The Vineyard- January 8, 2012

The Vineyard

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. – John 15:5

Mark 10:17-31

- Jesus states that sometimes, riches can get in the way of our serving God.  How can our material possessions become curses rather than blessings when it comes to our spiritual life?

- We’ve all heard the saying “less is more”, and Jesus seems to be saying that the same is true for possessions and our spiritual life.  In what ways might it be easier for the poor to focus on God?

-  Jesus promises that following Him will not only bring suffering, but rewards as well.  What rewards have you already experienced in your life as a Christian?  What rewards are you anticipating in the future?

Psalm 100

- What does it mean to serve the Lord with gladness?  How is worship a part of that service?  What else besides worship does this entail?

- How does it help us to remember that we belong to God, and that He is the one who made us?  How does it help to think of ourselves as His sheep?

- The psalm speaks of dwelling in the presence of God, or entering his gates.  How can we do that now, even prior to Christ’s return?