The Abiding Lesson One — E.A. Johnston

The Abiding Life in John 15

We are beginning a series of messages centered in the 15th chapter of the gospel of John and This series friends is entitled the abiding. Over the next several days We will be studying the principles of the abiding life that Jesus speaks of in this remarkable chapter Which precedes his agony in the garden and his subsequent arrest Jesus had finished his earthly ministry of three and a half years of Proclaiming the message of the kingdom of God and training his twelve disciples.

It has been a remarkable season of continuous miracles. Multitudes have been fed by a few loaves and fishes the blind have been given sight the lame made to leap Leopards spots were cleansed of their disease and even the dead were raised to life.

Christ Prepares His Disciples Through the Vine and Branches

Jesus is preparing himself for the cross and he is preparing his man to function in his absence. This gives John chapter 15 great significance as it is his swan song to them so to speak Our Lord Jesus is giving all followers of him Throughout all ages the handbook for a life of consistency here in John 15 through the parable of the vine and the branches.

The principles taught in this striking passage of scripture have power and vitality to all who embrace them. Therefore we will place great emphasis on Christ's words Regarding the vine and the branches which speaks of the truth of Christ's union with his church.

As we go through these studies of the abiding life I want us to take note of how Jesus is telling us how to live for him how to live in obedience to him how to get answers from our prayers and how to Enter into a life of fruitful service to him all for the glory of the Father.

Moving Beyond an Up-and-Down Christian Life

If you and if you are sick and tired friend of what I call elevator Christianity of an up-and-down Christian life where one day you were in the penthouse suite living a life of victory then Incredibly the next day you're down in the basement of defeat.

This up-and-down Christian experience is not the normal Christian life but a poor imitation. But here in John's gospel in chapter 15 we have the blueprint the handbook for a life of victory and a life of usefulness to God if we try to Live the Christian life in our own strength.

We will fall flat on our face. It can't be done but if we admit our helplessness and utter dependence upon the Spirit of God to Enable and equip us to live for God then we can experience a vital walk with God.

There is nothing on earth. So exciting as a vital intimate walk with the creator of the universe as We begin these studies. Let us prepare our own hearts and ask the Holy Spirit to shine his searching spotlight Upon our lives and to reveal to us anything and everything That is hindering our usefulness to God For his glory in the spread of the gospel.

Returning to God and Examining the Heart

I Will lead us in a prayer friends and when I'm done. I want us to take the necessary time to do business with God. God declares Return to me and I will return to you. We must be sure there is nothing in our lives that is doubtful or that would hinder us from going deeper with God.

We must be honest with ourselves friends and honest before God if we intend to enter into a greater experience of him. Christ can transform any area of our life if we only give it to him. But we have to let it go.

God’s Promise of Peace and a Hopeful Future

God wants his very best for us as a father would want the best for his child in life. He tells us so in Jeremiah. For I know the thoughts that I think towards you saith the Lord. Thoughts of peace and not of evil to give you an expected end.

It is my prayer friends that this series of messages on the abiding Will transform your own life and give you the life of consistency that you so desire. Let me now lead us in this opening prayer this petition to the Most High God.

Prayer for Dependence on Christ and the Holy Spirit

Heavenly Father. We come unto thee by the precious blood of that dear son the Lord Jesus Christ. We thank you for your word in this passage of John chapter 15 on the imagery of the vine and the branches and Heavenly Father.

We ask you to make these truths live in reality in our daily lives in a practical application of your word by your spirit. We admit our helplessness and our dependence upon thee as we acknowledge that the Christian life is an impossible life to live in mere human strength and effort.

We need help from above and we know that all things are possible with you. You get serious with those who get serious with you. We ask you now Lord God for the grace to make the truths of the abiding Between the vine and the branches live in reality in our daily walk with thee.

We pray that by your spirit. We will experience the supernatural power of a Resurrected Christ so we may live above the world and have power over sin. We pray Lord for grace that our lives may Bring Jesus pleasure on his throne and that the fruit of our lives will bring glory to you father.

We ask these things in the strong name of Jesus Christ. Amen.