Our Scripture reading today is John 15:1-4.
Verse 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."
The purpose of our being forgiven and cleansed of our sins is to bring glory and honour to our heavenly Father. A portion of this purpose revolves around our bearing fruit. The Lord Jesus gives a very practical illustration regarding the branch (us) and the vine (Jesus). Just like we cannot be saved without Jesus Christ, we cannot bear fruit without Jesus Christ. It can be said emphatically that salvation and fruit bearing are all because of Him!
A wonderful truth can be seen in this verse. When we choose to abide in Him, He will abide in us. Jesus was not going to "be" with the disciples much longer, but He says He would "be" in them as they were abiding in Him. The following description of abiding in Jesus Christ is very helpful to me personally: "When our Lord says: Abide in me he is talking about the will, about the choices, the decisions we make. We must decide to do things which expose ourselves to Him and keep ourselves in contact with Him. This is what it means to abide in him.” (Boice)
We expose ourselves to the Lord Jesus every time we open the Word of God. Stay in His Word! It is our prayer that at every church service of the Anchor Baptist Church, people are being exposed to Jesus. Be faithful to each and every service! It amazes me how so many of God's children are distracted away from their walk with God as well as their faithful church attendance. This is indicated by a lack of fruit because we are not abiding in the Vine. It is time to get re-connected to Him!