West Side Church of Christ - Elkton Ky

• In 1911 or 1912, a supposed archaeological discovery in Piltdown, England, rocked the scientific world.
• It was thought to be the "missing link" between apes and humans—an evolutionary breakthrough.
• The remains included a skull and a jawbone, which, while appearing human-like, were not fully human.

• The discovery was credited to Jim Dawson, a man desperate to be recognized as a famous archaeologist.
• Over his lifetime, Dawson claimed to have made over 40 discoveries, with Piltdown Man as his greatest achievement.
• However, there was a problem—Dawson was not a talented archaeologist; he was a skilled forger.
• He fabricated findings, using methods like dipping artifacts in iron powder to make them appear ancient.

• After Dawson’s death, scientific advancements revealed Piltdown Man to be a hoax.
• DNA testing confirmed that the supposed missing link was actually an orangutan’s jawbone combined with human skull fragments.
• The deception had misled scientists for decades and fueled a false narrative about human evolution.

• This historical fraud serves as a warning: people can be misled, even by what seems credible.
• Scripture Warning:
  • Colossians 2:8 (ESV) – “See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.”
• Just as scientists were deceived by a fake discovery, people today can be deceived by false teachings, false hopes, and false beliefs.
• Deception in spiritual matters is far more dangerous than a fraudulent artifact—it can cost not only this life but eternity.

• The preacher presents two bags to the audience: 
  • One contains grapes
  • One contains marbles
• At first glance, they look similar: 
  • Both are in bags.
  • Both are small, round objects.
• However, the fundamental difference is life—one is alive, and the other is lifeless.

• The grapes are connected to a vine, which provides them life, nourishment, and purpose.
• The marbles are disconnected, hard, and fruitless.
• Spiritual Lesson:
  • A Christian who is connected to Christ (the True Vine) will grow, bear fruit, and bring life to others.
  • A person who is disconnected from Christ becomes hardened, lifeless, and unproductive.

• John 15:1 (ESV) – “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser.”
• Jesus calls Himself the True Vine because there are many false vines in the world.
• People attach themselves to various "vines," such as: 
  • Money – Believing wealth will bring fulfillment.
  • Success – Thinking achievements define one's worth.
  • Relationships – Relying on people instead of God for meaning.
  • Religious Rituals – Going through motions without true connection to Christ.
• Only Jesus is the True Vine—only He can provide eternal life, purpose, and spiritual growth.

• John 15:2 (ESV) – “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.”
• Just as a farmer tends to his vineyard, God: 
  • Removes unfruitful branches (those not truly connected to Christ).
  • Prunes fruitful branches so they can grow even stronger.
• Illustration: Farms don’t run themselves—they need farmers. Likewise, God is actively working in our lives to help us grow.

• John 15:4-5 (ESV) – “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.”
• A branch disconnected from the vine withers and dies.
• Christians who do not abide in Christ lose spiritual strength and become unproductive.

• Many people "go to church" but aren't truly connected to Christ.
• Illustration: Walking through a vineyard doesn’t make you part of the vine. You must be grafted into Christ.
• If we are not actively abiding in Jesus, we will not grow or bear fruit.

• John 15:7 (ESV) – “If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.”
• Just as water and nutrients flow through a vine to sustain grapes, God's Word nourishes believers.
• The Bible isn’t just a book—it is spiritual food that enables us to: 
  • Grow in wisdom
  • Resist deception
  • Produce spiritual fruit

• John 15:8 (ESV) – “By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.”
• A healthy vine produces fruit—this fruit is evidence of true discipleship.
• As we grow in faith, love, and obedience, we bring glory to God.

• 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.”
• Abiding in Christ leads to true, lasting joy—not worldly happiness, but deep, spiritual fulfillment.

• Colossians 2:6-7 (ESV) – “Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith.”
• A tree with deep roots withstands storms. Likewise, a Christian deeply rooted in Christ remains strong, unshaken, and faithful.

• Are you growing as a branch in the True Vine or spiritually disconnected?
• If you are not abiding in Christ, now is the time to reconnect.
• The choice is clear: Will you be a fruitful grape or a lifeless marble?
• Jesus is calling you to abide in Him—will you answer?