Hempfield UMC

“I have told you these things so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete. (John 15:11) Reflection: There is great joy in abiding in Christ. True joy does not originate from us nor is it generated by the circumstances of our lives. True joy comes from Christ, and he wants to share his joy with us, the joy of the victorious Son of God! When we have his joy, we will need nothing more.…

As the Father has loved me, I have also loved you. Remain in my love. If you keep my commands you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. (John 15:9-10) Reflection: To remain in Christ’s love is to live in harmony with him. As he is loving us, we should love him in return. In this passage, Jesus instructs us how to do this. We must keep his commandments.…

My Father is glorified by this: that you produce much fruit and prove to be my disciples. (John 15:8) Reflection: How can created creatures glorify the one who created us? It is by producing the fruit of righteousness God intends. This is akin to a grapevine producing good grapes for the one who planted it. We were made to produce righteousness and Jesus Christ has come to restore us to our original purpose. When we abide in Christ, the way…

If anyone does not remain in me, he is thrown aside like a branch and he withers. They gather them, throw them into the fire, and they are burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you want and it will be done for you. (John 15:6-7) Reflection: Here is a statement of profound contrast. If we do not remain in Christ, we are cut off and ultimately perish. But if we remain in…