Lessons From Leaves

1. Lessons From Leaves John 15.1-5

2. Observations • Storm 2012 – high winds but leaves attached • Leaves still attached to small twigs • So why don’t they blow off in the wind • Resilient – have withstand onslaught of nature • Can compare to our faith – indicates spiritual health

3. Trunk / Vine • Source of identification (bark, texture, color) • John 15.5 – I am the vine, ye are the branches • John 14.6 – I am the way … • Heb 1.3 – Express image • John 8.19 – If ye had known me • 2 Pet 3.11 – What manner of persons … • 1 John 1.7 – If we walk in the light …

4. Trunk / Vine • Source of strength & preservation • John 6.35 – Bread of life • Rev 21.6 – Water of life • John 6.63 – The words that I speak …

5. Branches • Strong & vibrant when well fed • John 15.5 – He that abideth in me • Rom 11.16 – If the root be holy … branches • Become stronger as they grow • Prov 11.28 – Flourish as a branch • 1 Pet 2.2 – That ye may grow thereby • 1 Cor 16.13 – Stand fast in the faith

6. Branches • Reach out farther as they grow • 1Mark 4.31-32 – Shooteth out great branches • John 15.5 – Without me ye can do nothing

7. Leaves • Healthy when the branch is alive • Rom 10.8-9 – The word is nigh thee • Rom 16.25-26 – For the obedience of faith • Rom 10.17 – Faith … by the word of God • Heb 11.6 – Without faith it is impossible

8. Leaves • Wither and die when branch is diseased • 1 John 2.15-17 – Love not the world • Leaves die when branch is dead – cast into fire • Matt 3.10- Bringeth not forth good fruit • Rom 8.38-39 – Neither death, nor life ….

9. How Are Your Leaves ? • Don’t have to rely on our own strength • Heb 13.5 – I will never leave thee • I John 4.4 – Greater is he that is in you • Psm 46.1 – God is our refuge and strength • Matt 18.20 – There I am in the midst