Talking John - Episode 29: ”Fruit of the Vine”

Episode 29 - Fruit of the Vine

Scripture: John 15:1-8

Description: Jesus is the vine and we are the branches. But what if we are struggling to bear fruit? We will look at the discipline of pruning today, noting that sometimes we have to give up something to experience the fullness of God’s abundance.

 

Questions to consider if you are using this podcast for study:

1. What does “remaining” or “abiding” in Christ mean to you personally? How does that look in your daily life, and what helps or hinders that connection?
2. Have you ever experienced a “pruning” season in your life?  How did God use that experience to help you grow or bear more fruit?
3. John White talked about being “busy but not productive.”  Where in your life do you see busyness that might not be bearing spiritual fruit?
4. What’s in your “paper bag”? What are the things you might be holding onto that keep you from fully embracing what God is offering?
5. The interpretation of the word as “lifts up” instead of “cuts off” gives a different picture of God’s character. How does this alternative understanding affect your view of God’s grace and the church’s role in lifting others up?
6. The imagery of the banquet table vs. the bologna sandwich was powerful. Why do you think it's hard for people to let go of what’s familiar—even if it’s meager—in order to receive God’s abundance?
7. John White mentioned how abiding in Christ changed both his faith and his professional life. How might your relationship with Christ transform areas of your life beyond just the “spiritual”?