VINE

There's a marvelous promise in the 15th chapter of the Gospel of John that's intended for followers of Christ.  More specifically it's for the 'branch that abides in Christ, the Vine.'

He's the Vine; you're the branch.

You'd think a branch and a Christ-follower would then be synonymous.  Maybe.  Maybe not.

I think some people get themselves to church on the weekend (unless the Packers are playing the Bears -- Oh, did I say that out loud?  I was just thinking it -- yet, there it is) and think just because they checked their personal attendance sheet that God is with them.

Now wait -- I'm so glad you come -- I love it when we sing together -- and serve together -- and give and worship and learn together on the weekend -- but no way on that.  No way.

Being in church doesn't mean God is with you.

God doesn't live in the church building.  He lives in the Spirit of God within true disciples of Jesus.

An abiding, remaining, continuing relationship with God comes only from real, genuine faith in Christ lived out on a day-to-day basis.

We cannot be saved by the power of the Holy Spirit and then live in the energy of our own flesh, doing our own thing.  We cannot stop abiding.  We cannot stop remaining.  We cannot stop holding on to Jesus.  We cannot stop continuing in our faith.  We cannot stop walking toward Jesus daily.  We must stay attached to the Vine.

We can't act like independent branches going around trying to sprout our own fruit.  It can't be done, though we have tried it again and again.

The general, overall, expected pattern of the Christ-follower's life is to abide in Christ, who is the Vine - to remain in Him - to continue - to hold fast - to keep walking toward Jesus.

Whatever you do, don't let go.

And be blessed.