Psalm 133:1, Mark 6:7-9, Luke 10:1-4

I. Connected to Christ - John 15:1-8

A. Pruning is not speaking of losing your salvation - John 15:3

B. The issue is the relationship we have with the “vine” (Jesus) - John 15:5

1. We have to know that we abide in Him -

a. We are all sinners - Romans 3:10, 23

b. We are in need of a Savior - Romans 6:23

c. Jesus is that Savior and we need to call on Him - Romans 10:13

2. The method is to “abide” = to keep in fellowship with Christ so His life can work in and through us

a. Abiding branches produce fruit - John 15:4

b. Abiding branches experience pruning - John 15:2

c. Abiding branches have their prayers answered - John 15:7

d. Abiding branches have an ever deepening love for Christ and for others - John 15:9-12

II. Connected To Others - 1 John 1:7 7 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.

A. Fellowship is knowledge of one another - John 15:14-15

B. Fellowship is sharing in hurts - Proverbs 17:17,Philippians 3:10

C. Fellowship is encouraging each other - Hebrews 10:24-25

D. Fellowship is our testimony to the world - John 17:20-23