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.’
Abiding in Jesus Christ is the root of all fruit-bearing and ministry within the body of Christ. Man-made programs may produce activity and excitement, but they cannot produce God-glorifying, long lasting and genuine fruit. The grace of God has given to the church ascension ministry gifts in order that every person in the body of Christ might be equipped to do the work of The Lord within the sphere of their marital or vocational callings.
Oh that we would realize that the sum of the Christian life is not about us, but all about abiding in and loving The Lord Jesus. The overflow of this loving and abiding in Jesus results in loving ministry to one another for the glory of The Father. It is from The Head, Jesus Christ, that the body receives all that it needs to minister to one another and reach a lost and hurting world with the glorious gospel of Jesus. So as we work our way through this study this morning, may we once again learn this simple truth. The Christian life is not about us, it’s all about Jesus.
May the God of all grace grant us the desire to abide in Jesus throughout the day. As we talk to Him and walk with Him, may our lives be filled with the love that flows from Him to others for the glory of God.
