Seventh Day Baptist
Christian Education Council
PO BOX 1678
Janesville, WI 53547
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. 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. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. 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. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.
(ESV)
—John 15:1-8
by: Lisa Moore.
Our success in the Kingdom of God is based on abiding in Christ. For it is only when we do that we can bear the fruit He desires. When our focus shifts to worldly ambitions, we are no longer abiding in Christ and we will become unfruitful. We also can become selfish, pulling these words out of context in our prayers: “You said, ‘Ask anything in my name and I shall have it.’” The prerequisite for the answer is to abide in Christ and have His words abide in us. When these criteria are met, we will pray surrendered prayers and our fruit will bear witness to our relationship with Christ.
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