THROUGH THE BIBLE IN THREE YEARS
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The clothier salesman held up a new garment. He said, "This is the latest design. The color is fast, it's long wearing and won't shrink. In short, it's a very good yarn."
The customer replied, "Yes. And well told too!"
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John 15:1-2
1 I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.
2 Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.
3 Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.
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.
5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
(KJV)
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Now there are those who believe that as a Christian you should never be ill, never have trials you can't handle yourself, and you should always have plenty of money and possessions. But that is not abiding in the likeness of Christ. It's a "good yarn," but it ain't true!! We are reminded by the Word of God that Jesus was not overly rich, faced many trials, and was even persecuted to death!
And there are those who are constantly whining about their trials and suffering. They are always complaining about how difficult life is. Neither is that abiding in the likeness of Christ. It's a "good yarn," but it ain't true!! Again, God's Word reminds us that Jesus suffered much and never complained. In fact, His teachings include being prepared for suffering.
The truth is that we should serve God for WHO HE IS, not for what He does; nor for centering attention upon ourselves.
Life's trials are for maturity. Without them, we cannot abide in Christ. They help us abide in the likeness of Christ, and grow to be more like Him. Without abiding in Christ, we can do nothing of value for Him. And without wind, rain and pruning, the branches cannot adequately bear "more fruit," and "much fruit."
Born again believers in Christ are expected to abide in HIM. We are to abide in the likeness of Christ. We are to abide in His directives which come from His Word coupled with His Spirit.
By abiding in Christ, we are able to bear "more fruit," and "much fruit."
Love ya,
Bruce
mcge3582@bellsouth.net
http://www.linktojesus.org
Abiding in Christ means that beyond the test there is a testimony!