Abide
With Me
I
John 3:16-24, John
15:5-25
Because of
the urgency for Jesus to get to Jerusalem, it is quiet possible that the
teachings of John 15 were given on a night trip by full moon on the way to
Jerusalem (John
14:31). Passover occurred at full moon. The concept of the
indwelling of a spirit is NOT accepted by the world. Chapter 14 is
about God in us and chapter 15 we in Him.
Pruning
- taking clues from earthly examples
-
It is a
spiritual process that occurs in each one of us. The question is
can you recognize the pruning.
-
The
pruning process is a form of cleansing.
-
Some
branches are cut off and cast into the fire. Examples might be
apostates or Judas.
-
The
pruner prunes in such a way to get the desired fruit. It is not necessarily
quantity. Pruning may occur for size.
-
Pruning
is painful but the desire is better fruit. Thinning tends to
produce more. It is a case where less is more.
-
If we
are teachable, and we should be, God's word will correct us.
Abiding
Keeping
His commandment results in abiding in His love.
It is
love that makes joy complete, not legalism.
Christ's
love is demonstrated by action, not just feelings.
The
greatest love is to lay down ones life for a friend. For Jesus
this would very soon.
The
World
-
We as
Christians are to be separate from the world; not isolated from the
world.
-
The
world will hate and hatred leads to persecution.
-
Hearing
Christ message makes us responsible to accept or reject.
Therefore, to hear is to increase out guilt if we reject the message.
Love
is the mark of the church.
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