Abide in Me: Living Daily in God’s Presence In this concluding sermon of the “Deepening Your Relationship with God” series, we’ll explore what it means to “Abide in Me: Living Daily in God’s Presence.” Reflecting on the journey of trust, love, praise, and intimacy with God, this message ties together each aspect, emphasizing how to make them a natural part of everyday life. Using John 15:4-5 as our foundation, we’ll discuss the transformative power of abiding in Christ, not just as a practice but as a lifestyle. This continuous connection with God leads to fruitfulness, strength, and the joy of truly knowing Him, inspiring a lifelong walk in His presence. Don’t forget to subscribe for more content on spiritual growth and Christian living.
Kingdom Way Church – https://KingdomWay.ca is our church in Edmonton, Alberta. Watch us live at https://KWay.live Sundays at 10:00 AM Mountain time. Watch Video on Demand at https://Kway.tv Connect and learn more at https://MyKWC.ca
Notes on Abide in Me: Living Daily in God’s Presence
Good morning, everyone,
I. Introduction: The Journey to Deepening Our Relationship with God
We have spent the last 10 weeks endeavoring to assist you in deepening your relationship with God. It’s a fundamental aspect of the Christian life and truly the difference between being trapped in a man-made religion and walking the path God has called you to walk.
That’s where this series began.
- Christianity is NOT a religion but a relationship; it is an invitation to know the One who created everything.
- Relationships are based on communication, and to communicate, you must be able to hear God’s voice.
- God often uses adversity to draw us closer to Himself, but for that to work, we must be able to trust God in uncertainty.
- This allows us to walk in obedience.
- And trust His plan.
- Our relationship is not just limited to God but also extends to our brothers and sisters in Christ; that’s why God asks us to grow in love for Him and others.
- We then focused our attention on how to enter into the Most Holy Place, where the very presence of God avails Himself for us to encounter. We do this by opening the gates with thanksgiving.
- And entering His courts with praise.
- When we learn to dwell in His presence, we gain benefits like having well-healed wounds.
- But that can only happen when we intentionally be still and discover God in the silence.
That brings us to today, and although our series is concluding, may our endeavor to pursue the presence of God never end. Maintaining this level of intimacy is a challenge, but one God has equipped us for. The way we can continue in His presence every day of our lives is simply stated but can only be lived out with intention.
Part 11: Abide in Me, Living Daily in God’s Presence
John 15:4-5 John 15:4–5 NASB95
4 “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me.
5 “I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.”
Let’s pray…
Story: Timmy, Sarah, and the Dying Tomato Plant
One sunny Saturday, Timmy and Sarah were helping their mom in the garden. Timmy noticed a small tomato plant at the edge of the garden bed that looked different from the others. Its leaves were drooping, and its stem was thin and weak.
“Mom, what’s wrong with this tomato plant?” Timmy asked, frowning.
Their mom knelt down beside them. “Ah, I was wondering when you’d notice! This little plant’s roots are struggling. See how it’s not getting the same water and nutrients as the other plants? It’s a bit disconnected from the soil.”
“So that’s why it’s dying?” asked Sarah, her face falling.
Their mom nodded. “Plants need to stay rooted to stay alive. Just like people need food, water, and rest, plants need a constant supply of nutrients to be strong and healthy. This little one is struggling because it isn’t as deeply rooted.”
Timmy tilted his head thoughtfully. “Is that why Jesus said we should ‘abide’ in Him?”
Their mom smiled. “Exactly, Timmy! Jesus said, ‘Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in Me’” (John 15:4).
“So, if we’re not close to Jesus, we won’t grow strong?” Sarah asked.
“Right,” their mom said. “Just like a plant can’t thrive without staying connected to the soil, we need to stay close to Jesus every day to be strong in our hearts and spirits.”
Timmy looked back at the little tomato plant, a new determination in his eyes. “Can we help it get better, Mom?”
“Yes,” she replied. “We’ll carefully replant it where the soil is rich and the roots can grow deep. Then, with a little care, it’ll start getting stronger.”
As they worked together to replant the tomato, Timmy whispered, “I want to be like the strong plants that stay rooted, close to Jesus.”
Sarah nodded, patting the soil around the plant. “Me too. We’ll abide in Him just like the branches stay connected to the vine.”
Their mom gave them each a hug. “That’s the best choice you could ever make!”
II. The Meaning of Abiding in Christ (John 15:4-5)
Define “abide” (to remain, stay, or dwell continuously).
A branch abides with the vine; it stays connected.
Jesus is the vine; we are the branches. When we abide, we draw life, strength, and nourishment from Him. Abiding is a lifestyle, not a single act—just as branches remain constantly connected to the vine. If we neglect our connection, we lose all the benefits of that connection.
I have seen so many times in my life people who get a deep and powerful passion for God, but I’ve also seen how those same people grow cold toward the things of God. They still believe in God but not in the same way; they become disillusioned with God’s love for them and start to fall away. In years past, the term for those people was “backsliders.” I’m not sure what the current term is, but statistics show us—and the evidence is clear—that beginning with the lockdowns of 2020, the universal church has seen the biggest decline in its history.
Hebrews 10:25 NASB95
25 Not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.
Whether it was so many churches going online and people seeing it as an opportunity to stay in their PJs all Sunday or churches closing their doors while shouting the message “stay home; we don’t want you spreading any sickness”—which incidentally many people translated as “then it must not be very important to go to church”—that’s on us! It’s going to be a difficult message to change.
A church is kind of like a campfire. In a campfire, you’ve got all these red-hot coals. If you remove one single coal and set it far away, it will cool in a matter of minutes. The fire goes out, and the coal goes dark. But if you take a coal that’s lost its fire and put it back into the fire, it gets hot again. That’s the power of fellowship.
Now, I know there are times when we can’t make it to church, and we can be grateful that there are ways we can still connect, such as watching a worship service online or listening to a podcast. You can even listen or watch at a later time. Unfortunately, it’s a slippery slope. During the lockdowns, we had services where 500 people joined us online; now that number is drastically lower. People have been removed and are now cold.
You may have many reasons why you can’t “go to church,” which is a misnomer as “you are the church.” In cases like these, it’s still important to stay connected as best you can with other believers who can help encourage you and keep you faithful. It’s also important for people within our congregations to reach out to individuals who experience challenges in getting to church every week.
Jesus tells us in Matthew 18:20 NASB95:
20 “For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst.”
Hebrews 10:24 NASB95
24 And let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds.
It’s become very easy—even justified—why so many Christians do not see the need to gather together anymore, but it’s important to realize that you are setting yourself up to be easy pickings for the one who goes around seeking those whom he can destroy.
Just like when a coal is removed from the fire, it cools rapidly to the point where it’s no longer recognized for what it once was.
The good news is that when the cold coal gets put back in the fire, it may take a bit, but eventually it will burn like all the others.
I believe—and I still believe—we are preparing to see the greatest move of God this earth has ever seen. I have been hopefully anticipating this awakening taking place. I know some of you are saying: “Pastor Shawn, you’ve been saying this for years.”
But why has it not happened yet?
Well, God is waiting for His people to get a passion for Him; for His people to get and stay connected to Him. You see when I say church attendance is down, I’m using that as an indicator of how the universal church is doing.
Because when believers are connected to the vine, you don’t have to tell them that they need to go to church—they will already want to be there. A natural part of the abiding process is wanting to abide with other believers.
III. The Fruits of Abiding
Personal Transformation:
Through abiding, we grow in spiritual maturity, peace, and purpose. Galatians 5:22–23 NASB95
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
Deeper Intimacy with God:
Abiding daily develops intimacy; we come to know God’s heart and hear His voice.
Effective Witness to Others:
As we abide, God’s love and truth flow through us, impacting those around us.
IV. Practical Ways to Abide Daily
This has been a common theme over the last three months; I’ve stated it many times.
Intentional Time with God:
Regular, unrushed time in God’s Word and prayer; regular time with God’s people—edifying one another.
Daily Surrender:
Dependence on God for strength and guidance.
Continuous Connection:
Invite God into daily moments—thoughts, decisions, and actions. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 NASB95
17 Pray without ceasing.
Cultivate Thankfulness and Worship:
Pastor Trevor has been leading a campaign of thankfulness—very appropriate during this season. Maintain a heart of gratitude and praise while keeping God’s presence close.
V. Challenges to Abiding
We should be wary of things that try to get in the way of our connection with God.
Distractions:
Busy schedules, noise, and life’s demands can pull us away from abiding.
Self-Reliance:
We may struggle to depend fully on God; however, abiding requires trust and surrender.
Perseverance:
Abiding is a long-term commitment that takes intentional effort.
VI. Encouragement and Promise of Abiding (John 15:5)
Jesus’ promise: If we abide in Him, we will bear much fruit, and our lives will overflow with meaning and purpose. …Fruit of the Spirit…God’s abundant blessings…deeper meaning and relationship with others…a sense of fulfillment as you know you are doing what you were created to do!
While abiding isn’t always easy, God’s Spirit strengthens and sustains us.
VII. Conclusion: A Life of Abiding in His Presence
As we conclude this journey of deepening our relationship with God, we’ve seen how trust, love, praise, listening, and quieting ourselves before Him have drawn us closer to His heart.
Each step has taught us more about who He is and who we are meant to be in Him.
Yet, the journey doesn’t end here—it calls us to abide daily in Christ while staying connected to the source of life, strength, and purpose.
Just as branches depend on the vine, let us depend on Jesus—seeking Him each day in prayer, worship, and His Word.
As we abide in Him, may we bear fruit that reflects His love and goodness to the world.
Embrace this call to abide and let it transform every moment as you walk with Him.
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