What's It Mean To Remain?

Main message: Abiding in Jesus is the single essential requirement for a fruitful Christian life; apart from him we can do nothing. Staying connected to Christ produces both outward evidence of God's work and the inner fruit of the Spirit.

Key points:

• Jesus' vine-and-branches image: "remain in me" is the core command for fruitfulness.
• Apart from Jesus you can do nothing — dependence on him is foundational.
• Remaining in Christ results in "much fruit."
• Fruit includes external results (God moving, answered prayers, God working through your life).
• Fruit also includes internal character qualities listed in Galatians 5 (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, self-control).

Scriptures mentioned: John 15, Galatians 5