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Face to Face:Abide
by J. Ross Greer of The Place of Grace Ministries (about the ministry)
[Note: If you'd like to read more from J. Ross Greer, be sure to subscribe to his daily e-mail list A Word For The Church.]
1"I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. 2"Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it so that it may bear more fruit. 3"You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. 4"Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me. 5"I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing. 6"If anyone does not abide in Me, he is thrown away as a branch and dries up; and they gather them, and cast them into the fire and they are burned. 7"If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8"My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples. 9"Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love. 10"If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love. 11"These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.
How can we have an abiding relationship with the Lord? What are the benefits of abiding in Christ?
Recall that Jesus said, "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments" (John 14:15). Obedience is the key to abiding in Christ. Abiding means to remain, and carries with it the idea of feeling at home with something. Obedience to the truths of God's Word should be natural for us. We belong to Christ. Christ's nature dwells within us. As God works the process of sanctification in our lives, obedience will become more and more of a reality for us.
As we live in obedience, we demonstrate to the world that we are the disciples of Christ. When we keep His commandments, we also experience the fullness of God's love. His Spirit works through us to produce His fruit in us (Galatians 5:22-23). True joy fills our lives, because we know we are pleasing and glorifying the Father. We have the privilege of asking for whatever we desire, and having the confidence that He hears and grants our requests (1John 5:14-15).
Therefore, this rich and intimate relationship, with all the accompanying blessings, is available to any believer who will devote his or her life to nothing more and nothing less that obedience. Who would not want it?
Copyright 2001, The Place of Grace Ministries. All rights reserved. Used with permission.
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About The Place of Grace Ministries: In 1992, God interrupted the well-organized life of J. Ross Greer through a study called "Experiencing God". This encounter birthed a passionate vision for local churches that has become The Place of Grace Ministries. Through teaching, music, and writing, we call believers to return to the basic principles of God's Word and participate in the work of God. For questions or scheduling information, please contact us at: theplaceofgrace@att.net Or visit our web site at: http://home.att.net/~theplaceofgrace |
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