John 15:1-17

John 15:1-17

 

Jesus said, 1 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. 10 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. 11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.

12 “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command you. 15 No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. 17 These things I command you, so that you will love one another.

English Standard Version © 2001

 

Prayer Focus for Gabon – Sunday, September 11

gabo-mmap-sm

Gabon, Africa: Less-reached peoples: a) The east region was long closed to evangelicals, and the northeast was the least evangelized and least developed. Born-again Christians are very few among the many pockets of peoples – notably Yongho, Wandji, Sanghu, Tsogo, Duma, Ngom, Kaningi, Bubi and Minduumo. But these areas, now open, are seeing churches planted and people reached, although much work remains. b) The Fang are the dominant people (41% of the population) and largely Protestant or Catholic. They are a profoundly religious people, but most of their fervency is dissipated in syncretistic ancestral worship. For more information, go to www.operationworld.org.

Honoring the One in Authority When He is Not Honorable

Honoring the One in Authority When He is Not Honorable

 

1 Samuel 24:3-12

 

And he came to the sheepfolds by the way, where there was a cave, and Saul went in to relieve himself. Now David and his men were sitting in the innermost parts of the cave. And the men of David said to him, “Here is the day of which the Lord said to you, ‘Behold, I will give your enemy into your hand, and you shall do to him as it shall seem good to you.’” Then David arose and stealthily cut off a corner of Saul’s robe. And afterward David’s heart struck him, because he had cut off a corner of Saul’s robe. He said to his men, “The Lord forbid that I should do this thing to my lord, the Lord’s anointed, to put out my hand against him, seeing he is the Lord’s anointed.” So David persuaded his men with these words and did not permit them to attack Saul. And Saul rose up and left the cave and went on his way.

Afterward David also arose and went out of the cave, and called after Saul, “My lord the king!” And when Saul looked behind him, David bowed with his face to the earth and paid homage. And David said to Saul, “Why do you listen to the words of men who say, ‘Behold, David seeks your harm’? 10 Behold, this day your eyes have seen how the Lord gave you today into my hand in the cave. And some told me to kill you, but I spared you. I said, ‘I will not put out my hand against my lord, for he is the Lord’s anointed.’ 11 See, my father, see the corner of your robe in my hand. For by the fact that I cut off the corner of your robe and did not kill you, you may know and see that there is no wrong or treason in my hands. I have not sinned against you, though you hunt my life to take it. 12 May the Lord judge between me and you, may the Lord avenge me against you, but my hand shall not be against you.

 

The fifth Law that Liberates – No Audio

 The Fifth Law that Liberates

 

Deuteronomy 5:16

 

16 “‘Honor your father and your mother, as the Lord your God commanded you, that your days may be long, and that it may go well with you in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.

SERMON NOTES

 

  • The home is the place we learn respect for authority.

 

 

  • Honoring Parents in 3 Stages of Life.

 

 

  • Children Obey Parents                 Ephesians 6:1-3

 

 

  • Our Culture

 

  

  • Application for Us

 

  

  • Adolescents Value Parents         Proverbs 1:8-9

 

 

  • Our Culture

 

 

  • Application for Us

 

 

  

  • Adults Care for Parents               Matthew 15:1-9

 

 

  • Our Culture

 

 

Application for Us

How Does the Fourth Commandment Apply in Our Day?

How Does the Fourth Commandment Apply in Our Day?

 Deuteronomy 5:12-16

 12 “‘Observe the Sabbath day, to keep it holy, as the Lord your God commanded you. 13 Six days you shall labor and do all your work, 14 but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall do any work, you or your son or your daughter or your male servant or your female servant, or your ox or your donkey or any of your livestock, or the sojourner who is within your gates, that your male servant and your female servant may rest as well as you. 15 You shall remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and the Lord your God brought you out from there with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm. Therefore, the Lord your God commanded you to keep the Sabbath day.

16 “‘Honor your father and your mother, as the Lord your God commanded you, that your days may be long, and that it may go well with you in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.

Hebrews 4:9-10

 So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God, 10 for whoever has entered God’s rest has also rested from his works as God did from his.

 

SERMON NOTES

 1. How does it apply to our society?

Exodus 20:11

2. How does it apply distinctively to the church?

Deuteronomy 5:15

Exodus 31:12-17

3. How did the early church obey this commandment?

John 20:19

Acts 20:7-12

4. How did Jesus obey this commandment?

Luke 6:1-11

Luke 13:14-17

 

5. Summary Principles for Us.

 

1.

 

2.

 

3.

 

4.

Ladies Bible Studies – Fall 2016

Sunday Evenings (Beginning September 25th)

Time: 7:30-9:00 p.m.

Location: Kimberly Haney’s Home

17822 Oyster Bay Court, Dumfries

Contact: Kimberly Haney, 571-432-8195

kkahaney@gmail.com

Focus: The Armor of God

  

Tuesday Mornings (Beginning September 20th)

Time: 9:30-11:30 a.m.

Location: Barbara Willsher’s Home

13891 Calico Lane, Manassas

Contact: Nancy Sampson, 703-909-1517

sampson.nancy@gmail.com

Book: The Promised One: Seeing Jesus in Genesis by Nancy Guthrie

  

Thursday Mornings (Beginning September 22nd)

Time: 9:30-11:30 a.m.

Location: Michelle Kessler’s home

17810 Oyster Bay Court, Dumfries

Contact: Emily Butler

ecbutler101@gmail.com

Book: A Meal with Jesus: Discovering Grace, Community, and Mission around the Table, by Tim Chester

 

 

Prayer Focus for Finland – Sunday, August 28

finl-MMAP-sm

Finland, Europe: The heritage of sending missionaries is under threat. The strength of mission sending has largely been through parachurch agencies or independent movements within the larger Lutheran framework. The churches need to catch a missions vision and become more involved in the sending process, rather than relying totally on agencies. But an over-centralization of mission-sending structures, under the rubric of the Lutheran Church, could drastically stunt missions as it could effectively isolate mission sending from the congregations altogether. The disconnectedness of many Finns from local churches doesn’t help the situation. Specific mission-mobilizing events have helped bring together different agencies and raise the profile of missions. Pray for more workers as well as more supporters.

Men’s ministry is a real need in Finland. Discipling men is difficult in a highly passive and private culture. Pray for ministries that will be able to call Finns into relationships that involve pastoring, mentoring and accountability. For more information, go to www.operationworld.org.

God’s Anitdote for Busyness

God’s Antidote for Busyness

 

Exodus 20:8-11

 

“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor, and do all your work, 10 but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, you, or your son, or your daughter, your male servant, or your female servant, or your livestock, or the sojourner who is within your gates. 11 For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested on the seventh day. Therefore, the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.

Prayer Focus for Fiji – Sunday, August 21

fiji-MMAP-smFiji, Pacific: The Methodist Church has been the de facto state church in Fiji for 150 years as well as the faith of the majority of ethnic Fijians. It has also been tightly aligned with the nation’s political structures – to the detriment of the gospel. Methodism’s past failure to adequately condemn the endemic racism and racially motivated coups has prompted splits within the Church. A lack of spiritual vitality has spurred a large-scale exodus to newer denominations. But there has also been change in recent years as issues of renewal and reconciliation have come to the fore. Pray for new life and right priorities for this highly influential denomination. For more information, go to www.operationworld.org.

Christian Education Classes – Fall 2016

Christian Education – Fall 2016

Sundays from 11:15 – 12:15

September 4 – November 27

 

Babies, Toddlers & Moms (Moms with children Ages 2 & under) Bible study for moms with children 2 & under. Led by Michelle Kessler

Preschool (Ages 3–4) In this quarter, children will learn of God’s promises of redemption, blessing, faithfulness, deliverance, and a Savior. Taught by Kristi Thornton

Younger Elementary (Grades K–3) This quarter will focus on growing in God: learning about Our Heavenly Father, trusting God for power to live for Him, and Listening to God’s word. Taught by Elena Mourad

Older Elementary (Grades 4–6) This quarter will cover 1 Samuel through Esther, focusing on the history of Israel’s prophets, priests, and kings and the people’s subsequent exile and return to the Promised Land. Taught by Maria Dunn

Youth Group (Grades 7 – 12) The Youth will explore apologetics this quarter with the goal to “develop accurately informed minds, artful methods, and an attractive manner that makes us high-impact ambassadors for Christ.” Taught by Josh Kiihne

Friendship Class (Special Needs Education)

Those of all ages with intellectual disabilities will study together from the Scriptures. Taught by Peggy Van Lowe and one mentor for each student.

 

Adult Education

Behold Your God: Rethinking God Biblically This class is designed to help bring us into contact with our God as He is described in the Scriptures. Each week there will be a video and discussion focused on one aspect of beholding our God. Taught by the Elders

 Christian Teens at Risk: A Parent’s Guide to Help Teens Think Biblically About Gender Confusion Taught by Gary Yagel