Our passage for the New Year:

Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of 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 15:4-5 (ESV)

1. What does it mean to abide in Christ? To abide in our crucified and risen Lord means to be at one with his person, will and purpose by remaining in personal communion with him so that we bear good fruit that is pleasing to the Father.
2. How can we abide in Christ this year? Confession

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.   1 John 1:9 (ESV)

Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.   Proverbs 28:13 (ESV)

3. Problem of self-deception in the church (1 John 1:5-10)
4. The sinner's hope - The character of God and the gift of our Advocate, Jesus Christ the righteous (1 John 1:9; 2:1-2)

• Faithful
• Just
• Our Advocate

    5. How should I confess my sins? (Foster, Celebration of Discipline)

• An examine of conscience
• Appropriate sorrow
• A determination to avoid sin

6. The practice of confession

The Prayer of Examen (Ignatius of Loyola)

• Become aware of God's presence
• Review the day with gratitude
• Pay attention to your emotions
• Choose one feature of the day and pray from it
• Look toward tomorrow

An examine of conscience before we partake of the Lord's Supper

Conclusion and Call to Respond