What does EGW write about...
Adventistische Schriften über: "Fellowship with Christ in Daily Life"
Answer
A constant fellowship with Christ is the vital source for our spiritual life and enables us to bear the fruits of the Holy Spirit. This daily and hourly connection must be actively maintained, for without it we cannot overcome sin or resist temptations. Just as Christ Himself sought His strength through prayer, we too find the necessary energy for our service and character formation only through daily conversation with God.
The Vital Connection to the Vine
A union of believers with Christ will naturally result in a union among themselves, and this bond of unity is the most enduring on earth. We are one in Christ, as Christ is one with the Father. Christians are branches, and only branches, on the living vine. A branch should not draw its nourishment from another. Our life must come from the parental vine. Only through personal union with Christ, through daily, hourly fellowship with Him, can we bear the fruits of the Holy Spirit.
Consistency Rather Than Occasional Connection
This once-established connection with Christ must be maintained. Christ said, “Abide in Me, and I in you. As a branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it remains on the vine, neither can you unless you remain in Me.” This is not a fleeting touch, not a temporary connection. The branch becomes part of the living vine. The transfer of life, power, and fertility from the root to the branches is unhindered and continuous. Separated from the vine, a branch cannot live. Likewise, Jesus said, you cannot live apart from Me. The life you have received from Me can be preserved only through continual fellowship. Without Me you cannot overcome a single sin or resist a temptation.
Christ’s Example in Prayer
Surrounded daily by temptations and constantly opposed by the leaders of the people, Christ knew that He had to strengthen His humanity through prayer. To be a blessing to people, He needed to maintain fellowship with God and plead for energy, endurance, and steadfastness. Thus He showed His disciples where His strength lay. Without this daily fellowship with God, no one can gain power for service. Christ alone can rightly direct thoughts. He alone can awaken noble aspirations and shape character after the divine example.
Fruits of Fellowship in Everyday Life
Non-Christians, examine carefully whether the Word of God is truly the rule of your life. Do you take Christ with you when you leave the place of prayer? Does your religion stand guard at the door of your lips? Is your heart turned in interest and compassion toward those who need help? Do you earnestly seek a clear understanding of God's will so that you can let your light shine for others? Is your speech seasoned with grace? Does your demeanor display Christian nobility?
The Source of True Joy
Fellowship with God is the life of the soul. It is not something we can interpret or dress up in beautiful words that does not give us the genuine experience that gives our words real value. Fellowship with God gives us a daily experience that truly makes our joy complete.
- Daily Fellowship with God
- Abiding in the Vine
- Character Formation through Prayer
Original Sources (English)
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