Scriptures: John 15:1-11, 16, Galatians 5:22-23, James 1:2-4

The two single greatest things people are searching for in life are security and significance. God wants our lives to count. He wants us to live a life of significance. In the Gospel of John, Jesus teaches His disciples after the Last Supper, and just before He goes to the Garden of Gethsemane. His words point to our relationship with Him: "I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser" (John 15:1-3). In this message Dr. Merritt explains how we relate to Christ by abiding in Him, and how this relationship makes our lives purposeful and significant.

"Do you realize what Jesus said here may be the most unique emphasis among every religion in the world? No other religion offers its followers a personal union and connection with its founder. The Buddhists does not claim to be joined to Buddha. The Confuciusionist doesn't claim to be joined to Confucius. The Muslim does not claim to be joined to Mohammad, but a follower of Christ is joined to Jesus Christ. He is connected to Jesus Christ, just like a branch is connected to a vine." --Dr. Merritt

Keywords: significance, meaning, security, abide, John 15, branch, vine, vinedresser, fruit, produce, bear