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7 keys to abiding in Christ over a picture of a sunlit grapevine

If our desire as children of God is to stay as close to Jesus as possible while living in the real world, struggling with a real sin nature, and facing a real enemy, then we must learn how to abide in Christ. Jesus invites us to abide in Him, be fruitful, know His love, and experience joy.

Abide in Jesus.

“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.” John 15:4-5

We can do a few things on our own, right? We have abilities and determination. We only need Jesus for the super spiritual goals and really hard stuff.

Wrong! Apart from Jesus we can do NOTHING!

Abide. Dwell. Live in. Stay near Jesus.

Let Him enfold you in His arms, hold you close, and whisper in your ear truths from His Word through the Holy Spirit.

I love you. You are mine. Trust Me. Follow Me. Rest in Me. I created you and called you with a purpose. My plan is perfect. You can’t mess it up. When you mess up, stay near Me. I will forgive, restore, and still use you for My glory. Apart from Me you can do nothing, but with Me you will bear much fruit.

Grapes on vine over speech bubble with Abide in Me, John 15:4

So how do we abide in Christ? Here are a few keys:

Praise – Continually offer a sacrifice of praise, especially when it feels like a sacrifice. Hebrews 13:15

Repent – Daily confess your sins and receive forgiveness. 1 John 1:9

Read– Spend time in God’s Word so it will abide in you. John 15:7

Pray – Talk to God always, about everything. 1 Thessalonians 5:17

Listen – God speaks through His Word and His world by the Holy Spirit. John 10:27

Obey– To abide, we must obey His voice. John 15:10

Worship– Use all of the above keys to worship personally and with the body of Christ. John 4:24

7 Keys to abiding in Christ over sunlit grapevine

I might go back and make a nice acronym later, but for now, use these simple keys daily. As we abide in Jesus, we will experience full joy. John 15:11

Abide in Christ.

Remember, child of God, He is our dwelling place.