Sunday, July 26, 2009

God's Spirit - Part 9 - Spiritual Fruit of Goodness

Our Great Commission
God’s Spirit
Part 9: The Fruit of Goodness
Pastor Bruce A. Shields
House of Faith – www.PS127.org www.TruthDigest.org


ANNOUNCEMENTS

6:00PM Evening Service at the church –
“Seminary Students will be preaching”

Monday 5:00PM Bible Study

Tuesday Women’s at Lori’s 5:00PM

Men’s on Friday at the church 8:00PM


WHERE WE ARE AT

† Maturing in Christ
† Understanding in Christ
† Love of God


This Series: God’s Spiritual Fruit

Previously:
God’s Spirit with us / in us
The Fruit of the Spirit
The Fruit of Love
The Fruit of Joy Part I
The Fruit of Peace
The Fruit of Long Suffering (patience)
The Fruit of Kindness


TODAY’S SERMON: Our Great Commission
God’s Spirit
Part 9: The Fruit of Goodness

SCRIPTURE READING

Galatians 5:16-25

16So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. 17For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. 18But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law.

19The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. 25Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.


Both our Flesh and God's Spirit produce fruit.

Good fruit and bad fruit.

Luke 6:43
“No Good tree bears bad fruit, and no bad tree bears good fruit”

We are told in scripture that our righteousness is as filthy rags.

All we do is in our flesh, which is sinful.

Jesus tells us that the only way for us to bear good fruit, which can only come from the Holy Spirit, is through Him.

He is the vine and we are the branch…

The vine sustains and keeps the branch filled with water (Holy Spirit), and in turn the water which flows into the branch, produces fruit.

John 15:1-2
1"I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.

John 15:4-6
4Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.

5"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.

A branch can be part of the vine, and produce no fruit.

These are “cut off” from the vine by the Father in heaven.

Remember the fig tree Jesus saw?

From a distance it appeared it may have fruit because of the leaves.

But upon close examination, it had no fruit…and it was cursed by Jesus.

If we are followers of Christ, we claim to be the branches of the vine Himself.

We HAVE to produce fruit.








I. How is the Spiritual Fruit of Goodness Defined

Webster: A favorable character. Agreeable and pleasant. Virtuous, Right and Commendable. Well founded, true and honorable. Loyal.

Scripture: It is the goodness of God that will lead sinners to repentance and salvation. The quality of goodness is another real powerful quality to have operating through you.

This particular quality has a real drawing power to it.

Not only does the goodness of God draw people direct to Him, but this fruit of goodness operating in a believer can draw people direct to God through the actual believer.

Gale's Example of Goodness
I witnessed many times over the years, Gale showing goodness to others and drawing them in to God.

Through his goodness, sinners followed the path of least resistance, like water.

And through his kindness, found a deeper relationship with God.

REMEMBER: The Fruits of the spirit are GOD'S Characteristics shining through us...therefore, as the scriptures say, "So is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it." - Isaiah 55:11

When we allow God's Spiritual fruit to shine in our lives, it will accomplish something in others lives. That's the point of it.


II. Examples of Goodness from the scripture

Psalm 142:7
Set me free from my prison, that I may praise your name. Then the righteous will gather about me because of your goodness to me.

Psalm 145:7
They will celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness.

Psalm 23:6
Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

Psalm 116:12
How can I repay the LORD for all his goodness to me?

People recognize that it is God's goodness that sets them free, and that goodness draws others around, that goodness causes us to sing of His righteousness, that goodness will follow us all the days of our lives...

And we must also recognize that there is no way for us to repay the Lord, for His goodness towards us.


III. Displaying Goodness in our lives

When we allow this Spiritual Fruit of goodness to grow in our lives, and allow others to see it, they get a picture of our God, and it will draw them into Him.

We need to display God's Character of Goodness in our lives to draw sinners to the Lord.

Remember, Webster defines goodness as;

A favorable character - Someone who can get along with most anyone, and is not only likable but approachable.

Agreeable and pleasant - Is not one who argues and fights all the time, or has to be right or get the last word, always has a word of encouragement to lift up rather than tear down.

Virtuous, Right and Commendable - Do people see that you have virtues and morals? Do they see that you are on the side of God, and are quick to do acts of righteousness?

Well founded, true and honorable - Does your yes mean yes, and your no mean no? Do you not only keep your word, but say what you mean and mean what you say?

Loyal - And finally, are you someone that others can count on? Do you stick by their sides and help them through the tough times, or do you turn tail at the first sign of trouble just because times get tough. Giving up on everything until things "cool down" or "blow over"?

We NEED to be the type of person who displays the character of goodness in our lives, and we CAN be this person!

The Word promises this ability to us, and it is available through the Holy Spirit.

We need to ensure that when our will rises up against the things of goodness in us, that we rebuke them, and allow God's will to shine through.

Sunday, July 19, 2009

God's Spirit - Part 8 - Spiritual Fruit of Kindness

Our Great Commission
God’s Spirit
Part 8: The Fruit of Kindness
Pastor Bruce A. Shields
House of Faith – www.PS127.org www.TruthDigest.org


ANNOUNCEMENTS

6:00PM Evening Service at the church –
“Seminary Students will be preaching”

Tuesday Women’s at Lori’s 5:00PM

Men’s on Friday at the church 8:00PM


WHERE WE ARE AT

† Maturing in Christ
† Understanding in Christ
† Love of God


This Series: God’s Spiritual Fruit

Previously:
God’s Spirit with us / in us
The Fruit of the Spirit
The Fruit of Love
The Fruit of Joy Part I
The Fruit of Peace
The Fruit of Long Suffering (patience)


TODAY’S SERMON: Our Great Commission
God’s Spirit
Part 7: The Fruit of Kindness
OPEN IN PRAYER

SCRIPTURE READING

Galatians 5:16-25

16So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. 17For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. 18But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law.

19The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. 25Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.


Both our Flesh and God's Spirit produce fruit.

Good fruit and bad fruit.

Luke 6:43

“No Good tree bears bad fruit, and no bad tree bears good fruit”



We are told in scripture that our righteousness is as filthy rags.

All we do is in our flesh, which is sinful.

Jesus tells us that the only way for us to bear good fruit, which can only come from the Holy Spirit, is through Him.

He is the vine and we are the branch…

The vine sustains and keeps the branch filled with water (Holy Spirit), and in turn the water which flows into the branch, produces fruit.

John 15:1-2
1"I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.


John 15:4-6
4Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.

5"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.


A branch can be part of the vine, and produce no fruit.

These are “cut off” from the vine by the Father in heaven.

Remember the fig tree Jesus saw?
From a distance it appeared it may have fruit because of the leaves.

But upon close examination, it had no fruit…and it was cursed by Jesus.

If we are followers of Christ, we claim to be the branches of the vine Himself.

We HAVE to produce fruit.

I. What is Kindness
a. As defined kindness is nicely; thoughtfully; graciously; considerately; sympathetically

- The act of being nice

- Being thoughtful, having or showing concern for the well-being of others. Anticipating their needs or wishes and meeting them. Being sensitive to others feelings.


II. Where do we see it demonstrated in the scriptures?

Romans 14:15
The Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.

There are many instances in the scriptures where we can see kindness.

We are called to be kind to the poor, to those in prison, to foreigners...

If we own a business,

Luke 15:17, 19
17"When he came to his senses, he said, 'How many of my father's hired men have food to spare, and here I am starving to death!

19I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired men.'


Ruth 2:4
4 Just then Boaz arrived from Bethlehem and greeted the harvesters, "The LORD be with you!" "The LORD bless you!" they called back.


Leviticus 25:35-38
35 " 'If one of your countrymen becomes poor and is unable to support himself among you, help him as you would an alien or a temporary resident, so he can continue to live among you. 36 Do not take interest of any kind from him, but fear your God, so that your countryman may continue to live among you. 37 You must not lend him money at interest or sell him food at a profit. 38 I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt to give you the land of Canaan and to be your God.


Even to strangers, we must do what we can to be kind in the name of the Lord.

Proverbs 3:27
27Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it.

"whom it is due" does not mean one who deserves, but rather one who is in need.
The literal translation says, "Withhold not good from its owners, When thy hand is toward God to do it."

Which means, doing good in the name of God, not to make yourself look good.


III. How can we grow this fruit in our lives?

Proverbs 3:2-4
If you do this, you will live many years,and your life will be satisfying.
Never let loyalty and kindness leave you!Tie them around your neck as a reminder.
Write them deep within your heart.Then you will find favor with both God and people,and you will earn a good reputation.


We hear people claim they have favor among God and men, but they forget the first part of this promise in the scriptures.

First we need to recognize what will kill this fruit in our lives.

a. Being cold or unsympathetic toward others
b. Unforgiving of others
c. Not being charitable
d. Not being motivated into action by others needs


EXAMPLES OF KINDNESS

We have many opportunities on a daily basis to do good for and to others.

We need to be mindful of others and their needs, and not turn them away when the opportunity arises for us to do good in the name of God.


Here are some examples in my life, and although these are good examples, I can promise for every opportunity I have fulfilled, there are probably 100 that I have missed in my life.

a. The wedding I performed yesterday was for a couple I have never met, who do not go to church but believe in God and Jesus. Their mother who is a Catholic asked me if I would do the service.

I said yes, and this is why.

Who am I to say God doesn't want that couple married?

Once they are married, God can start doing a great work in their life where His hands were once tied.

Because this Catholic woman asked, and I DID in the name of God, I've shown that God does care about her and her children.

And I am fulfilling, not just my calling by God into the ministry by performing one of my functions as a pastor, but being a DOER of God's Word which states, "if it is within your power to do good, do so"

This act of kindness done in the name of God has shown God to every person who attended that wedding yesterday.

And in the service, I got to speak about Christ, His sacrifice for us, and what marriage represents to His children, the hope and promise of eternity with our Lord.

Who knows what impact that one act of kindness had on that room full of people last night.


We need to be aware of our surroundings and the people around us.

Do they have needs? and if so, how can we show kindness?

And when we show kindness, are we doing it in the name of God, or to make ourselves look better?

The Good Samaritan didn't go around telling everyone who he was, and that he had helped a man on the side of the road.

In Jesus' parable, he simply DID what he needed.

The scriptures tell us, if someone asks for your coat, give them your shirt as well.

If they ask you to go a mile, go 2.

What ever they ask for, do MORE than what they ask in the name of God, in this, you will be showing that God loves them, and that everything God does, is ALWAYS far more than we deserve.

When you show kindness in the name of god, it's not about whether they "deserve" it, because none of us deserve what Christ has done for us, but it is about showing that our God "does" for us as an act of kindness.

The scriptures say, love is an action.

Show that love to our brothers (saved), to our neighbors (sinners), and even to our enemies...






Romans 12:19-21
9Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. 20On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head." 21Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Heaping burning coals on his head, refers to the fact that your ACT of kindness in the name of God will confound him, and cause him to think intently on what you have done.

This may be just what he needed to see that God is a loving and kind God.

This may be the one act your enemy needed to understand that he needs Jesus in his life.

This week, do the following...

Be aware of others around you, and mindful to look for opportunities to be kind in the name of God.

Be sure that in your kindness, you "go the extra mile" in the name of God.

When they ask, tell them, it's because your Lord calls you to be kind to others.

Shown them the love of God.

BE the light of the World!

Sunday, July 12, 2009

God's Spirit - Part 7 - Spiritual Fruit of Long Suffering

Our Great Commission
God’s Spirit
Part 7: The Fruit of Long Suffering
Pastor Bruce A. Shields
House of Faith – www.PS127.org www.TruthDigest.org


ANNOUNCEMENTS

6:00PM Evening Service at the church –
“Seminary Students will be preaching”

Tuesday Women’s at Lori’s 5:00PM

Men’s on Friday at the church 8:00PM


WHERE WE ARE AT

† Maturing in Christ
† Understanding in Christ
† Love of God


This Series: God’s Spiritual Fruit

Previously:
God’s Spirit with us / in us
The Fruit of the Spirit
The Fruit of Love
The Fruit of Joy Part I
The Fruit of Peace


TODAY’S SERMON: Our Great Commission
God’s Spirit
Part 7: The Fruit of Long Suffering

OPEN IN PRAYER

SCRIPTURE READING

Galatians 5:16-25

16So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. 17For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. 18But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law.

19The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. 25Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.


Both our Flesh and God's Spirit produce fruit.

Good fruit and bad fruit.

Luke 6:43

“No Good tree bears bad fruit, and no bad tree bears good fruit”



We are told in scripture that our righteousness is as filthy rags.

All we do is in our flesh, which is sinful.

Jesus tells us that the only way for us to bear good fruit, which can only come from the Holy Spirit, is through Him.

He is the vine and we are the branch…

The vine sustains and keeps the branch filled with water (Holy Spirit), and in turn the water which flows into the branch, produces fruit.

John 15:1-2
1"I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.


John 15:4-6
4Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.

5"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.


A branch can be part of the vine, and produce no fruit.

These are “cut off” from the vine by the Father in heaven.

Remember the fig tree Jesus saw?
From a distance it appeared it may have fruit because of the leaves.

But upon close examination, it had no fruit…and it was cursed by Jesus.

If we are followers of Christ, we claim to be the branches of the vine Himself.

We HAVE to produce fruit.

Longsuffering is not to be defined as being married for many years, or having to endure an exceptionally long Sunday Service.

But the true definition of long suffering is this.

Longsuffering - Long, patient endurance of insult, abuse or mistreatment; patiently bearing continual wrongs or trouble; "an enduring disposition"; Having endured mental or physical discomfort for a protracted period of time patiently or without complaint.

Longsuffering can be described as the Spiritual Fruit of patience.

A character of enduring wrongs done to you.

A character of not repaying evil for evil.

A character of waiting out troubles.

An enduring disposition able to wait patiently and without complaint for an endless amount of time.


Remember, Spiritual Fruits are God's Characteristics which bear themselves in our lives if we are living in accordance to His Holy Spirit.

Why longsuffering?

Because it is part of who God is.

2 Peter 3:8-10
8But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day.
9The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
10But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare.

We need to show this fruit in our lives as well.

We prevent this fruit from appearing by;

† acting in vengeance (repaying evil for evil)
† judging others for where they are at in their relationship with the Lord instead of doing what Jesus said and lifting them up to where they need to be.
† or in acting in selfishness

Our selfishness demands our needs and wants to be fulfilled immediately.

Like a spoiled little child who wants something, we squash the spiritual fruit of patience right before the Lord as we demand in our hearts for a desire to be filled.

We pray our grocery list to the Lord as if we are giving Him a to-do, and we expect instant answers to all our demands.

James 5:7-16
Patience in Suffering
7Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord's coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains. 8You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord's coming is near. 9Don't grumble against each other, brothers, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!
10Brothers, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 11As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job's perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.
12Above all, my brothers, do not swear—not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. Let your "Yes" be yes, and your "No," no, or you will be condemned.
The Prayer of Faith
13Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. 14Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. 16Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.

God's Character is patience with the sinful, so that none may perish, but all should have opportunity to come to repentance.

9... not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.


Are you patient with other believers?

James 5:9
9Don't grumble against each other, brothers, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!

Do you show God's grace to those who offend you?


Are you patient with sinners?

Remember, Jesus said "I did not come for the righteous, but to save the lost..."

We are called by Jesus to show the lost love, and compassion because we are here to save them, not turn them away from the cross with our hate, anger and attacks on them for acting like sinners...after all, how do you expect a sinner to act?


Finally, are you patient with God?

Do you expect all your desires to be immediately given as if God is a genie awaiting your every whim and command, or do you hold to your reverence towards Him, and remember that He is our perfect Father in Heaven who knows what is best for us.

The scriptures do say, "You have not, because you ask not..."

But they also say our Father will only give to us what is good.

Sunday, July 5, 2009

God's Spirit - Part 6 - Spiritual Fruit of Peace

Our Great Commission
God’s Spirit
Part 5: The Fruit of Peace
Pastor Bruce A. Shields
House of Faith – www.PS127.org www.TruthDigest.org


ANNOUNCEMENTS

Cook out right after Church today!!

6:00PM Evening Service at the church –
“Seminary Students will be preaching”

Cancelled this week----Monday Bible Study back at the Shields’ 5:00PM

Tuesday Women’s at Lori’s 5:00PM

Men’s on Friday at the church 8:00PM



WHERE WE ARE AT

† Maturing in Christ
† Understanding in Christ
† Love of God


This Series: God’s Spirit

Previously:
God’s Spirit with us / in us
The Fruit of the Spirit
The Fruit of Love
The Fruit of Joy Part I


TODAY’S SERMON: Our Great Commission
God’s Spirit
Part 6: The Fruit of Peace

OPEN IN PRAYER

SCRIPTURE READING

John 15:11 – Jesus Speaking
“These things have I spoken unto you, that My joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.”

“My joy…” Jesus wants His joy for us to remain

“…that your joy might be full.” He also wants us to have joy in life


INTRODUCTION

Speaking on the Fruits of the Spirit in Galatians

We are commanded to “…keep in step with the Spirit” Galatians 5:25

This is what is meant by “walk in the Spirit”

This command is given after a description of fruits of the flesh and fruits of the spirit are defined, so that we know the two paths we may walk, and which one we are supposed to walk.








Galatians 5:16-25

16So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. 17For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. 18But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law.

19The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. 25Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.


Both Flesh and Spirit produce fruit.

Good fruit and bad fruit.

Luke 6:43

“No Good tree bears bad fruit, and no bad tree bears good fruit”





Jesus tells us that the only way for us to bear good fruit, which can only come from the Holy Spirit, is through Him.

He is the vine and we are the branch…

The vine sustains and keeps the branch filled with water (Holy Spirit), and in turn the water which flows into the branch, produces fruit.

John 15:1-2
1"I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes[a] so that it will be even more fruitful.


John 15:4-6
4Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.

5"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.


A branch can be part of the vine, and produce no fruit.

These are “cut off” from the vine by the Father in heaven.

Remember the fig tree Jesus saw?




From a distance it appeared it may have fruit because of the leaves.

But upon close examination, it had no fruit…and it was cursed by Jesus.

If we are followers of Christ, we claim to be the branches of the vine Himself.

We HAVE to produce fruit.

Peace is the fruit which like joy we have misunderstood.

Peace, is not that we do not have things come against us in life, or that things are always smooth sailing, or that we never have issues, problems or attacks on us.

The spiritual fruit of peace is an environment that we create around us.

An attitude we have.

It is the immediate surrounding created by us.

We are commanded by Christ to BE peace.

This spiritual fruit of peace should not be confused with Luke 12:51 where Jesus said he has not come to being peace but division…

That scripture is not speaking of the fruit of peace, but the fact that some will turn to God, and even their own family will turn on them because of it.

Division will be caused because of conversion.
But the fruit of peace that we are supposed to bring is an environment, attitude and surrounding about us.

Mark 9:50
50"Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with each other."

Saltiness being the preservation of God’s Holy Word, we are told to keep the Word preserved as it is, and be at peace with each other.

This command is saying, do not argue and bicker about the Word of God with one another.

Peace must surround us.

We can preserve the Word and do so in peace with one another.

How is this done?

It is the Fruit of the Spirit, nothing we do, but what the Spirit does through us.

Zachariah’s song in Luke 1:76-79 says,
76And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him, 77to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, 78because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven 79to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace."
The path of peace.

Guided by the Holy Spirit.

I Corinthians 14:33
33For God is not a God of disorder but of peace.

Does peace surround you? Or are you surrounded by a dome of chaos and disorder?

II Corinthians 13:11
Aim for perfection, listen to my appeal, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.


Hebrews 12:14
14Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.


John 14:27
27Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.


I Thessalonians 5:12-15
12Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you. 13Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. 14And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 15Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else.

To have the faith is to be the branch, but to have deeds is to produce the fruit.

We must not just be hearers of the Word, but doers.

James 2:14-24
14What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? 15Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. 16If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? 17In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

18But someone will say, "You have faith; I have deeds." Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.

19You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.

20You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless[d]? 21Was not our ancestor Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? 22You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. 23And the scripture was fulfilled that says, "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,"[e] and he was called God's friend. 24You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone.

I ask, what is your fruit today?