05 Apr “I Am Finding My Identity in Who He IS ” | Part Eight “The Way, The Truth, The Life”- All Locations – Copy
Check the Events Page for What is Happening (not everything is listed here) (waterschurch.org/events)
LADIES:
If you plan on attending our April session of Flourish and have not yet registerted, please go to waterschurch.org/events and register at your location.
We will be closing registrations for all NE locations on April 9 at 11:59p!
************************
The Generational Influence giving campaign has been extended an additional 10 weeks. It is now 30 weeks with a May 3rd offering date.
WATERS UNIVERSITY –Alpha Spring classes begin April 13th!
We’re looking to grow healthy Christians at Waters Church…spiritually, physically, mentally, financially, and relationally — that is the mission of Waters University.
Alpha is a welcoming, conversation‑driven introduction to the Christian faith where anyone (new & non-believers) can explore life’s big questions in a relaxed, judgment‑free environment.
Re‑Engage Christ‑centered marriage enrichment
Financial Peace University Achieve financial stability with God
Celebrate Recovery Overcome hurts and habits
We’re looking for Life Groups and/or individuals to provide or donate meals for upcoming Alpha classes at the North Attleboro, Woonsocket, Southcoast and Apollo Beach campuses. Thank you in advance for your generosity and support!
Go to the Waters Events page or click the link below for more information on classes, Alpha meal prep and to register for both.
WATERS U (https://watersu.org/)
Please note: Life Groups that generously provide or sponsor a meal for Alpha are deeply appreciated. To help create a safe and consistent environment where guests feel comfortable opening up, we kindly ask that groups serve the meal and then allow the Alpha team and registered participants to continue the class and discussion.
Thank you!
Waters Class Schedule:
- Growth Track – Check the schedule and register on the events page.
- 4th Sunday: Baptism Class – after every service
Waters Help: Need marriage and family care, or have a group member who does? Click here: help resources page or visit waterschurch.org/help
Location Text Alerts:
| North Attleboro | Text “subscribe” to 508 695-1300 | |
| Norwood | Text “subscribe” to 781 762-3357 | |
| Apollo Beach | Text “subscribe” to 813 642-6979 | |
| Woonsocket | Text “subscribe” to 833 241-4837 | |
| Southcoast | Text “subscribe” to 508 809-3490 | |
Check the Events Page for What is Happening (not everything is listed here) (waterschurch.org/events)
PLEASE CHECK YOUR NOTIFICATIONS AND OR YOUR PLANNING CENTER PROFILES FOR NEW MEMBER REQUESTS.
Prayer Saturday – First Saturday after First Tuesday/Together Tuesday: 9-10 am all locations
Worship Mondays: 6:00 a.m. worship – location rotation
For schedules, go to waterschurch.org/events
NOTE:
Two opportunities to pray:
Leaders only: Please be available at the end of services to pray for those who come forward. If you are not actively serving during the service you are attending, make it a priority to head to the front when the invitation is given. Your presence matters!
North Attleboro Leaders and members: If you or any member of your group who currently serves is available, there is an opportunity to meet for prayer in the conference room off the break room during the second and third services. Please see Doug and Joanie White or Felix Shyllon if you would like to be a part of that ministry.
Please note: if you have a member who is not currently serving and would like to be part of the prayer during the service team, please have them take the appropriate steps to become a serve team member.
NORTH ATTLEBORO
Prayer at the Altar – AFTER SERVICES
If possible, please make an effort to be at the altar after this service to pray for others.
Your presence makes a difference—thank you for serving!
IMPORTANT FOR EASTER SUNDAY – NORTH ATTLEBORO
LIFE GROUP LEADER MEETING RE-CAP VIDEO
Thank you to everyone who attended our Life Group Leader Meeting this past Monday. We heard a powerful message from Pastor Tim on Stewardship vs. Ownership.
If you were unable to attend—or if you’d like to watch it again—please take a few moments to view the message using the link below. I strongly encourage you to watch, as it highlights key principles for this ministry.
https://youtube.com/live/vtBj-LCldbI?feature=share
**Please read all scripture in the ESV, unless otherwise noted.**
**The Leader prompts and the Leader Insight Box are to help you, as the leader, move the conversation along.**
KEY VERSE: John 15
Ice Breaker Question:
If you were a branch on a tree, what kind of fruit would you bare—and why?
Opening Prayer:
Lord, thank You for creating us to live in relationship with You. Open our hearts to hear Your voice, to remain in Christ, and to bear fruit that brings You glory. Teach us what it means to abide in Jesus every day. Change us from the inside out and help us walk closely with You. In Jesus’ name, amen.
The Bible is bookended with one theme:
God wants to LIVE with PEOPLE.
God does not simply visit us; He wants to live with us.
Genesis 3:8
Revelation 21:3 ESV
This is the hope we have today, that we will dwell with God.
Am I LIVING with GOD?
John 15:1 ESV
Jesus is drawing a distinction between the True vine and the false vine. A vine can produce good (true) fruit and bad (false) fruit.
It is quite possible to be very religious and spiritually dead.
Religion cannot save. We only connect to God through Jesus.
A. NO fruit YET, branches need GRACE.
John 15:2-3 ESV
The word for take away in this passage means to lift up. Jesus lifts those up who are not yet bearing fruit. This is the grace of God.
B. No ABIDING branches get BURNED.
John 15:6 ESV
We must remain connected to Jesus, or we will wither spiritually.
Religion may help people feel connected, but only Jesus truly connects us to God.
Matthew 13:20–21 ESV
Matthew 13:22 ESV
C. FRUITFUL branches get PRUNED.
Pruning is painful. God will sometimes cut things off to give you something better for a greater purpose. Even if the thing He takes away is good, it may not be good for you.
John 15:2 ESV; Hebrews 12:6–11 ESV; John 15:4-5 ESV
The most important things you can do in your life will have eternal qualities.
Q. Which do you relate to right now—needing grace, struggling to abide, or being pruned?
Leader Prompt:
Guide the group to see that everyone fits into one of these categories, and the goal is not perfection but staying connected to Jesus.
Practical Application:
Take time this week to honestly identify where you are (grace, not abiding, or pruning) and respond by intentionally abiding in Jesus daily through prayer and time in His Word.
- When I abide in Christ, my HEART is CHANGED.
Heart change leads to habit change, not the other way around.
John 15:7 ESV; Psalm 37:4 ESV
Abiding in Christ will change your desires.
Q. How have you seen your desires change as you’ve grown closer to Jesus?
Practical Application:
Spend time each day this week asking God to align your desires with His and pay attention to what begins to shift in your heart.
Leader Prompt:
Help the group recognize that abiding in Christ changes what we want, not just what we do.
2. When I abide in Christ, my LIFE is FRUITFUL.
There has to be production for those who stay in Christ. Abide means to stay.
John 15:8 ESV
Isaiah 43:7 NLT
Q. What fruit is God currently trying to grow in your life?
Leader Prompt:
Encourage the group to see fruit as visible evidence of a life connected to Jesus that glorifies God.
Practical Application:
Choose one specific way this week to live out your faith so that others can see Christ through your actions.
3. When I abide in Christ, His LOVE and JOY are MINE.
No one can take away your eternal joy.
John 15:10–11 ESV
Walk with Jesus, stay connected, and don’t just visit with Him.
Q. How have you experienced the love and joy of Jesus in your life, even in difficult seasons?
Leader Prompt:
Help the group understand that true love and joy are not based on circumstances but flow from abiding in Christ.
Practical Application:
When challenges come this week, intentionally pause and remind yourself that your love and joy come from staying connected to Jesus.
Who am I?
I am someone made to BEAR FRUIT through an ABIDING
CONNECTION to Jesus Christ.
Closing Prayer:
Father, thank You that You desire to live with us and that through Jesus we can abide in You. Thank You for Your grace when we are not yet fruitful, for Your warning to keep us close, and for Your loving pruning that helps us grow. Change our hearts, make our lives fruitful, and fill us with Your love and joy. Help us remain in You this week in every moment. In Jesus’ name, amen.
No Comments