Freedom is a real thing to experience. Our current reality doesn't change our unchanging God. Pastor Brian laid out five different things that the person of Jesus has to offer those whom he loves in this season and beyond.

Read

1“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 Every branch in me that does not produce fruit he removes, and he prunes every branch that produces fruit so that it will produce more fruit. 3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4 Remain in me, and I in you. Just as a branch is unable to produce fruit by itself unless it remains on the vine, neither can you unless you remain in me. 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in me and I in him produces much fruit, because you can do nothing without me. 6 If anyone does not remain in me, he is thrown aside like a branch and he withers. They gather them, throw them into the fire, and they are burned. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you want and it will be done for you. 8 My Father is glorified by this: that you produce much fruit and prove to be my disciples.

9 “As the Father has loved me, I have also loved you. Remain in my love. 10 If you keep my commands you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. 11 “I have told you these things so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete. 12 “This is my command: Love one another as I have loved you. 13 No one has greater love than this: to lay down his life for his friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command you. 15 I do not call you servants anymore, because a servant doesn’t know what his master is doing. I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything I have heard from my Father. 16 You did not choose me, but I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce fruit and that your fruit should remain, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he will give you.

17 “This is what I command you: Love one another.

Some key statements and questions put forward that are important for us to talk about…‍

Examine

"Remain in me, and I in you."

• Jesus remains in you.

• What do you think that word "remain" means?

• Why do you think Jesus uses a vine as a metaphor for an abiding relationship with him? How has God sustained you in this season?

‍"As the Father has loved me, I have also loved you."

• Why do you think Jesus uses love to change us instead of punishment or criticism?

• What motivates you most to change? Can you identify a pattern of thoughts or behaviors that may not be rooted in Jesus' deep love for you?

“You did not choose me, but I chose you. "

• Choice is a huge part of how Jesus satisfies us.

• Do you feel chosen by the Savior of the world? In what ways?

• Historically, what is your relationship when it comes to being "chosen" by others? Do you feel wanted by Jesus? Do you believe you're chosen regardless of how you feel?

Apply

"Close proximity to Jesus and people who love Jesus is what helps mature us." What is your proximity to Jesus in this season? How are you maintaining relationships with those who love Jesus even though we aren't physically approximate?

‍"Pruning trims things down even when they are good things. And it hurts." Are you experiencing pruning in your faith right now? Can you identify things he may be cutting back to make space for something new?

‍"How will you enjoy Jesus more on the other side of this?" In what ways has this season deepened your enjoyment of Jesus and his purposes for you?

Act

Jesus saves you. Say this out loud: Lord, thank you for choosing me to be yours.

Jesus sustains you. Say this out loud: Jesus, thank you for preserving me through this difficult reality.

Jesus sanctifies you. Say this out loud: Lord, help me become more like you.

Jesus satisfies you. Say this out loud: Lord, you fulfill my deepest desires.

Jesus sends you. Say this out loud: Jesus, where you go I'll follow. Give me eyes to see where and to whom you may be sending me.

Amen.

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