I just got done reading this book not too long ago. So many great truths. I love the verses about abiding in Christ:

John 8:31,32 If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free

And how they correspond with the teachings in 1 John:

1 John 2:24 Let that abide in you which you heard from the beginning. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, you will also abide in the Son and in the Father

1 John 2:14 The word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the wicked one

It seems that discipleship is really about abiding in God’s word, and allowing it to abide in us. I love the reciprocal relationship that the Scripture points out...that when we aide in God's word, it will abide in us -- we live it out. This is true discipleship: abiding in the Father and the Son.

When we abide in God’s word, the truth abides in us, and sets us free from sin (abiding = living).

John 14:23,24 If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word, and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him. He who does not love Me does not keep My words

Abiding in Christ is love and obedience. Love brings about obedience, and obedience brings an abiding relationship. Sin no longer separates us from God, and we experience perfect, unhindered intimacy with God. Intimacy is a direct result of abiding in Christ, and we do this by abiding in His word.

Beloved Branch
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