Are You A Fruit Bearer Or A Space Taker-Upper?

“Who may ascend into the hill of the Lord? And who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, Who have not lifted up his soul to falsehood and has not sworn deceitfully.” (Psalm 24:3-4)

Hey Gang: I think I mentioned, in one of the morning messages, there are two great blasphemies growing around the world that will lead to hearing God say-“I know you not”- on that day we all stand before Him. If I did not, let me mention them again. The first is “Replacement Theology” which believes that Israel is no longer the ‘Apple of God’s Eye’. If we had time, I would give you a hundred or so verses that dispute this misconception.

The second is equally dangerous - that there are many roads that lead to God. It is believed by these folks that it does not matter what guru you might choose to follow, they are all anointed gods and will lead to the promise land. Jesus blew this out of water when He said ,“I am the way, the truth and the life, NO ONE COMES TO THE FATHER EXCEPT THROUGH ME.” (John 14:6).

But I would add a third growing misconception in the minds of many people that came out of the ‘I’m okay, your okay’ movement of several decades ago. The misconception that ‘to believe’ in the Lord Jesus Christ is enough to gain access to God’s eternal kingdom. Notice how James would respond to this statement, “You believe that God is one, you do well; the demons also believe, and shudder”. (2:19) What does your daily life say?

Jesus had a great deal to say about this subject. In His Sermon on the Mount He said, “Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. So then, you will know them by their fruits”. What fruit does your life show?

Sooooo, my young friends, how’s your planting program? Have you checked out Paul’s words, “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked: for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap.” (Galatians 6:7) The Psalmist challenges those who love the Lord to be as “trees firmly planted by steams of water in which yields its fruit in its season”. (Psalm 1:3)

Blessings

Gramps