Living Sacrifices: Abiding in Christ's Love

Summary

Today, we gathered as a people both grateful and reflective, honoring the profound sacrifices made by those who laid down their lives for our nation’s freedom. Memorial Day is a time to remember, but also a call to live in a way that honors the price paid for our liberty. The freedom we enjoy is not to be taken for granted, and it is our responsibility to steward it well—not just as citizens, but as followers of Christ. We are called to live lives that bear fruit, rooted in the sacrificial love of Jesus, who gave everything for us.

Drawing from John 15, we explored what it means to abide in Christ. Just as branches must remain connected to the vine to bear fruit, so must we remain in Christ to experience true life and purpose. This abiding is not passive; it is a daily, intentional choice to dwell in Him through prayer, obedience, and love. When we remain in Him, we are pruned—sometimes painfully—so that we might become more fruitful, reflecting His character and love to the world.

Sacrificial love is at the heart of both our faith and the freedoms we cherish. The story of the southern mother who honored the graves of Union soldiers reminds us that true love transcends boundaries and sees the humanity in every person. Jesus modeled the ultimate sacrificial love, laying down His life not only for His friends but for His enemies. This is the love we are called to embody—a love that costs us something, but yields eternal dividends.

We are not merely servants, but friends of God, chosen and appointed to bear fruit that lasts. The fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—should be evident in our lives. As we honor those who have gone before us, let us also honor Christ by living as living sacrifices, bringing His kingdom to earth through lives marked by love, unity, and joy.

Let us not settle for mere survival or comfort, but press on to live lives worthy of the calling we have received. Whether in times of sorrow or joy, let us get on with living—bearing fruit, loving one another, and trusting in the hope and joy that only Christ can give.

Key Takeaways

- Abiding in Christ is the foundation for a fruitful life. Remaining connected to Jesus is not a one-time decision but a continual, intentional act. When we abide, we draw nourishment, strength, and purpose from Him, and our lives naturally begin to bear fruit that glorifies God. Even the painful seasons of pruning are God’s way of preparing us for greater fruitfulness. [01:09:10]

- Sacrificial love is the highest calling and the truest mark of a disciple. Jesus’ command to love as He has loved us is not optional; it is the very essence of Christian living. This love is not limited by boundaries, prejudices, or personal cost—it is a love that lays down its life for others, just as Christ did for us. [01:19:04]

- True joy is found in abiding, not in circumstances. Joy is not the same as happiness, which is fleeting and dependent on external factors. The joy Jesus gives is rooted in His presence and His love, making us complete even in the midst of trials. If our joy feels lacking, the antidote is to return to abiding in Him. [01:21:15]

- We are chosen and appointed to bear fruit that lasts. Our calling is not just to believe, but to live out our faith in tangible ways that impact others for eternity. The fruit we bear—love, mercy, justice, compassion, and truth—are the legacy we leave, both in this world and in the kingdom to come. [01:28:11]

- Honoring sacrifice means living lives worthy of the price paid. Whether it is the sacrifice of soldiers for our national freedom or Christ’s sacrifice for our eternal freedom, the greatest tribute we can offer is to live fully, love deeply, and serve faithfully. We are called to be living sacrifices, bringing God’s kingdom to earth and getting on with living in the fullness of His joy and purpose. [01:31:04]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[18:32] - Honoring Families of the Fallen
[20:29] - Remembering the Missing and Veterans
[22:30] - Prayer and Intercession
[42:25] - Faith for Household Salvation
[45:34] - Joy in Believing and Testimony
[55:09] - The Power of Love: John 15
[57:15] - Our Responsibility for the Land
[01:01:10] - The Origin of Memorial Day
[01:03:46] - The Cost of Freedom
[01:06:47] - Sacrifice and Abiding in Christ
[01:09:10] - The Vine and the Branches
[01:14:41] - The Purpose of Pruning
[01:19:04] - Greater Love: Laying Down Our Lives
[01:28:11] - Bearing Fruit That Lasts
[01:31:04] - Living Sacrifices and Kingdom Living
[01:39:02] - The Hope of Eternal Life
[01:44:00] - Responding to the Call: Get On With Living

Study Guide

Small Group Bible Study Guide: Living as Living Sacrifices (Memorial Day & John 15)

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### Bible Reading

- John 15:1-17 (The Vine and the Branches, Jesus’ command to love)
- Galatians 5:22-23 (The Fruit of the Spirit)
- Romans 12:1 (Living Sacrifices)

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### Observation Questions

1. In John 15, what does Jesus say is necessary for a branch to bear fruit? What happens to branches that do not remain in the vine?
[[01:09:10]]

2. According to the sermon, what is the purpose of “pruning” in the life of a believer?
[[01:14:41]]

3. What does Jesus call His followers in John 15:15, and how is this different from being called servants?
[[01:21:15]]

4. What are the specific qualities listed as the “fruit of the Spirit” in Galatians 5:22-23?
[[01:28:11]]

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### Interpretation Questions

1. The sermon says abiding in Christ is not passive, but a daily, intentional choice. What might it look like for someone to “abide” in Christ in their everyday life?
[[01:09:10]]

2. The story of the southern mother who honored the graves of Union soldiers was shared as an example of sacrificial love. Why is this kind of love so important for followers of Jesus?
[[01:01:10]]

3. The pastor said that even painful seasons of “pruning” are God’s way of preparing us for greater fruitfulness. How might someone recognize or respond to a season of pruning in their life?
[[01:14:41]]

4. Jesus says, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” How does this shape our understanding of what it means to love others, especially those who are difficult to love?
[[01:19:04]]

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### Application Questions

1. The sermon challenged us not to take our freedom for granted, both as citizens and as followers of Christ. What is one way you can intentionally honor the sacrifices made for your freedom this week?
[[01:06:47]]

2. Abiding in Christ is described as a daily, intentional act. What is one practical step you can take this week to stay more connected to Jesus—through prayer, reading, or another habit?
[[01:09:10]]

3. The pastor talked about “pruning” as God’s way of making us more fruitful. Is there something in your life right now that feels like pruning? How can you trust God in that process?
[[01:14:41]]

4. Sacrificial love means loving beyond boundaries, even when it costs us something. Who is someone in your life that God might be calling you to love sacrificially? What would that look like in action?
[[01:19:04]]

5. The fruit of the Spirit should be evident in our lives. Choose one aspect (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control) that you want to grow in. What is a specific situation or relationship where you can practice this fruit this week?
[[01:28:11]]

6. The pastor said, “Get on with living—bearing fruit, loving one another, and trusting in the hope and joy that only Christ can give.” Is there an area of your life where you’ve been “just surviving” instead of living fully? What is one step you can take to move forward?
[[01:31:04]]

7. Romans 12:1 calls us to be “living sacrifices.” What does it mean for you, personally, to live as a living sacrifice in your family, workplace, or community?
[[01:31:04]]

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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Ask God to help each person abide in Christ, bear fruit, and love sacrificially, honoring both those who have gone before us and the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus.

Devotional

Day 1: Abide in Christ to Bear Lasting Fruit
Remaining connected to Jesus is essential for a fruitful and meaningful life. Just as branches must stay attached to the vine to thrive, so must we remain in Christ through prayer, obedience, and trust. When we abide in Him, He nourishes us, prunes us when necessary, and empowers us to bear fruit that brings glory to God. Even when life feels painful or uncertain, trust that God is working in you, shaping you for greater purpose and value in His kingdom. [01:09:10]

John 15:1-8 (ESV)
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 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. If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.”

Reflection: What is one practical way you can intentionally stay connected to Jesus today—through prayer, Scripture, or obedience—so that you can bear fruit in your life?


Day 2: Sacrificial Love—Laying Down Your Life
True love is not just a feeling but an action that costs us something. Jesus calls us to love as He loved us, which means being willing to lay down our lives for others—whether that’s through acts of service, forgiveness, or compassion. This sacrificial love is the highest form of love, reflecting the very heart of Christ, and it is the kind of love that transforms lives and communities. [01:20:23]

John 15:9-13 (ESV)
“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.”

Reflection: Who is one person you can show sacrificial love to today, even if it costs you time, comfort, or pride?


Day 3: Joy Made Complete in Christ
Abiding in Christ and living out His commands fills us with a joy that is deep, lasting, and unshakeable. This joy is not dependent on circumstances or fleeting happiness, but is rooted in the presence and love of Jesus. When we struggle with joy, returning to Christ and His promises restores us, making us whole and giving us strength to face whatever comes our way. [01:21:15]

John 15:11 (ESV)
“These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.”

Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to invite Jesus to restore your joy today, trusting that His joy will make you complete?


Day 4: You Are Chosen and Appointed to Bear Fruit
God has not only called you His friend, but He has chosen and appointed you to bear fruit that lasts. You are empowered and anointed to make a difference in your family, workplace, and community. The fruit God desires—love, mercy, justice, compassion, and truth—flows from a life surrendered to Him, and your legacy is built on living out this calling with courage and faithfulness. [01:28:11]

John 15:14-17 (ESV)
“You are my friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. 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. These things I command you, so that you will love one another.”

Reflection: Where is God calling you to step out and bear lasting fruit today, and how can you respond to His appointment with faith?


Day 5: Live as a Living Sacrifice—Get On With Living
In response to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus and those who have gone before us, we are called to live as living sacrifices—honoring the past, living fully in the present, and holding hope for the future. This means living lives worthy of the price paid for our freedom, both as citizens and as followers of Christ. Don’t let the weight of the past or the distractions of the world keep you from living out your calling; instead, embrace the joy, hope, and purpose found in Christ, and get on with living for His glory. [01:33:54]

Romans 12:1 (ESV)
“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.”

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to stop holding back and start living fully as a living sacrifice for God today?

Quotes

Can I tell you that no matter what storm you're going through this morning, God's still in the midst of the storm with you. One of the most beautiful passages that we preached on just a few days ago was when the disciples were in the boat. I'm glad, you know, Jesus could have got out of that boat and walked away on the water, but He stayed in the boat with them. So whatever storm you're going through today, know that God's here and He's in the storm with you. And listen, as long as you're in the same boat Jesus is in, you're going to be okay. [00:23:26] (00:00:34 seconds) Edit Clip

If you remain in me, whatever you ask in my name, go ahead and put a check beside it because you've got it. So whatever you ask in the name of Jesus, if you're abiding in Him this morning, look at your neighbor and say, put a check in the box. Come on. I'm not talking about a financial check. I'm talking about check in the box. I've got it. By faith, in the name of Jesus today and just receive what God wants to do in your life. [00:24:32] (00:00:29 seconds) Edit Clip

No longer do you have the right to say over those that you're praying for right now. Listen to me. No longer do you have the right to say if they get saved. But from this day forward, I want you to say when they get saved. [00:52:19] (00:00:18 seconds) Edit Clip

You were created for one thing. One thing, to be fruitful in the kingdom of heaven. And to give God glory. And so anything else you do, listen to me, anything else you do in your life is wood, hay, and stubble, and it's going to go to the fire. [01:14:06] (00:00:18 seconds) Edit Clip

You did not choose me but I chose you come on look at somebody and tell them you're chosen today my goodness and not only are you chosen look at them and say you've been appointed come on look at them again and say and you've been anointed amen because what he appoints you to he anoints you through amen what he appoints you to he anoints you so that you can go through the journey amen you are empowered by the anointing that breaks every yoke of bondage, amen. [01:27:19] (00:00:36 seconds) Edit Clip

My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness. So today, we honor both those that gave us the freedom to be in this house. But more importantly, we honor the one who gives us the freedom to know that there's another home waiting for us. Where the streets are gold and the gates are pearl. Where there's ice cream on every corner. I can't validate that one. Just give me a little latitude. Where there's no more sorrow and no more tears. No more crying and no more pain. Where people are filled with joy or in one accord. Where everyone loves one another. And that's what it ought to look like here as well. As we love one another. [01:38:20] (00:01:06 seconds) Edit Clip

If you're here today and you don't know Jesus as your Savior, it's time to either get on with living or realize you're getting on with dying. Choose you this day whom you will serve. Who's going to be your friend. And receive Jesus. And his sacrifice. And you'll have eternal life. [01:39:26] (00:00:23 seconds) Edit Clip