Discipleship

So, check this out y'all. God's word is absolutely amazing. I was struggling this morning with some verses, and asked the Lord for some understanding. I'll tell you... the continuity of the word, and how it all fits together is so, so cool. He definitely gave me some understanding, but in a way, and in a section of Scripture that I didn't expect. This post will make more sense to JWFers, by the way. :)
This is all from yesterdays Daily in the Word. (catchin' up today :)) Here goes:

" You did not choose Me, but I chose you, and appointed you, that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask of the Father in My name, He may give it to you." Jn. 15:16

This verse is right in the middle of the "love one another" passage. Discipleship is such a testament to loving the brethren... it's laying down your life for another- it's investing time, and energy to encourage someone and move them toward their "highest good" which is a more intimate relationship with Christ! So... discipleship is love lived out... and in Sunday school a couple of weeks ago, Tom (one of our pastors) was talking about truth and how love is truth lived out. All in all, discipleship is a clear manifestation of truth. Pretty cool, huh? Maybe this is what Paul is talking about when he says how it brings him joy to find those "walking in the truth". (2 Jn. 1:4)

So, on a different note, the Lord talks about fruit that remains. This fruit is discipleship. (I pray I'm right here... JWFers, correct me if I'm wrong! :)) This is why Jesus says that we are chosen... to bear fruit that remains. So cool. :) Well, whats even cooler (is that a word?) is what follows this passage in Daily in the Word: Revelation 3:1-13. Christ is talking to the church in Sardis, and He says:
"I know your deeds, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead. Wake up, and strengthen the things that remain, which were about to die; for I have not found your deeds completed in the sight of My God. Remember therefore what you have received and heard; and keep it, and repent. If therefore you will not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you. But you have a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their garments; and they will walk with Me in white; for they are worthy." Revelation 3:1b-4
That's what He just talked about in John! Fruit that remains! Christ recognized that these people were saved, but their works were dead, polluted (perhaps 'garments polluted by the flesh'? Jude 23), and incomplete (imperfect, immature... opposite of complete Col. 1:28). Some of them were not strengthening the things that remain, but were reverting back to grave clothes. But... there were a few who had not "soiled their garments", and were considered worthy (vs. 4, ref. to Eph. 4:1, Col. 1:10, and 1 Thess. 2:12). I pray that our body at JWF continues to embrace the ministry of discipleship, and press on with works that are undefiled, and worthy. Let's strengthen the things that remain!!!!