BELIEVING INTO GOD

When Jesus said, “I am the Vine, you are the Branches” He was word painting a picture of epic importance, a metaphor based on a real life reality.   “Abide in Me, and I in you”: This command, when obeyed, establishes reciprocal co-habitation with God, a continuous 24/7 union of Branch and Vine.

When God said “Seek My face” He was not referring to a onetime event, rather establishing an on-going “seeking” lifestyle. “Face” here is translated from the Hebrew panim which means “presence” as it is translated in Ex. 33: 14, 15 where God told Moses that His presence (panim, His face) would go with him. “Seek My face”: This command, when obeyed, establishes a God Seeker lifestyle, continually seeking His life changing presence. 

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” The intent of John 3:16 is not to believe “in Him”, but rather to believe “into Him”, into Christ: The Greek eis, translated “in” literally means movement into Him, into His presence where our “life is hidden with Christ in God.”

Saints, God has commanded our lifestyle should be cohabitation with God, abiding as a branch to its vine in total union and dependence, “for without Me (Christ) we can do nothing.”  God further commands that we be God Seekers, seeking His life changing presence as a way of life. Our faith will grow as we believe into Christ, drawing the resurrection power from the vine to sustain us as we grow into Him. When God says, “Seek My face”... My presence, our heart must say, “Your face, Lord, I will seek.” And did I mention fullness of Joy…

 (Jn. 15:4, 5; Ps. 27:8; Col. 3:3)

“I AM THE VINE, YOU ARE THE BRANCHES”