Jesus had taught the disciples about love, obedience, and joy. Then Jesus taught them how to prepare for persecution. Even though Jesus had told the disciples that the Romans would kill Him, they didn’t understand. Jesus knew that His time was short and wanted to warn the disciples about the difficulties that lay ahead. He …
Jesus tells us we are chosen and appointed for a purpose. John 15: 16 You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name. 17 This is my command: Love each other. [1] Some claim they “found …
Followers of Jewish rabbis were considered to be slaves to their teacher. But with Jesus, we see a friendship forged by sacrifice. The night before Jesus was crucified, He celebrated a Passover meal with His disciples. There, Jesus had washed their feet, warned one of them would betray Him, and that Peter would deny Him. …
Jesus began His teaching by urging His disciples to abide in Him like a branch does to a vine. Then He tells of the joy of obedience. He asks the disciples to remain in His love. They can do this by being obedient to His commands. A result of this obedience will be overflowing joy. …
True disciples bear fruit! What a fantastic privilege it is to work in God’s Kingdom. Bearing fruit makes a difference in the lives of others. Did you know it is God’s desire for you not only to be a believer but to bear fruit! Bearing good fruit is essential. Jesus was conveying this teaching to …
Have you ever considered the danger of being separated from Jesus? This is not something I want to dwell on too much because of its eternal consequences. Sadly, people are walking around in fog, unaware of the danger they face by not believing in Jesus as their Savior. How about you? Do you know Jesus …
Fruitfulness is being connected to Jesus because without it, we don’t have life, and therefore can’t bear fruit. Have you considered asking the Lord for help to become more fruitful? Many followers of Jesus want to grow more fruitful, but pruning can seem overwhelming. I remember my mother pruning our raspberry plants in late fall …
You may wonder why a loving God prunes us. Jesus provides insight into the importance of pruning. John 15:1 I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even …
The blessings of following Jesus are eternal, while the riches of this world are temporary, like a vapor. The Psalmist gives insight into the brevity of life. Psalm 103:15Our days on earth are like grass; like wildflowers, we bloom and die. [1] When I delivered the evening message at Bible camp a few weeks ago, …
The God who makes the impossible possible is shown in the lives of people in the Bible and our world today. While it is encouraging to read stories of others, you might wonder: Will God do the impossible in my life? It is always God’s work in our lives that draws people to Him or …