January 2, 2013

 

"I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.³ You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. ⁴ Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me"                    John 15:1-4 (NIV)

Shortly before he was executed, Jesus told his followers that his commitment to them was about far more than them.  He asked them not for the admiration that fans give, but for the commitment of their lives to him, even at the peril of their own death.  Without that commitment they would be cut off.  Their lives needed to be given to the task passing on that salvation which had been given to them, and that task required an absolute commitment to "remain" connected to Him.

Jesus asked his disciples to enter into the covenant he had made with them.  It was to be a two way street, where fans became followers and believers would become partners, partners covenanted with Jesus in his mission to seek and save the lost. 

Would you describe yourself as a "fan", or a "follower", or a "partner"?

"Forgive us Lord for cheering you on from stands and from the sideline.  Your grace saves and commissions at the same time.  Use my life in 2013 for the transformation of another person.  In Jesus' Name.    Amen."

 

                                        Additional Covenant Partner Opportunities

*Learn what the "Good News" is and how to explain it clearly and succinctly
                                      Life Cafe Wednesdays 7:00-8:30.  January 9, 16, 23, 30

*A Beautiful Mess          A musical evening of fellowship following the journey of a

                                      lost child back home.  January 12, 7:00pm