Sermon Anchor John 15:16 (ESV)“You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in My name, He may give it to you.” Main Point God is a relational God. He created us to walk with Him — not out of obligation, but through love, trust, and daily communication.Being a disciple means engaging in that relationship intentionally, not passively. 1.Love One Another — The Foundation of Relationship John 15:12 (ESV) “This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.” * True discipleship begins with love — for God, for others, and for ourselves. Love is not optional; it’s the core of the Gospel. Matthew 22:37 (ESV)“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” ➡ Key Point: Love is the language of relationship. Without it, discipleship becomes duty, not devotion. 2. Serve Others— Die to Self John 15:13–14 (ESV) “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. You are My friends if you do what I command you.” Being a relational disciple means learning to serve, not be served. * You can’t serve both yourself and Jesus. John 13:6–8 (ESV) “If I do not wash you, you have no share with Me.” ➡ Key Point: Serving others is the overflow of loving Jesus. 3. Be Honest and Transparent with God John 15:15 (ESV) “I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you.” * Jesus shared everything with His disciples. * Being relational means being open — bringing your fears, hopes, and needs before God. 1 Peter 5:6–7 (ESV) “Cast all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you.” ➡ Key Point: God can’t heal what you hide. *4. Stay Connected — You Can’t Do Life Alone* John 15:6 (ESV) “If anyone does not abide in Me, he is thrown away like a branch and withers.” * Discipleship is dependent on connection. * Without Christ, we burn out; with Him, we bear fruit. John 16:7–8 (ESV) “It is to your advantage that I go away… if I go, I will send the Helper to you.” ➡ Key Point: The Holy Spirit empowers you to stay strong, fruitful, and connected. *5. Expect Opposition — The World Won’t Understand You* John 15:18–19 (ESV) “If the world hates you, know that it has hated Me before it hated you.” * Following Jesus will set you apart. * You’re called to be in the world, but not of it. Romans 12:2 (ESV) “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” ➡ Key Point: Standing for Christ may cost you acceptance — but never His presence.