Read John 15:1-17

John 15:16, "Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you."

I hope every Christian is thankful for the work of God in their life and that they praise Him for calling them to salvation.  I believe in a "whosoever will" salvation, but I also believe that people must respond to the convicting power of the Holy Spirit to be drawn to the Lord.  John 6:37, "All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out."  John 6:44, "No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day."  With that said, the apostles of our Lord, were privileged to be chosen with a purpose, "Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain..."  Christ has already informed them of His departure, and it is now time for them to understand this great call of God on their lives.  He has already called them friends (vs. 15), and now He is pointing out to them the essence of their work in God's kingdom, to bring forth fruit that remains.  The Pulpit Commentary states, "This rich fruit includes all the victories they were to win over souls and all the effects of their ministry. "Fruit" in either case is only valuable when it is utilized by the Husbandman and according to His purpose." 

God desires to use you in this fruit-bearing endeavor.  Are you aware of your calling to bring forth fruit that remains?  To accomplish these things, we must be filled with God's Spirit and work in His harvest field.  Will you work to accomplish God's will in your life to be a fruit bearer? 

 Proverbs 11:30, "The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise."

Your Friend and HIS,

Pastor Abbott

MEDITATIONS

1.  How did God find you?  What were the circumstances that brought you to Christ?

2.  How clear was the conviction the Holy Spirit wrought in your heart to respond?

3.  What is clearly the essence of God’s kingdom work here on earth?

4.  How do you plan to allow God to work through you to bring forth enduring fruit?