In todays message, Pastor Josh shares the concept of fruitfulness and success through abiding in Christ, referencing John 15:5, where Jesus says, “I am the vine; you are the branches.” He emphasises that a fruitful and successful life stems naturally from maintaining a deep, ongoing connection with Jesus. This fruitfulness isn’t about worldly measures like wealth or status but about embodying and sharing qualities such as love, joy, peace, and patience.
He explains that many people chase worldly success, only to find it empty and unsatisfying. By pointing to examples like celebrities and high-profile individuals who seem to “have it all” yet face significant struggles, he explains that external achievements cannot fill the deeper longing for purpose and peace.
Using John’s unique focus on “abiding” in Christ, Pastor Josh highlights that this word signifies more than just believing—it means remaining in an ongoing, daily relationship with Jesus. He notes that John wrote his Gospel during a time when Christians faced increasing persecution and temptation to abandon their faith. The call to abide is an encouragement to stay connected to Christ, even amid hardships. He highlights that abiding in Christ glorifies God and brings joy—not through material gain but through spiritual growth and meaningful relationships. He encourages us to adopt two practical habits to foster this connection: daily prayer and regular Bible reading.
For prayer, he introduces the “P.R.A.Y.” model (Pause, Rejoice, Ask, Yield), a simple yet effective way to structure time with God. For Bible reading, he suggests starting with accessible translations and small, manageable passages, encouraging repetition and reflection to internalise God’s word.
Pastor Josh also debunks the misconception that God’s love is dependent on these habits, assuring us that God’s love is unconditional. However, engaging in these practices enhances our ability to live a fuller, more joyful, and fruitful life. He shares the story of Pastor Roy, whose life of abiding in Christ left a lasting legacy of encouragement, wisdom, and love, demonstrating the profound impact a spiritually connected life can have on others.
He concludes by encouraging everyone to focus on the eternal impact of their lives rather than fleeting worldly measures, reminding them that true success lies in abiding in Christ and bearing fruit for His glory. By abiding in Christ, we will naturally bear fruit, as described in Galatians: love, joy, peace, and other traits that lead to deep and lasting fulfilment.