Our spiritual growth in Christ is perfectly illustrated by a vine and a branch. Like the branch flourishes from the vine, we gather strength from Christ. We can't produce fruit by ourselves.
Jesus is the True Vine. We are the branches. The Father is the gardener who oversees the productivity of His vineyard.
John 15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches; He that abideth in me and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit; for without me ye can do nothing.
If faith, goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love abound in a believer's life, they are bearing fruit.
God disciplines fruitless Christians for their good, that they may share in His holiness. He disciplines those he loves, and it will last as long as they resist.
God prunes fruitful branches, cleansing sin from the life of believers, making them more fruitful.
Not abiding in Christ means loss of fellowship, vitality, and rewards. Restore fellowship by confessing sins and submitting to God's will.
Before beginning His earthly ministry, Jesus was a carpenter. He returned to glory and is building a church on earth and a home for that church in heaven. Since heaven is the Father's house, it must be a place of love and joy.
The Apostle John tried to describe heaven, and he almost ran out of symbols and comparisons (Rev. 21-22). Finally, he listed the things that will not be there: death, sorrows, crying, pain, night, etc.
I'm looking forward to my heavenly inheritance -- my "forever" home. Most of my family and many of my friends are already there. What a wonderful home it will be. The best part is being with Jesus. I'm getting a little homesick.
John 14:2,3 In my father's house are many mansions: if it were not so I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you unto myself, that where I am, there ye may be also.
We shouldn't allow the road to 2013 -- stalked by global instability -- to cloud our spirit with fear. When Christ spoke of the last days in Matthew 24, He told his disciples, "See that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass."
I believe we are living in the last days. I believe that message is for us, God's children. The best way to face the future is in the strength of The Lord. Lynda Randle sings about it.
I will go in the strength of The Lord
Because I know no other way.
I will go in the strength of The Lord
There are mountains I have to face
As I journey through this life,
There is no other way I know.
Than to go in the strength of The Lord.
Isaiah 40:29 He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.
30 Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall:
31 But they that wait upon The Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint.
