In John Chapter 15, Jesus is speaking to His disciples after the last supper just hours away from his trial and eventual crucifixion. In verses 5-6, Jesus tells His disciples: I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned(NKJV). After reading through this section, it made me think about what it means to abide in Him.

To abide in Christ, first and foremost, means that you have put your faith and trust in Christ and have repented of the sin filled life you have lived and has separated you from God. You believe in your heart that He is Lord, who was crucified for the atonement of our sin, resurrected by God the Father, and you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord. Once you have accepted Christ as our Lord and Savior, the Holy Spirit enters in and helps you continue to abide in Him. (John 14:16)

How do you abide in Him? As true believers in Christ, we should see the spiritual fruit that Jesus is talking about in verse 5. What are spiritual fruits? In Galatians 5:22-23, Paul tells us they are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. In 2 Peter 1:5-8, Peter shows how the fruit, supplied by the Holy Spirit, are applied in our lives and something that we are to be diligent about. This is accomplished by staying in His word which helps us grow as Christians (John 17:17). We are to be a people of prayer, joy filled and thankful in everything(1 Th 5:16-18). We are also to present the gospel to others and make disciples.(Matt 28:19-20)

If you are having trouble seeing spiritual fruit in your life that Paul and Peter talk about, is it possible that you are a withered branch that Jesus says will be cast out and gathered for the fire? Pray and ask God to make your salvation secure (2 Peter 1:10) and your heavenly home with our Lord and Savior guaranteed. Do not put it off or wait another day.

There are many exciting times ahead as we move into the new building and dedicate it. Let us pray and thank God for all that He has done for and through our church. A church with pastors, elders, staff, group leaders, and congregation that strives to be obedient and abide in Him. Pray that He will continue to use us to make an impact in our Valley and abroad. And most importantly, that each and everyone of us will abide in Him.