1) Fruit bearing is gradual. Paul, why does he use the word “fruit”? Why not say traits? He’s using an analogy of botanical growth and it speaks to the rate of growth. Bearing fruit is as gradual as the growth rate of a blade of grass. Can you see a blade of grass growing while […]
fig tree
Matt 24 – End Times: Missions, Faithful Service, Perseverance, and Watchful Readiness (pt2 of 3)
In addition to the nations, another group mentioned during the end times is Israel. 15 “So when you see the abomination that causes desolation, spoken of by the prophet Daniel, standing in the holy place” (let the reader understand), 16 “then those in Judea must flee to the mountains! This is an odd phrase at […]
Matt 21, 23 – Deceived by a Figless Fig Tree (pt3 of 3)
First point: Talk is cheap without the fruit to back it up. There is a lot of talk in churches. Especially those in leadership, they wouldn’t be in leadership if they were quiet. They wouldn’t be recognized as leaders if they did not far excel others in the group. Excel in terms of gifting. Excel […]
Matt 21, 23 – Deceived by a Figless Fig Tree (pt2 of 3)
How does Jesus respond to this kind of spiritual leadership? 8 “But you are not to be called ‘Rabbi,’ for you have only one Master and you are all brothers. There are no masters and disciples among us. We’re all brothers and sisters. There is only one Master and his name is Jesus Christ. Same […]
Vision for the Church: Gospel and Spiritual Fruit (pt2 of 4)
Paul is an interesting person. Sometimes, he seemed shizophrenic. At times, he was so humble. He referred to himself as a chief of sinners. And to the weak, he became weak, to the Jew he became a Jew, and so on. He was so accommodating. Yet, in Gal 2, we see quite a different side […]