The 7, “I am” statements of Christ: 1.“I am the resurrection and the life.” Bring new life 2. “I am the bread of life.” Satisfy my longings.

3. “I am the light of the world.” Turn the light on in me 4. ‘I am the gate.” Open the door for me

5. “I am the good shepherd.” Take care of me 6. “I am the way and the truth and the life.” Deliver me

God say’s he can… Intimately connect with me

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers;

such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.” John 15:5-8

I. Lessons about vines and branches: 1.Vines infuse branches with life. Included: Water, food, vitamins, minerals Not included: rituals and rules

2. Life infused branches produce much fruit. 3. Fruit brings glory to Father.

II. How to know if I am “remaining” in Christ: 1. Much Fruit “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit.” John 15:5

2. Fathers pruning “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.” John 15:2

“No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” Heb 12:11

3. Growing sense of dependence “I am the vine; you are the branches apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5

“I can do everything through him who gives me strength” Phil 4:13

4. Answered prayer “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you.” John 15:7

III. Lessons on “remaining” 1. Stay in the Word “If you remain in me and my words remain in you.” John 15:7

2. Keep talking with Jesus “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you.” John 15:7

3. Confess Sin will break my fellowship and communion with Christ. The enemy will strive to break your connection with Christ.

“If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth.” 1 John 1:6

4. Embrace the love Father has for me. “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.” John 15:9

5. Obedience “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.” John 15:10