ABIDE IN CHRIST
MEMORISE: 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.
John 15:4
READ: John 15:4-8
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.
6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.
7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.
8 Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Job 17-18
MESSAGE
The meaning of the name Emmanuel is not real to many so-called children of God because they are not abiding in Christ. Therefore, they are caught in many horrible things in the course of their daily activities. This scripture reveals our part in the covenant of God being our Present Help in times of need (Psalm 46:1). We must remember that the Almighty God is forever faithful. Though the whole world may be unfaithful, He remains faithful to His word in the lives of His children.
What is our part in this bargain? We must abide in Him, living holy because He is holy. We should never take a break from living holy. It is important for all children of God who want to enjoy the presence of Emmanuel to abide in Him so that He would in turn abide in them.
We must fear God and keep His commandments. Many people today are taking the grace of God for granted, teaching that we can live in sin and grace would still abound (Romans 6:1). Mischievously they argue that we are in the dispensation of grace and thus can do whatever we like. They seem to be saying “Let us commit sin the more, so that we may make maximum use of God’s abundant grace!” They claim to believe in God yet do not see Him as the Consuming Fire (Hebrews 12:29).
Constantly being in the presence of God attracts multiple blessings. One of these is the opportunity to pray and receive instant answers to our prayers. Jesus said:
“If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.” John 15:7-8
What if we fail to abide in Christ? God forbid, because it carries terrible consequences. Jesus Christ our Lord said in John 15:6:
“If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.”
Abiding in Christ is the ticket to peace and prosperity on earth, as well as eternity with God. Therefore, let us abide in Him because He is willing to grant us everlasting life.
PRAYER POINT
Father, please help me to abide in You, in the mighty name of Jesus’.
HYMN 9: HOLY, HOLY, HOLY, LORD GOD ALMIGHTY
1. Holy, holy, holy! Lord God almighty!
Early in the morning our song shall rise to thee.
Holy, holy, holy! Merciful and mighty!
God in three persons, blessed trinity!
2. Holy, holy, holy! All the saints adore thee,
casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea;
cherubim and seraphim falling down before thee,
which wert, and art, and evermore shalt be.
3. Holy, holy, holy! Though the darkness hide thee,
though the eye of sinfulness thy glory may not see,
only thou art holy; there is none beside thee,
perfect in pow’r, in love, and purity.
4. Holy, holy, holy! Lord God almighty!
All thy works shall praise thy name, in earth, and sky, and sea.
Holy, holy, holy! Merciful and mighty!
God in three persons, blessed trinity!
