The birth of Jesus Christ changed the world history once and for all. The righteous Simeon took the Holy Baby in his arms with awe, for it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Christ. He had been waiting for this moment for such a long time! At the Sunday meeting of the church “Philadelphia” on 24 May Yuri Baburin talked about the significance of meeting God. God wants to have fellowship with people. He wants us to open our hearts for Him. Worries often lead us away, but we should remember the words from the Bible: “What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?” Without God people only lose.

The best testimony of good relationship with God is our fruit — this was the issue senior pastor Pavel Ivanovich Zhelnovakov talked about. Bearing fruit is a vital sign. In John 15:16 Jesus says a wonderful thing: “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit — fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name”. The Bible points out that our fruit should have two sides. First of all it is our holiness, rejection of sin and obedience. Secondly it is our work for saving others. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. It is clearly seen from the Bible parable. The person that bears good fruit is blessed. Moreover, the words “the fruit that lasts” help us to understand that bearing fruit is not a one-time act. No, it is a systemic activity. So let us serve God!