ABIDE

John 15:1-4. To abide means to remain, continue, be present. Those who abide in Christ are never distant from Him; we live in constant fellowship with Him

Such abiding in Christ requires time with Him in prayer, Bible study, and in doing what pleases Him.

Abiding in Christ includes close fellowship with His Church, because He is the Head of it. It pleases God for us to be in a local group with other believers.

The New Testament shows that God deals with His people in the context of His church. That church is NOT such as Roman Catholic, Protestant, or any other religious name. It is ONLY the mystic Body of born again believers in Christ, per John 3:3-5, and Romans 10:9.

The Bible tells us that the Church is the pillar and ground of the truth. Locally, it is that group of believers in which God demonstrates His Presence and power. God cares for and nurtures His Church through the ministries that He has placed in it. Eph.4:11.

Per 1 Tim.4:13-16, God graces His ministers with Holy influence. It guides the Church, nurtures, teaches, encourages, and brings it to maturity, if the believers will allow it.

For that reason believers must present ourselves regularly in the meetings. We must take part in Divine activities in it. Per Titus 3:14, we must support the works of the Church and maintain it. That is one way that our service to God can cause results.

To abide in Christ means much more than just getting saved, and barely getting along as a Christian.

The enormous task of the Great Commission has been given to the whole Body of Christ on earth. One person alone cannot do it. Think of what is going on in the world, because believers are working together.

The work of the Gospel of Christ, through the Church, brings much glory to God and to Christ.

Therefore, let's not be casual or uncaring to the Church. Our attitude to it shows our true attitude to Jesus Christ, Who is the Head of it!

In our "busy-ness" for Christ, we must not neglect to love one another as Jesus said. John 15:12. We dare not despise one another.