If the “point” is that we were created to enjoy an intimate relationship with God and the practical outflow of that relationship is abiding, then abiding in Christ is arguably one of the most significant teachings in Scripture. Even though the terminology is exclusive to John’s Gospel and his epistles, the principles of abiding are the practice of all of the major characters in the stories of the Bible. God’s purpose is as unchanging as he is. We will begin our study in the focal text where Jesus defines abiding: John 15. It will become very clear as we study the context of the teachings on abiding that Jesus was revealing not only its significance for the discipled but also its historical and future significance. Take a look at the context of the teaching.

If you’re living for God―living by the rules―you’ll always be exhausted. You’ll feel you’re not doing enough for Him and if you don’t “measure up,” He’ll be displeased.

But letting His grace have its way in you is entirely different! In the Scriptures it’s an open secret that the love of God for us isn’t based on our performance for Him. He sent Christ to set us free from rules. He didn’t make us His children so we could serve Him in our own feeble power, but to let His limitless power flow through us!

God the Father has provided everything we need for a truly meaningful, joy-filled life here on earth…all because of His marvelous grace. Rest in the grace of God, and let Him live through you. Find out how in The Secret of Grace.

Isn’t it time to stop trying to measure up?

Too many of us embrace grace for our salvation but then leave it behind in our everyday lives. We base our relationship with God on our performance rather than on His love for us. But our performance can never earn us the love we so desperately crave. Renowned author Jerry Bridges’s Transforming Grace is a fountainhead of inspiration and renewal that will show you just how inexhaustible and generous God’s grace really is.

What If You Could Change the World without Changing Your Daily Routine?

When you’ve been transformed by God’s love, you can’t help but want others to experience the same grace and freedom. But how do you share it without scaring them away or offending them? For most Christians, “evangelism” is an intimidating word that suggests handing out tracts to strangers or doing other awkward things.

But what if there was a more organic, more authentic way to share your faith with your friends, neighbors, and coworkers?

Dave and Jon Ferguson have found five simple, straightforward practices that will allow any believer to do just that. And by consistently living them out, you can affect not just individual lives but your entire neighborhood and community—one person at a time.