Week 3: Persevering in love and good works

Hi Ladies,

I hope you're seeing that the Bible has much to say about perseverance. We've looked at passages exhorting us to persevere 1) in prayer, and 2) in trials/struggles. This week, I'd like us to meditate on the repeated charge to persevere in love and good works. 

While the Greek word meaning “to continue under” isn’t specifically used except in one of these eight passages below, they are each connected, either by synonyms in word or thought. I’ll highlight those connections briefly as we look at each passage. Note that this is not an exhaustive list, but enough to prove that God cares about our continuing in love and good works!

1) “Love is patient…. Love bears all things…endures all things. Love never ends”
(1 Cor. 13:4, 7, 8) - In this familiar passage describing biblical love, four times we see the theme of love’s continuance. It is patient (bearing long), bearing all, bearing under (hypomeno!), and never-failing. We cannot love this way on our own. It must be sourced in the Spirit, which is the next passage…

2) “But the fruit of the Spirit is love…patience, kindness, goodness” (Gal. 5:22) - Love and patience are both fruit of the Spirit. So are kindness and goodness! Apart from His indwelling presence and power, we cannot persevere in love and good works toward one another. But if you and I are alive by the Spirit (and I pray that you are!), then let us keep in step with Him! (v. 25). And not just toward people who are easy to love…

3) “We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up” (Rom. 15:1-2) - As with the passages last week, this kind of bearing assumes a burden. This passage depicts that burden as people. We are not here to please ourselves, but rather to live for our family’s good, to build up the body of Christ. Paul repeats this admonition to the church at Ephesus…

4) “I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love” (Eph. 4:2) - Paul reminds them (and us) to continue persevering patiently in love with one another. We cannot do this if we see ourselves as better, so Paul says to do it with all humility and gentleness, remembering the gospel. This wasn’t an isolated message. The church at Rome got it. The church at Ephesus got it. And so did the church at Colossae…

5) “Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony” (Col 3:13-14) - As Paul anchored the previous passage in walking worthy of our calling (a present responsibility in light of past action), so here, Paul anchors the exhortation in our being chosen and forgiven. Once again, we cannot persevere simply by our own determination! Because of who we are in Christ, and what He has done and continues to do in us by the Spirit, we can persevere in love and good works. 

But Paul wasn’t the only apostle to exhort towards this perseverance…

6) “Above all, keep loving one another earnestly”  (1 Pet. 4:8) - Peter exhorted the same. This verse more literally reads, “keep fervent in your love for one another.” Love is not a one-time decision. We need to keep fervent in this Spirit-fueled command. But the final two passages don’t let us stop there…

7) “Now concerning brotherly love you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another…. But we urge you, brothers, to do this more and more” (1 Th. 4:9-10) - Paul is complimentary, but not satisfied! He reminds the Thessalonian church (and now us) to love to even greater degrees. The more we are conformed to the image of Christ, and His love has captivated our hearts, the more we can love like Him. And the writer of Hebrews echoes this…

8) “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near” (Heb. 10:24-25) - Ladies, the day of Christ’s return is near! It was near two thousand years ago, and it’s even nearer now. As the culture grows more hostile to Christ, and to Christians, we must put effort into “stirring up” one another to love and good works… and not only from a distance, but especially in person, meeting together to encourage each other to persevere. 

God has given us all we need in Christ by the Spirit to persevere in love and good works. But part of that gift is the church family - (you… and me!), connected to our Head (Christ) and enlivened by the Spirit. Sometimes we lose sight of its “gift,” as personality differences and relational strains and sins can skew our perspective. But we are a gift to one another. And we can persevere in love and good works toward one another, for God’s glory and our good! 

Let’s pray for one another this week, that we would be freshly aware of all that we have to live this way, and then live it. 🙏🏼❤️

Anna 

Week 2: Persevering in the struggle

Hi Ladies,

Last week, I mentioned how I was thinking about perseverance in light of our theme of “Abide.” I want to take a few moments this week to show you just how powerful the connection is - literally and theologically! 

If you remember back to January or to our retreat, I shared that the most common word for “abide” in the original language of the New Testament (Greek) is the word meno (check out pronunciation and more by clicking on the word). It's a rich word that carries a complex meaning: to remain, to stay, to dwell, to continue. 

Well, the Greek word for “persevere” (or “endure”) is hypomeno. Do you see it?! This compound word literally means to remain under. And as you will see in the verses below, the contexts suggest remaining under difficult situations. We would expect this based on how we use the word today. You’d get raised eyebrows if you said to someone, “Keep persevering in your bliss!”  

But what hard things has God specifically called us to endure or to persevere in? 

Look at the following verses: 

- “And you will be hated by all for my name's sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved” (Mt. 10:22).

- “Be patient in tribulation” (Rom. 12:12).

- “Remember Jesus Christ… for which I am suffering, bound with chains as a criminal. But the word of God is not bound! Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. The saying is trustworthy, for:

If we have died with him, we will also live with him;
if we endure, we will also reign with him” (2 Tim. 2:8-12).

- “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted” (Heb. 12:1b-3).

- “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him” (James 1:12).

- “For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God” (1 Pet. 2:20).

In this sampling of verses (use Blue Letter Bible to read them all!), we see interconnected themes. God is calling us to endure or to persevere…

- in our Christian walk and verbal witness, despite others’ hatred

- in dire circumstances (tribulations, trials)

- in our own fight against sin and the burdens that weigh us down

Struggles within…struggles around…struggles with others… They all require us to remain under the hardship. We don’t like this! Endurance training is hard, both physically and spiritually. It asks us to push beyond what we think we can push. But this is the very thing that strengthens us. God in His perfections has designed it this way. Just as a loving father disciplines or trains his children in order to mature them, so our loving Father trains us (Heb. 12:5-10). And we echo the writer of Hebrews by acknowledging that “for the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it” (Heb. 12:11).

The beautiful reality is that God has not simply called us to this and left us to figure out how to survive, but He has given us all we need to remain under the struggles. He’s not only given us Christ as our example - “who for the joy set before Him endured the cross” (Heb. 12:2) - but He's also given us His Spirit who abides within us, empowering us to persevere in the ongoing struggles. God never calls us to something that He does not provide for. And this is especially true of perseverance in this life! 

Let’s pray for one another this week, that we will persevere in the struggles within, around and even with each other, knowing that God is using these things to mature us and ready us for Christ’s return. ❤️🙏🏼

Anna

Week 1: The Call to Persevere - Prayer

Hi Ladies,

This week, I am writing this as much for myself as I am for you. May is here! And whether you are a teacher, a student, a parent, or you are connected to any one of these, you know that May represents busyness. Perhaps more than that, it reveals our need for perseverance. When we get so close to the end of something, it can be easy to wish it here faster, to get careless or calloused, or simply to grow weary of putting in the work. I understand these feelings! 

I’ve been thinking about perseverance as it relates to our theme of “Abide” this year. If we are not persevering from a Source that is unending, we will certainly crash. Yet it’s easy to say “keep abiding!” and still lose sight of how to live this out practically in the various areas of our lives, especially those that demand perseverance. So, as I have prayed this week about what to have us meditate and focus our prayers on, I believe we are to take this month of May and look at the specific areas in which Scripture tells us to persevere, and how we are to do that. 

We’re going to start with the most powerful, but perhaps the hardest and most neglected:

Persevering in prayer. 

As someone has said, prayer is not the only work, but it is the greatest work. And it is not simply a one-time work. Soak in the passages below:

“Pray without ceasing” (1 Thess. 5:17).

“Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving” (Col. 4:2).

“Be constant in prayer” (Rom. 12:12).

“Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints” (Eph. 6:18).

“And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart. He said, ‘In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor respected man. And there was a widow in that city who kept coming to him and saying, “Give me justice against my adversary.” For a while he refused, but afterward he said to himself, “Though I neither fear God nor respect man, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will give her justice, so that she will not beat me down by her continual coming.”’ And the Lord said, ‘Hear what the unrighteous judge says. And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them? I tell you, he will give justice to them speedily….’” (Luke 18:1-8a).

The above passages are prescriptive; they tell us what to do. But there are a number of descriptive passages as well, showing us believers who persisted in prayer:

In chapter ten of his book, Daniel tells of receiving a terrifying vision, and his praying and mourning for three weeks. (Before you say, “Well, that’s not long compared to what I’m experiencing!”, read the whole book and put yourself in his shoes 🙂). After three weeks of semi-fasting, an angelic messenger arrives and says, “Fear not, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand and humbled yourself before your God, your words have been heard, and I have come because of your words” (Dan. 10:12).

In 1 Kings 18, Elijah tells Ahab that it’s finally going to rain after years of drought. He prays, and tells his servant to go look for the rain clouds. The servant comes back and reports nothing. He tells him to go look again. Scripture doesn’t specifically say that Elijah went back to praying, but it is certainly implied. This exchange happens seven times! And after the seventh trip up the mountain, he finally sees the rain coming (1 Kings 18:41-46). 

Paul prays “three times” for God to take away his thorn. And God responds, just not with what Paul is wanting in the moment. But as he persists in prayer, God realigns Paul’s heart with His so that by the end, Paul is boasting in his thorn! (2 Cor. 12:7-9). 

We could look at more examples, but I hope the point is clear. God calls us to persist in prayer! 

But. Why? 

Scripture doesn’t give us a mathematical equation kind of answer. But here is what is clear:

It’s not because there is a magical number of times to pray. 

It’s not because we have to prove our sincerity to God.

It is because God has designed us to communicate constantly with Him. (Think daily bread! Mt: 6:11)

It is because we are fully dependent on Him, for everything. 

It is because our prayers are the means by which He does His perfect work.

It is because He works through our prayers, not only to bring about the prayer, but more importantly to transform our hearts in the process. 

This is His good and perfect design, that we persevere in prayer.

But. How? 

That little frustration that seems too small to bring to Him? Do it. Every time. 

That “impossible” situation that you’ve given up praying for? Bring it to Him. Again. 

That long-term illness? Don’t resign yourself to despair. Pray, and trust for proportional grace each day. 

That painful relationship? Pray like a little child who has no inhibitions coming to his father, and trust that your Heavenly Father has infinite experience in the business of forgiveness and reconciliation. 

And don’t grow weary of praying. He loves to hear from you.

Let’s pray for one another this week, that we would always pray - big and small - and not lose heart. And let’s pray that our trust in Him would grow, believing that He is constantly at work whether we see it or not. He is! ❤️🙏🏼

Anna

The Fuel of Gospel Partnerships (Phil. 1:6-8)

Hi Ladies,

A few weeks ago, we looked at Philippians 1:3-5 and focused our prayer on strong gospel partnerships within our church family. This week, I’d like to look at Paul’s encouragement that follows…

He goes on to say, “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus” (Ph. 1:6-8).

Strong partners are consistently learning and growing together, aren’t they? This is the heartbeat of discipleship! The wonderful (and sometimes challenging) thing about these relationships is that they are dynamic:

None of us has arrived. 

None of us is beyond our need for them.

None of us is too old or young (physically or spiritually) or too unworthy or too… whatever you might be thinking. 🙂

And the beautiful promise found in the passage above is that God, who began the good work of sanctification in those who are in Christ, will continue it until we are fully glorified in His presence. What a comforting and motivating assurance! 

If God has promised to do this in each of us, then we can be - should be - patient and persistent with one another in the growth. But this growth process doesn’t happen in a vacuum. There is a reason the Lord commanded us to disciple one another and partner together! Indwelt by His Spirit, we are His instruments through whom He is accomplishing His work. 

We should be both humbled and encouraged. And we should not lose heart in the length or difficulty of this process. The above passage makes it clear that God’s work does not ultimately rise or fall on our shoulders. We are not tasked to fuel this work ourselves (praise God!). Yet, we are called to be obedient channels of His truth and grace. And we can trust His promise to work in and through (and sometimes even in spite of) us. 

He who promised is faithful. He will surely do it! (See 1 Thess. 5:23-24)

Lastly, notice Paul’s deep and humble love for these brothers and sisters. He held them in his heart. He shared with them in God’s amazing grace, demonstrated both in their solidarity in his imprisonment and in their passion and commitment to spread the truth of the risen and living Christ. He loved all of them with sincere, familial love. This love was not because they were all easy and likable people. He said it was the very affection of Christ Jesus, made possible by His Spirit that united them. May the Spirit fuel this kind of love for one another among our church family!

So, let’s pray for one another this week, that we might pursue one another with patience and persistence, and with a love that flows from the very heart of Christ. 

The Lord continues to increase my love for His church - this church - which means you. And may He do so more and more, in me and in you. ❤️🙏🏼

Anna 

Praying for fitting and patient words (1 Thess. 5:14)

Hi Ladies,

How many words did you speak yesterday? 

Regardless of the number, none of them were lost. You may beg to differ if you have teenagers, but I’m not talking about that. 😉 Words matter. And not only in this life. (Mt. 12:33-36) The Bible has a lot to say about words. If you're not convinced yet, I believe you will be based on how God is leading within our church family heading into the summer!

Words not only matter but they are powerful, both to harm and to help. Some of us, for fear of hurting others or saying the wrong thing just keep quiet. And others of us love to speak and teach and "help" - which may or may not be so helpful!

And yet, Scripture is full of exhortations to speak.
So, how do we know when to be silent and when to speak?
And when we do speak, how do we know which words are fitting?

Paul gives a most helpful paradigm in 1 Thessalonians 5:14. I'd like for this verse to be our meditation and prayer this week. And can I encourage you to commit it to memory? It’s short, but it’s expansive. 

"And we urge you, brothers [and sisters], admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all."

First, notice that people in different circumstances or stages of their spiritual walk need different words. Yes, Truth is Truth! But certain truths at the wrong time or applied the wrong way can be very damaging. (Think Job…)

Let's look at each of Paul's directives:

1) "Admonish the idle" - The word for idle was used in Greek society for those who didn't show up for work. Some versions use the word “unruly.” These people weren't reliable or following the prescribed order. Paul says to admonish them. This word carries the idea of warning or exhortation. It's motivated by love and concern, but it is firm. 

God's Word gives some very clear and direct admonitions. Do you have friends who are in need of these kinds of corrective words? Do you yourself need to allow others to speak these words into your life?  

2) "Encourage the fainthearted" - These people were literally "small-souled," or feeble in mind. They needed comfort. John uses this same word to describe the Jews' words toward Mary and Martha after the death of their brother Lazarus. When people are in the midst of acute suffering, ongoing hardship,
or just plain weariness from this sin-cursed life, we as the body of Christ have the opportunity, and the responsibility, to comfort them with the comforts of God Himself found in His Word. It is full of them!
Do you have fainthearted friends who need to hear some comfort-filled truth? Do you yourself need it? 

3) "Help the weak" - These people were likely struggling to make wise decisions based on Biblical principles. They needed someone to stand alongside them and give support. 

God's Word is full of wisdom to provide light to our path. Do you have weak friends who need your support in sharing wisdom from God's Word? Do you yourself need to hear these words?

4) "Be patient with them all" - Regardless of the category of need, Paul challenges the Thessalonian believers, and now us, to be patient with them all. The word for patience literally means “to suffer long,” or to be of long spirit. 

The “all” within context is speaking about believers, but still…. That is a lot of patience! How are we to do this?? 

We must look to our Triune God. 

God the Father “suffers long,” desiring that His people come to know and love Him. And He has planned, from before time began, that all(!) who are His will be more and more conformed to the image of His Son - a process that will last until completion at Christ’s coming. (1 Cor. 3:18; Phil. 1:6) Lord, haste the day!! 

God the Son modeled incredible patience as His disciples failed again and again to understand Him. He suffered long under the unjust treatment and torture from His enemies. And now, He patiently sits at His Father’s right hand interceding for us until all is put into subjection under His feet. 

And God the Spirit is constantly at work in us, applying the saving benefits of all that Christ has accomplished. One of the very fruits of the Spirit is patience! He patiently guides us into truth and also prays for us in unity with the will of God the Father.

If our Triune God exhibits this kind of patience toward a fallen creation, how much more should we, enabled by His Spirit in us, toward one another!

People are complex. They might not fit neatly into one of Paul’s categories. But we can look to our Father’s perfect plan. We can sit at the feet of our Wonderful Counselor, studying His character and His responses toward people preserved in His Word. We can rely on the Spirit’s moment-by-moment power in us. And in time, we will grow in wisdom, and patience, as we seek to live out 1 Thessalonians 5:14 with one another. ❤️🙏🏼

Will you join me in praying that this would be more and more true of the family at ABC? 

Anna

Koinonia in the gospel (Phil. 1:3-5)

Hi Ladies,

If you have a big task looming in front of you, some of you prefer to buckle down by yourself and get it done as quickly as possible. And some of you need the motivation of others around you to get started (and to keep you going 😊). When it comes to the Christian life, God’s design is that we work together, for better or for worse! This doesn’t mean others can do your work for you, but it does mean that we need each other. Even the Apostle Paul, who seems like he would be the guy in the former category with incredible capacity, passion and drive to get ‘er done, says this to his beloved brothers and sisters in Philippi:

“I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.” (Phil. 1:3-5)

Notice the bolded phrase. Paul calls them partners. The Greek word here for partnership - koinonia - speaks of fellowship and the intimate bond that unites us around a shared purpose. Despite differences of personality, social status, vocation or interests, koinonia is possible because of a unifying center. This is true of everyone who is in Christ! We are united by one Spirit, members of one Body, with Christ as our Head. 

Paul knew this, and he lived it out. He had taught them, corrected them, modeled to them, prayed for them, and loved them. His deep care for these brothers and sisters shines through this statement and others in his letter. But he had also received from and benefited from them. He didn’t view himself as better or superior, but rather saw them as fellow workers alongside himself - partners for the same purpose: for the sake of the gospel. 

Practically, what does partnership in the gospel look like? We get some hints of what Paul means by looking at a few other statements in his letter. First, “From the first day until now” likely means that Paul is thinking back to Lydia, the first convert in Philippi (Acts 16:11-16). And he probably had many distinct memories of this beloved spiritual family from that point on. They were partners in believing and proclaiming the good news of Christ! 

Second, in Phil. 4:15, he uses the same word koinonia saying “no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only.” So there was a partnership in financial support. Paul worked hard to make a living so that he wouldn’t be dependent on others. But he had times of need, and he ministered to other churches in great need. He needed and valued their vital partnership in this very practical way as well. 

And thirdly, there was a partnership of presence, especially from Timothy and Epaphroditus, extensions of the body of Christ who came to be with him, minister to him and bring gifts from the Philippians (Phil. 2:19-30, 4:18). Paul was not a loner. He needed embodied encouragement just as the Philippian believers did.

But notice, finally, that partnership itself wasn’t Paul’s end goal. As much as he loved this fellowship of believers, he begins by saying, “I thank my God,” and I offer “my prayer with joy.” His ultimate focus - His ultimate love - is the One in whom they are united: the triune God! Paul knew that God was magnified by people partnering together for the spread of the glory of His name. And so it was a great joy for him to have this koinonia with the Philippian church. 

And it is such a joy for me (and I trust for you) to partner together at ABC for the same. There is a good reason our membership is called partners in ministry! I am so grateful for the growing partnership we have with one another, and I trust it will only grow stronger.  

Will you pray with me, that God would strengthen our partnership in the gospel? Partnership in believing and proclaiming the glorious news of Christ, partnership in support, and partnership of presence. These are a great place to start. ❤️🙏🏼

Anna 

Our understanding Savior

Hi Ladies,

Many of you will be gathering with family or friends tomorrow as we celebrate Christ's resurrection. It's a time of togetherness, joy and life.

But some of you - whether you gather with others or not - are acutely lonely. This holiday, like others, accentuates pain and loss. Perhaps even betrayal. My goal in this is not to draw unwanted attention to these feelings, but rather to show you Someone who shares and understands your pain, far more than you realize. (The Spirit directed me to write on this before I knew what we would hear last night. Praise Him!)

As Jesus rode into Jerusalem that Palm Sunday, he certainly wasn't alone: 

Crowds flock. (Mt. 21:6-11)
When He enters the temple, He is surrounded by "crowds," "the blind and lame," "chief priests and elders." (Mt. 21:12-16)
Then come the Pharisees' disciples. (Mt. 22:16)
Then the Sadducees. (Mt. 22:23)
Not to mention the constant crowds. And of course, His disciples. (Mt. 23:1)

Jesus is rarely "alone." And yet, hear His own words:

"O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!" (Mt 23:37) 

"You will all fall away because of me this night. For it is written, 'I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.'" (Mt. 26:31)
"Behold, the hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and will leave me alone." (John 16:32)

And not only do crowds and friends flee, but Jesus, as He hangs on the cross, bearing the weight of their sin - and yours - cries out, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Mt. 27:46)

Jesus knew what He had come to do. So don't read this as confusion. Read it, rather, as a real expression of grief. (We don't have space here to look into how Jesus' words fit with the eternally unbreakable union of the Trinity, but I've shared some helpful links at the bottom if you'd like to read more).

Jesus felt a degree of loneliness and sorrow that you and I will never have to experience. He knows your pain, intimately. And as our Great High Priest, He right now is interceding for us. Because the sinless Son of God came to deal with sin (our sin!), and to stand in our place, these "light, momentary afflictions" we face point us to the One who not only understands but also has conquered everything that separates us from Him. (2 Cor. 4:17; Rom 8:38-39) 

He is with us. In us! We are not alone. Ever.

So if the feelings of loneliness and abandonment are extra strong this weekend, express them to the One who truly knows. 

And express them to those within our family of God who want to walk alongside you (like me). 

And remember His incredible love AND work on your behalf. Not only for the future, but right now in your pain.

And if this isn't you, I encourage you to pray for those within our family who are struggling. Ask the Lord to guide you to these people, and to give you a love that can be expressed in helpful ways during their grief. That's how the Body is supposed to work, fueled by the One who knows and understands not only intimately, but infinitely. ❤️🙏

Anna 

Articles for further reading:

1) John Piper, responding to a listener's question: https://www.desiringgod.org/interviews/my-god-my-god-why-have-you-forsaken-me-didnt-jesus-already-know

2) Kevin DeYoung, responding to an article published in 2018: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/kevin-deyoung/place-condemned-stood/

3) Joel Beeke, explaining what "Christ forsaken" means and doesn't mean: https://learn.ligonier.org/devotionals/christ-forsaken

Praying for a wise love - Philippians 1:9-11

Hi Ladies,

I can't pick a favorite prayer of Paul's. It usually happens to be the one I'm meditating on at the moment. 😊 But this one below is a prayer that in my role here at ABC, I have personally needed and prayed often. Because it has been on my mind extra, and because I know I'm not the only one who needs it, I believe this is the prayer God wants us to meditate on and pray for each other this week:

"And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, SO THAT you may approve what is excellent, AND SO be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God." (Phil. 1:9-11, ESV)

Love continues to be redefined by our culture, but it's so important that we hold fast to what God has revealed about love in His unchanging character, words and actions. 

(Pause: How would you define love from Scripture?)

Paul had such a big heart. And he is praying that the Philippian believers (and we) would have one too - one that is continuing to grow in order to love bigger and better all the time. But he's not only praying for love to abound. Notice the word "with." He's praying that their love would grow in proportion to knowledge and all discernment. 

What does that mean? The Greek word here for knowledge doesn't simply mean knowing about something. It means a real, precise, and thorough knowing. And the word for discernment means a moral perceptiveness. Both of these words necessitate relationship. 

A big heart without accurate knowledge of God or the person we are seeking to love can be dangerous. And a fierce loyalty to knowledge and truth without a heart that has been radically transformed by God's love can do a lot of damage. And so Paul prays that these would grow alongside each other.

Love is not blind. Love is wise. Love considers - and speaks - God's best for His children, even if the circumstances are difficult. Even if the feelings don't match. Even if it means sacrifice (as it often does). But this love willingly, genuinely and lavishly pours out, because it is rooted in the unending Source of truth and love: Christ (Jn. 15)!

Truth-filled love. Love-filled truth. Abiding. Abounding.

Why does Paul pray that the Philippians would grow in this way? Notice the sequence:

> So that they (and we!) might approve what is excellent. (I encourage you to pull up Blue Letter Bible or the STEP Bible, or use your cross-references/concordance and read the verses that use this word.) Approving what is excellent carries the idea of determining (and then championing) truth over falsehood, good over evil, right over wrong. 

> So that they (and we) might be consistently living sincere (unsullied) and blameless lives until we stand before Christ. This can't mean sinless perfection, as Paul makes clear multiple times in this same paragraph and letter (Phil. 1:6, 11; 3:12). But it does mean a heart that is quick to repent (1 Jn. 1:9), that is striving for holiness (Heb. 12:14), and that is resting in Christ for His righteousness (see v. 11, and 2 Cor. 5:21).

> The next phrase doesn't have a "so that." Paul just says "filled." This is In the perfect tense, meaning it can be read "having been filled." It's something that has been accomplished and needs no more completing. I believe Paul is showing that the power to live pure and blameless lives practically only comes from having been filled with Christ's righteousness - our positional righteousness because we are in Him. As Paul says, it is "through Jesus Christ." In other words, we work hard, all by His grace! 

And why is Paul praying all this? Because loving this way brings great praise and glory to God (v. 11). We can't conjure up this wise love on our own, but the Spirit of Christ is at work in us as we respond moment by moment in obedience and submission. And the result is our conformity to Christ, which brings our triune God great glory!

Is your love filled with knowledge and discernment? 

Is your knowledge and discernment governed by love? 

Let's pray for one another this week, that our love would grow in proportion to our knowledge and discernment, in order that we might live practically as Christ has made us positionally, so that we might be ready for Christ's return and bring great praise and glory to our God. 

We need to pray this way for one another, as we will not drift into this kind of love. I encourage you to write out Philippians 1:9-11 on a 3x5 card or something that you will see or carry with you this week as a daily reminder. And know I am praying this for you and for me. ❤️🙏🏼

Anna 

Retreat Sessions

Hi Ladies,

Thank you to each of you who prayed, came, provided food and helped clean up. What a sweet weekend together! 

If you missed any part of it, below are links to each session. You can find them on our ABC YouTube channel:

Session 1: Why Abide? - 

https://youtu.be/5j2NkNsD4X8?feature=shared

Session 2: The What (Union with Christ) - 

https://youtu.be/ZHNdkuu9YSQ?feature=shared

Session 3: How do We Abide? - 

https://youtu.be/ZLA5Y3xq1_I?feature=shared

How to Share Your Testimony, and Q&A - 

https://youtu.be/7U1fLfEGMJM?si=d4qfEh6_1fWMSzxw

Anna 

Prayer for Abide

Hi Ladies,

In light of the retreat this weekend, I am sending this a day early and asking you to pray extra and specifically, both this weekend and this coming week. Prayer is not the only work, but it is the greatest work. And apart from the One in Whom we abide, this weekend will have no eternal significance. So I covet your prayers tremendously.

Please pray:

1) For spiritual protection for all of us. That Satan and his hosts would stay far away this weekend. 

2) That sickness would not hinder leaders or participants from God's purposes.

3) That Liz, Brenda and I would be clear in our teaching and sensitive to the Spirit's leading.

4) That the truths taught and learned would not simply increase knowledge but would also increase love, both for our triune God and for one another.

Many, many prayers have already gone into this weekend, and I know many more will continue. Thank you for this sweet and powerful gift, Ladies! It's such a joy to share in this life with you. ❤️🙏🏼

Anna 

Unpacking John 15:1-11, part 7 - Abiding and Obeying

Hi Ladies,

Unless I get long-winded, this will be our final week of unpacking John 15:1-11. I didn't plan it this way, but how fitting that next weekend is our retreat on abiding! I pray that your heart has been primed for it by meditating on this passage. Mine certainly has!

Read the passage this final time, noting the bolded section in context:

"I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full."

"As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you…"

How much does the Father love the Son?
John tells us: "The Father loves the Son and has given all things into his hand." (Jn. 3:35)

Matthew tells us: "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him." (Mt. 17:5)

And Jesus Himself tells us, first in His words to the disciples: "For the Father loves the Son and shows him all that he himself is doing" (Jn. 5:20), and also in His prayer to His Father: "So that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me…. I made known to them your name, and I will continue to make it known, that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them." (Jn. 17:23, 26)

The love among the Triune God is beyond our full comprehension. And yet Jesus equates that love with His love for us. 

Think about that…. The degree to which God loves Christ (or we could say the Triune God loves each other) is the degree to which Christ (or the Triune God) loves us. Incredible!! What more could we ever need? And yet, how easily we forget. 

But this love requires something of us. Jesus says next, "Abide in my love." It's as if He is saying, "This amazing love? Remain in it. Stay attached to it. Be fully at home in it, so that you may receive and then channel My love." (See Jn. 15:12)

How do we know if we are abiding in His love? He tells us: "If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love." (v. 10) 

Hear Him correctly. He is not saying that we earn His love by obedience. We've looked at passages proving this already. Rather, He is saying that our deepest longing for love can only be satisfied in following Him. God has ordered our steps for our good. When we walk in them, we experience His love, and then we are able to love as we ought.

Remember, we were created to dwell with Him - to abide! Sin has profoundly messed that up, but Christ has come and lived and died and risen to conquer sin and restore our broken fellowship. As He told His disciples, "Just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love," He invites us back into the fellowship we were created for, walking with Him, modeling our life after His, as we abide in His powerful love to do so. We know that this side of eternity, we can't keep His commandments perfectly. But Christ has done this for us. And as we abide in His love, we become more and more in practice who He has already made us positionally. This means that we can live with joy, with confidence, and with humble gratitude for all that He is in us and for us.

Let's pray for one another this week, first, that we would come to understand just how much we are loved, and second, that we would rely more and more on His loving power within us to live as He has called us to live - for His glory, and for our good! ❤️🙏

Anna

Unpacking John 15:1-11, part 6 - Living for Eternal Significance

Hi Ladies,

We're nearing the end of our dig into John 15:1-11. I'm sure we could mine diamonds all year long, but I also don't want us to miss the forest for the trees (or get too mixed up with analogies 😊). 

This week, let's look at what might be the most familiar section to us. Read the entire passage once again, noting the bolded section. Perhaps you'll have it memorized by the time we finish!

"I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full."

"Abide in me and I in you…" Many of us have likely read or heard this phrase so many times that we've not stopped to consider the double wonder. Hopefully we are grasping more of what it means to abide in Christ - to receive all that He has and is giving to us, to rely fully on Him, to believe His words, to trust and obey Him, to find our joy and satisfaction in Him. But flip that understanding and apply it backwards. If Christ also abides in us - "and I in you" - does that mean He receives from us, relies on us, believes our words, etc? We don't have to apply too many of our interpretive tools to know that can't be what this phrase means!

Thankfully, Jesus explains what He means by using the vine and branch metaphor. The branch is in the vine, and the vine is in the branch, but not in the same way. While they are attached - united - one is the source and the other is the fruit of the source. Cut off the branch, and the vine remains. But cut off the vine, and the branch quickly withers. 

So it is with our mutual abiding. We abide in the Source, and the Source abides in us, enabling us, fueling us to bear His fruit. Apart from Christ our Source, we cannot bear spiritual fruit. We cannot bear the Spirit's fruit. We cannot be, or do, anything of eternal significance. 

Paul's prayers reflect this being and doing over and over: "Asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might." (Col. 1:9-11) He prays that we would know "what is the immeasurable greatness of [God's] power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ." (Eph. 1:19) And he prays "that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith." (Eph. 3:16-17)

The order of being, then doing is important. Paul says with different words, "If anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw — each one's work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done." (1 Cor. 3:12-13) 

Many of us do a lot of things. But are they things that will last into eternity? Are they supported by attitudes and actions that evidence our first abiding in Christ? 

Did you know you can clean toilets (or wash laundry or scrub dishes or … [fill in your least favorite chore]) in a way that bears spiritual fruit or not? Wouldn't it be sad to spend so much of your life doing mundane tasks that have no eternal value?! 

Here are a few ideas of ways that you can abide in Christ as you work, turning mundane tasks into eternal significance:

- Pray, "Lord, thank you for giving me a family who uses this bathroom (or these clothes or dishes, etc.). Thank you for your example of serving. Help me to serve You well as I serve them in the strength You give me."

- Put a notecard on your desk or at your kitchen sink window or on your bathroom mirror with John 15:4-5.

- Set an hourly chime on your phone to remind you to stop and recognize your dependence on the Lord.

- If you like short-hand reminders, write, draw or paint something that says "Being -> Doing," or even shorter, "Abide."

- Come up with your own idea! 

Our total dependence is a reality we easily forget. And we need frequent reminders to abide in Him. Let's pray for each other this week, that God would make us more aware of our need, and that we would respond with joyful and increasing trust in His abiding power to live for eternal significance. 🙏🏼❤️

Anna 

Family talk

Hi Ladies,

In light of the brunch this morning, I wanted to take this week to remind us of what God says about our church. 

If you read through the New Testament, you will find multiple metaphors or pictures used to describe His people. Just to highlight a few of the primary ones, we are a temple (1 Cor. 3:16-17), a priesthood (1 Pet. 2:9), strangers and exiles (Heb. 11:13), a body (Eph. 1:22-23; 4:15), and a bride (Eph. 5:22-33; Rev. 21:2, 9; 22:17). 

But the most pervasive description of those who are in Christ is that of a family. The Greek word adelphos, translated "brother," or "brothers/brothers and sisters" in the plural, is found at least 340 times in the New Testament! While some of the occurrences refer to biological family, the majority refer to the spiritual family. God sent Christ into the world to bring us back to Himself and fulfill His unbreakable, relational covenant. "See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are." (1 Jn. 3:1) 

It's amazing! 

Notice, though, that salvation did not only bring us into a personal relationship with God. John didn't say "that we should be called a child of God," though that is true. He said, "children." Salvation has brought us into relationship with every other son and daughter of His! We have been saved into a family. 

This universal family stretches both back in time and forward. And that certainly is glorious. But we find the New Testament writers focusing primarily on the local, located family - the brothers and sisters gathered in the local church at a particular time and place.

As a family, we have responsibilities toward one another. Just as fathers and mothers are called to train their children, so spiritual fathers and mothers are instructed to do the same (Tit. 2:1-4; 2 Tim. 2:2). Just as children are to respect their parents and love their siblings, Paul challenges young believers to do the same with their elders and their peers (1 Tim. 5:1-2). Even as blood families provide for one another, support one another, rejoice with, cry with, admonish, encourage, spend time with, etc., we find all these "one anothers" given to the spiritual family. (If you don't know the passages I'm talking about, I encourage you to study this for yourself!) 

It's clear from Scripture that we have a great responsibility towards our spiritual family. This in no way minimizes responsibilities toward our biological family, but rather expands our calling. Our spiritual family is one that will last for eternity. (Lord willing, your biological family is also your spiritual family - your husband as "brother," your son or daughter as "brother" or "sister," your mom as "sister," etc. God, may You accomplish Your powerful work where this is not yet the case. 🙏🏼) 

In a day and culture where individualism, sexism, abuse, objectification, the breakdown of the family and the deification of self bombard us from all sides, we cannot lose sight of God's true, good and beautiful design for the family of Christ, and more specifically for the local family here at Abingdon Bible Church. This doesn't mean we live naively or ignore sin. We know that messiness exists within the church family too. Despite our unity in the Spirit, we don't always live like we are Spirit-filled. This family at ABC, if it hasn't already, will get under your skin, or misunderstand, or disappoint, or maybe even hurt or sin against you. 

This is not as it "ought" to be. And yet, we have something stronger than human blood to bind us. We have the precious blood of Christ. And we have His Spirit in us, convicting us, changing us, and reminding us of our unity, and our future. And so, we groan together, waiting for the day when all sin will be fully and finally eradicated. And we continually seek to live toward who we are becoming, and will one day be perfectly, forever… a glorious family. 

Let's pray for our family this week, that we would each grow in our understanding of and ability to live out our God-given responsibilities within this family - for His glory, our good, and also for the watching world who desperately needs to see this good and beautiful truth lived well! ❤️🙏🏼

Anna

New shareable blog

Hi Friends,

Some of you have asked about making our weekly devotionals more easily shareable. Pastor Jason and Jeffrey Johnson have both encouraged this and helped make it possible, so I wanted to let you know about it! 

The emails will now get published to our ABCW (ABC Women) blog, and there is a "subscribe" button there. Even though I write these primarily for us here at ABC, I'm delighted that others may benefit as well. So feel free to share the link below with anyone who might be interested, or simply tell them to search for "Abingdon Bible Church women blog." This will p website first, but they can then find the blog there. Here is the link to the blog: 

https://abcwomenblog.blogspot.com/

If you see Jeffrey, make sure to thank him for all his work to make this possible!

Anna 

Unpacking John 15:1-11, part 5 - Ask Whatever You Wish?

Hi Ladies,

When we first started meditating on this passage in January, there were probably at least two sections that caused you to scratch your head. We addressed one of them a few weeks ago… about being cut off and thrown away. This week, I'm praying that the Spirit guides us into a fuller understanding of the other… about prayer. As always, we need the context. So please read our passage again below, noting the bolded portion: 

"I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full."

"Ask whatever you wish…." Where does your mind go when you read that?? Mine goes to genies in bottles, to power and control. It also goes to the reality that that has not been my experience. Do I just not have enough faith? 

Here is another example of where we need to use our principles of interpretation: 

1) Context is key

2) Let Scripture interpret Scripture

3) Let clear passages help interpret less clear passages

So, let's do that together.

First, what does Jesus say on either side of this statement? Go back and look. Last week, we saw the centrality of the Word. His words. Asking "whatever we wish" assumes that His words are abiding in us. Further, the context is about bearing fruit - Spiritual fruit that brings Him glory. From looking at this context, we learn that these prayers align with His words and bring Him glory by bringing about Spirit-produced fruit. 

Second, if we consider the whole counsel of God, what does He reveal about prayer elsewhere? I've shared much on prayer in these devotionals over the last few years, so we won't rehash all of that now. If you've missed them and want me to send them to you, please just email me! But to summarize briefly, we must acknowledge that the "how" of prayer is largely a mystery. How a sovereign God uses the prayers of His people to bring about what He has already ordained cannot be explained with a formula. But this is the pattern we see over and over in Scripture: God is sovereign. God tells His people to pray. God responds to the prayers of His people. People praise Him for answering. 

Third, what other clear passages help us interpret this seemingly all-inclusive statement? Before we get there, I think we can all acknowledge the confusion and damage that has been done by taking a verse like this out of context and out of the whole of Scripture and letting it become the lens through which we pray (or tell others to pray). I don't want to criticize. I believe most people are well-meaning and simply trying to take the Bible for what it says. But you and I are learning how to handle Scripture faithfully. This is a challenging but rewarding and all-important journey - to be equipped, and to help equip others to rightly interpret the whole Word of God. (God, continue to do this in me and in our ladies at ABC!)

Here are a few passages that we can bring to bear on this statement:

- "I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life. And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him." (1 Jn. 5:13-15) Written by the same John who recorded Jesus' words in Jn. 15, he qualifies our asking with it being in line with God's will. Is this really any different than abiding in Christ's words and asking in light of them? I don't think so. So, is that all there is to praying? Just know God's will? Maybe we need to consider more…

- "This is the will of God for you…." (1 Thess. 4:3; 5:18; 1 Pet. 2:15) Three times explicitly, and a multitude of times implicitly, God has revealed much of His will to us. However, Moses also records that "the secret things belong to the LORD our God" (Deut. 29:29). And Paul, echoing the Old Testament saints and prophets says, "Who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been His counselor?" (Rom. 11:34) Some scholars refer to this tension as the "two wills of God." I find this distinction slightly unhelpful, as it could lead to the wrong conclusion that God is either inconsistent or whimsical. I prefer to think of it like a small box in the midst of infinite space. Inside this box is me, and you, and all that God has revealed to us. Outside the box is His infinite perfection that we as finite humans don't have the capacity to know or understand. If we did, God would not be God! What we don't know is not because of any sin or selfishness in God. What He has withheld from us is ultimately for our good. And all that we do not (yet) see or understand, we can trust that because of His infinite wisdom, goodness and power, He will handle and accomplish in the best way possible. 

Does this require faith and trust? It does. 

Is He trustworthy? He is. 

He has proven it over and over. 

Do you believe it? 

So, back to Christ's statement in John - "ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you." We must read this in light of all that He has revealed to us: His words of command and His words about Himself. 

The result, ladies, is wonderful freedom in our prayers. We can pray boldly for all that He has promised. And we can pray fervently and yet peacefully for all that our finite minds long for, knowing that as we submit ourselves to His infinite perfections, He will work in and through our imperfect prayers to bring about all that is for our good and growth into Christlikeness, and all that brings Him the glory He so wondrously deserves. 

Let's pray for each other this week, that the Lord would grow us in knowledge of His will and submission to His ways, so that we might pray faithfully and fervently, for His glory and our good. ❤️🙏🏼

Anna 

Unpacking John 15:1-11, part 4 - Vines and Words

Hi Ladies,

With the predominant metaphor of the vine, it is easy to miss another key point Jesus is making in this passage. That is, the importance of the word. Read the passage below, noting the bolded sections:

"I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full." (John 15:1-11)

"Already you are clean…" What did Jesus mean by this statement? It might seem out of place to us, but it wouldn't have been to the disciples. Just moments earlier in the upper room (in our chapter 13), Jesus and Peter have a dialogue about washing. We know this passage as the foot-washing passage. Peter is aghast that Jesus would wash his feet. But when Jesus says that those who are not washed "have no share in [Him]," Peter flips and wants his whole body washed! Jesus then says this: "'The one who has bathed does not need to wash, except for his feet, but is completely clean. And you are clean, but not every one of you.' For he knew who was to betray him; that was why he said, 'Not all of you are clean.'" (13:10-11)

This passage makes clear what Jesus is talking about. Eleven of the disciples are already clean, because they have believed the words that Jesus has spoken to them. And they have chosen to follow Him. They have placed their faith and trust in Him and have been forgiven (because of the Cross, which was just about to happen!). 

Tying that in with the vine analogy, it's important to recognize the centrality of the Word in order to be placed into - attached to - Christ. "Faith comes through hearing, and hearing by the Word of Christ." (Rom. 10:17) Jesus Christ is shown to be the living Word. (Jn. 1:1; Heb. 1:1-2) We must believe His words!

But note the second bolded phrase above. It's not enough to believe them once. These words must continue to abide in us. Christ abiding in us, and His words abiding in us are not two separate things. Or to say it another way, to abide in Him is to abide in His words. And the third bolded section shows us what this means. We must obey them. If they are abiding in us, we will be living them. Not perfectly, this side of glory! But just as the attached vine bears fruit, so those in Christ follow, walk in, live out His teaching. 

Lastly, note the final bolded section. Jesus - the Living Word - has spoken to us, not simply to create a contractual agreement for us to follow. Hardly! He has spoken these things so that His joy - the perfect joy He shares with the triune God - might be in us and fill us to overflowing. His words are not burdensome. They are for our good, for our ultimate delight! 

Do you view Jesus' words this way? 

Can we proclaim like the psalmist…

"In the way of your testimonies I delight
as much as in all riches.
I will meditate on your precepts
and fix my eyes on your ways.
I will delight in your statutes;
I will not forget your word." 

Ps. 119:14-16

Let's pray for each other this week, that we might treasure His Words to us - remaining in them, submitting to them, and letting them fill us with a joy that far surpasses any earthly treasure. ❤️🙏🏼

Anna 

Retreat details

Ladies, 

Sorry for two emails in one day, but I wanted to get the retreat details to you. I'm so excited to be able to gather again for this special time of teaching and fellowship! 

Please make plans to join us March 20-21 as we explore the topic of Abide - Why it's important, What it is, and How we Live it Out Practically. 

See the schedule below. If you can't make it to every session, please come for what you can! 

Please RSVP to me by March 15 for food and planning purposes. You can do that at our Facebook group event, replying here, texting or in person. 😊

Friday
5:30pm - Dinner
6:30-8:15pm - Session 1: Why Abide? A look at God's plan from Genesis to Revelation

Saturday
8:30-9am - Muffins and coffee/tea
9-10:15am - Session 2: What Does it Mean to Abide? The Doctrine of Union with Christ
- Break - 
10:30-11:45am - Session 3: How Do We Abide?
- Lunch - 
12:45-1:30pm - Practical Workshop: How to Share Your Testimony
1:30-2:15pm - Q&A Panel

We will have a special guest joining us for this. Elizabeth Lewis is a pastor's wife, passionate discipler, and dear friend of mine. I can't wait to share her with you...and you with her! 

We will also have another practical workshop with our very own, Brenda Vernon! 

Please join me now in praying for this event. And please consider bringing a friend. We are holding it at ABC this year so we have more space, and better music. 😊

Can't wait!

Anna 

Unpacking John 15:1-11, part 3 - Perfect Pruning

Hi Ladies,

I hope you're not tired of John 15 yet. I promise we won't stay here all year. 😊 But it's rich and powerful and there are more diamonds to mine! 

Read the passage again, noting the bolded sections in their context. 

"I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full." (Jn. 15:1-11)

Last week, we looked at the two groups presented in this passage - 1) those attached to the vine who bear fruit, and 2) those who are not attached and therefore don't bear fruit. 

But did you notice that both groups get cut? Read that first bolded section again.

Have you ever pruned bushes or trees? Whether you have or not, you've probably seen the results. The plant doesn't look very pretty, does it? In fact, sometimes it looks like it's been killed. 

But next spring, the stubs begin to grow, eventually becoming long and lush - and beautiful. Had it been left alone, it would actually be less healthy, less full, less beautiful. 

Ladies, this is both instructive and hope-giving. This means that abiding in Christ our Vine doesn't equal a pain-free life. In fact, it guarantees that it won't be. There might even be times when you feel like your Vinedresser has all but killed you. 

But this passage also provides so much hope, because it means that God's pruning is not punitive - it's not a punishment. Rather, it is a result of His tender pruning. Our perfect Vinedresser knows just how much of us needs cutting so that we might bear the fruit that He has lovingly ordained for us to bear, as we continue to draw our nourishment from Christ. 

Look at the final bolded section. Bearing fruit is not only what is best for us, but it is also what glorifies our Father. It further proves our position in Christ, as we looked at last week. (Make sure you get that: proves, not earns). All these realities work together, not contradicting, but rather supporting one another. 

We frequently sing "His Glory and My Good" in our corporate gatherings. This truth is incredible: His glory and my good do not conflict. They are not at odds each other, nor are they competing for priority. God in His sovereign goodness and mercy has ordained that our good is His glory. It might not always feel good, but we can trust His infinite goodness. He has proven Himself over and over…climactically at the Cross. 

If you are hurting from deep cuts this morning, Friend, rejoice. Rejoice that you are attached to the Source of life and healing. Rejoice that He has your good in mind, and is bringing glory to Himself in that good. Rejoice that your Father has much more fruit for you to bear - fruit that resembles Christ more and more. And keep on abiding. Paul tells us in Philippians 1:6 that "He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Christ." What a promise! 

Let's pray for each other this week, that we might continue to abide as our loving Vinedresser does His perfect work in us. And in addition to prayer, let's look for tangible ways to support and encourage one another, especially in the midst of the painful pruning. 

What a privilege it is to abide, to bring Him glory, and to bear His fruit. ❤️🙏🏼

Anna