Stay Connected: The Secret to a Full Life
By Dr. Travis Young | Frontier Church | May 18, 2025
Text: John 15:7–11
In today’s world, we’re more connected than ever — but feel more isolated than ever. Our devices ping with messages, news updates, and social media notifications. Billions scroll, swipe, and post daily — yet so many hearts remain empty, longing for something real.
Jesus offers something better.
In John 15, He gives us the secret to a life of purpose, power, and peace: “Abide in Me.” Staying connected to Jesus is the true source of joy — not just fleeting happiness, but deep, soul-satisfying joy that endures.
1. Relationship, Not Religion
Jesus doesn’t call us to try harder — He calls us to come closer.
In verse 7, He says, “If you remain in me and my words remain in you…” He’s not talking about checking religious boxes or performing spiritual tricks. He’s inviting us into a real relationship with Himself.
Some of us are tired because we’ve tried everything except Jesus — performance, approval, even religion. But Jesus simply says, “Come to me. Stay with me.”
2. Connection Unlocks Power
Jesus makes an astonishing promise: “Ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you” (v.7).
When you’re connected to Him, your desires change. Prayer becomes powerful — not because you twist God’s arm, but because your heart begins to beat with His. You stop praying, “God bless my plans,” and start praying, “God use me for Yours.”
Want a more effective prayer life? Start by staying close to the Vine — spend time daily in Scripture, prayer, worship. Breathe prayers throughout your day. Stay plugged in.
Illustration:
Think of your phone — powerful, sleek, full of potential. But if it’s not connected to the charger, it’s just a paperweight. Same with us. We’re made to be connected to Jesus. Without Him, we’re drained. With Him, we’re charged and purposeful.
3. Purpose Comes from Abiding
Jesus said, “This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit” (v.8). In other words, your life matters. You were created for a purpose — to bear fruit that glorifies God.
Fruit means changed lives, growing character, gospel impact. Your life is meant to leave a legacy.
Illustration:
A flashlight spreads light everywhere. A laser focuses its light — and it can cut through steel. That’s the difference between a scattered life and a life focused on Jesus. Abiding gives your life direction, strength, and impact.
4. Remain in His Love
Jesus says, “Now remain in my love” (v.9). That love is not earned — it’s received. His love isn’t a ladder you climb; it’s a foundation you stand on.
When you wake up, remind yourself: I am loved by God. Let that truth guide your day — not guilt or fear, but love. Stay rooted in it. Worship with gratitude. Read His Word not to earn points, but to stay close to His heart.
5. Joy is the Result
Jesus closes this passage with an incredible promise: “My joy may be in you and your joy may be complete” (v.11). This is not shallow cheerfulness — this is deep, abiding joy. Soul-deep satisfaction. And it only comes from Him.
He’s not offering survival — He’s offering fullness.
If you’ve never experienced that kind of joy, it starts with surrender. He’s not asking you to be perfect — just connected.
The Invitation to Abide
So many of us are running on empty. But Jesus offers more than religion or routine — He offers Himself.
He came down to remove the sin that disconnects us from God. He rose to give us new life. And He’s asking one thing:
“Will you remain in Me?”
Whether you’ve never known Him or you’ve drifted — today is the day to come back. Say yes. Stay connected.
Prayer:
“Jesus, I want to stay connected to You. Forgive me, change me, fill me. I want to abide in You — and live a full life.”
Text: John 15:7–11
In today’s world, we’re more connected than ever — but feel more isolated than ever. Our devices ping with messages, news updates, and social media notifications. Billions scroll, swipe, and post daily — yet so many hearts remain empty, longing for something real.
Jesus offers something better.
In John 15, He gives us the secret to a life of purpose, power, and peace: “Abide in Me.” Staying connected to Jesus is the true source of joy — not just fleeting happiness, but deep, soul-satisfying joy that endures.
1. Relationship, Not Religion
Jesus doesn’t call us to try harder — He calls us to come closer.
In verse 7, He says, “If you remain in me and my words remain in you…” He’s not talking about checking religious boxes or performing spiritual tricks. He’s inviting us into a real relationship with Himself.
Some of us are tired because we’ve tried everything except Jesus — performance, approval, even religion. But Jesus simply says, “Come to me. Stay with me.”
2. Connection Unlocks Power
Jesus makes an astonishing promise: “Ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you” (v.7).
When you’re connected to Him, your desires change. Prayer becomes powerful — not because you twist God’s arm, but because your heart begins to beat with His. You stop praying, “God bless my plans,” and start praying, “God use me for Yours.”
Want a more effective prayer life? Start by staying close to the Vine — spend time daily in Scripture, prayer, worship. Breathe prayers throughout your day. Stay plugged in.
Illustration:
Think of your phone — powerful, sleek, full of potential. But if it’s not connected to the charger, it’s just a paperweight. Same with us. We’re made to be connected to Jesus. Without Him, we’re drained. With Him, we’re charged and purposeful.
3. Purpose Comes from Abiding
Jesus said, “This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit” (v.8). In other words, your life matters. You were created for a purpose — to bear fruit that glorifies God.
Fruit means changed lives, growing character, gospel impact. Your life is meant to leave a legacy.
Illustration:
A flashlight spreads light everywhere. A laser focuses its light — and it can cut through steel. That’s the difference between a scattered life and a life focused on Jesus. Abiding gives your life direction, strength, and impact.
4. Remain in His Love
Jesus says, “Now remain in my love” (v.9). That love is not earned — it’s received. His love isn’t a ladder you climb; it’s a foundation you stand on.
When you wake up, remind yourself: I am loved by God. Let that truth guide your day — not guilt or fear, but love. Stay rooted in it. Worship with gratitude. Read His Word not to earn points, but to stay close to His heart.
5. Joy is the Result
Jesus closes this passage with an incredible promise: “My joy may be in you and your joy may be complete” (v.11). This is not shallow cheerfulness — this is deep, abiding joy. Soul-deep satisfaction. And it only comes from Him.
He’s not offering survival — He’s offering fullness.
If you’ve never experienced that kind of joy, it starts with surrender. He’s not asking you to be perfect — just connected.
The Invitation to Abide
So many of us are running on empty. But Jesus offers more than religion or routine — He offers Himself.
He came down to remove the sin that disconnects us from God. He rose to give us new life. And He’s asking one thing:
“Will you remain in Me?”
Whether you’ve never known Him or you’ve drifted — today is the day to come back. Say yes. Stay connected.
Prayer:
“Jesus, I want to stay connected to You. Forgive me, change me, fill me. I want to abide in You — and live a full life.”
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