Are you a fruit bearer? – 3 February 2010

You have already been pruned and purified by the message I have given you.  Remain in me, and I will remain in you.  For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me.

 “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches.  Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit.  For apart from me you can do nothing.  Anyone who does not remain in me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers.  Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned.  But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted!
John 15: 3-7 [NLT]

I don’t know about you, but I was given a new meaning to these verses, recently. Something I had never considered before!

What does “remain in me”, really mean?  The answer is simple.  It is found in the results or fruits of your calling.  Jesus makes this very clear “you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me.”  Again he says “those who remain in me and I in them, will produce much fruit.”

So what are the fruits in God’s Kingdom?  This refers to all good works we do inspired by and based on the gifts of the Holy Spirit.  Some people have been given the gifts of serving others, preaching, teaching, giving, interceding for others, kindness etc.

I am sure if you are in Christ and are serving God one way or the other, you are a fruit bearer!  Do not be deceived by the accusation that you do not remain in God.  No! Counter this voice by saying, “How can I be severed and yet bear fruit at the same time?”

Now, why am I so interested in reminding you about this?

Today the Lord Jesus Christ is inviting you:   “..... if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted!”

Come on now. Be bold and make your request known based on the word “I remain in you and am a fruit bearer”.

You can be assured that the answer will be “Yes! Your request has been granted!”
The same invitation (“What do you want?”), was made to King Solomon.