Where Is The Fruit?

That was a pretty popular commercial back in the 80s and that line, "Where"s the beef?" became a cliche for where is the real thing, where is what we are really looking for. I think it was so popular one, because it is funny, but also because it hit a nerve. We live in a culture that dresses things up with glitz and glamour, but not a lot of substance. We got a lot in the window, but the stock room is empty. Things give the appearance of depth, but in reality are very shallow. Maybe sometimes we even have that problem in our own life. I don't want us to liken God to that old woman, but can you imagine with me God asking, "Where is the beef?" as He looks in our lives. We need to do more than imagine, we need to know it. He does ask. He doesn't ask for the beef, but He does ask, "Where is the fruit?" Let's look and see where this happens. Turn with me this morning to John 15:1-6. We are studying today our seventh "I am" statement in the Gospel of John. We have also studied seven signs performed by Jesus in John and are going to finish our study soon with looking at seven witnesses. These signs and statements teach us who Jesus is and what He is for us. He is our chance for a life that counts as we go to stand before God. Look with me at John 15:1-6.