The Vine & The Branch II

^{I would like to continue in John 15:3.} 

³ You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. 

The disciples left everything to follow Christ. They held onto every word He spoke. They witnessed with their own eyes the authority He has over all things physical and spiritual. Watching the waves retreat and the demons flee, they understood His words were not empty, but powerful. His explanation and demonstration of the path to Heaven were clear for all to receive. No gimmicks or outlandish tricks. Just follow Him. As they did, they were transformed. The shackles of sin were broken, while the clouds of misunderstanding parted. Life now seemed to have a clear purpose and requirement religion became a willful relationship. This is how simple it can be if we will are willing to sit at His feet and listen to His words. They tell us how to live a faithful and holy life. Men have wasted countless years trying to invent another way. The towers of self-righteousness have been built and destroyed, but the way of Christ still stands. As broad as many claim the path to be, Jesus maintains a narrow way.

Friend, don't complicate your Christianity. You are surely forgiven by His sacrifice and redeemed by His blood. Don't waver on that fact.   

Christ will surely come expecting to find the fruits of holiness in all that profess to know Him.

His words endure forever and stand as unmovable truth, regardless of the opinions of men.

Matthew 7 says this:

²⁴ “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: ²⁵ and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.

²⁶ “But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: ²⁷ and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.”

The promise to those that will hear and apply the words of Christ, is a foundation that doesn't crumble under pressure. Life's hardest trials are overcome and hells fiercest wrath disarmed. There is no disappointment, only delight in Gods faithfulness. This is not so for the holiday church goer or Sunday sleeper that is comforted in false peace. Entering the building and putting money in the plate doesn't buy us a ticket to Heaven. Shaking the pastors hand while complimenting his great message doesn't save us. We must listen and apply the Word. The great fall of the foolish man will be the deep regret he will have when  he stands before Almighty God, only to hear, "Depart!"

This is not Gods plan for us, and surely avoidable. Who are we listening to today? Who are we living for?  Let's choose Jesus.