If My Words Abide in You

John 15:1 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit.3 Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. 4 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.5 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. 6 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. 7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. 9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. 10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. 11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.

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This past weekend, Randy and I attended a "Connection Seminar" at our church. The Seminar is supposed to serve 2 purposes: give thorough detail on the beliefs, structure and ministries at the church, as well as map out what it means and what is required for those wishing to become members. We figured that it was about time that we took this seminar as we are staff members and have been attended the church for 6 months now. 

Everything was extremely organized and orderly. Each of us received a nice packaged booklet containing documents, belief statement, charts, graphs, etc. As the leadership began presenting all of the information, it became painfully obvious that there were many people in the room that still had a lot of questions, not necessarily about the church, but more, about their own salvation and faith. 

We read the above scripture from John. The NIV translation uses the word "Remain" instead of the word "Abide" as shown above. This word really disturbed one of the ladies in the room. What does it mean to "remain in Christ"? She asked if she didn't read her bible, or if he didn't pray X amount of times, if she was still "remaining" in Christ. It became clear that she had a skewed view of her own salvation and probably needs a healthy serving of  grace and growth with a side of eternal security. She went on to speak about being involved in church, and it seemed that she basically has a works-based view of salvation. 

The leadership had a difficult time answering her questions and pointing her to supportive scripture and resources. Everyone was squirming in their seats as an answer was given, but not an articulate definitive answer laying out the basic precepts of the Gospel. I was a little disturbed. These are basic questions that I think a lot of people have about Christ and faith. Why wasn't the answer on the tip of our tongues? Why was pertinent and meaningful scripture ready to fall out of our mouths at any moment to provide clarity, encouragement and peace?

As the seminar went on, a great deal of time was spent looking at the structure of the church and all of the many opportunities that one could get involved with once they were members. One of the requirements for membership is Baptism-- either a previous Baptism, or a public one at our church. A nice woman next to me immediately raised her hand and asked if Baptism had to be a "public proclamation". She went on to say that she thought that one's relationship with Jesus was "personal" and that it didn't seem to make sense that people would be forced to be Baptized publicly. 

Here again, we had a situation where someone, who is sincerely wanting to understand, sincerely wanting to be taught, and no one had a definitive biblically saturated answer for her.... Another passage talks about being "blameless" before the world. She asked about this wording as well as the word "blameless" seemed to indicate "perfection" in her mind. Was she supposed to be "perfect" in order to be a good testimony to the world? No one had an answer ready...in fact, one of the leadership awkwardly turned to Randy and said, "Randy, could you elaborate on this for us?" Thankfully, Randy had an answer waiting- (Thank the Lord).... the word "blameless" in the NIV is translated as "holy, righteous, or set-apart" in other bibles- Not perfect, but the idea leading a life above reproach. 

I share this story not as a dig against anyone in our church, but more as a wake-up call to us all. Is God's Word really a "lamp unto our feet and a light unto our paths?". Perhaps technology has really diminished our need to read or memorize. All we have to do is go to Google and voila! The answer we need! Do we really think that just because we once said a "prayer" that we are all set, and have no need to grow and learn? Our theology is "all set" and we're fine. I submit that the answer to these questions is a loud "NO!". If you had to lay out a statement of faith of of your own- what would it look like?

Even Jesus Himself had to learn, study and mediate on God's Word. Luke 2:52 says that "Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man." There is no doubt that Jesus Himself studies the Scriptures. What was Jesus' defense in the wilderness when Satan came to tempt Him? God's WORD. Every response Jesus gave to Satan in this hour of weakness was straight from scripture. 

Randy and I have recently discovered the ministry of John Piper. He is a Pastor/Author/Theologian in Minneapolis, MN. He is a respected for His Biblical preaching and teaching, and we have been blessed through sermons, books and blogs. He recently gave a sermon of the same title, "If My Words Abide in You". Click the link to be taken to a page where you can either read his outline or listen/watch the podcast. I would HIGHLY recommend getting a hot cup of something yummy, and taking the time to sit down and take in this message. I have listen to it upwards of 3 complete times now. 

Here are some highlights from this message to wet your appetite:

8 Reasons memorizing scripture is essential for every Christian: (MS=Memorizing Scripture)

1. MS makes meditation possible when you aren't able to tangibly read the Bible, and it brings deeper understanding.

2. MS strengthens our faith, and faith comes from hearing the Word.

3. MS shapes our view of the world and conforms our minds to God's viewpoint.

4. MS helps scripture to be readily accessible to overcoming temptation and sin.

5. MS guards our minds and makes it easier to detect error- and the world has MUCH error.

6. MS helps us hit the devil in the face with a force he can't resist. 

7. MS provides the strongest and sweetest words for ministering to other in need.

8. MS provides the matrix for fellowship with Jesus. He talks to us in the Word, and no where else. We can talk back through prayer. 

The Bible is a BIG DEAL. 

We read the Bible so it can TAKE ROOT and bear the fruit of faith and holiness. We don't memorize or know the Word because we are like the Pharisees who know every Word by rote, but have not the Spirit in their hearts. The Word should be at home in our heart because of our belief and the work of the Spirit.

Jesus, in talking with the Jews, spoke out about having the Word in our hearts in John 5: 45 But because I tell the truth, you do not believe me. 46 Which one of you convicts me of sin? If I tell the truth, why do you not believe me? 47 Whoever is of God hears the words of God. The reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of God.”

May this NEVER be said of us. May the Word to be us as "Honey from the comb". May we be ready "in season and out" to proclaim Christ to others. We don't always have to go searching for those that need to hear....just look to your right and to your left each Sunday morning.... look in the mirror.... The mission field is all around is. May 2009 be the year we are transformed by the very Words of God and may the Spirit grant us clarity and courage to proclaim it.