Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.
John 15:4 ESV
From the beginning, the Lord commanded His people to be fruitful and multiply.
Be fruitful and multiply.
What does that mean? It means to beget another generation according to its kind.
I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.
John 15:5 ESV
To be fruitful, in the spiritual sense, you must abide in Christ. There’s no other way. No cheat codes, no workarounds. No fudging it or faking it. You must simply abide in Christ.
That’s it — remain in Christ’s love by obeying His commandments. That means do what the Holy Spirit says. Don’t worry, it will align with what Christ and the Apostles taught, what we find recorded in Scripture.
If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned.
John 15:6 ESV
Do you ever feel like the Presence of God is far from you? This is what happens when we don’t abide. God’s everywhere, He didn’t move. We did, out of His love and into sin, also known as disobedience of God’s will.
While there is still time, repent. That means to change the way you think and act. Quit thinking and acting like a selfish, carnal human and become who you were always created to be — an image bearer of God. Repent to Christlikeness and obey your Heavenly Father.
If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.
John 15:7 ESV
Don’t miss the conditional clause in the promise of God quoted above. That means the if part.
Jesus is saying, by the Holy Spirit, that if you abide in His love and put Christ’s teachings into practice, then God will answer affirmatively any and every prayer request you have.
So there you have it. The secret to successful, fruitful, long lasting ministry in Christ. Love, do, ask, receive, thank God. Repeat as needed.
Father in Heaven, it is our desire to abide in You forever. Remove every unfruitful branch in our lives so that we can bear more fruit. Fill us completely with Your love so that we will be inspired to love and serve others according to the way you designed us individually. Give us fruitful ministry opportunities to share the Gospel, heal the sick, cast out demons and make multiplying disciples. In the Name of Jesus we pray. Amen.
By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.
John 15:8 ESV
Recommended reading: John 15.
Igniter Ministries 