1. Do you remember..? This Is Your Life Eamonn Andrews Michael Aspel 1955 – 2003

2. Alfred Nobel: 1833 – 96 Inventor of dynamite The merchant of death is dead… Dr Alfred Nobel, who became rich by finding ways to kill more people faster than ever before, died yesterday. Able to reassess his life.

3. Have you ever wondered… What difference your life might make? How your life might be a blessing? How to lead a truly fulfilled life?

4. Here at WSVC We are committed to making a difference. We know we’re called to be a blessing to others. We believe our lives are meant to have meaning and fulfilment. We know Jesus at the heart of this. Letter…

5. Jesus calls this fruitfulness. Our lives are meant to be fruitful. This is to my father’s glory, that you bear much fruit… Jn15:8 The quality of our fruitfulness is our connection to Jesus. I am the vine: you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit. Jn15:5

6. Let’s go to Galilee

7. Matthew 14: 22 - 36 22 Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. 23 After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone, 24 and the boat was

8. already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it. 25 Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. 26 When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear.

9. 27 But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” 28 “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” 29 “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid

10. and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” 31 Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” 32 And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. 33 Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

11. Fruitful in the ordinary The context for this story is incredible!

13. Jesus says Let me tell you why you are here. You’re here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God flavours of this earth. Matthew 5:13 (msg) Everyone gets to play… You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit. Jn 15:16 God invites us to be pastors in our office, our family, our playground.

14. Fruitful in the storm The boat was a considerable distance from land, being buffeted by the waves and the wind was against it. v25

15. Peter thought he’d been abandoned. Take courage. It is I ! Don’t be afraid. v28 Jesus helps us navigate our difficulties. I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. Jn 8:12 Deal with our failure, disillusionment, disappointment.

16. Jesus tell us: You are the light of the world. Matt 5:14 Coffee shop conversation! There is work to be done...

17. teachable compassionate serving knowing and valuing one another non-religious truthful relaxed relevant merciful contemporary generous accessible Church Planting Missions Poor Lost Sick Jesus real accepting simple honouring of one another open kind fun loving Bible Prayer Wider Church Relationship Ministry Worship Gifts of the Spirit Training Sending Out

18. Fruitfulness comes from faithfulness Lord, if it’s you… v28 Wanting to be where Jesus is.

19. Perseverance! Good fruit takes time to grow. But is worth it…

20. Fruitfulness comes from taking a risk Peter had to get out of the boat – that’s when the miracle happened. Taking a step Making an invite Doing something new Or again…

21. Fruitfulness comes from keeping our eyes on Jesus Sinking in the waves… Lord save me! v30 Getting lost in the snow…

22. You of little faith… v31 Where do we put our faith? If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. Jn15: 5

23. A fruitful community Those who were in the boat worshipped him, saying, “Truly you are the son of God”. v33

24. Good fruit lasts We’re still benefitting from what Jesus did in Peter’s life. It takes time to grow - but it leaves a rich legacy. Go and bear fruit – fruit that will last. Jn15:16 We are depositing Jesus in the lives of our families; our community; the church for future generations.