Passover that we see in John's gospel. 00:07:26.879 --> 00:07:29.759 And there's so much food left over. 00:07:29.839 --> 00:07:31.240 There's 12 baskets of food. 00:07:31.319 --> 00:07:36.000 You remember the abundance of life that is a theme for John, right? 00:07:37.180 --> 00:07:38.420 And Jesus said to them, 00:07:38.540 --> 00:07:40.719 Don't work for the food that perishes, 00:07:41.040 --> 00:07:45.920 but for the food that endures unto eternal life, right? 00:07:47.079 --> 00:07:50.079 The food that the Son of Man is going to give you. 00:07:50.079 --> 00:07:54.419 And they said, Well, what must we do to get this food? 00:07:55.500 --> 00:07:57.039 He said, You must do the works of God. 00:07:57.099 --> 00:07:58.479 Well, what are the works of God? 00:07:58.519 --> 00:08:00.319 And we sang about it this morning, didn't we? 00:08:00.919 --> 00:08:05.740 The work of God is to believe in the one that God has sent. 00:08:07.060 --> 00:08:08.860 And they said, Well, who are you, Jesus? 00:08:09.639 --> 00:08:12.740 Our fathers were the ones who traveled through the wilderness, 00:08:12.919 --> 00:08:14.539 and they had manna from Moses. 00:08:14.659 --> 00:08:15.279 He said, Oh, no. 00:08:16.219 --> 00:08:18.599 Moses was not the one who gave you the manna. 00:08:18.600 --> 00:08:21.740 It was my Father who gave you manna. 00:08:22.439 --> 00:08:26.320 And now he has given you the bread of life. 00:08:26.360 --> 00:08:27.280 And there's the first I am. 00:08:27.420 --> 00:08:28.379 Let's say it together. 00:08:28.820 --> 00:08:31.439 I am the bread of life. 00:08:32.259 --> 00:08:33.740 But did you notice something? 00:08:35.139 --> 00:08:36.659 He doesn't stop there, does he? 00:08:37.620 --> 00:08:38.680 And this is true. 00:08:38.759 --> 00:08:42.000 We're going to see this as we go through the statements quickly together. 00:08:42.000 --> 00:08:47.320 Not only do the I am statements tell us something about who Jesus is, 00:08:47.320 --> 00:08:52.320 they tell us something very important about who his true followers are. 00:08:53.280 --> 00:08:54.100 You remember? 00:08:55.160 --> 00:09:01.160 I am the bread of life, and he who eats this bread will never die. 00:09:01.860 --> 00:09:05.920 There's our theme again, the theme of life. 00:09:05.919 --> 00:09:12.799 The second statement, Jesus makes twice in chapter 8 and chapter 9. 00:09:12.919 --> 00:09:17.039 He says, I am the light of the world. 00:09:17.879 --> 00:09:21.099 But notice again, this is not just a statement about Jesus. 00:09:22.099 --> 00:09:24.559 He also says something about his followers. 00:09:24.719 --> 00:09:29.839 He says, Whoever follows me will never walk in the darkness. 00:09:29.840 --> 00:09:37.540 In fact, if you're in Christ this morning, not only is Jesus the light of the world, 00:09:37.600 --> 00:09:43.879 but because you are in Jesus, you too are the light of the world. 00:09:44.940 --> 00:09:46.840 Matthew chapter 5, right? 00:09:46.840 --> 00:09:53.680 There's a theme developing. 00:09:55.399 --> 00:09:58.100 Jesus, the source of life and of light. 00:09:58.680 --> 00:10:04.620 But his light and his life is so great, it's so uncontainable, 00:10:05.160 --> 00:10:09.759 it's so amplified that it flows through you. 00:10:09.759 --> 00:10:14.019 If you know Christ, if you're part of the church this morning, 00:10:14.600 --> 00:10:20.500 these things that are true about our Savior are true of you as well. 00:10:21.360 --> 00:10:24.179 That's the kind of life that John is talking about. 00:10:24.460 --> 00:10:26.899 It's the kind of life that just overflows. 00:10:28.220 --> 00:10:30.039 It cannot be stopped. 00:10:30.159 --> 00:10:31.259 It cannot be contained. 00:10:31.460 --> 00:10:36.019 It flows in your family life, you who dedicated your children this morning. 00:10:36.179 --> 00:10:37.899 It flows in your work life. 00:10:37.899 --> 00:10:41.299 It flows in your life as a citizen of this city. 00:10:41.799 --> 00:10:47.600 It touches everything because you are connected to the life giver. 00:10:47.740 --> 00:10:49.399 He is the light of the world. 00:10:49.519 --> 00:10:53.079 He is the bread of life. 00:10:54.279 --> 00:10:56.720 But what are those other I am sayings? 00:10:57.399 --> 00:10:57.860 You remember? 00:10:59.079 --> 00:11:01.340 John chapter 10, there are two more together. 00:11:02.240 --> 00:11:03.759 I am the gate. 00:11:03.759 --> 00:11:07.000 I am the door of the sheep, right? 00:11:07.899 --> 00:11:12.139 And in that same chapter, I am the good shepherd. 00:11:13.559 --> 00:11:21.419 Now, these two sayings are not only related, but they continue to describe Jesus' relationship to his people, 00:11:21.779 --> 00:11:22.659 to his followers. 00:11:22.840 --> 00:11:27.579 If Jesus is the good shepherd, we must be the sheep, right? 00:11:27.580 --> 00:11:30.440 But there's only one way to life. 00:11:30.520 --> 00:11:34.460 There's only one way into the pasture and the green lands that give life. 00:11:34.840 --> 00:11:37.360 The good dim sum, the good daily dim sum. 00:11:38.200 --> 00:11:39.500 It's through the gate. 00:11:40.840 --> 00:11:42.060 It's through the door. 00:11:43.280 --> 00:11:44.800 It's the only way of life. 00:11:44.920 --> 00:11:48.740 I am the way, the truth, and the life. 00:11:48.740 --> 00:11:49.639 Yes? 00:11:51.060 --> 00:12:01.639 So as we place our trust in Jesus, the good shepherd, we're given this different quality of life, this abundance of life. 00:12:03.000 --> 00:12:04.100 Jesus goes on. 00:12:04.139 --> 00:12:04.399 He says, 00:12:04.399 --> 00:12:18.740 So Jesus' people, they know his voice. 00:12:18.919 --> 00:12:22.779 They, as we're going to see later, they abide in his words. 00:12:23.439 --> 00:12:25.840 They recognize the sound of his voice. 00:12:25.840 --> 00:12:31.519 They don't follow after those princes that we read about in the call to worship this morning. 00:12:31.600 --> 00:12:33.379 They don't put their trust in the princes. 00:12:33.519 --> 00:12:35.639 They know that they're false shepherds. 00:12:36.840 --> 00:12:37.360 Right? 00:12:39.220 --> 00:12:40.080 It's interesting. 00:12:40.300 --> 00:12:49.820 Jesus, our rabbi, Jesus, the teacher, he knows his Bible so well, and he is remembering what the prophet Ezekiel said. 00:12:49.820 --> 00:12:55.040 You remember what Ezekiel said about those false prophets, those false shepherds? 00:12:55.840 --> 00:13:00.879 In fact, he said, the Lord will come to shepherd his people. 00:13:01.840 --> 00:13:02.200 Right? 00:13:02.879 --> 00:13:04.820 And that's what Jesus is announcing. 00:13:05.019 --> 00:13:06.639 I am the good shepherd. 00:13:07.019 --> 00:13:09.820 The I am the Lord has come. 00:13:10.879 --> 00:13:13.160 And that's where we can just camp for just a minute. 00:13:14.220 --> 00:13:19.180 We were hearing this morning about, what was the young man's name here? 00:13:19.660 --> 00:13:20.019 Elliot. 00:13:20.500 --> 00:13:23.440 Elliot gave us this wonderful tour of the Old Testament this morning. 00:13:23.440 --> 00:13:26.540 And he talked about the burning bush. 00:13:27.860 --> 00:13:31.680 That's where we learn the name of God in Exodus chapter 3. 00:13:32.320 --> 00:13:33.700 That his name is what? 00:13:35.100 --> 00:13:35.580 Ah. 00:13:36.720 --> 00:13:38.600 There's a strong connection here. 00:13:38.960 --> 00:13:39.280 Yes? 00:13:40.320 --> 00:13:42.900 Seven times Jesus says, I am. 00:13:43.660 --> 00:13:45.280 And then it has a predicate with it. 00:13:45.279 --> 00:13:48.740 And seven times in the Gospel of John, he just says it by itself. 00:13:49.100 --> 00:13:50.100 I am he. 00:13:50.360 --> 00:13:52.740 I am the one who's coming to you on the water. 00:13:53.620 --> 00:13:53.939 Right? 00:13:55.639 --> 00:13:58.519 I am present for you. 00:13:59.120 --> 00:14:06.299 I am powerful for you to redeem you, to give you eternal life. 00:14:06.299 --> 00:14:15.559 So Jesus says that those who come over the wall, they're thieves and they're robbers and they're destroyers. 00:14:15.859 --> 00:14:19.679 Because he's referencing Ezekiel, the prophet. 00:14:20.639 --> 00:14:23.779 Yet he is our good shepherd. 00:14:24.939 --> 00:14:26.740 Well, then we come to John chapter 11. 00:14:27.439 --> 00:14:30.179 And we're nearing the turning point of the Gospel. 00:14:30.179 --> 00:14:37.500 Jesus has come to Bethany at the request of Mary and Martha to minister to their sick brother Lazarus. 00:14:37.599 --> 00:14:41.019 But he's arrived after Lazarus has died. 00:14:42.339 --> 00:14:47.719 And so Mary and Martha both say, if you had only come sooner, our brother would not have died. 00:14:48.899 --> 00:14:51.419 They had seen Jesus' power to heal. 00:14:51.539 --> 00:14:53.079 They had faith in him. 00:14:53.159 --> 00:14:54.899 They knew he is the life giver. 00:14:54.899 --> 00:15:02.120 But what they did not know and what they had not seen was the glory of God. 00:15:04.459 --> 00:15:07.919 Jesus intentionally waited for two days. 00:15:08.879 --> 00:15:09.519 Why? 00:15:09.759 --> 00:15:10.579 He tells us. 00:15:11.579 --> 00:15:14.879 That you might see the glory of God. 00:15:15.879 --> 00:15:18.819 You see, in John chapter 12, it's the hinge of the Gospel. 00:15:19.919 --> 00:15:22.980 It's the time for the Son of Man to be glorified. 00:15:22.980 --> 00:15:25.399 It's time for the Father to be glorified. 00:15:25.759 --> 00:15:29.379 And the whole next part of the book is about the glory of God. 00:15:30.100 --> 00:15:31.740 The passion of Jesus. 00:15:32.620 --> 00:15:35.159 That he would be the Lamb of God. 00:15:35.259 --> 00:15:37.440 It would take away the sins of the world. 00:15:38.680 --> 00:15:42.080 That he had the power to lay down his life. 00:15:42.539 --> 00:15:45.060 And the power to take it up again. 00:15:45.059 --> 00:15:57.199 And so when we get a preview with Lazarus in John chapter 11, he's going to show and display the glory of God, which is the power over life and death. 00:15:57.859 --> 00:16:00.559 The power to give life. 00:16:00.559 --> 00:16:12.739 Jesus' healings and his miraculous provisions of bread in the desert, of wedding wine, they are signs of who he is. 00:16:13.019 --> 00:16:15.539 He is the bread of life. 00:16:16.399 --> 00:16:18.379 But there's always more with Jesus. 00:16:18.379 --> 00:16:26.019 Jesus is not someone who just gives merely what we need to survive. 00:16:26.200 --> 00:16:27.679 That is not the God that we serve. 00:16:27.799 --> 00:16:29.820 That is not the Jesus that we serve. 00:16:32.419 --> 00:16:36.240 No, he is going to show them the glory of God. 00:16:37.720 --> 00:16:41.039 The power of life over death. 00:16:41.039 --> 00:16:46.000 And yet as we read about from the catechism this morning, Jesus is fully human. 00:16:46.120 --> 00:16:47.980 He sympathizes with our weaknesses. 00:16:48.439 --> 00:16:50.199 And so what do we see him do with Mary? 00:16:51.740 --> 00:16:53.120 He weeps with her. 00:16:54.419 --> 00:16:56.579 He knows the sting of death. 00:16:58.179 --> 00:16:59.299 He knows it. 00:16:59.399 --> 00:17:00.379 He will know it. 00:17:01.799 --> 00:17:02.919 And so he weeps with her. 00:17:03.000 --> 00:17:05.859 The one who's going to anoint him for his burial later. 00:17:07.319 --> 00:17:08.960 But then what does he say to Martha? 00:17:09.139 --> 00:17:09.720 He says, 00:17:09.720 --> 00:17:15.180 I am the resurrection and the life. 00:17:16.000 --> 00:17:22.480 And he who believes in me, though he dies, yet shall he live. 00:17:23.460 --> 00:17:32.880 Again, not just a statement about who Jesus is, but a statement about those who are connected to him, those who entrust themselves to him. 00:17:33.880 --> 00:17:35.839 He is the resurrection and the life. 00:17:35.839 --> 00:17:37.779 And those of us who believe in him. 00:17:39.220 --> 00:17:41.319 Though we know the pain of death. 00:17:41.619 --> 00:17:44.139 Though we know the sting of death in our families. 00:17:44.939 --> 00:17:48.279 Yet shall we live. 00:17:49.939 --> 00:17:50.339 Amen. 00:17:51.299 --> 00:17:51.639 Amen. 00:17:51.640 --> 00:17:56.600 So the glory of God is the gift of life out of death. 00:17:57.560 --> 00:18:01.259 The gift of eternal life in Christ's kingdom. 00:18:01.259 --> 00:18:01.359 Amen. 00:18:03.359 --> 00:18:07.879 And this brings us to the seventh and the final I am statement, which we read about. 00:18:09.500 --> 00:18:10.019 Earlier. 00:18:11.640 --> 00:18:13.720 I am the true vine. 00:18:13.720 --> 00:18:17.339 And my father is the vine dresser. 00:18:17.339 --> 00:18:21.839 Every branch in me that does not bear fruit, he takes away. 00:18:21.960 --> 00:18:24.819 And every branch that does bear fruit, he prunes. 00:18:25.680 --> 00:18:27.620 That it may bear more fruit. 00:18:29.319 --> 00:18:32.880 Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. 00:18:32.880 --> 00:18:35.600 So abide in me. 00:18:36.320 --> 00:18:37.540 And I in you. 00:18:37.740 --> 00:18:40.340 As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself. 00:18:40.660 --> 00:18:43.080 Unless it abides in the vine. 00:18:43.540 --> 00:18:47.620 And neither can you unless you abide in me. 00:18:49.320 --> 00:18:49.940 Wow. 00:18:53.940 --> 00:18:55.220 Seven times. 00:18:55.980 --> 00:19:00.360 Seven times Jesus uses the word abide. 00:19:00.359 --> 00:19:02.699 Eight times Jesus uses the word abide. 00:19:02.699 --> 00:19:05.539 Put roots down in me. 00:19:06.519 --> 00:19:08.799 Build your foundation on me. 00:19:09.740 --> 00:19:12.179 Make your home in me. 00:19:13.559 --> 00:19:15.139 Dwell in me. 00:19:19.139 --> 00:19:22.839 Dig deep into me. 00:19:24.119 --> 00:19:26.159 I am the source of life. 00:19:26.939 --> 00:19:29.919 I am the life giver. 00:19:30.359 --> 00:19:35.319 Now let's remember just for a moment the context of this saying. 00:19:36.359 --> 00:19:41.319 Jesus and his disciples are gathered together in a borrowed upper room. 00:19:42.279 --> 00:19:43.799 It's the time of the feast. 00:19:45.199 --> 00:19:49.299 It's on the very night that Jesus would be betrayed. 00:19:49.299 --> 00:19:57.039 And you remember that those who had witnessed the resurrection of Lazarus. 00:19:57.099 --> 00:19:59.299 When Jesus said Lazarus come forth. 00:19:59.779 --> 00:20:01.960 And Lazarus came out of the grave. 00:20:02.960 --> 00:20:04.259 Well they were electrified. 00:20:04.399 --> 00:20:07.259 They of course could not contain themselves. 00:20:07.419 --> 00:20:09.980 And so as they went to celebrate the feast in Jerusalem. 00:20:10.240 --> 00:20:13.539 They were telling everyone what Jesus had done in Bethany. 00:20:13.539 --> 00:20:19.200 And so the religious leaders they plot to kill Lazarus. 00:20:19.879 --> 00:20:22.639 And they plot to stop Jesus. 00:20:22.640 --> 00:20:27.100 But life is unstoppable. 00:20:28.800 --> 00:20:30.900 The life that Jesus has. 00:20:30.980 --> 00:20:32.380 The life that Jesus is. 00:20:32.520 --> 00:20:34.220 It just keeps overflowing. 00:20:35.440 --> 00:20:37.220 You cannot contain it. 00:20:37.980 --> 00:20:40.300 You cannot stop it. 00:20:40.299 --> 00:20:44.240 And so as Jesus is gathered with his disciples. 00:20:44.240 --> 00:20:45.619 There's a lot of fear. 00:20:45.859 --> 00:20:47.159 There's a lot of danger. 00:20:49.579 --> 00:20:51.379 What can Jesus say? 00:20:51.700 --> 00:20:53.220 What can Jesus do? 00:20:53.759 --> 00:20:55.500 To give his disciples. 00:20:55.659 --> 00:20:56.759 To give his first followers. 00:20:56.759 --> 00:20:58.960 What they need to have courage. 00:20:59.200 --> 00:21:01.019 To bear witness to Jesus. 00:21:02.019 --> 00:21:03.759 When times are dangerous. 00:21:03.759 --> 00:21:07.859 When there is a lot of fear. 00:21:09.119 --> 00:21:11.980 When death and the sting of death is real. 00:21:13.799 --> 00:21:15.039 What can he say? 00:21:16.059 --> 00:21:17.180 What can he do? 00:21:19.059 --> 00:21:21.099 That is the story of the upper room. 00:21:21.099 --> 00:21:23.579 From chapters 13 through 17. 00:21:24.319 --> 00:21:25.680 Where this passage. 00:21:26.359 --> 00:21:27.379 Sits for us. 00:21:27.460 --> 00:21:27.640 Right? 00:21:28.259 --> 00:21:29.819 You remember what Jesus does. 00:21:29.940 --> 00:21:30.119 He. 00:21:31.539 --> 00:21:33.180 Takes off his outer garment. 00:21:33.180 --> 00:21:35.740 And he washes his disciples feet. 00:21:37.440 --> 00:21:39.019 He shows them. 00:21:39.019 --> 00:21:40.720 The full extent of his love. 00:21:40.759 --> 00:21:40.860 He. 00:21:40.980 --> 00:21:42.700 He takes their filth. 00:21:43.440 --> 00:21:44.340 And you remember. 00:21:44.500 --> 00:21:45.560 In first century Palestine. 00:21:46.200 --> 00:21:47.740 There are no sewers. 00:21:48.580 --> 00:21:49.920 You remember this. 00:21:50.279 --> 00:21:51.820 And so it's not just dirt. 00:21:51.820 --> 00:21:52.620 In the roads. 00:21:52.799 --> 00:21:53.060 No. 00:21:53.120 --> 00:21:54.660 There's all kinds of filth. 00:21:54.660 --> 00:21:55.279 In the roads. 00:21:55.440 --> 00:21:57.259 And so they had to wash their feet. 00:21:58.400 --> 00:21:59.700 Jesus takes. 00:22:00.240 --> 00:22:01.320 Their filth. 00:22:01.960 --> 00:22:02.860 Onto him. 00:22:03.180 --> 00:22:06.380 He shows them. 00:22:06.440 --> 00:22:08.220 What he is about to do for them. 00:22:08.299 --> 00:22:08.539 Right? 00:22:09.019 --> 00:22:10.299 That's what John tells us. 00:22:10.940 --> 00:22:11.720 John was there. 00:22:12.480 --> 00:22:13.560 John was an eyewitness. 00:22:14.620 --> 00:22:15.460 But second. 00:22:15.580 --> 00:22:16.779 He tells them the truth. 00:22:16.900 --> 00:22:18.500 That he is about to go. 00:22:18.620 --> 00:22:19.799 And return to the glory. 00:22:19.799 --> 00:22:21.080 That he had with his father. 00:22:21.560 --> 00:22:23.340 He's about to physically depart. 00:22:24.019 --> 00:22:26.039 And to take his rightful place. 00:22:26.039 --> 00:22:27.340 At the father's right hand. 00:22:27.339 --> 00:22:29.039 But he's going to send. 00:22:29.359 --> 00:22:29.980 A helper. 00:22:30.139 --> 00:22:30.919 He's going to send. 00:22:31.000 --> 00:22:32.039 Another advocate. 00:22:33.179 --> 00:22:34.500 Now that's very interesting. 00:22:35.220 --> 00:22:36.740 Have you ever paused on that? 00:22:37.779 --> 00:22:39.159 That means that there's. 00:22:39.740 --> 00:22:40.720 A first advocate. 00:22:41.720 --> 00:22:43.500 If we're going to get another advocate. 00:22:43.500 --> 00:22:44.539 That means we have two advocates. 00:22:46.139 --> 00:22:46.579 Amen. 00:22:46.579 --> 00:22:49.519 In first John. 00:22:49.619 --> 00:22:49.899 John. 00:22:49.899 --> 00:22:50.740 The same John. 00:22:50.839 --> 00:22:53.059 Tells us that we have an advocate with the father. 00:22:53.439 --> 00:22:54.599 Jesus the righteous. 00:22:56.699 --> 00:22:58.480 And if we confess our sins. 00:22:58.599 --> 00:23:01.619 He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins. 00:23:01.839 --> 00:23:03.419 And to cleanse us. 00:23:03.839 --> 00:23:05.279 Of all unrighteousness. 00:23:05.279 --> 00:23:09.000 But he's going to give us a helper. 00:23:09.139 --> 00:23:10.660 He's going to give us another advocate. 00:23:10.779 --> 00:23:11.519 The Holy Spirit. 00:23:11.859 --> 00:23:12.859 And the gift of this spirit. 00:23:12.859 --> 00:23:14.740 Will continue to purify us. 00:23:15.359 --> 00:23:16.960 Guiding us into all the truth. 00:23:17.039 --> 00:23:18.660 And giving us peace. 00:23:18.660 --> 00:23:20.099 In the midst of many troubles. 00:23:21.399 --> 00:23:22.879 And this peace brothers and sisters. 00:23:23.039 --> 00:23:25.180 And not just a calmness of spirit. 00:23:25.180 --> 00:23:26.180 When we face danger. 00:23:26.180 --> 00:23:26.720 No. 00:23:26.940 --> 00:23:27.920 This peace. 00:23:28.440 --> 00:23:30.859 Is the shalom of fruitfulness. 00:23:31.980 --> 00:23:34.019 This peace is a flourishing. 00:23:34.019 --> 00:23:36.920 That people want to be around you. 00:23:36.980 --> 00:23:38.639 They want to be around us. 00:23:38.700 --> 00:23:39.339 Because we. 00:23:39.799 --> 00:23:40.759 They see us coming. 00:23:40.879 --> 00:23:41.099 And they. 00:23:41.619 --> 00:23:44.139 They know that we're a source of blessing in their lives. 00:23:45.180 --> 00:23:47.079 This is the life that overflows. 00:23:47.980 --> 00:23:49.839 This is the life we are connected to. 00:23:50.279 --> 00:23:51.119 In Jesus. 00:23:52.559 --> 00:23:54.639 And so 11 times in these verses. 00:23:54.639 --> 00:23:55.519 Jesus says. 00:23:56.480 --> 00:23:57.500 Abide in me. 00:23:58.019 --> 00:23:58.639 And you will. 00:23:59.619 --> 00:24:00.259 Not maybe. 00:24:01.259 --> 00:24:02.700 You will bear. 00:24:03.319 --> 00:24:03.720 Much. 00:24:04.019 --> 00:24:04.700 Fruit. 00:24:05.900 --> 00:24:07.200 You remember the verse. 00:24:07.359 --> 00:24:08.319 From Jeremiah 17. 00:24:08.319 --> 00:24:08.960 This morning. 00:24:09.740 --> 00:24:11.059 In a time of drought. 00:24:11.339 --> 00:24:12.579 You will bear. 00:24:12.779 --> 00:24:13.139 Much. 00:24:13.579 --> 00:24:13.980 Fruit. 00:24:15.240 --> 00:24:15.579 Amen. 00:24:16.960 --> 00:24:18.279 So this deep. 00:24:18.839 --> 00:24:20.160 Life giving connection. 00:24:20.160 --> 00:24:20.940 To Jesus. 00:24:21.359 --> 00:24:22.200 We are. 00:24:22.460 --> 00:24:23.299 A part of. 00:24:23.819 --> 00:24:24.599 The vineyard. 00:24:25.460 --> 00:24:26.960 We're a part of the vineyard. 00:24:27.059 --> 00:24:27.720 That produces. 00:24:28.019 --> 00:24:28.660 So much fruit. 00:24:28.759 --> 00:24:29.859 That we can make wine. 00:24:30.119 --> 00:24:31.119 And we can celebrate. 00:24:31.299 --> 00:24:31.660 The goodness. 00:24:32.180 --> 00:24:32.900 Of life. 00:24:32.900 --> 00:24:37.360 The resurrected one. 00:24:38.360 --> 00:24:39.640 Has demonstrated. 00:24:39.860 --> 00:24:41.440 That life is stronger than death. 00:24:41.660 --> 00:24:42.280 That love. 00:24:42.780 --> 00:24:43.680 Casts out hate. 00:24:43.920 --> 00:24:44.640 That light. 00:24:44.860 --> 00:24:45.940 Dispels darkness. 00:24:48.240 --> 00:24:49.200 Because you see. 00:24:49.420 --> 00:24:51.080 When a seed falls to the ground. 00:24:51.240 --> 00:24:51.519 Yes. 00:24:51.580 --> 00:24:52.380 It dies. 00:24:52.380 --> 00:24:55.620 But it springs forth. 00:24:56.120 --> 00:24:57.980 And it produces life. 00:24:59.100 --> 00:25:00.720 You cannot stop it. 00:25:01.940 --> 00:25:02.580 And so. 00:25:02.840 --> 00:25:04.060 Despite all the plots. 00:25:04.060 --> 00:25:05.080 Of the religious leaders. 00:25:05.260 --> 00:25:05.640 Despite. 00:25:06.320 --> 00:25:06.900 All the fears. 00:25:06.900 --> 00:25:08.240 Of the Roman occupiers. 00:25:08.400 --> 00:25:10.080 The powers of this world. 00:25:10.160 --> 00:25:11.260 The powers of government. 00:25:11.340 --> 00:25:12.660 The powers of corporations. 00:25:12.840 --> 00:25:13.960 The powers of money. 00:25:13.960 --> 00:25:15.460 All of those powers. 00:25:16.240 --> 00:25:17.720 Cannot stop. 00:25:18.340 --> 00:25:19.720 The kingdom of God. 00:25:21.100 --> 00:25:21.700 Cannot. 00:25:22.640 --> 00:25:24.100 Because this life. 00:25:24.220 --> 00:25:25.460 Keeps overflowing. 00:25:26.240 --> 00:25:27.819 From the one who is. 00:25:28.480 --> 00:25:29.279 The life. 00:25:31.279 --> 00:25:32.660 So consider this. 00:25:33.200 --> 00:25:33.799 Statement again. 00:25:33.900 --> 00:25:34.680 But listen carefully. 00:25:34.680 --> 00:25:35.279 If you would. 00:25:35.279 --> 00:25:37.279 I'm going to offer. 00:25:37.359 --> 00:25:37.980 Just a little bit. 00:25:37.980 --> 00:25:39.099 Of a different translation. 00:25:39.639 --> 00:25:40.339 I am. 00:25:40.559 --> 00:25:41.480 The true. 00:25:42.220 --> 00:25:42.660 Vineyard. 00:25:43.660 --> 00:25:44.420 You can go. 00:25:44.539 --> 00:25:44.740 I think. 00:25:44.920 --> 00:25:46.119 To the next slide. 00:25:46.180 --> 00:25:46.720 If you don't mind. 00:25:46.920 --> 00:25:47.440 Keep going. 00:25:48.039 --> 00:25:48.579 There we go. 00:25:49.079 --> 00:25:50.240 I am the true vineyard. 00:25:50.299 --> 00:25:51.200 And my father. 00:25:51.200 --> 00:25:52.319 Is the husbandman. 00:25:52.680 --> 00:25:53.740 Every vine in me. 00:25:53.819 --> 00:25:55.000 That does not bear fruit. 00:25:55.099 --> 00:25:55.879 He takes away. 00:25:56.460 --> 00:25:57.220 And every vine. 00:25:57.220 --> 00:25:58.259 That does bear fruit. 00:25:58.319 --> 00:25:59.079 He prunes. 00:25:59.180 --> 00:26:00.259 To make it more fruitful. 00:26:01.319 --> 00:26:02.519 Now you have been cleansed. 00:26:02.519 --> 00:26:02.839 Already. 00:26:02.839 --> 00:26:03.420 By the word. 00:26:03.480 --> 00:26:04.299 I've spoken to you. 00:26:04.399 --> 00:26:05.019 Abide in me. 00:26:05.019 --> 00:26:06.200 As I abide in you. 00:26:06.779 --> 00:26:07.920 Just as the vine. 00:26:08.079 --> 00:26:08.940 Cannot bear fruit. 00:26:09.019 --> 00:26:09.660 By itself. 00:26:09.759 --> 00:26:10.799 Unless it abides. 00:26:10.920 --> 00:26:11.660 In the vineyard. 00:26:12.400 --> 00:26:13.460 Neither can you. 00:26:14.019 --> 00:26:14.799 Unless you. 00:26:15.079 --> 00:26:15.839 Abide in me. 00:26:15.960 --> 00:26:17.079 I am the vineyard. 00:26:17.359 --> 00:26:18.299 And you are. 00:26:19.160 --> 00:26:20.079 The vines. 00:26:21.819 --> 00:26:22.759 Now you notice. 00:26:22.759 --> 00:26:23.859 This different translation. 00:26:25.079 --> 00:26:25.859 Than the one. 00:26:25.960 --> 00:26:26.779 We're used to hearing. 00:26:26.940 --> 00:26:27.220 And I. 00:26:27.259 --> 00:26:27.960 I offer this. 00:26:28.240 --> 00:26:28.759 This morning. 00:26:28.859 --> 00:26:29.279 Because. 00:26:29.700 --> 00:26:30.980 A New Testament scholar. 00:26:31.160 --> 00:26:31.559 A Swedish. 00:26:31.559 --> 00:26:32.539 New Testament scholar. 00:26:32.639 --> 00:26:33.180 Named Chris. 00:26:34.139 --> 00:26:34.660 Karagunas. 00:26:34.660 --> 00:26:35.779 Has offered. 00:26:35.779 --> 00:26:36.900 Compelling evidence. 00:26:36.900 --> 00:26:37.540 To show. 00:26:37.940 --> 00:26:39.140 That by the late. 00:26:39.140 --> 00:26:39.759 First century. 00:26:39.759 --> 00:26:41.080 When John was writing. 00:26:41.519 --> 00:26:42.580 If there had been. 00:26:42.580 --> 00:26:43.620 A shift in meaning. 00:26:43.940 --> 00:26:45.160 In the two words. 00:26:45.160 --> 00:26:46.220 That are important. 00:26:46.220 --> 00:26:47.019 For this metaphor. 00:26:47.180 --> 00:26:48.100 That emphilos. 00:26:48.100 --> 00:26:49.060 The word that we. 00:26:49.300 --> 00:26:50.120 Traditionally translate. 00:26:50.220 --> 00:26:50.620 Vine. 00:26:50.840 --> 00:26:52.100 Had come to refer. 00:26:52.100 --> 00:26:53.160 To the whole vineyard. 00:26:53.560 --> 00:26:54.519 And claim. 00:26:54.519 --> 00:26:55.640 The word. 00:26:55.720 --> 00:26:56.259 We traditionally. 00:26:56.700 --> 00:26:57.140 Translate. 00:26:57.300 --> 00:26:57.700 Branch. 00:26:58.220 --> 00:26:59.060 Had come to refer. 00:26:59.060 --> 00:27:00.180 To the whole plant. 00:27:00.180 --> 00:27:01.200 Or to the vine. 00:27:01.200 --> 00:27:01.680 Vineyard. 00:27:01.680 --> 00:27:02.640 And so. 00:27:02.860 --> 00:27:03.420 We read. 00:27:03.620 --> 00:27:04.980 I am the vineyard. 00:27:04.980 --> 00:27:05.880 And you are. 00:27:06.360 --> 00:27:07.160 The vines. 00:27:07.259 --> 00:27:08.059 Now I've offered it. 00:27:08.160 --> 00:27:08.620 This morning. 00:27:08.680 --> 00:27:09.000 Because. 00:27:09.640 --> 00:27:11.140 It gives us a sense. 00:27:11.140 --> 00:27:12.440 Of the amplification. 00:27:12.440 --> 00:27:14.059 Of what John is doing here. 00:27:17.580 --> 00:27:18.640 Can you believe. 00:27:18.640 --> 00:27:19.340 That Jesus. 00:27:19.340 --> 00:27:20.240 Is someone. 00:27:20.240 --> 00:27:20.740 That. 00:27:21.319 --> 00:27:22.559 You can go in. 00:27:22.740 --> 00:27:23.380 And live. 00:27:23.940 --> 00:27:24.660 That he is a. 00:27:24.980 --> 00:27:25.340 Capace. 00:27:26.080 --> 00:27:26.640 Capaceous. 00:27:26.640 --> 00:27:27.500 Palace. 00:27:28.380 --> 00:27:29.280 That he is a. 00:27:29.280 --> 00:27:30.560 Huge vineyard. 00:27:32.000 --> 00:27:33.080 That's the image. 00:27:33.080 --> 00:27:33.380 That. 00:27:33.540 --> 00:27:34.620 That John is giving. 00:27:34.620 --> 00:27:35.200 To us. 00:27:36.060 --> 00:27:37.420 You are a vine. 00:27:37.580 --> 00:27:38.180 In this. 00:27:38.540 --> 00:27:39.400 Huge vineyard. 00:27:39.500 --> 00:27:39.680 You're. 00:27:39.840 --> 00:27:40.960 You're part of something. 00:27:41.100 --> 00:27:41.840 Really big. 00:27:42.880 --> 00:27:43.720 Called the kingdom. 00:27:43.720 --> 00:27:44.480 Of God. 00:27:48.580 --> 00:27:49.500 There's a whole. 00:27:50.180 --> 00:27:50.820 Ecosystem. 00:27:51.520 --> 00:27:52.240 Of life. 00:27:52.360 --> 00:27:52.720 Giving. 00:27:53.360 --> 00:27:53.880 Goodness. 00:27:55.240 --> 00:27:55.980 That you're. 00:27:56.100 --> 00:27:56.560 Connected to. 00:27:56.640 --> 00:27:57.420 The gospel. 00:27:57.620 --> 00:27:58.140 Creates. 00:27:58.280 --> 00:27:58.800 Its own. 00:27:59.200 --> 00:27:59.680 Biosphere. 00:28:00.220 --> 00:28:01.000 Its own. 00:28:01.540 --> 00:28:02.020 Ecosystem. 00:28:04.440 --> 00:28:05.120 It's called. 00:28:05.220 --> 00:28:05.900 The church. 00:28:07.600 --> 00:28:08.400 We are. 00:28:08.780 --> 00:28:09.259 Connected. 00:28:09.320 --> 00:28:09.900 To one another. 00:28:09.960 --> 00:28:10.380 And that's why. 00:28:10.460 --> 00:28:11.180 It's so important. 00:28:11.500 --> 00:28:11.960 The vows. 00:28:12.000 --> 00:28:12.320 You took. 00:28:12.380 --> 00:28:12.840 The promises. 00:28:13.000 --> 00:28:13.320 You made. 00:28:13.320 --> 00:28:13.780 This morning. 00:28:13.860 --> 00:28:14.120 To help. 00:28:14.200 --> 00:28:14.759 These families. 00:28:15.160 --> 00:28:15.940 Raise their children. 00:28:15.940 --> 00:28:16.440 In the fear. 00:28:16.520 --> 00:28:17.060 In the admission. 00:28:17.060 --> 00:28:17.680 Of the Lord. 00:28:17.940 --> 00:28:18.240 I mean. 00:28:18.240 --> 00:28:18.860 That is just. 00:28:18.860 --> 00:28:19.560 A small. 00:28:20.100 --> 00:28:20.500 Picture. 00:28:21.580 --> 00:28:22.440 Of what God. 00:28:22.440 --> 00:28:22.980 Is doing. 00:28:22.980 --> 00:28:23.600 In the church. 00:28:23.620 --> 00:28:24.480 And how deeply. 00:28:24.480 --> 00:28:25.000 Connected. 00:28:25.000 --> 00:28:25.340 We are. 00:28:25.380 --> 00:28:25.600 And so. 00:28:25.599 --> 00:28:26.279 Even though. 00:28:26.279 --> 00:28:26.939 Darlene and I. 00:28:26.980 --> 00:28:27.359 Have come. 00:28:27.559 --> 00:28:28.319 All across the world. 00:28:28.879 --> 00:28:29.119 We are. 00:28:29.319 --> 00:28:29.679 Deeply. 00:28:29.679 --> 00:28:30.159 Connected. 00:28:30.159 --> 00:28:30.579 To you. 00:28:31.759 --> 00:28:32.719 By the spirit. 00:28:32.719 --> 00:28:33.219 Of God. 00:28:33.299 --> 00:28:34.019 By a savior. 00:28:34.019 --> 00:28:35.079 Who has bought. 00:28:35.199 --> 00:28:35.579 And paid. 00:28:35.579 --> 00:28:36.219 For us. 00:28:37.379 --> 00:28:38.259 And purchased. 00:28:38.379 --> 00:28:38.500 Us. 00:28:38.500 --> 00:28:39.519 For his glory. 00:28:42.059 --> 00:28:42.639 And so. 00:28:42.699 --> 00:28:43.539 Here is the lie. 00:28:43.539 --> 00:28:43.919 That the. 00:28:44.000 --> 00:28:44.480 That the enemy. 00:28:44.480 --> 00:28:45.079 Wants to. 00:28:45.559 --> 00:28:45.839 Us. 00:28:45.919 --> 00:28:46.399 To believe. 00:28:46.519 --> 00:28:46.879 Is that. 00:28:47.559 --> 00:28:48.119 We are. 00:28:48.179 --> 00:28:48.500 Rugged. 00:28:48.740 --> 00:28:49.339 Individuals. 00:28:49.339 --> 00:28:49.859 That we make. 00:28:49.859 --> 00:28:50.619 Our own life. 00:28:50.699 --> 00:28:50.939 That we're. 00:28:50.939 --> 00:28:51.419 The author. 00:28:51.419 --> 00:28:52.240 Of our own life. 00:28:52.240 --> 00:28:52.500 I mean. 00:28:52.500 --> 00:28:53.180 These are all. 00:28:53.180 --> 00:28:53.799 Of the messages. 00:28:53.799 --> 00:28:54.480 That we hear. 00:28:54.620 --> 00:28:55.339 That we scroll. 00:28:55.339 --> 00:28:56.000 On our phones. 00:28:56.000 --> 00:28:56.599 Every day. 00:28:57.720 --> 00:28:58.799 You choose. 00:28:58.799 --> 00:28:59.799 What kind of life. 00:28:59.859 --> 00:29:00.420 You want. 00:29:02.500 --> 00:29:02.940 No. 00:29:02.940 --> 00:29:03.980 Life is a gift. 00:29:04.819 --> 00:29:05.819 We did nothing. 00:29:05.819 --> 00:29:06.640 For our lives. 00:29:06.880 --> 00:29:07.740 We were born. 00:29:07.740 --> 00:29:08.519 Into a family. 00:29:08.519 --> 00:29:09.460 We received. 00:29:09.539 --> 00:29:10.299 A family's name. 00:29:10.339 --> 00:29:11.240 And we received. 00:29:11.240 --> 00:29:11.920 The name. 00:29:11.920 --> 00:29:12.940 Of our savior. 00:29:12.940 --> 00:29:13.420 Jesus. 00:29:13.519 --> 00:29:14.640 It marks us. 00:29:15.180 --> 00:29:15.980 We've been given. 00:29:16.160 --> 00:29:16.480 Life. 00:29:16.480 --> 00:29:17.720 What did John say? 00:29:18.319 --> 00:29:19.700 In his name. 00:29:20.640 --> 00:29:21.140 Right? 00:29:22.759 --> 00:29:23.279 Amen. 00:29:24.960 --> 00:29:25.900 Let me just give. 00:29:26.000 --> 00:29:26.420 A quick. 00:29:27.180 --> 00:29:28.220 Picture of this. 00:29:28.660 --> 00:29:28.940 From. 00:29:29.640 --> 00:29:30.240 The witness. 00:29:30.240 --> 00:29:31.160 Of a family. 00:29:31.779 --> 00:29:32.620 A Dutch family. 00:29:32.620 --> 00:29:33.579 That made their home. 00:29:33.720 --> 00:29:34.819 In Washington state. 00:29:35.420 --> 00:29:36.480 And they purchased. 00:29:36.480 --> 00:29:37.140 Their first. 00:29:37.140 --> 00:29:38.079 Apple orchard. 00:29:38.400 --> 00:29:39.039 I want to build. 00:29:39.039 --> 00:29:39.720 On this image. 00:29:39.720 --> 00:29:39.980 Of. 00:29:40.759 --> 00:29:41.839 The vineyard. 00:29:41.900 --> 00:29:42.500 Of the orchard. 00:29:43.500 --> 00:29:44.200 They bought. 00:29:44.279 --> 00:29:44.920 Their first orchard. 00:29:45.019 --> 00:29:45.779 In 1968. 00:29:45.779 --> 00:29:46.599 And today. 00:29:47.339 --> 00:29:48.119 Their company. 00:29:48.119 --> 00:29:48.619 Manages. 00:29:48.619 --> 00:29:49.279 More than. 00:29:49.279 --> 00:29:50.740 6,000 acres. 00:29:50.740 --> 00:29:51.539 Of apple. 00:29:51.539 --> 00:29:52.660 And cherry trees. 00:29:53.240 --> 00:29:53.940 And every year. 00:29:54.039 --> 00:29:54.599 They ship. 00:29:54.680 --> 00:29:55.980 Nearly 7 million. 00:29:55.980 --> 00:29:56.619 Boxes. 00:29:56.619 --> 00:29:57.180 Of apples. 00:29:59.059 --> 00:29:59.660 Wow. 00:30:01.220 --> 00:30:02.339 From one. 00:30:02.779 --> 00:30:03.259 Vineyard. 00:30:03.899 --> 00:30:04.720 From one. 00:30:04.859 --> 00:30:05.299 Orchard. 00:30:06.359 --> 00:30:06.940 Now. 00:30:07.059 --> 00:30:07.539 They're shipping. 00:30:07.759 --> 00:30:09.000 Over 7 million. 00:30:09.519 --> 00:30:10.099 Boxes. 00:30:10.139 --> 00:30:10.579 Of apples. 00:30:10.779 --> 00:30:11.379 Each year. 00:30:12.279 --> 00:30:12.500 Well. 00:30:12.579 --> 00:30:12.779 In. 00:30:13.119 --> 00:30:14.099 The turn of the century. 00:30:14.259 --> 00:30:15.059 Around 2000. 00:30:15.059 --> 00:30:16.019 Out of concern. 00:30:16.019 --> 00:30:16.480 For. 00:30:17.099 --> 00:30:17.700 The children. 00:30:17.700 --> 00:30:18.960 Of the migrant workers. 00:30:20.220 --> 00:30:21.440 To have steady. 00:30:22.019 --> 00:30:22.940 Uninterrupted schooling. 00:30:23.679 --> 00:30:24.700 And a stable. 00:30:24.700 --> 00:30:25.599 Home life. 00:30:26.240 --> 00:30:26.919 Because you know. 00:30:26.960 --> 00:30:27.700 The migrant workers. 00:30:27.700 --> 00:30:28.200 Would move. 00:30:28.319 --> 00:30:29.159 From place to place. 00:30:29.460 --> 00:30:30.399 Whatever they're picking. 00:30:30.399 --> 00:30:30.839 They're picking. 00:30:30.839 --> 00:30:31.659 Strawberries here. 00:30:31.740 --> 00:30:32.059 They're picking. 00:30:32.059 --> 00:30:32.679 Cherries there. 00:30:32.759 --> 00:30:33.059 They're picking. 00:30:33.179 --> 00:30:33.819 Apples here. 00:30:34.399 --> 00:30:35.039 And they. 00:30:35.159 --> 00:30:36.359 They saw the effects. 00:30:36.740 --> 00:30:37.379 This was having. 00:30:37.460 --> 00:30:38.019 On the children. 00:30:38.019 --> 00:30:38.359 Who. 00:30:38.720 --> 00:30:39.480 Had to start over. 00:30:39.579 --> 00:30:40.399 In different schools. 00:30:40.400 --> 00:30:40.560 Schools. 00:30:41.360 --> 00:30:41.840 And they. 00:30:42.040 --> 00:30:43.380 Began a profit sharing. 00:30:43.500 --> 00:30:43.780 Venture. 00:30:43.780 --> 00:30:45.720 Called Vista Hermosa Foundation. 00:30:46.759 --> 00:30:47.480 And the foundation. 00:30:47.480 --> 00:30:48.580 Received a percentage. 00:30:48.580 --> 00:30:49.800 Of annual profits. 00:30:50.420 --> 00:30:51.680 To create schools. 00:30:52.040 --> 00:30:53.100 Affordable housing. 00:30:53.600 --> 00:30:54.680 And jobs. 00:30:55.040 --> 00:30:56.400 Even when the season. 00:30:56.400 --> 00:30:57.500 Was not picking season. 00:30:57.960 --> 00:31:00.000 So that these migrant families. 00:31:00.000 --> 00:31:00.759 No longer. 00:31:00.940 --> 00:31:02.420 Had to keep moving around. 00:31:02.420 --> 00:31:05.120 This Christian family. 00:31:05.220 --> 00:31:06.160 The Broci family. 00:31:07.700 --> 00:31:08.740 They saw. 00:31:10.039 --> 00:31:11.220 The kingdom of God. 00:31:11.320 --> 00:31:11.400 They. 00:31:11.500 --> 00:31:12.160 They saw. 00:31:12.279 --> 00:31:13.060 The light of the world. 00:31:13.160 --> 00:31:13.759 They saw. 00:31:13.759 --> 00:31:15.039 That they're part of this. 00:31:15.460 --> 00:31:16.519 Overflowing abundance. 00:31:16.519 --> 00:31:17.220 Of life. 00:31:17.880 --> 00:31:18.980 And they realized. 00:31:19.180 --> 00:31:20.120 That their work. 00:31:20.600 --> 00:31:21.840 Was not just to be. 00:31:22.100 --> 00:31:23.060 Selfishly consumed. 00:31:23.060 --> 00:31:23.960 Upon themselves. 00:31:24.160 --> 00:31:25.060 And upon their family. 00:31:25.060 --> 00:31:26.200 That they should share. 00:31:26.340 --> 00:31:27.140 The profits. 00:31:27.160 --> 00:31:28.120 Of what they were making. 00:31:28.120 --> 00:31:28.900 With all those. 00:31:28.980 --> 00:31:29.519 Who were investing. 00:31:29.519 --> 00:31:30.320 In their company. 00:31:30.319 --> 00:31:32.539 And the goodness. 00:31:32.740 --> 00:31:33.339 And the blessings. 00:31:33.339 --> 00:31:34.379 And the life giving. 00:31:35.439 --> 00:31:35.919 Money. 00:31:36.079 --> 00:31:36.399 Yes. 00:31:36.720 --> 00:31:37.200 Education. 00:31:37.379 --> 00:31:37.679 Yes. 00:31:38.000 --> 00:31:38.399 Houses. 00:31:38.599 --> 00:31:39.000 Yes. 00:31:39.799 --> 00:31:40.799 Flowed out. 00:31:41.539 --> 00:31:42.480 To everyone. 00:31:42.639 --> 00:31:43.419 Who participated. 00:31:43.419 --> 00:31:44.059 You see. 00:31:44.220 --> 00:31:45.740 That's how the economy. 00:31:45.740 --> 00:31:46.399 Of the kingdom. 00:31:46.399 --> 00:31:47.419 Of God works. 00:31:48.700 --> 00:31:49.799 It's the abundance. 00:31:49.799 --> 00:31:50.859 That keeps flowing. 00:31:51.439 --> 00:31:52.419 Not that we steal. 00:31:53.179 --> 00:31:53.819 And take it. 00:31:53.839 --> 00:31:54.639 Upon ourselves. 00:31:55.200 --> 00:31:56.319 But that we share. 00:31:56.599 --> 00:31:57.279 The life. 00:31:57.399 --> 00:31:58.179 That God gives us. 00:31:58.359 --> 00:31:59.279 In all different ways. 00:31:59.359 --> 00:32:00.059 So this fruit. 00:32:00.059 --> 00:32:01.359 From John chapter 15. 00:32:01.720 --> 00:32:01.919 Yes. 00:32:01.960 --> 00:32:02.500 Of course. 00:32:02.579 --> 00:32:03.039 This fruit. 00:32:03.039 --> 00:32:03.599 That we bear. 00:32:03.740 --> 00:32:04.639 Are converts. 00:32:05.299 --> 00:32:05.679 They're people. 00:32:05.779 --> 00:32:06.319 We're sharing. 00:32:06.319 --> 00:32:07.119 The good news. 00:32:07.119 --> 00:32:07.879 Of Jesus with. 00:32:08.359 --> 00:32:08.460 Oh. 00:32:08.539 --> 00:32:09.460 But it's so much more. 00:32:09.519 --> 00:32:10.220 Brothers and sisters. 00:32:10.899 --> 00:32:11.960 It's so much more. 00:32:12.980 --> 00:32:14.519 It's how we welcome people. 00:32:14.519 --> 00:32:15.440 Into our homes. 00:32:15.440 --> 00:32:16.419 And share our food. 00:32:16.500 --> 00:32:16.639 It's. 00:32:16.720 --> 00:32:17.619 It's how we. 00:32:18.019 --> 00:32:18.819 Use our money. 00:32:18.819 --> 00:32:19.659 In our businesses. 00:32:19.659 --> 00:32:20.480 And the policies. 00:32:20.480 --> 00:32:21.259 That we create. 00:32:21.460 --> 00:32:22.980 Just like the Brochi family. 00:32:24.419 --> 00:32:25.759 Because we too. 00:32:26.039 --> 00:32:27.220 Are the light of the world. 00:32:27.579 --> 00:32:28.299 We too. 00:32:28.299 --> 00:32:30.079 Are producing. 00:32:30.700 --> 00:32:31.159 Much fruit. 00:32:31.279 --> 00:32:31.980 Jesus said. 00:32:32.139 --> 00:32:33.480 That even greater works. 00:32:33.559 --> 00:32:34.159 You shall do. 00:32:34.680 --> 00:32:36.180 Because I'm going to my. 00:32:36.759 --> 00:32:37.159 Father. 00:32:37.720 --> 00:32:38.399 Who's in heaven. 00:32:41.059 --> 00:32:41.579 So. 00:32:44.240 --> 00:32:45.980 When we choose to set our minds. 00:32:46.019 --> 00:32:47.399 On what the spirit desires. 00:32:48.200 --> 00:32:49.460 Instead of the desires. 00:32:49.460 --> 00:32:50.419 Of our sinful nature. 00:32:51.000 --> 00:32:52.779 When we choose to put to death. 00:32:52.899 --> 00:32:53.980 The old way of living. 00:32:53.980 --> 00:32:56.259 And to replace it with a. 00:32:56.259 --> 00:32:57.680 A habit of life. 00:32:58.759 --> 00:32:59.220 Yes. 00:32:59.259 --> 00:33:00.539 We will suffer pain. 00:33:01.360 --> 00:33:02.660 The pain of pruning. 00:33:03.220 --> 00:33:04.339 That Jesus talked about. 00:33:05.000 --> 00:33:06.400 Part of us is going to die. 00:33:06.500 --> 00:33:07.920 The old ways are going to die. 00:33:09.019 --> 00:33:10.380 But as they die. 00:33:10.720 --> 00:33:12.279 New things emerge. 00:33:12.420 --> 00:33:13.460 New life emerge. 00:33:13.759 --> 00:33:14.620 This pain. 00:33:15.319 --> 00:33:16.759 Like the intense pain. 00:33:16.759 --> 00:33:17.539 Of childbirth. 00:33:18.299 --> 00:33:19.400 Is generative. 00:33:19.400 --> 00:33:21.940 It results in joy. 00:33:23.080 --> 00:33:25.160 As these new habits are formed. 00:33:25.560 --> 00:33:27.380 As these new practices emerge. 00:33:27.720 --> 00:33:29.580 As blessings flow out. 00:33:29.780 --> 00:33:30.519 From us. 00:33:30.700 --> 00:33:31.180 As well. 00:33:31.860 --> 00:33:32.160 And so. 00:33:32.900 --> 00:33:33.840 Verse 7. 00:33:33.940 --> 00:33:35.060 And verse 16. 00:33:35.180 --> 00:33:36.280 Of John 15. 00:33:36.720 --> 00:33:37.820 Notice what they said. 00:33:38.040 --> 00:33:39.160 This is where we'll close. 00:33:40.680 --> 00:33:40.960 This. 00:33:41.640 --> 00:33:42.660 Astounding statement. 00:33:43.380 --> 00:33:44.660 It says in verse 7. 00:33:44.660 --> 00:33:46.380 If you abide in me. 00:33:46.540 --> 00:33:47.880 And my words abide in you. 00:33:48.000 --> 00:33:49.519 Ask whatever you want. 00:33:50.180 --> 00:33:51.540 And it will be done for you. 00:33:52.480 --> 00:33:53.920 And then notice down in verse. 00:33:54.759 --> 00:33:55.240 16. 00:33:56.519 --> 00:33:57.000 Says. 00:33:57.140 --> 00:33:57.860 I chose you. 00:33:57.920 --> 00:33:58.560 And appointed you. 00:33:58.640 --> 00:33:59.340 That you should go. 00:33:59.420 --> 00:34:00.220 And bear fruit. 00:34:00.680 --> 00:34:02.480 So that whatever you ask. 00:34:02.519 --> 00:34:03.000 The father. 00:34:03.120 --> 00:34:03.900 In my name. 00:34:04.560 --> 00:34:05.100 He may. 00:34:05.620 --> 00:34:06.380 Give it to you. 00:34:08.680 --> 00:34:10.139 Now what is this about? 00:34:10.980 --> 00:34:12.300 This is echoing. 00:34:12.440 --> 00:34:13.000 The start. 00:34:13.159 --> 00:34:14.059 Of John's gospel. 00:34:14.659 --> 00:34:16.379 In John chapter 1. 00:34:16.480 --> 00:34:17.539 At the very beginning. 00:34:17.899 --> 00:34:20.759 When the disciples first follow Jesus. 00:34:21.219 --> 00:34:22.259 He turns around. 00:34:22.359 --> 00:34:22.839 And he says. 00:34:23.259 --> 00:34:24.440 What do you want? 00:34:25.759 --> 00:34:26.539 Do you remember? 00:34:28.199 --> 00:34:30.259 And that's the question for us this morning. 00:34:30.319 --> 00:34:30.940 Brothers and sisters. 00:34:32.159 --> 00:34:33.739 What do you want? 00:34:35.000 --> 00:34:36.539 Do you want life? 00:34:37.940 --> 00:34:39.519 Do you want life? 00:34:42.699 --> 00:34:44.480 You remember what the disciples said? 00:34:45.639 --> 00:34:46.879 Where are you staying? 00:34:48.599 --> 00:34:51.480 It's the same word that Jesus uses in John 15. 00:34:51.759 --> 00:34:52.179 Abide. 00:34:52.440 --> 00:34:53.539 Where are you dwelling? 00:34:53.679 --> 00:34:54.480 Where are you abiding? 00:34:55.879 --> 00:34:57.159 What did Jesus say to them? 00:34:58.420 --> 00:34:59.239 Come and see. 00:35:00.279 --> 00:35:01.119 Let's pray together. 00:35:03.440 --> 00:35:04.960 Lord we give you praise. 00:35:04.960 --> 00:35:08.840 Because you are the life giver. 00:35:08.840 --> 00:35:10.280 You are the life. 00:35:10.280 --> 00:35:12.400 You are the life. 00:35:12.480 --> 00:35:13.420 You are the truth. 00:35:13.920 --> 00:35:15.579 You are the good shepherd. 00:35:16.240 --> 00:35:19.059 You are the word who was with God from the beginning. 00:35:19.179 --> 00:35:20.599 And yet you took on flesh. 00:35:20.599 --> 00:35:21.599 Lord. 00:35:21.599 --> 00:35:22.880 That we might be. 00:35:24.619 --> 00:35:25.880 Reunited to the father. 00:35:26.539 --> 00:35:28.079 Because of your sacrifice. 00:35:28.079 --> 00:35:29.759 Because you stood in our place. 00:35:29.760 --> 00:35:34.060 But also because you were raised from death. 00:35:34.580 --> 00:35:36.180 To give us a whole new life. 00:35:36.240 --> 00:35:38.720 That we might be a source of blessing to our families. 00:35:39.080 --> 00:35:43.280 We might be a source of life and blessing to our workmates. 00:35:44.540 --> 00:35:45.900 To our schoolmates. 00:35:47.660 --> 00:35:49.380 Lord thank you for Watermark Church. 00:35:49.540 --> 00:35:51.280 Thank you for what you're doing here. 00:35:51.280 --> 00:35:52.420 How you're flowing. 00:35:52.540 --> 00:35:54.440 Your life is flowing through this church. 00:35:54.440 --> 00:35:57.200 Send your helper. 00:35:57.780 --> 00:35:58.840 We pray in Jesus name. 00:35:59.440 --> 00:35:59.679 Amen.