Abiding in God

South Shore Community Church

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Abiding in God

September 22, 2024 • Dr. Nic Williams • John 15:1–7

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In John 15, Jesus reveals Himself as the true vine, emphasizing the necessity of abiding in Him to live a fruitful Christian life. This chapter highlights the importance of staying connected to Jesus, as branches to a vine, to produce spiritual fruit. God, the gardener, prunes us to remove unproductive parts of our lives, fostering new growth. Spiritual fruit includes love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Abiding in Christ involves maintaining a close relationship with Him through prayer, reading His Word, and obedience. This connection leads to answered prayers, abiding in His love, and complete joy. Reflect on your role as a branch, embrace God's pruning, and focus on abiding in Christ for spiritual growth and fulfillment.

John 21 - Follow Me

December 15, 2024 • Dr. Nic Williams • John 21

John 21 presents a powerful narrative where Jesus appears to His disciples by the Sea of Galilee. Despite their expertise, the disciples catch nothing all night until Jesus instructs them to cast their net on the right side of the boat, resulting in an abundant catch. This story underscores the importance of trusting Jesus in everyday moments and highlights that fulfillment comes from obedience rather than effort. Jesus not only meets the disciples' practical needs by preparing breakfast but also restores Peter, who had previously denied Him, reaffirming his purpose with commands to care for His followers. The chapter concludes with a call to follow Jesus, emphasizing the need to surrender our plans and avoid the comparison trap. The message encourages us to embrace our unique journey with Jesus, trust Him in all areas of life, and focus on our personal calling rather than comparing ourselves to others.

John 21 - Doubt

December 8, 2024 • Dr. Nic Williams • John 21

The story of Thomas, often called 'Doubting Thomas,' highlights the struggle between doubt and faith. After missing Jesus' initial appearance to the disciples, Thomas declared he wouldn't believe until he saw and touched Jesus' wounds. A week later, Jesus appeared again and invited Thomas to do just that, saying, 'Stop doubting and believe.' This encounter shows that Jesus meets us in our doubts and provides what we need to believe. Faith is not about having all the answers but trusting in Jesus, who does. Jesus also emphasized the importance of community and the role of the Holy Spirit in our faith journey. As we live out our faith, we are called to share Jesus' message of love, hope, and peace with the world.

John 20 - The Resurrection

November 24, 2024 • Dr. Nic Williams • John 20

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of our faith, transforming despair into hope. On the first Easter, Mary Magdalene discovered the empty tomb, leading to a series of events that affirmed Jesus' victory over death. Peter and John raced to the tomb, finding the grave clothes neatly folded, symbolizing the defeat of death. Mary, initially in mourning, encountered the risen Jesus and became the first evangelist. This story invites us to believe and share the good news, even when we don't fully understand.