Twin Peaks

December 9

Happy Sunday Everyone,

The scripture for today is John 15:4

John 15:4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.

Jesus uses the word abide three times in our scripture for today. That word clarifies our relationship with Christ. The Greek word translated "abide" means â€to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy)." Anyone not abiding in Christ cannot receive their life from Christ and consequently cannot bear the fruit of the "Christ life." This is the primary reason why some people who call themselves Christians have so many problems. They tend to attribute their difficulties and lack of "fruit" to "attacks of the enemy" when in reality the real problem is that they are not "abiding."  A branch does not jump from tree to tree or vine to vine. Those who "abide" in Christ are not unsure of their status; they know where they live, and their life is "hid in Christ" Colossians 3:3.  

We can be assured of our relationship with Christ, for He said that if we abide in Him, He would abide in us. Christ and Christ alone, is the source of our life. He is everything that we need, for "In Him we live and move and have our being." Acts 17:28. The wonderful promise of His presence is ours. Our requirement is to "abide;" take up residence in Christ and never move from that place. Then and only then will we bear fruit.

God bless you as you continue in His service.

Tim