Abiding

 Abiding 

So last week we talked about abiding in Christ. Well I dug deeper this week and learned believing is a receiving of Christ into the soul, welcoming him, trusting him, as it were, drinking and eating and savoring him. This is what he says in 

John 6:35: “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.”

It is trusting in Jesus, remaining in fellowship with Jesus, connecting to Jesus so that all that God is for us in Him is flowing like a life-giving sap into our lives. 

That’s number one: abiding is believing, trusting, savoring, resting, receiving. (Being)

Then secondly we are to do produce fruit. Go out and do. (Doing)

“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.” ‭‭Romans ‭12‬:‭1‬ ‭

Paul is telling us that because of the information that has been presented up to this point, that it is reasonable that one would be completely sold out to God as a sacrifice to be used in whatever manner God chooses. It is natural to want to thank God for your salvation by turning your life over to Him.

Abiding in Christ is not optional but essential for spiritual life. It fosters growth, fruitfulness, and maturity in faith. Outside of this union, attempts at righteous living fall short. As John 15:5 affirms, “I am the vine and you are the branches. The one who remains in Me, and I in him, will bear much fruit. For apart from Me you can do nothing.”

Over time, abiding transforms believers into Christ’s likeness, deepening love, humility, and holiness. This ongoing connection nourishes the believer’s soul, shaping thoughts, desires, and actions in alignment with God’s will.

“Father, help me to remain in You and bear fruit through Your love, as I trust in Your guidance and grace."