{Scripture Challenge 2} Challenge Word #3, Abide

Challenge Word #3: Abide

Are you passionate about living to please Christ? Do you long for a vibrant relationship with Him? Something we are focusing on this year in Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) is “Abiding in Christ.” What exactly does abide mean? Vine’s Concise Dictionary says “continue in, constant residence, to remain beside, to continue near, an abode.” Think of it as remaining fixed permanently on Christ in everything you do, say, think, etc. We should rely on Him for all things and draw our strength for all situations from Him. He should be at the forefront of a believers mind at all times. We should live less for our own desires and live for an eternal perspective. Abiding in Christ effects the way we think, act, and speak.

Filling our minds with His Word and truths is key to abiding in Christ. The more time we spend with Him, His presence begins to take over our lives. His Word takes root and changes our lives, reveals sin, and gives us a passion to live to please Him and serve others. Do you live to please your family, friends, and colleagues, or do you live to please Him?

As we abide in Christ, we will produce spiritual fruit. Sometimes we will see that fruit, and some of it we will not see until we get to Heaven. But you can be confident that as you serve Him and live for Him, He will use your service, actions, and life to His glory. I found this on the web as I studied this week--"Just as a branch draws its life-source from the vine, believers must stay connected to Christ for His life to flow through them and produce spiritual fruit.” I just love that!

John 15:1-9 says it perfectly--"I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.”

My Life Application Study Bible notes say this about that passage “Many people try to be good, honest people who do what is right. But Jesus says that the only way to live a truly good life is to stay close to Him, like a branch attached to the vine. Apart from Christ our efforts are unfruitful. Are you receiving the nourishment and life offered by Christ, the vine? If not, you are missing a special gift He has for you.”

He may have to do some rearranging in our lives but how awesome to know that the "rearranging" will make us more like Him and that He can use us for His great purpose!

As I studied this week, I looked at the words “remain” and “dwell” also. You may also search Bible Gateway for different versions of the same passage. For instance, I love the King James Version of 1 Corinthians 7:24. It says "Brethren, let every man, wherein he is called, therein abide with God."

However, the NIV says "Brothers, each man, as responsible to God, should remain in the situation God called him to."

Will you abide in Him in all things everyday so that you will be transformed to His image to produce spiritual fruit for His Kingdom? Will you make your abode (your home) in Him?

For my page today, the Layers of Color Gothic Crosses and Nature Walk stamp sets were perfect for this page! I embossed the cross and the leaves. Then I attached the leaves to the "vine" symbolizing my staying close and attached to Him. The patterned paper is by Bella Blvd, and I love that it had the trees, branches, and leaves. Again, perfect for my page.
Papers: Bella Blvd Little Buds, Bella Blvd Sugar Cone, Bella Blvd Easter Grass, Papertrey Ink CS
Stamps: Layers of Color Gothic Crosses, Layers of Color Nature Walk, JustRite 100 Year Dater
Stamp Ink: SU chocolate chip and close to cocoa, Ranger clear EP
Embellishments: Basic Grey milk chocolate chip micro-chip alphas, misc. ribbon, 7Gypsies ATC card, Making Memories safety pins

The scriptures I used are:
1 John 2:24 "See that what you have heard from the beginning remains in you. If it does, you also will remain in the Son and in the Father."
John 15:5 "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."

Remember to use Keyword SCRC210 when posting in galleries. It will be easier for people to find your work if you use our keyword. Also, feel free to leave a link here for others to see using Mister Linky. I paid for an upgrade to a better version. I pray y'all find you like it. Using Mister Linky is truly the easiest way for others to view your work. :) Well, have a blessed time of study, and I will see you next time. In Him,