In the context of the "Vine and Branches" text of John 15 Jesus concludes the illustration with some explanation.  He reminds the disciples that the Father loves Him, that He loves them and that the foundational part of abiding is that they "abide in His love."  We know from Paul's writings that nothing can separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.  So, what could this mean, "Abide in My love?"  I have heard it said quite often in recent presentations that one of the most difficult things for a sinner to do is to receive and live in the love of God.  I have been asking myself the question, "Why is this so hard?"  Is it our pride, our self-sufficiency, our pea sized brains, our American sense of independence or something else?  It seems like a broken creature (us) would delight in the love of the Creator (God).  Perhaps we are so broken that we cannot even see how much sense it makes to enter into the Triune love.  Jude reminder his readers to "keep yourselves in the love of God."  Obviously this is a subject and a practice worth the expenditure of our energy!  Sometimes our circumstances and/or our failures may cause us to question God's love...how do you "keep yourself in the love of God?"

Sunday, February 13, we plan to continue our study of John 15:1-8.  It is important to remember that this illustration is not simply a story isolated from the rest of Jesus' teachings but it is THE story in illustration.  We were created to be in an eternal union (fellowship) with the Father.  This union is lifegiving and the life produces fruit...the image of God.  Jesus teaches that the Father's part is "lifting up" and "pruning" and that our part is "abiding".  The word abide is sometimes translated continue or remain.  This is not merely passive...this abiding Jesus speaks of has active qualities.  What means have you employed to abide in the Vine?  Your thoughts and tips may help someone else with this important aspect of our life with God.