Twin Peaks

November 5

Happy Monday Everyone,

The scripture for today is John 15:5

John 15:5 I am the vine, you are the branches: He that abides in me, and I in him, the same brings forth much fruit: for without me you can do nothing.

Our dependence upon Christ is clearly shown in this text. Jesus said "Without me ye can do nothing." Consequently, life apart from Christ is really no life at all. The motions of human existence apart from Christ are merely fillers of time before the eternal termination of life. Any accomplishment of eternal consequence can be achieved only through Christ Jesus. This is the message that the world rejects, yet it is the foundation of life in the Spirit. If we are to be productive in fruit bearing, like any fruit bearing plant, we must be permanently fused to the source of life and fruit bearing ability. If such a connection does not exist, the branch does not produce any fruit and eventually dies.

When we take up residence in Christ, Christ takes up residence in us. An inseparable bond is established and the same life that flows through Christ flows through us; not a different life, but the same life. The only way that we can take up residence in Christ, however, is if the old sinful nature is put to death. Our living in Him is actually Him living His life through us. And without His life in us we are helpless and hopeless. The Apostle Paul states it this way, "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me." Galatians 2:20  And what wonderful promise do we have for living such a life? We will bring forth "much fruit." 

God bless you as you continue in His service.

Tim