Following up on the excitement from last week's congregational meeting, pastor Don speaks about what it is to "abide".  He starts with three parts in its definition, and goes on to provide several biblical verses to solidify the definition.  Do you know what it is to abide and how to receive God's blessings from it?

Pastor Don starts today message with a bit of humor as he refuses to recognize that it is Super Bowl Sunday

Message Outline

Introduction:

John 15:1-15

Introduction;

In the NIV the word is translated “remain” in the KJV the word is “abide”

Today I will use the word abide.

Abiding or remaining has three contextual applications.

a.       Abide is a location.

b.      Abide is time.

c.       Abide is a condition.

John 8:31

#I         Abiding is a location.

a.       When you abide in a certain location you intentionally and regularly stay there.

b.      Intentionally, expose yourself to God’s word.

#II        Abiding is time.

a.       Bide your time.

b.      Add an A and you have abide.

c.       Example of adding an A.

a.       The mighty Titanic can float.

b.      The 2228 passengers would have been more pleased if it had stayed “afloat”

#III      Abiding is a condition

a.       Branch and the vine.

b.      This abiding calls for obedience to God.

#IV      The blessings that are contained in abiding.

a.       Verse 1  Produces a lot of good fruit.

b.      Verse 7 You will have a fruitful prayer life.

c.       Verse 8  It gives glory to God.

d.      Verse 9  We remain in Christ love.

e.       Verse 10 Abiding means to obey.

f.        Verse 11 You will have Joy.

g.       Verse 13 You will be more like Jesus.

h.       Verse 14 Friendship with Jesus.

i.         Verse 16 Fruit that will last, eternal blessings.

Conclusion: