Alive in Jesus

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‘I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in Me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing.’ John 15:5 (NIV) —

• What does producing fruit mean to you?
• If you are like me you probably automatically think of oranges and apples or orchards and vineyards!?

Well this verse explains that its not just trees and plants that are to produce fruit but you and I are to as well — but not of the strawberry variety or the fruits that please our stomachs — but the fruits that please God.

When you reach the end of your life what would enable you to say; ‘I’ve had a fruitful life’.

• Financial success?
• Sporting achievements?
• Or maybe it’s just having had and enjoyed a happy family!

Its very natural to want things like that but the fruits that God looks for in our lives are very different. God looks for things like love, kindness, loyalty and humility.

I wonder as God looks at your life, does He see the things that please Him?

I’m sure that you can often think of times when you have been very kind and loving. When you have stayed loyal to someone through very difficult circumstances. When you haven’t boasted and been filled with pride even though you had an opportunity to be.

Yet, if you’re honest, I’m sure that you can also think of times where you’ve failed to be what you should be. Maybe you haven’t shown the love that you should have done? Maybe you’ve said things that are unkind? Maybe you’ve wrongly hurt people’s feeling? Maybe you’ve put people down behind their back instead of staying loyal? Maybe you’ve been filled with a sense of your own self importance?

This verse reminds us that without God it’s impossible to live a life that pleases Him. We just can’t do it. Afterall, Jesus did say, “Without Me you can do nothing”. Perhaps you feel the need for His forgiveness? Perhaps you want His help to please Him? Well the Bible tells us that for those who are genuinely sorry for the sin in their life, and ask God for His pardon, He is “ready to forgive”(Psalm 86:5) The verse also says that God comes to live in those who have asked and found His forgiveness, and these people produce much fruit — the fruit that pleases God.

This verse may seem rather deep, or you would like more understanding of how amazing it is to live in Jesus and Jesus live in you. We’re here and available to talk with you, to answer your questions and help you to understand God’s love for you.

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