There are just two ways to grow. Either:

  1. God prunes you, or
  2. you abide in His word and in His love.
  3. (Actually both!)

When we remain in God’s love we will seek to love Him first and foremost each new day.

A new year brings a new emphasis, and for the first half of 2015 we will look intently at the Covenants in the Bible. All the big and little Promises God has made to His people. In Jesus each of these are fulfilled, “Yes and Amen” (2 Cor. 1:20):

“For all the promises of God find their Yes in Hm. That is why it is through Him that we utter our Amen to God for His glory.”

Because of who God is and all of His promises, we can put Him first in our lives. Let’s love God 1st.

This year we each of us are invited on an adventure to look up and love God first. What will be your plan to develop a new rhythm of seeking God each day? » Find some help here.

Message title: God of Promise: Love God 1st
Second week of God of Promise
Scriptures: John 15:1-11
Preacher: Jeff Patterson
Date: 1/4/15

Listen or download:

Scripture reading: John 15:1-11

I Am the True Vine

15:1 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. 10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. 11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.

Audio for this teaching may be played above, and is included in the RENEW Church podcastsubscribe in iTunes here, or access the church podcast feed directly here.