Are WE PRODUCING PROPER FRUIT?

 

I truly believe God built our church. South Memorial has been in existence for more than 114 years. It has been sustained by faithful followers of Jesus. Each generation has added to the legacy of this church. God has turned this church over to multiple pastors during that time in order to manage what he created. In turn the senior pastors have tried to shepherd the flocks of people to do kingdom work, HIS KINGDOM WORK. It is an awesome and sometimes intimidating responsibility for all of us, not just the senior pastor or the staff. 

Today I was reading the Parable of the Evil Farmers from Matthew 21. The landowner built a beautiful farm filled with a vineyard, protection, and all the tools needed to run a successful operation. When he leased the farm to some tenant farmers, they abused their position and neglected to follow through with their part of the agreement. Not only that, but these evil farmers beat anyone who came representing the landowner seeking his share of the crops. Eventually, they killed the landowners son. 

Sound familiar? Didn't we do the same thing to Jesus. 2000 years ago Jesus was outright rejected and now we reject Jesus in much the same way, even if it is more subtle. 

"Then Jesus asked them, 'Didn't you ever read this in the Scriptures? 'The stone that the builders rejected has now become the cornerstone. This is the Lord's doing, and it is wonderful to see.' I tell you, the Kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a nation that will produce the proper fruit. Anyone who stumbles over that stone will be broken to pieces, and it will crush anyone it falls on.' When the leading priests and Pharisees heard this parable, they realized he was telling the story against them -- they were the wicked farmers." (Matthew 21:42-45, NLT)

Are we the WICKED FARMERS?

Verse 43 really stuck with me this morning. It says GOD will take away this gift he has given us (the Church) if we fail to "PRODUCE PROPER FRUIT." Are we producing the proper fruit? OR, are we treating God's KINGDOM, HIS CHURCH, like the EVIL FARMERS. Are we taking what he has given us and ignoring our responsibility to him and his kingdom? Yes, I was so excited to baptize 6 people on Sunday afternoon, but the Lord knows there is more than just baptism. There is more than even the first steps of salvation. What are we doing to further spread the Gospel far and wide? What are we doing to MAKE DISCIPLES? Are we diligently working the fields to yield the PROPER FRUIT? 

Lord please help us adequately use the resources you have given us for his kingdom. Please, Lord, help us to use the wealth, the talents, the gifts, the love we have so that we might grow your kingdom. We do not want to be like the Pharisees focused on everything except the right thing. Amen!

____________________________________________

If you haven't repented of your sin, accepted what Jesus did for you on the cross, dying for your sins, or if you have not committed your life to Jesus, TODAY could be that day. give your life to the Lord. 

"because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved." (Romans 10:9-10, ESV)

If you gave your life to Jesus today, text the word "faith" to (765)-896-4302 and we will follow up with material for you and join you in your walk of faith!