The title of this website was carefully chosen to alert the reader to its purpose: to give information about the spiritual relationship with God that leads to a transformed life. The scripture John 15:1 begins the parable of the grape vine and its branches, and speaks of Jesus as the source or vine, and Believers as the recipients or branches. He makes several references to the word “abide.” “Abide in Me and I in you.” The focus of the word is a communion. It signifies being united with another in heart, mind, and will.
Abide- In the original Greek text is “meno” def. to continue to remain, to persevere, dwell
The present perfect (present progressive) form abiding indicates an action begun in the past, continuing in the present, and will continue in the future.
Walk- In the original Greek text is “peripateo” def. the whole realm of activities of the individual life.
The first words Christ spoke to the disciples were, “What do you want?” That is indeed the crux of the matter: what do you want from this life on Earth? Do you want fortune and fame? To “have good health and happy children?” In this pursuit of happiness, where does God fit in? Real life isn’t always pleasant; we are faced with inevitable hardship. For with each day, time passes, the body decays, events happen to us- some good, some bad. You must deal with those nagging questions: Why do terrible things happen? Is there an afterlife… if so, where will I go? Is knowing God a priority now?
If Christ’s words of salvation are true, and they are, then we have hope. There is great purpose in our existence. We are unique, formed in our mother’s womb with God’s intent and planning. This is true for all people, regardless of their decision regarding salvation. If we direct our free will to God, we can have the full experience of His supernatural life, light, and love. We have help now, as well as a glorious future for all eternity. If we abide in Jesus, a true union of will, mind, and heart with His will occurs during our life on Earth (our daily walk). This will fundamentally transform not only our hearts, but dynamically affect those around us as we walk out of a living fellowship with Him.
To the Believer (a person who has put faith in Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection), the “work” of applying Biblical teachings to one’s life, is both an “act of knowing” and a practical pursuit. Knowledge of scripture alone is not enough to affect change in both the will and soul; likewise, “good works” can be performed by moral atheists, and carry no inherent spiritual value. What then is the intent? To experience His life as we walk daily in a fallen world with assurance of a glorious future. This allows us to endure the unthinkable while remaining joyful. Apart from Jesus Christ, it would be impossible.
To the individual who does not believe in God, or doubts the veracity of Christ’s claims, these writings may seem to be intellectual nonsense, clouded with Biblical vocabulary. We would encourage you to continue reading. Even if you do not share the “saving faith” in Jesus, we ask that you suspend disbelief to allow the possibility of another paradigm. Many humans are consumed with the knowledge of their own fragility and mortality, and often deal with this fear in bizarre ways. They seek distractions- work, hobbies, political causes, etc. It can even take a sinister turn to addictions. The looming specter of death is never far away. As we age, the certainty of death begins to encroach on our lives; health problems arise, elderly parents die… etc. Even the atheist must come to some kind of resolution to this dilemma, as a long life fraught with misery and fear is a curse, not a blessing.
Our intent is to inspire Believers to have peace and courage in this life, and a sure conviction of hope for the one to come. The solution of the cross gives answers to the struggles of life today in the here and now, and the sure conviction of a glorious future beyond the grave. A walk that abides in Him multiplies grace and peace. Regardless of one’s motivation, intent, or zeal in living the Christian life, “apart from Me you can do nothing.”
“Abide in Me, and I in you.”
