Verse of the Day 4/14

John 8:31-32(ESV) So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, "If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, ³² and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

In reading our Bibles, being involved in Bible studies or listening to sermons we will hear and come across the word "abide". It has to do with dwelling, remaining and in the context of this verse it has to do with God's Word and that dwelling there, spending time in it is spending time with Jesus, "continuing" with Him.  In a sermon on these verses John Piper writes that this continuing involves "not ceasing":

• Abide means not ceasing to be persuaded by its truth, and never elevating any other truth above it.
• Abide means not ceasing to be attracted by its beauty and value, and never seeing anything as more beautiful or more valuable or more attractive than the word and the Lord it reveals.
• Abide means not ceasing to rest in its grace and power—never turning away as though greater peace could be found anywhere else.
• Abide means never ceasing to eat and drink from the word as the bread of heaven and living water, as if life could be sustained anywhere else.
• And abide means never ceasing to walk in the light of the word, as though any other light could show the secrets of life.
• http://www.desiringgod.org/resource-library/sermons/if-you-abide-in-my-word-you-are-truly-my-disciples

 

Does this describe your walk, your life with Christ?

 

As a side note, please continue to pray for the arrival of Jason and Kristen's baby Ava, still waiting but things are progressing.

Blessings,
Mike
Follow the verse of the day at www.mikesvotd.blogspot.com

 

John 8:31-36  New King James Version (NKJV)The Truth Shall Make You Free

³¹ Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. ³² And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."

³³ They answered Him, "We are Abraham's descendants, and have never been in bondage to anyone. How can You say, 'You will be made free'?"

³⁴ Jesus answered them, "Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. ³⁵ And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever. ³⁶ Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.