[This post was written by my fellow pastor Bob Mundorff]
John 15:7-11 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.
Step 1: Be a Christian.
- “Abide in me…” If you trust in Jesus as Lord and Savior, you are “in Christ”.
Step 2: Read God’s Word.
- “If you… and my words abide in you…” Man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God, so take in more Bible than food.
Step 3: Pray answered prayers.
- “If you… (you do steps 1 and 2), ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” If God’s words abide in you, you’ll pray them. And he’ll answer them.
Step 4: Prove your faith by bearing much fruit.
- “If you… bear much fruit and so prove…” Fruitful work for Christ brings both glory to God and assurance of salvation.
Step 5: Abide in Jesus’ love.
- “If you… Abide in my love…” How? See step 6.
Step 6: Keep Jesus’ Commandments.
- “If you keep my commandments…” This fulfills step 5. Jesus said that we abide in his love by keeping his commands. A very necessary final ingredient in the recipe for joy.
Result – Guaranteed Joy.
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Thank you for a simple answer to a Joy Filled LIfe.
I just had an aha moment! When I was thirteen I accepted Christ as my Savior at a Christian camp. It was a heartfelt decision and I truly meant it with all my heart. I believe that Jesus died for my sins and Jesus is the only way to heaven. I believe that with my whole heart. I know there is a God with my whole being. I know Jesus died for my sins. Right after I accpeted Christ with my camp counselor, the director of the camp came up to me and said "Angels are rejoicing because you accepted Jesus into your heart." I thought that was awesome becuase nobody ever rejoiced over me before.
I realized I have been living off step number one for the past twenty three years. You can live off step number one and go to church for years and years and be apart of missions trips and do all the "Christian" stuff. You can even read your Bible sparadoically. I never grew closer to God and have doubted I'm a Christian all the time. I honeslty don't feel love for God. Nor do I believe God loves me. I know it's terrible to say that. I 'm just extremely grateful for what Jesus did on the cross. Now I realize there are five more (daily) steps to being a Christian. They must be done consistently and I need to make these apart of my daily life. Only then will my love for God grow and will I realize His love for me and will I have a joy filled life.
Thank you for posting!
Hi Rebecca. Keep drawing near to God. Ask him to help you see his love for you as you read his word. He will do that for you. Jesus died to show how much he loves you.
I'm glad this helped you. God will keep speaking to you through his word as much as you depend on him for it. I would encourage you to read the prayers that Jesus prayed for those who believe in him in John 17, and know that you were one of those that Jesus himself had in mind as he prayed these things for us.
Great post, Bob! Thanks for the encouragement!
Thanks Elaine. And you're welcome.
Thank you!