Do you remember..?

This Is Your Life

Eamonn Andrews Michael Aspel

1955 – 2003

Alfred Nobel: 1833 – 96Inventor 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.

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

Here at WSVC•We are committed to making a difference. •We know we’re calledto 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…

Jesus calls this fruitfulness.Our lives are meant to be fruitful. This is to my father’s glory, that you bear much fruit… Jn15:8The 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

Let’s go to Galilee

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

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.

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

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 winddied down. 33 Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

Fruitful in the ordinaryThe context for this story is incredible!

Jesus says Let me tell you whyyou are here. You’re hereto be salt-seasoning thatbrings 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.

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

Peter thought he’d been abandoned.Take courage. It is I ! Don’t be afraid. v28Jesus helps us navigate ourdifficulties. I am the light of the world.Whoever follows me will neverwalk in darkness, but will havethe light of life. Jn 8:12Deal with our failure, disillusionment, disappointment.

Jesus tell us: You are the light of the world. Matt 5:14

Coffee shop conversation!There is work to be done...

teachable

compassionate

serving

knowing and valuing one

another

non-religious

truthful

relaxedrelevant

merciful

contemporary

generous

accessible

Church Planting

Missions

Poor Lost Sick

Jesus

real

accepting

simple

honouring of one

anotheropen

kind

fun loving

Bible

Prayer

Wider Church

Relationship

Ministry

Worship

Gifts of the Spirit

Training

Sending Out

Fruitfulness comes from faithfulness

Lord, if it’s you… v28

Wanting to be where Jesus is.

Perseverance!Good fruit takes time to grow.

But is worth it…

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…

Fruitfulness comes from keeping our eyes on Jesus

Sinking in the waves… Lord save me! v30

Getting lost in the snow…

You of little faith… v31Where 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

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

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