God has never changed. (Mal. 3:6). He still longs and desires for us to ‘walk with Him’ and to experience His goodness, His provision, and His protection. But we have to ‘abide IN Him’ if we want to be the recipient of these benefits and promises. We ‘must be born again’. (John 3:7). These were pretty much the same promises God extended to the Israelites in the wilderness as He wanted to lead them into a better place, that we know as the ‘Promise Land’; and He offers us the same promise today. (John 10:10). But you have to come to Him with ALL your heart and continue, or remain...and ‘abide’ in Him. (John 15:1-8) And this, my friends, is where I fear many of us ‘missed that important lesson’.

We’ve been talking about both spiritual and natural births, and a few days ago, I pointed out how in nature, a newborn animal usually stays right on the heels of its momma because they know that is where they find food, comfort, and protection. The past two days, we looked at the importance of feeding and comfort that comes if/when we abide in Jesus. Many, if honest with themselves, would have to admit that despite good church attendance and sincere intentions, we simply have fallen short in truly abiding in Jesus, based on 1 John 2:6 and 3:6. The first step in genuine humility is to admit that while one may have been sincere, they could be sincerely wrong. (Rom. 10:1-3). Where do we come off being so prideful to scoff at the idea that just maybe we’ve missed a few important lesson along the way. Let’s not forget who was the driving force to have Jesus killed – those who thought they ‘knew it all’.

When a newborn calf or lamb or goat, if for whatever reason wanders off from its momma, there is a good risk of it becoming the meal of a predator. We too, have a ‘predator’ on the prowl, much like a lion who seeks to devour. (1 Pet. 5:8). And yet, Jesus promises us divine protection from him...provided we ‘hear His voice AND follow’. (John 10:27-28). And IF...we are following, or ‘abiding in Him’, then we are assured that not only will we remain safely in the Father’s hand...but that the ‘wicked one can’t touch us’. (1 John 5:18). Jesus Himself explained that was why the ‘ruler of this world has nothing in or on Him’...because Jesus ‘loved the Father and does what He was commanded to do”. (John 14:30-31) And let’s not forget that somber warning in John 5:14...’go and sin no more or else....”

There really is more to this ‘abiding thing’ than what we have been taught or led to believe. Yesterday, I addressed the ‘comfort’ that accompanies one who is truly abiding in Jesus. I’m not sure who needs to hear this, but you cannot walk in His Presence, being filled with peace and joy... if you also continue to walk in the sinful flesh.(Rom. 8:7-8) The reason being: Sin still separates us from God. (Isa. 59:2). Sin...’gives place to the devil’. (Eph. 4:27; John 5:14). And before you remind me how your preacher told your church that all of us will always continue to ‘sin because we are sinners...until we get to heaven’, I hate to break the news to you, but God’s word teaches us something quite the opposite.

“Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God.” (1 John 3:9).

“Whoever abides in Him does not sin...he who sins is of the devil...” (1 John 3:6,8)

“We know that whoever is born of God does not sin; ...and the wicked one does not touch him.” (1 John 5:18)

Now you may not agree...or even like what you just read there, but instead of refuting what God’s word has clearly stated, why not take the approach that both Mary and Nicodemus demonstrated when they heard some things that seemed impossible to them to accept. Remember what they asked when presented with the ‘word of the Lord’? “How can these things be?” (Luke 1:34; John 3:4,9). That might be the best way to gain more understanding...that is... if you want to come to the light. Not everyone does...want to come. (John 3:19-20).