Morning: The sermon, "Abide," focused on John 15:5-8. In this passage, Jesus reminds us that true believers abide in him. He states,
1. Those who abide in him bear fruit. Those who don't abide can do nothing. The concept of abiding or remaining means that one is walking in continual faith. Faith isn't a once for all event, but a commitment to continual trust. Through faith believers become fruit bearers. They do not produce fruit, but rather Christ causes fruit to form in their lives. It may be best to understand this fruit in light of the fruit of the Spirit. With Christ we become fruitful, but without him we are unable to please God.
2. Those who don't remain in Christ are in danger. Without Christ, there is no life. The unbeliever moves from being broken to withering to being burned. Brokenness relates to our lack of spiritual life. Withering relates to our increasing sinfulness apart from Christ. The burning relates to eternal judgment in hell.
3. Those who remain our rewarded. They can have confidence in their prayers. As they seek to know and honor Jesus, the Father answers their prayers. They bring glory to the Father as they serve the Son. The fruit in their lives marks them as Christ's.
We are called to abide in Christ. He promised to abide with us. In doing so, we avoid spiritual danger and inherit wonderful promises.
Evening: The lesson, "God as Work," focused on John 5:1-17. In this passage, we are reminded that God is always at work around us. This story reminds us to be ready, to acknowledge our need, and to obey when the Lord speaks to us.
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