John 15:5

FREEDOM TO BEAR FRUIT! 

(August 15, 2025) Angeline Selvakumari shares the second part about bearing much fruit for Christ…

Warm greetings to everyone on the occasion of India’s Independence Day here today. We gratefully remember and honour the countless martyrs who selflessly laid down their lives so that we might enjoy the blessings of freedom.

As I reflected on this theme, I was reminded of a far greater freedom— one that Jesus Christ fought to secure for us! Scripture teaches that we were once slaves to sin (Romans 6:20). The apostle Paul poignantly expresses this in Romans 7:24: ‘What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of  death?’

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HOW’S YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS?

(November 30, 2024) Robert and Maureen McQuillan share servanthood principles…

John 15:5 tells of Jesus’ desire for all who would be His followers— ‘I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.’

Oh… Jesus had many followers:

  • The crowds— those who were easily swayed.
  • The religious— those wouldn’t see, those who couldn’t see.
  • The true disciples— those who trusted Him and gave up all to follow Him.

Reflection
Which group do you belong in? Maureen and I trust that by God’s grace we’ll always be in that third category, despite whatever comes against us!

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GET CLOSE TO GOD — NOW!

(May 31, 2023) The late Dr Andrew Evans’ 1997 Heart to Heart challenge is still very relevant today! [See footnote]

Where are you in relation to God? James 4:8NKJV is a powerful scripture: ‘Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.’

Not even close? If you’re not a Christian, Ephesians 2:1-3 describes you well –

  • Doomed forever for your sins,
  • Going along with the crowd,
  • Obeying Satan,
  • A heart against God, and
  • Doing wicked things stemming from evil thoughts.

Strong words from the apostle Paul, yet that’s how you stand in your relation to God! The good news is in verses 4-6. In His mercy God loves you and wants to bring you into His family so that you can be close to Him.

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CAST OFF UNWANTED 2023 BAGGAGE

(January 19, 2023) A. Richard Samuel challenges ‘new year resolutions’…

Whenever we enter a New Year we think of resolutions. But, someone once jokingly said, ‘New Year resolutions are made to be broken.’ In effect, we must realise that we can do nothing without God’s help.

Jesus pointed out that ‘apart from me you can do nothing’ (John 15:5). So as we travel further into 2023, let’s look to Him and seek His help! But note…

Hindering baggage
Many would have seen signboards like the one below in railway stations and in major bus stands.

In our life journey, this statement makes sense. Any unnecessary load is cumbersome and burdensome.

In Ephesians 4:31-32, Paul detailed six pieces of unwanted luggage that hinders our travel… ‘Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.’

Paul also suggested that we carry only necessary luggage that will make our travel comfortable and pleasant – as well as our co-travellers… Kindness, compassion and a forgiving nature.

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