Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. (John 15) (John 20)
Christ has Risen! He has Risen indeed! Remain. Abide. Believing in Jesus by the Holy Spirit's power. Christ’s Disciples tend to wander away. A ll we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned – every one – to his own way. (Isaiah 53)
Scripture clearly teaches that faith can be lost. The one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy, yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while, and when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately he falls away. (Matthew 13)
What do you love the most? Fleshly pleasure? Money? Self? Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Matthew 6)
Zion has 10 bold Confirmands confessing Jesus. Everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 10)
Jesus, you are my Lord & God. By the Holy Spirit's power you confess Jesus as Lord. This is the same faith that was poured into your heart through Holy Baptism. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. (Mark 16)
Baptizing and teaching God's Word. I can recall a number of Confirmation days when it was the last day I would see those who were confirmed. All kinds of reasons are given why people leave the church. Selfishness. Rebellion. Sin. Living for pleasure. But NO EXCUSES will be accepted on Judgment Day. Walking away from Jesus. Walking away from Christ’s Church is sin. Repent and believe in the gospel. (Mark 1)
I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth. (3 John)
The promises that are made on Confirmation Day:
- Do you intend to live according to the Word of God, and in faith, word, and deed to remain true to God, Father, Son, & Holy Spirit, even to death?
- I do, by the grace of God.
Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life. (Rev. 2)
Abide in Christ. Stay with Jesus. WHERE? CHRIST’S WORD. If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. (John 8)
Living in and from your Baptism. Waters of Life. Listen to God's Word PREACHED into your ears and hearts. Feast on the Body and Blood of Jesus in the Lord's Supper. Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God. (John 6)
Abiding in Jesus. Happy hearing the WORD OF GOD. Happy having your sins FORGIVEN. Happy believing in Christ. Happy Confessing Jesus as Lord. Christ has Risen! He has Risen indeed! Amen.