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An unhurried daily meditation using the Bible, prayer, and reflection led by Pastor Jon Ciccarelli, Discipleship Pastor of Crosswalk Church in Redlands, CA, and Director of Discipleship for Crosswalk Global.If you are enjoying the podcast please go to Apple Podcasts and/or Spotify and share your rating and a review as your input will help bring awareness of this discipleship resource to more listeners around the world.To learn more about Abide and discipleship go to www.crosswalkvillage.com/discipleshipPlease feel free to reach out to us at jon@crosswalkvillage.com any time with your comments and questions. Thanks and blessings!
Help Persecuted Christians TODAY: https://csi-usa.org/ Christian Solidarity International On today's Quick Start podcast: NEWS: Federal arrests follow a shocking church invasion in Minnesota as the Trump administration signals that disrupting worship services crosses a legal line; meanwhile, a massive winter storm threatens millions across the U.S. with dangerous ice, snow, and extreme cold. FOCUS: Massive Snowstorm bears down on large swaths of the U.S. MAIN THING: Anti-Christian persecution has surged dramatically over the past two years — especially in Iran — where believers face increasing arrests and long prison sentences; CSI's Joel Veldkamp joins us to explain what's happening and why the global Church must pay attention. LAST THING: John 15:18–20 — “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you…” PRAY WITH US! Faithwire.substack.com SHOW LINKS Faith in Culture: https://cbn.com/news/faith-culture Heaven Meets Earth PODCAST: https://cbn.com/lp/heaven-meets-earth NEWSMAKERS POD: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/newsmakers/id1724061454 Navigating Trump 2.0: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/navigating-trump-2-0/id1691121630
An unhurried daily meditation using the Bible, prayer, and reflection led by Pastor Jon Ciccarelli, Discipleship Pastor of Crosswalk Church in Redlands, CA, and Director of Discipleship for Crosswalk Global.If you are enjoying the podcast please go to Apple Podcasts and/or Spotify and share your rating and a review as your input will help bring awareness of this discipleship resource to more listeners around the world.To learn more about Abide and discipleship go to www.crosswalkvillage.com/discipleshipPlease feel free to reach out to us at jon@crosswalkvillage.com any time with your comments and questions. Thanks and blessings!
Life fades quickly when it's cut off from its source. Jesus invites His disciples—and us—to remain deeply connected to Him as the true Vine. We're reminded that a flourishing life doesn't come from striving harder, but from staying close. When we abide, His life continues to flow, producing love, joy, and lasting fruit.BIBLE VERSE References: JOHN 15:1-17 | PSALM 80:8-9 | NUMBERS 13:23-24 | ISAIAH 5:1-7 | MATTHEW 21:33-44 | 2 SAMUEL 11:27 | PHILIPPIANS 2:8 | PSALM 92:13-14 | JOHN 4:35 | JUDE 1:20-21 | *Music tracks by Blue Dot Sessions titled “Glass Beads” and “Come As You Were” were featured in this episode
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Sunday Sermon from the book of John from John Bourgeois on January 18, 2026. Our hope for you is that you will know, love, and follow Jesus Christ -- leading to personal transformation, intimate community, and a life of radical mission. You are always welcome to join us for worship at West End Community Church.For more info, please visit the WECC website at westendcc.org
An unhurried daily meditation using the Bible, prayer, and reflection led by Pastor Jon Ciccarelli, Discipleship Pastor of Crosswalk Church in Redlands, CA, and Director of Discipleship for Crosswalk Global.If you are enjoying the podcast please go to Apple Podcasts and/or Spotify and share your rating and a review as your input will help bring awareness of this discipleship resource to more listeners around the world.To learn more about Abide and discipleship go to www.crosswalkvillage.com/discipleshipPlease feel free to reach out to us at jon@crosswalkvillage.com any time with your comments and questions. Thanks and blessings!
In this message from John 15, Jesus speaks on the night before His crucifixion and gives a sobering and hope-filled picture of what it truly means to follow Him. Using the imagery of the vine and the branches, this sermon calls listeners to examine genuine faith, the work of the Father, and the necessity of abiding in Christ for true spiritual fruit. Jesus reveals His identity, the Father's loving and purposeful activity, and the reality that apart from Him we can do nothing. This passage confronts false assurance while offering deep comfort to those who are truly in Christ and being shaped by His hand. Key Points:1. Jesus' Identity2. The Father's Activity3. The Believer's Responsibility4. The Individual's Inability
John 15:1-11 English Standard VersionI Am the True Vine15 “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.English Standard Version (ESV)The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.ESV Text Edition: 2025.
The Call to Abide | John 15:1-8 | Pastor Will Cover
There are many blessings that flow from abiding in Jesus. In this text, Jesus graciously shows some unexpected blessings that flow from a life that is abiding in the Vine: our prayers are answered and the Father is glorified.
It's About Time: Part 2 – Overstressed, Overloaded, and Maxed Out Lives MESSAGE SUMMARY: Following Jesus brings peace into our lives even though we may face great trials and tribulations. In John 16:33, Jesus tells us: “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”. However, when observing the lives of modern-day Christians, we don't find many of their lives saturated with peace. God has given each of us a capacity for our lives with His expectations for living as Jesus described in John 10:10: “. . . I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.". The difference between what would be considered our lives' capacity and our lives being filled to overflowing is our lives' margin. God desires to bless us and to have our lives filled with His presence through the Holy Spirit. Often, technology and the other worthwhile benefits of this age bring the stresses of time, making wimps of us in the management of time in our lives. In Ecclesiastes 3:1, God tells us: “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:". As we manage the elements and demands of time in our lives, we must manage time for ourselves and our kids. Kids spell love as “time” – be present in their lives, mentally and emotionally. Indifference can be interpreted as a lack of genuine affection and esteem. Also, we need “God time”, a time to nurture and deepen our relationship with Jesus. Without margin, we have built our life-foundations on sand and not on the rock of Jesus' teachings. Ways we can build margin back into our lives is by: 1) having a weekly Sabbath; building back into our lives a time alone with God every day; 3) expecting that the unexpected will happen; 4) learning to say “no”; 5) using technology wisely; 6) pruning our activity branches; 7) prioritizing our calendars; and 8) giving thanks to God. TODAY'S PRAYER: Keeping the Sabbath, Lord, will require a lot of changes in the way I am living life. Teach me, Lord, how to take the next step with this in a way that fits my unique personality and situation. Help me to trust you with all that will remain unfinished and to enjoy my humble place in your very large world. In Jesus' name, amen. Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 129). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, I affirm that because of what God has done for me in His Son, Jesus, I AM FORGIVEN. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Ecclesiastes 3:1-8; Exodus 20:8-11; Mark 1:35; John15:1-11; 1 Theologians 5:16-17. SCRIPTURE REFERENCE SEARCH: www.AWFTL.org/bible-search/ WEBSITE LINK TO DR. BEACH'S DAILY DEVOTIONAL – “Jesus Followers Have a Personal Relationship with the Creator of the Universe So Pray, Listen, and Be Patient for God's Call”: https://awordfromthelord.org/devotional/ A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB
Help Persecuted Christians TODAY: https://csi-usa.org/ Christian Solidarity International On today's Quick Start podcast: NEWS: China intensifies its crackdown on underground Christian churches, with believers facing arrests, surveillance, and government pressure for practicing their faith outside state-approved systems. FOCUS STORY: We break down the latest reports on China's escalating attacks on Christians, the broader global context, and how the international community is responding. MAIN THING: Evangelist Nick Vujicic joins us to unpack the true meaning of revival, why repentance is often misunderstood in American Christianity, and whether current events signal the end times. LAST THING: John 15:18 — “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you.” PRAY WITH US! Faithwire.substack.com SHOW LINKS Faith in Culture: https://cbn.com/news/faith-culture Heaven Meets Earth PODCAST: https://cbn.com/lp/heaven-meets-earth NEWSMAKERS POD: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/newsmakers/id1724061454 Navigating Trump 2.0: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/navigating-trump-2-0/id1691121630
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We're excited to welcome Beth Borbon, Sonrise Kids Director, to the podcast for the first episode of the year. We had such a meaningful time digging into John 15 together — Beth and Daniel, along with Paul and producer Aaron — reflecting on abiding, fruitfulness, and what it really looks like to stay connected to the Vine. It's a thoughtful, honest, and encouraging conversation. Press play and join us.
This week, we continue our series New City DNA. In John 15, Jesus emphasizes His role as the vine, our role as the branches, and the importance of abiding in Him. Pastor Eric shares five points from the text that highlight why New City values intentional discipleship: 1) Intentional discipleship teaches others to abide in Jesus. 2) Intentional discipleship models pruning. 3) Intentional discipleship teaches others to obey Jesus. 4) Intentional discipleship invites others into friendship. 5) Intentional discipleship teaches others to bear fruit.
Using agriculture as a metaphor for spiritual growth, this sermon focuses on the importance of cultivating a "root system" by keeping our hearts. Just as trees need roots to bear fruit, we must tend to our inner life to produce lasting spiritual fruit. We often prioritize the external—our "branches" of doing and achieving—while neglecting the hidden life of the heart.Scripture ReferencesGenesis 2:4-9: God plants a garden and forms man from the dust (humus), reminding us of our humble origins.John 15:1-8: Jesus is the vine; we are the branches. The command is to "remain" or "abide," focusing on the connection (root) rather than striving for fruit.Mark 7:14-23: Jesus teaches that defilement comes from within the heart, not from outside circumstances.Proverbs 4:23: "Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life."1 Samuel 16:7: "Man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart."Ezekiel 36:26-27: The New Covenant promise: "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you."Key PointsPrioritize the Root Over the Fruit At the start of a new year, we naturally focus on external results (fruit). However, Jesus consistently points us to the unseen, hidden life (root). If we focus on remaining in Him, the fruit will take care of itself. We must resist the pressure to let our public persona outgrow our private character.Keep Your Heart with All Vigilance The heart is not just emotions; it is the center of our being—mind, will, and desires. Like a musical instrument, it naturally goes out of tune and must be constantly tended. Proverbs 4:23 commands us to guard it above all else because everything in life flows from it. While the world (bosses, teachers, etc.) may only care about our production, God cares deeply about the condition of our hearts.Stop Blaming and Start Investigating We often blame external circumstances or people for our reactions ("Look what you made me do"). But Jesus teaches that what comes out of us (anger, lust, pride) reveals what was already in us. Instead of blaming others for shaking the bottle, we should investigate what's inside.ConclusionSpiritual growth isn't just behavior modification; it's heart transformation. We cannot change our own hearts, but God can. The promise of the New Covenant is that God will remove our heart of stone and give us a heart of flesh. Our job is to tend the soil, stay connected to the Vine, and let His grace do the deep work of change.Calls to ActionInvest in Your Marriage: Sign up for the marriage workshop on January 31st to intentionally shape your relationship.Tend to Your Heart: Don't neglect your inner life for the sake of outer performance. Take time to stop and ask, "How is my heart doing?"Journal Your Emotions: Use the simple exercise of writing down what you are Mad, Sad, Afraid, and Excited about to uncover what is truly going on inside you.Stop Blaming: When negative reactions spill out, resist the urge to blame others. Ask God to show you the root of that reaction in your own heart. Support the show*Summaries and transcripts are generated using AI. Please notify us if you find any errors.
John 15:1-17 English Standard VersionI Am the True Vine15 “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.12 “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command you. 15 No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. 17 These things I command you, so that you will love one another.English Standard Version (ESV)The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.ESV Text Edition: 2025.
Message from Willie Felderman on January 11, 2026
From Factories to Fields // Disciple / Shift // John 15 // Doug Glynn // 01.11.26
A lot of people try spiritual habits like prayer, reading the Bible, or going to church… and walk away feeling bored, frustrated, or unchanged. Some assume they're doing it wrong. Others assume God isn't real.In this episode, Josiah talks about why so many spiritual practices don't work the way we expect—and why that might actually be the point. It isn't about being more disciplined, more religious, or fixing your life. It's about why so many of us feel distant, even when we're “doing all the right things,” and what closeness is actually supposed to look like.If you've ever thought, “I tried this stuff and it didn't work,” this one's for you.
What does it mean to ABIDE in Christ? Come Bible Study WITH ME through John 15 and ask all the questions!
January 4, 2026
As we step into a new year, we're beginning a four-week vision series called On Mission for Christ's Kingdom. Each week we will look at a different aspect of our mission statement through the lens of scripture — The Kingdom, The Mission, The Call, and the Hope."The Kingdom | Love Jesus" is a sermon based on John 15:4-11 preached by lead pastor Billy Glosson. This sermon was preached at Mission Church — a church in Morganton, North Carolina in the heart of Burke County. Join us in person on Sundays, 10 AM 221 Herron St. Morganton NC, 28655
John 15:1-2 English Standard VersionI Am the True Vine15 “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.The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.ESV Text Edition: 2025.
John 15:1-2 begins Jesus' illustration of the vine, the vinedresser, and the branches. Jesus begins the illustration by showing how the Father tends the branches either by removal or by pruning.
The post Themes for a New Year – John 15:5 – December 30, 2025 first appeared on Enduring Word.
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This message on Chapter 15 of the Gospel of John was preached by Malik Bishop on December 28, 2025.
❖ Follow along with today's reading: www.esv.org/2Chronicles30;Revelation16;Zechariah12–13:1;John15 ❖ The English Standard Version (ESV) is an 'essentially literal' translation of the Bible in contemporary English. Created by a team of more than 100 leading evangelical scholars and pastors, the ESV Bible emphasizes 'word-for-word' accuracy, literary excellence, and depth of meaning. ❖ To learn more about the ESV and other audio resources, please visit www.ESV.org
Click here for the DRB Daily Sign Up form! TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: Click HERE to give! Get Free App Here! One Year Bible Podcast: Join Hunter and Heather Barnes on 'The Daily Radio Bible' for a daily 20-minute spiritual journey. Engage with scripture readings, heartfelt devotionals, and collective prayers that draw you into the heart of God's love. Embark on this year-long voyage through the Bible, and let each day's passage uplift and inspire you. TODAY'S EPISODE: Welcome to the Daily Radio Bible! In today's episode, Hunter invites us into the December 23rd reading—day 358 on our year-long journey through Scripture. Together, we explore John chapters 15 through 18, where Jesus prepares his disciples for what's to come, sharing timeless wisdom about staying connected to the true Vine, loving one another, and embracing courage in the face of trials. As Hunter reminds us, this isn't just about reading the Bible; it's about experiencing real transformation from the God who is with us and who is love, fully revealed in Jesus. Today's episode weaves together the words of Jesus with Hunter's thoughtful reflections and heartfelt prayers, encouraging us to hold tightly to faith—even when we face sorrow, confusion, or fear. We're reminded that though life brings hardships, we can take heart knowing Christ has overcome the world. Join us for Scripture reading, practical spiritual guidance, and a time of prayer that aims to deepen your faith and bring peace to your heart. Let's journey together and remember: you are loved—no doubt about it! Certainly! Here is the requested devotional section transcribed, matching the tone, style, and format of your example: TODAY'S DEVOTION: Do you really believe? In John 16, we see Jesus trying to describe his relationship with the Father. He's preparing his disciples for what is about to happen, trying to help them see, but they struggle to understand. And finally—perhaps unsure, perhaps overwhelmed—the disciples say, "Yes, Lord, now you're speaking plainly. Now we understand." But did they really? I can't help but think that Jesus knew they did not truly understand. In fact, he gently calls them out, asking, "Do you really believe?" He tells them that the time is coming—even now—when they'll be scattered, each going his own way, leaving him alone. If they really understood, would they do that? And yet, Jesus says, "I am not alone, for the Father is with me." In this moment, Jesus is being honest with his disciples—and with us. Sometimes we think we believe, but when troubles come, we run and hide. Jesus is inviting us into something deeper than a moment of affirmation. He's inviting us into a life that stands firm when trials come. He tells his disciples—he tells us—what a heart of faith truly looks like: "I've told you these things so that you may have peace in me. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart; I have overcome the world." Troubles are real. Hardships will come. Sometimes there's a pandemic. Sometimes there's loss or fear. But Jesus says take heart, have courage, because he has overcome the world. We don't need to flee. We need to remember that Jesus is with us, and his very presence is enough to see us through whatever troubles we face. So let me ask you, as I ask myself: Do you really believe, or are you running and hiding? Have we learned to hear and receive his word—"Take heart! I have overcome the world"? Let's not run or hide but walk with him, through all of our troubles, knowing he has the power to overcome and that he is always with us. That is my prayer for my own soul. It's a prayer I have for my family, for my wife, daughters, and son. And that is a prayer I have for you. May it be so. TODAY'S PRAYERS: Lord God Almighty and everlasting father you have brought us in safety to this new day preserve us with your Mighty power that we might not fall into sin or be overcome by adversity. And in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose through Jesus Christ Our Lord amen. Oh God you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth and sent your blessed son to preach peace to those who are far and those who are near. Grant that people everywhere may seek after you, and find you. Bring the nations into your fold, pour out your Spirit on all flesh, and hasten the coming of your kingdom through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen. And now Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon. Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope. Where there is darkness, light. And where there is sadness, Joy. Oh Lord grant that I might not seek to be consoled as to console. To be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love. For it is in the giving that we receive, in the pardoning that we are pardoned, it is in the dying that we are born unto eternal life. Amen And now as our Lord has taught us we are bold to pray... Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven, give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our tresspasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not unto temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. Loving God, we give you thanks for restoring us in your image. And nourishing us with spiritual food, now send us forth as forgiven people, healed and renewed, that we may proclaim your love to the world, and continue in the risen life of Christ. Amen. OUR WEBSITE: www.dailyradiobible.com We are reading through the New Living Translation. Leave us a voicemail HERE: https://www.speakpipe.com/dailyradiobible Subscribe to us at YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dailyradiobible/featured OTHER PODCASTS: Listen with Apple Podcast DAILY BIBLE FOR KIDS DAILY PSALMS DAILY PROVERBS DAILY LECTIONARY DAILY CHRONOLOGICAL
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An unhurried daily meditation using the Bible, prayer, and reflection led by Pastor Jon Ciccarelli, Discipleship Pastor of Crosswalk Church in Redlands, CA, and Director of Discipleship for Crosswalk Global.If you are enjoying the podcast please go to Apple Podcasts and/or Spotify and share your rating and a review as your input will help bring awareness of this discipleship resource to more listeners around the world.To learn more about Abide and discipleship go to www.crosswalkvillage.com/discipleshipPlease feel free to reach out to us at jon@crosswalkvillage.com any time with your comments and questions. Thanks and blessings!
Dec. 20 & 21, 2025 - 2026 GREATER AbidingPastor Ed TaylorJohn 15:1-3 | Study #20251221TOPICAL - (GREATER)
What truly distinguishes a follower of Jesus in today’s world? There is a universal mark that lasts through all ages. In this message for the 4th Sunday of Advent, Pastor Mitch dives into John 15:12-17 to discover that Christian love isn't a performance to earn God's favor it's a result of being chosen and called His friend. Sermon Notes - https://bible.com/events/49539450 Digital Connect Card - https://redeemertampa.com/connectcard Online Giving - https://redeemertampa.com/give
As we get older we can see the importance, if not the urgency, to savor every moment that we have been given by the Lord. The Christmas season brings a heightened awareness of this reality. In a season where we are going to find ourselves in lots of rooms and around lots of table...some we are excited about and some that we aren't so excited about...let us stop and ask what kind of presence we bring. As believers may we feel the calling and the delight to bring the Lord's presence to those we will be around. He has ordained those specific moments and individuals. In this series we will look at four traits of those who seemingly walk in a nearness to the Lord and so bless those in their company. DNA Questions: John 15:1-11DiscoverWhy is the analogy of the vine and branches helpful when thinking about the fulness of joy?How does Jesus help us understand what "abide" means in this text?What does God's glory have to do with our joy? NurtureDo you truly believe that you can do nothing without Jesus?How does the gospel empower us to "abide in His love"? ActWhat does abiding in Jesus look like for you?What would change about your life if you lived believing you were beloved of God?
As we get older we can see the importance, if not the urgency, to savor every moment that we have been given by the Lord. The Christmas season brings a heightened awareness of this reality. In a season where we are going to find ourselves in lots of rooms and around lots of table...some we are excited about and some that we aren't so excited about...let us stop and ask what kind of presence we bring. As believers may we feel the calling and the delight to bring the Lord's presence to those we will be around. He has ordained those specific moments and individuals. In this series we will look at four traits of those who seemingly walk in a nearness to the Lord and so bless those in their company. DNA Questions: John 15:1-11DiscoverWhy is the analogy of the vine and branches helpful when thinking about the fulness of joy?How does Jesus help us understand what "abide" means in this text?What does God's glory have to do with our joy? NurtureDo you truly believe that you can do nothing without Jesus?How does the gospel empower us to "abide in His love"? ActWhat does abiding in Jesus look like for you?What would change about your life if you lived believing you were beloved of God?
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Help Persecuted Christians TODAY: https://csi-usa.org/ Christian Solidarity International On today's Quick Start podcast: NEWS: A Jewish Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach in Sydney is shattered by a deadly Islamic terrorist attack, leaving at least 16 people dead and dozens wounded as families gathered to mark the holiday. FOCUS STORY: A civilian hero risks his own life to stop one of the gunmen, helping prevent even greater bloodshed. We break down what happened, how leaders are reacting, and what we know about his condition. MAIN THING: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issues a blunt warning to Australia, accusing its leaders of fueling antisemitism and rewarding terror through political appeasement. We play his sharp, direct remarks and examine their implications. LAST THING: John 15:13 — a reminder of the ultimate act of love in the face of evil. PRAY WITH US! Faithwire.substack.com SHOW LINKS Faith in Culture: https://cbn.com/news/faith-culture Heaven Meets Earth PODCAST: https://cbn.com/lp/heaven-meets-earth NEWSMAKERS POD: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/newsmakers/id1724061454 Navigating Trump 2.0: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/navigating-trump-2-0/id1691121630
During this Advent season, we've paused our study of the Gospel of Mark to reflect on the profound truths of Christ's coming. Two weeks ago, we explored the hope of resurrection from Mark 12, and last week, we looked at the peace we find in Christ. These are not basic, mundane truths; we benefit when we remember who our God is and rekindle our passion for Christ's gospel. In Christ, we have perfect reconciliation with God and complete righteousness before the Father. As Christmas approaches, let's focus on these magnificent realities, resting and rejoicing in our hearts. Joy is our theme this third Sunday of Advent. The angels announced good news of great joy for all people at Jesus' birth, and we will explore how to cultivate joy as the Spirit's fruit, mainly from John 15:1-11. We will explain the Christian's joy, distinguishing it from mere happiness, and see how joy is commanded by God, endures through sorrow, flows from God Himself, and grows as we abide in Christ—trusting in Him. Abiding in Christ nurtures the fruit of joy, because our joy comes from Jesus' own joy, transforming even our hardships into reasons for rejoicing. I. Joy & Happiness Overlap But Are Not the Same - (Jeremiah 33:11, Proverbs 23:24-25, Proverbs 27:9) II. Joy & Rejoicing Are Commanded By God - (Rom. 12:15; Phil 3:1; 4:4; 1 Thess. 5:16) III. Joy Can Still Be Present In Sorrow - (Habakkuk 3:17-18, 2 Corinthians 6:9-10) IV. True Joy Is In God & From God - (John 15:11, Isaiah 42:1) V. Joy Is A Fruit That Grows As We Cultivate it - (John 15:1-11)
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