Abide and Thrive: Join Us This Sunday

This Sunday, we’re wrapping up our month-long journey through righteousness with a powerful message: “Abide and Thrive.” Picture a vineyard in Galilee—branches heavy with grapes, thriving not by hustle but by staying connected to the vine. That’s the image Jesus gives us in John 15:4-5: “Remain in me… I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in me… produces much fruit, because you can do nothing without me.” It’s not about striving harder—it’s about abiding closer.

Join us as we unpack how this ties our series together!  

Over March, we’ve explored what righteousness really means. It started with Matthew 5:20—our righteousness must surpass the Pharisees’ rule-keeping, not through effort, but as a gift received by faith. Two weeks ago, Matthew 22:37-40 and the Beatitudes showed this gift transforms our hearts, flowing out in love for God and neighbor. Last week, Matthew 6:19-21 and 6:33 revealed why it matters—righteous living reflects God’s kingdom, shining in a fading world. Now, John 15 brings it home:

How do we live this for a lifetime?  

Imagine Jesus speaking these words the night before His crucifixion in heavy tension as He prepares to leave His disciples. Yet He promises, “You’re not cut off”—we’re connected to Him like branches to the vine. Sunday, we’ll dive into three truths:  

1. Righteousness Begins with Christ (John 15:3). Jesus says, “You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you.” It’s His sacrifice, not our works (Galatians 2:16), tended by the Father’s pruning hands (John 15:1-2). No more chasing perfection—rest in His gift.  
2. Righteousness Grows Through Love (John 15:9-10). “Remain in my love,” He urges, echoing Matthew 22’s call to love God and others. His love flows through us, bearing fruit—humility, mercy (Matthew 5:6)—not by force, but by dwelling in Him.  
3. Righteousness Reflects the Kingdom (John 15:7-8). Our fruit—love, generosity—lifts God’s glory, a weighty witness (Exodus 40:34-35). Seeking His kingdom first (Matthew 6:33) stores treasures above, shining quietly in chaos.

This isn’t three steps—it’s one life rooted in the Vine. The Pharisees built ladders and fell; we bear fruit by abiding. Sunday, we’ll close with a challenge: spend five minutes daily in John 15, bear one fruit—forgive, serve, share. “Seek first His righteousness…” (Matthew 6:33)—He’ll provide the rest.  

New to this? Trust the Vine today. Struggling to abide? We’re here. Join us Sunday to live connected, fruitful, and glorious—together. See you there!  

Those Serving
OPENING / WELCOME
Benjamin Baker
SONG LEADER
Chris Terrian
PRAYER OF PRAISE
Dave Pennington
LEAD LORD'S SUPPER
John Key
 ASSIST LORD’S SUPPER
Russ Robins
Robert Zehring
Drew Triplett
Randy Mullins
SCRIPTURE READING
Roy Pyle
John 15:4-5
PREACHING
Matthew Allen
CLOSING PRAYER
Jason Schofield
CLOSING COMMENTS
Daniel Spargo
WELCOME CENTER
Judy Hickey // Diann Coffman
USHERS
Jeremy Price // Jim Rutter
SONG DEVOTIONAL
Titus Sullivan
COMMUNION PREP
Hannah Walker
CLOSING THE BUILDING
Josh Childers