In today’s crazy world, everything seems to need our attention – our phone, social media, job, and family.  While having all those things is not bad, if we do not keep these things in check, it can derail us from our relationship with Jesus Christ.  We need to make a conscious effort to Abide in Jesus Christ!

Definition of Abide:

1)  To bear patiently.

2)  To endure without yielding.

3)  To wait for.

4)  The Strong’s Greek word is μένω (pronounced: menō).

1. Strong’s definition: a primary verb; to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy):—abide, continue, dwell, endure, be present, remain, stand, tarry (for), × thine own.

In John 14, we find a few things. This is Jesus’ last few hours before being crucified. Jesus & His disciples were on their way to the Garden of Gethsemane.

The Bible doesn’t record an exact router of this walk, however, a commentator by the Name of Chuck Smith said, “…they began their journey which would ultimately lead them to the Garden of Gethsemane. And whether or not they went through the temple courts or whatever, we don’t know. The gospels do not trace the steps of Jesus. It is possible that they went on in through the temple gates, because they were left open all night during the Passover season, so that anyone who wanted to come and pray could come and pray at any time. And those gates had upon them the carved clusters of grapes, by which God declared His purpose for the nation Israel, that it be a fruitful vine and bear fruit for God. And it could be that as they were passing through the gates with these clustered grapes, the symbol of the nation, the vine, that this prompted Jesus to make this statement to His disciples found here in the fifteenth chapter of John where He said, I am the true vine (Jhn 15:1)”

Let’s drop down a few verses now and read John 15:5-8 (MSG):

“I am the Vine, you are the branches. When you’re joined with me and I with you, the relation intimate and organic, the harvest is sure to be abundant. Separated, you can’t produce a thing. Anyone who separates from me is deadwood, gathered up and thrown on the bonfire. But if you make yourselves at home with me and my words are at home in you, you can be sure that whatever you ask will be listened to and acted upon. This is how my Father shows who he is—when you produce grapes, when you mature as my disciples.

Once you become a Christian, you become graphed into the Vine, which is Jesus Christ! As you draw closer to Jesus, your Spirit-man begins to receive nutrients, (reading your Bible, praying, spending time in worship and so forth), after you are receiving daily nutrients, you will begin to bear fruit in your life.  The fruit I’m talking about is Spiritual fruit.  A few examples of this might include: Leading a person to Christ, That sin that no one knows about that is been a constant battle in your life is suddenly gone, or, you may begin to invite people to church.  Of course, there are many more we could come up with.

When we bare fruit, it Glorifies God!

Going back to our main text in John 5, around verse 7 and 8, we read: Anyone who separates from me is deadwood, gathered up and thrown on the bonfire. But if you make yourselves at home with me and my words are at home in you, you can be sure that whatever you ask will be listened to and acted upon. This is how my Father shows who he is—when you produce grapes, when you mature as my disciples.

We can do nothing without Him! Why do we try?  I know why I do: I’m stubborn!  Let’s see what the Apostle Paul wrote about this very thing in Philippians 4:13 (AMP): I can do all things [which He has called me to do] through Him who strengthens and empowers me [to fulfill His purpose—I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency; I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him who infuses me with inner strength and confident peace.]

It is interesting that Jesus also deals with our prayer life in the same passage.

John 15:7 (NLT):
But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted!

We have 2 conditions:

1. Remain in Him – It is the same Greek word as abide here. μένω (pronounced: menō).
2. Jesus’ Words remain on you – If you are not reading your Bible daily, you will not have Jesus’ words in you.]

BUT – if you do: you can ask (pray), for ANYTHING. I’m reminded of what James says in the 5th chapter of His Epistle. Let’s look at it together.  James 5:16 (AMP):

Therefore, confess your sins to one another [your false steps, your offenses], and pray for one another, that you may be healed and restored. The heartfelt and persistent prayer of a righteous man (believer) can accomplish much [when put into action and made effective by God—it is dynamic and can have tremendous power].

Ephesians 6:18 (MSG):

In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other’s spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out.

So, let me give you a few practical ways so you can make sure that you abide in Jesus every day:

– Pray.

– Read your Bible.

– Go to prayer meetings at the Church you attend.

– Attend Church regularly.

 

 

How do I become a Christian?

Acts 4:12 (AMP):
“And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among people by which we must be saved [for God has provided the world no alternative for salvation].”

Prayer: Dear Jesus, I pray that you come into my heart. Please forgive me of all my sins. Wash me and make me whole again. I believe you died and rose again on the third day and I will serve you from this day forward. I confess with my mouth that you are my Lord and Savior. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!