Title: Stay Connected
Memorize: Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. John 15:4 (Nkjv)
Bible Reading: John 15:1-5 (Nkjv)
[1] “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser.
[2] Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit.
[3] You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you.
[4] Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.
[5] “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.
Message:
During the global lockdown caused by the coronavirus pandemic in 2020, the world seemed like it was falling apart because everything came to a halt.
People resorted to using online platforms to stay connected with friends and families. Churches used the same medium to remain connected with members, and businesses to their customers.
Today’s Bible reading shows God’s desire for His children to remain connected to Him.
This makes it easy for them to share in His thoughts, emotions, and power.
One of my age mates called around my 82nd birthday to ask how I was able to still preach from place to place throughout the “Reach 4 Christ” outreach without my health breaking down.
I told Him that staying connected to God is my secret. My dear child, you can also do mighty exploits for God from your teenage years.
However, you must stay connected to Him through prayers, constantly studying His word, and fellowshipping with the Holy Spirit.
The more you stay connected to God, the more you will become like Him.
Key Point:
To be like God, stay connected to Him.
HYMN 30: WHEN WE WALK WITH THE LORD
1 When we walk with the Lord
in the light of his word,
what a glory he sheds on our way!
While we do his good will,
he abides with us still,
and with all who will trust and obey.
Refrain:
Trust and obey, for there’s no other way
to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.
2 Not a burden we bear,
not a sorrow we share,
but our toil he doth richly repay;
not a grief or a loss,
not a frown or a cross,
but is blest if we trust and obey. [Refrain]
3 But we never can prove
the delights of his love
until all on the altar we lay;
for the favor he shows,
for the joy he bestows,
are for them who will trust and obey. [Refrain]
4 Then in fellowship sweet
we will sit at his feet,
or we’ll walk by his side in the way;
what he says we will do,
where he sends we will go;
never fear, only trust and obey. [Refrain]
Bible In One Year: Micah:1-4:13, Revelation 6:1-17
Authors: Pastor E. A. Adeboye and Pastor Folu Adeboye