2. STAY
Here’s what we’re going to be doing the next few weeks. Let’s say it together . . .
Who here has ever had a dog? (Tell Max “stay” story.)
As the dog’s master, we know what’s best. And usually it’s to stay by our side. And that’s exactly what we’re going to do the next few weeks – stay right by the Master’s side (and perhaps even a little closer than that).

3. Key Verse
If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish and it will be given to you. (John 15:7, NIV)
Here’s another translation . . .
Remain. Stay. Simple. Restful. Peaceful. Notice what doesn’t say. Strive, work, labor. Remain. That’s exactly what we’re going to do the next few weeks. We’re going to stay in Jesus and his words until they’re overflowing out of our hearts.

4. Key Verse
If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. (John 15:7, NKJV)
And another . . .

5. Key Verse
If you live in Me [abide vitally united to Me] and My words remain in you and continue to live in your hearts, ask whatever you will, and it shall be done for you. (John 15:7, Amp)
Here’s the Amp’d Bible’s take . . .

6. Key Verse
If you make yourselves at home with me and my words are at home in you, you can be sure that whatever you ask will be listened to and acted upon. (John 15:7, The Message)
And here’s The Message’s paraphrase.
OK, get the picture? STAY!

7. Why?
This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. (John 15:8, NIV)
Here’s why Jesus wants us to stay. For God’s glory. Not ours. Bear much fruit.
Show ourselves to be his disciples. Pretty simple.

8. Gardening With God
Read John 15:1-6 at your tables and answer these questions . . .
How is God the Father pictured?
How is Jesus described?
How does the Spirit fit into this picture?
How are we described?
What happens if we don’t remain in Jesus?
What on earth does all this mean to us today?
OK, it’s time for you to do a little work. Let’s read the precursors to those key verses and then answer a few ?s together. Then we’ll gather back together and discuss what we found.
(Question after gather: So, what exactly does it say about those who don’t remain abide and live in Jesus? (Thrown away, wither, burned.) And, again, what exactly happens if remain? (Ask and receive.))
Recommend Spurgeon book.

9. Key Verse
If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish and it will be given to you.
Let’s read the key verse again and then a few more that follow it. Truly change the world.

10. Love, Love, Love
As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.

11. Love, Love, Love
If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father’s commands, and remain in his love.

12. Love, Love, Love
I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.

13. Love, Love, Love
My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command.

14. Love, Love, Love
Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. This is my command: Love each other.
(John 15:7, 9-14, 16b-17)
Just to make sure we’re all clear: what does Jesus command . . .

15. LOVE
Great way to end. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE through the power of the HS.

16. PRAYER
Prayer requests