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Intention

To abide in Jesus, so that we fruitfully share the gospel out of overflowing love.

Scripture

“Remain in Me, and I in you, just as the branch cannot bear fruit of itself but must remain in the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches; the one who remains in Me, and I in him bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.

“If anyone does not remain in Me, he is thrown away like a branch and dries up; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned.

“If you remain in Me, and My words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this: that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples.”

– John 15:4–8

Reflection

Jesus gave this teaching to His disciples after Judas left to betray Him and just hours before His arrest later that night. It’s often called His “farewell discourse” – His final words to the disciples.

In John 13, He washes their feet and commands them to love one another. In John 14, He comforts them and promises the Holy Spirit. And in John 17, He prays they would be one with Him and with each other.

Here, in John 15, Jesus speaks with clarity: remain (or abide) in Me. After all the miracles, parables, and teachings, His final emphasis is on oneness. Oneness with Him, His Spirit, His love. Yes, He had given them many instructions throughout His ministry, including sending them out to preach. But now, on the cusp of the cross, He urges them to abide.

I’ve often been stirred by passionate evangelists, gripped by the reality of heaven and hell. I’ve eagerly shared the gospel, driven by good teaching and motivation. But to be honest, that zeal has sometimes faded. I’d find myself swept into the busyness of life and ministry. Weeks later, I’d realise I was no longer sharing the gospel with the same passion.

But there’s been one consistent thing that has kept my evangelism alive: the abiding presence of God.

When I tuck myself away in prayer, worship, and Scripture, something changes. My heart fills with genuine love for people. Courage rises. I find myself overflowing with compassion for people I don’t even know. That’s what abiding in Christ does. It bears fruit. It aligns with what Jesus said: “Apart from Me, you can do nothing.”

People can tell the difference between a Christian running on mission and a Christian overflowing with love. We love because He first loved us. Without His love flowing through us, even the best evangelism will fall short.

Romans 5:5 tells us that God’s love is poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit. And 2 Corinthians 3:18 shows that as we behold His glory, we’re transformed. So yes, action matters. Yes, tools and training matter.

But more than all these, abiding in Him guarantees fruit – fruit that lasts.

Video

Prayer

Father,

We thank You for the mission You’ve given us. We love the calling, the commission, the gifts, and the opportunities to share Your gospel. But above all of that – we love You.

We confess our hearts can become dull. Lord, awaken in us a desire to abide in You daily. Change our desires so that we long to remain close to You above all else.

From that place of abiding, send us. Lead us to the people You want us to reach. Let our lives bear fruit that is rooted in Your love and done in Your way. Apart from You, we can do nothing.

We love You, Lord Jesus. Keep us close. Let us never drift. And let everything we do begin with You.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen.

Author Bio

Paul Joshua ‘PJ’ Bedwell was a medical doctor. But after being born again and set free from addiction, he now works at Youth for Christ Australia.

PJ is the ministry director for What’s Normal?, a ten-week video-based curriculum equipping young people to live as disciples of Jesus in a pornographic and hyper-sexualised culture.

He lives with his wife, Mikaela, and young family south of Sydney.

Prayer Points for GO Month to Pentecost 2025

1. Five friends to trust in Christ and to share the gospel with those five in May. Matthew 28:19–20

2. Repentance, revival and reformation in Australia and for millions to believe in Jesus Christ. Luke 24:47

3. A Church that grows in extravagant love for God and people. 2 Corinthians 5:14–15

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