Mlizb830 Posted January 8, 2018 Group: Members Followers: 1 Topic Count: 1 Topics Per Day: 0.00 Content Count: 3 Content Per Day: 0.00 Reputation: 4 Days Won: 0 Joined: 01/08/2018 Status: Offline Share Posted January 8, 2018 This week John Ch. 15 has been brought to my attention many times, particularly the parable of the vine and the branches. The word abide resonated with me so much because i realized I'm not sure I even understand how to abide in Him or IF I am. Some weeks I pray faithfully, some not so well. I am a student, so reading, memorizing and studying the Word comes much easier to me, but is that enough to truly be abiding in Him? I still question His will for me and honestly I don't feel like I'm where He wants me. I Love the Lord, but still feel at times disconnected. I think the Holy Spirit is teaching me now about relationship with Him. I guess my question would be, how do you, as a Christian, abide in Christ? How do followers "remain" in Him? Because I think it must be more than reading, memory verses and morning prayers. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wingnut- Posted January 8, 2018 Group: Royal Member Followers: 39 Topic Count: 101 Topics Per Day: 0.02 Content Count: 7,673 Content Per Day: 1.31 Reputation: 7,358 Days Won: 67 Joined: 04/22/2008 Status: Offline Share Posted January 8, 2018 I John 3:4 Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; sin is lawlessness. 5 You know that he appeared in order to take away sins, and in him there is no sin. 6 No one who abides in him keeps on sinning; no one who keeps on sinning has either seen him or known him. 7 Little children, let no one deceive you. Whoever practices righteousness is righteous, as he is righteous. 8 Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil. 9 No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God's seed abides in him; and he cannot keep on sinning, because he has been born of God. 10 By this it is evident who are the children of God, and who are the children of the devil: whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is the one who does not love his brother. God bless 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
john1 Posted January 8, 2018 Group: Senior Member Followers: 4 Topic Count: 41 Topics Per Day: 0.02 Content Count: 686 Content Per Day: 0.30 Reputation: 221 Days Won: 0 Joined: 12/16/2017 Status: Offline Share Posted January 8, 2018 5 hours ago, Mlizb830 said: I guess my question would be, how do you, as a Christian, abide in Christ? I believe everyone of these verses tell how to abide in Christ. Matthew chapter 4 verse 4 Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'"Romans chapter 1 verse 28 Furthermore, just as they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, so God gave them over to a depraved mind, so that they do what ought not to be done. John chapter 8 verse 31,32 To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, " If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. 2 John 9 Anyone who runs ahead and does not continue in the teaching of Christ does not have God; whoever continues in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. Job chapter 23 verse 12 I have not departed from the commands of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my daily bread. Matthew 11 28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Luke chapter 21 33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. Romans chapter 10 17 Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ. Mark chapter 13 31 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. James chapter 1 25 But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do. James chapter 4 8 Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Isaiah chapter 45 verse 19 I have not spoken in secret, from somewhere in a land of darkness; I have not said to Jacob's descendants, 'Seek me in vain.' I, the LORD, speak the truth; I declare what is right. Jeremiah chapter 9 24 but let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know me,that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,”declares the Lord. Jeremiah chapter 5 verse 1 5 “Go up and down the streets of Jerusalem, look around and consider, search through her squares.If you can find but one person who deals honestly and seeks the truth, I will forgive this city. Psalm 119 verse 114 You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jayne Posted January 8, 2018 Group: Royal Member Followers: 16 Topic Count: 105 Topics Per Day: 0.04 Content Count: 3,803 Content Per Day: 1.29 Reputation: 4,778 Days Won: 2 Joined: 03/31/2016 Status: Offline Share Posted January 8, 2018 (edited) 6 hours ago, Mlizb830 said: Because I think it must be more than reading, memory verses and morning prayers. Abiding in Christ INCLUDES those things you mention. Jesus even mentioned abiding in his Word in that same passage your referencing. I'm not a farmer or a crop person, so I have to look at pictures of these things. Once, I looked at some pictures of grape vines - I was amazed at how I really didn't know anything about what they looked like. Here's one to look at and I'll tell you what struck me about abiding when I first looked at the pictures. https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/EgA5GYO-mmS6HpLD2WG2W5WeMAdUJAKZTUvZ87AeH-jiSMWapCUgdPm9_LYcfuds2zPOsc26Tio6C2Y9HVZ1MQ91Ny7AG2gsByj17ZZRyZpFzEx1sDSlsQafIh2QqA [1] The thing my eyes were drawn to was the fruit first and then the very sturdy vine. The dots were connected in my mind about the large vine and the mountainous and beautiful fruit. [2] The tiny branches barely caught my notice. [3] When I used to read that passage in John 15, I had a mental image. A vine [I thought grape vines ran along the ground like a snake] with branches about the same size sticking out. I told you I'm no horticulturist. I gave NO THOUGHT to the fruit and had no clue as to the relative size of the branches alongside the vine. [4] I see now that the tiny branches that eventually bear heavy and great fruit are hidden by the foliage and the fruit. [5] I think now of abiding in Christ as allowing myself to be hidden in him to the point where people see Christ first in me and the fruit in me - NOT me, alone. [6] How to abide, and also, WHY to abide? When I looked at the photos of the grape vines, it occurred to me that the activity of the branch is not really the purpose of the whole thing. It's the fruit that's the purpose. The branches -which in these pictures I studied visually- MUST behave in accordance of the vine, but not for the behavior's sake alone. [7] In thinking about what you are asking here, ask yourself, "Is my bible reading, morning prayers, and memorizing verses bearing any fruit in myself?" Are these things making a difference in my life for the glory of Christ? We can DO these things and NOT be connected to the vine - Christ- when we do. That makes these activities fruitless. Jesus also mentioned pruning in that same passage as essential to the growth and fruit of the branch. Is there anything - any sins of commission or omission - that is choking your efforts to abide? If so, ask God to prune you. [8] Yes, Bible reading, prayer, and Bible memory is important. So is obedience, serving others, living in gratitude, submitting your heart/life daily to Go and so much more. The point of abiding - whether it be Bible reading, visiting the sick, working your 9 to 5, or resting on your bed - you and I as the branches must be plugged in to the vine to the point where we are diminished in our own minds - humbled - and earnestly desire the vine to bear fruit in us to the point that people see Christ - the vine and his fruit in us. As John the Baptist said, "He must increase and I must decrease." I never understood that so well until I looked at several photos of a grape vine. Edited January 8, 2018 by Jayne 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Willa Posted January 8, 2018 Group: Worthy Ministers Followers: 68 Topic Count: 185 Topics Per Day: 0.04 Content Count: 14,224 Content Per Day: 3.34 Reputation: 16,647 Days Won: 30 Joined: 08/14/2012 Status: Offline Share Posted January 8, 2018 Abiding is also drawing on God's strength, wisdom and guidance in all our situations. Usually in comes naturally and is produced by our love and compassion for others. When love draws my attention to a need, Christ in me reaches out to meet that need. Whether it is a chore to help in the church or to help a neighbor, or if it is to pray for a person or situation, or if it is to give financial aide, or perhaps to sit and weep with those who weep. We cannot do anything without His love, and we must be in fellowship with Him at the time so His love can flow from us. God doesn't use us when we are angry with ourselves (consumed with self) or when we are unforgiving. We need to be in right relationship with God to abide and be used by Him. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
simplejeff Posted January 8, 2018 Group: Mars Hill Followers: 12 Topic Count: 12 Topics Per Day: 0.00 Content Count: 7,689 Content Per Day: 2.39 Reputation: 2 Days Won: 20 Joined: 06/30/2015 Status: Offline Share Posted January 8, 2018 9 minutes ago, Willa said: Abiding is also drawing on God's strength, wisdom and guidance in all our situations. Usually in comes naturally and is produced by our love and compassion for others. If it came 'naturally', then the books of Corinthians, Galatians, Timothy, et al, would not have been needed to be written with all the warnings to ecclesia in the assemblies. The flesh of persons is constantly at war with the spirit (in true believers, not in the worldly carnal unregenerate ones). The trials ("fiery trials") , and temptations and traps that are laid every day don't stop in this life, and standing fast after having done all is a vital instruction from God's Word to all true believers. As Jesus Himself Says, Few make it to the narrow road to life, while many stay on the wide (popular) road to destruction; so , no, it is not "natural" to follow Jesus. With men it is impossible, in fact, as Jesus said, but with God, all things are possible. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mlizb830 Posted January 8, 2018 Group: Members Followers: 1 Topic Count: 1 Topics Per Day: 0.00 Content Count: 3 Content Per Day: 0.00 Reputation: 4 Days Won: 0 Joined: 01/08/2018 Status: Offline Author Share Posted January 8, 2018 I'm not new faith in Jesus, but I am at a point where I feel God calling me to step out in deeper reliance on Him. I am restless. My own personal time in the Word has produced fruit in my own life, but my peace has changed. I new have this restless unease about where I am in my career, and my spiritual walk with Him. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4LdKHVCzRDj2 Posted January 8, 2018 Group: Diamond Member Followers: 17 Topic Count: 69 Topics Per Day: 0.03 Content Count: 1,453 Content Per Day: 0.53 Reputation: 1,453 Days Won: 6 Joined: 11/02/2016 Status: Offline Birthday: 09/23/1991 Share Posted January 8, 2018 9 hours ago, Mlizb830 said: I guess my question would be, how do you, as a Christian, abide in Christ? How do followers "remain" in Him? Abide in His words, to follow Him, in spirit and in truth... His words are truth. "Jesus answered and said to him, If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him." - John 14:23 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
simplejeff Posted January 8, 2018 Group: Mars Hill Followers: 12 Topic Count: 12 Topics Per Day: 0.00 Content Count: 7,689 Content Per Day: 2.39 Reputation: 2 Days Won: 20 Joined: 06/30/2015 Status: Offline Share Posted January 8, 2018 "Abide" https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=G3306&t=RSV Strong's Number G3306 matches the Greek μένω (menō), which occurs 118 times in 102 verses in the Greek concordance of the NASB excerpts from "Abide"(above) : Page 1 / 3 (Mat 10:11–Act 20:5) Unchecked Copy Box Jhn 3:36 He who believes in the Son has eternal life; he who does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God rests upon him. Tools Unchecked Copy Box Jhn 4:40 So when the Samaritans came to him, they asked him to stay with them; and he stayed there two days. Tools Unchecked Copy Box Jhn 5:38 and you do not have his word abiding in you, for you do not believe him whom he has sent. Tools Unchecked Copy Box Jhn 6:27 Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to eternal life, which the Son of man will give to you; for on him has God the Father set his seal." The KJV translates Strong's G3306 in the following manner: abide (61x), remain (16x), dwell (15x), continue (11x), tarry (9x), endure (3x), miscellaneous (5x). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4LdKHVCzRDj2 Posted January 8, 2018 Group: Diamond Member Followers: 17 Topic Count: 69 Topics Per Day: 0.03 Content Count: 1,453 Content Per Day: 0.53 Reputation: 1,453 Days Won: 6 Joined: 11/02/2016 Status: Offline Birthday: 09/23/1991 Share Posted January 8, 2018 20 minutes ago, simplejeff said: "Abide" https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=G3306&t=RSV Strong's Number G3306 matches the Greek μένω (menō), which occurs 118 times in 102 verses in the Greek concordance of the NASB excerpts from "Abide"(above) : Page 1 / 3 (Mat 10:11–Act 20:5) Unchecked Copy Box Jhn 3:36 He who believes in the Son has eternal life; he who does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God rests upon him. Tools Unchecked Copy Box Jhn 4:40 So when the Samaritans came to him, they asked him to stay with them; and he stayed there two days. Tools Unchecked Copy Box Jhn 5:38 and you do not have his word abiding in you, for you do not believe him whom he has sent. Tools Unchecked Copy Box Jhn 6:27 Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to eternal life, which the Son of man will give to you; for on him has God the Father set his seal." The KJV translates Strong's G3306 in the following manner: abide (61x), remain (16x), dwell (15x), continue (11x), tarry (9x), endure (3x), miscellaneous (5x). "And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God." - 1 Corinthians 2:4-5 "who also made us sufficient as ministers of the new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit;for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life." - 2 Corinthians 3:6 Glory to God! Amen. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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