The Most Powerful Connection

CONNECTED TO THE VINE

John 15

1 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener 1 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. 3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 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  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.

THE DIVINE CONNECTION 1 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener.  The True Vine is JESUS The Gardner is THE FATHER The Branches are US

HOW THE GARDNER WORKS TO CULTIVATE THE VINE & TO CONNECT TO THE BRANCHES: 2 He cuts off every branch in THE VINE that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.  THE OBJECTIVE IS THAT EVERY BRANCH BEARS FRUIT.

3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you.  THE WORD OF GOD is the Gardner’s tool to clean and prune each branch and keep the connection. The CLEANING PROCESS keeps the signal ON.

HOW THE BRANCH CONNECTS TO THE VINE IN ORDER TO BEAR:   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.

THE VINE IS CHRIST + THE BRANCHES= THE BODY OF CHRIST  5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. JESUS IS THE VINE WE ARE THE BRANCHES THE VINE IS CHRIST + THE BRANCHES= THE BODY OF CHRIST

WHAT HAPPENS TO A BRANCH THAT REMAINS CONNECTED TO THE VINE?   If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 

WHAT IF A BRANCH DOES NOT REMAIN CONNECTED TO THE VINE?   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.  THE BRANCH WITHERS ( DRIES UP) AND GETS BURNED.

HOW CAN A BRANCH REMAIN CONNECTED TO THE VINE?   7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.  We have to remain in Christ and in the Vine (the Body of Christ)= ID The Words of Christ have to remain in us= PASSWORD

RESULTS OF THIS CONNECTION   8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. WE BEAR MUCH FRUIT WE SHOW WE ARE DISCIPLES OF CHRIST WE GLORIFY THE FATHER

POWERFUL CONNECTION 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.  WHATEVER WE ASK WILL BE DONE TO US

The testimony of Christ in the transformation of a Church- John 2 From water to wine The testimony of Christ in the transformation of a Church- John 2

In the beginning there was wine 700 members Theatrical group Groups of dancers, ministry to couples

The most important event in town in June Part of the government´s agenda. Famous Brazilian singers, and gospel bands.

But the wine was over.. 2004- 60 members. 2 years without any baptisms.

But the Lord Jesus was there the gates of hell shall not prevail against my church (Matt 16:18)

Do everything he tells you to do (John 2:5b) Preaching new values. Obedience, faithfulness, accountability, submission, Unconditional love.

Put water in the empty pots Learning to serve (leaders are called to serve Jesus, serving the people) Many people drank the new wine, just a few watched the miracle - the servants did.

God gave the vision, He is responsible From the 60 members. Now 20 left the church.

2006- 2007Be trained and training- church transitions from traditional church to the cell church.

5 cells started - half of the church is in small groups With the church going in the houses, many family members started to convert 2008-2009- New cells leaders – two baptism services per year now

Relationships with others in the Church and the people in the world A pure cel group started

I do my lord! One lady, a couple One family....two... Who Cares? I do my lord! One lady, a couple One family....two...

Praise the lord ! There is no impossible for God According to his promisses. He is still the same. His name is above all names.. Aleluia!