OZTheology

Previously, we considered abiding in Christ as essential and the consequence of not abiding in Him.  Now, we look at the result of abiding in Christ, as well as its experience. THE RESULT OF ABIDING IN CHRIST John 15:2b, 5, 7-8, 11 The main result of abiding in Christ is fruitfulness in growing measure.  God the Father prunes fruitful branches so that they bear more fruit (verse 2b).  Believers experience God’s discipline in the removal of hindrances to spiritual fruitfulness.  This may be sinful attitudes and actions or neutral ambitions and distractions.  God will deal with anything that prevents fruitfulness.  Pruning may be uncomfortable, but the outcome is worth it.  Becoming more like Jesus and serving Him more outweighs the discomfort (Hebrews 12:5-11 cf. 2 Corinthians 4:15). Further, continued abiding in Christ will produce much fruit (verse 5) and this will glorify the Father (verse 8).  Both Jesus and the Father enable believers to be...

When we moved into the first home we bought, which was in Para Vista, it came with a well-established fruit tree.   This tree produced fabulous “Million Dollar Peaches”, which we enjoyed seasonally each year.   The tree was so laden with fruit one year that the weight cracked one of its branches without completely severing it.   When the time came for the tree to bear fruit again, I noticed a significant difference in the fruit production on that damaged branch.   It flowered as the rest of the branches and little peaches began to grow, but they never became full-sized, delicious “Million Dollar Peaches”.  They lacked sufficient connection with the source of nutrients and so failed to produce that delightful fruit. Jesus uses a similar reference to fruit bearing in His farewell discourse with His disciples in John 15.  He declares that He is the true vine and His disciples are the branches, with His Father as the vinedresser.  The main point of this ex...