John 15:4 (NRSV)

Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me.

From Background Notes [BN] for March 15th & 16th written by Pastor Bob Brown:

The phrase "abiding in Christ" sometimes appears in writings on living the Christian life. To abide has to do with the concept of being instead of doing. Doing in relation to the Christian walk is: reading the Bible, going to church, praying, witnessing, doing good works, fleeing sin, etc.

These are all good things to do as a Christian. These are things we should be doing. If we are not doing these things our walk with God and others will suffer. However, if we are doing these things just because we are suppose to, or we are doing them in our own strength, we will not have victory or peace and miss out in having an intimate relationship with Christ. If we are not careful, we can become works oriented instead of Christ oriented.

To abide in Christ is to be in the being mode. We still are doing the things that God has called us to, but we are doing it in His strength. Abiding in Christ is about having an intimate relationship with Him. The relationship is more important than the things we do or don't do. The more we are abiding in Him, the more we will be faithful. We will hear His voice clearer, not be works oriented, and have more peace in our life. To abide is to experience His presence.  [BN, 9-10]

Join us this week in Study, Worship, Praise and Celebration at Chicago First Church of the Nazarene:

* Saturday 6:00pm
* Sunday 8:30am & 11:00am