While dragon fruit may need to repent, this is not the fruit I’m talking about.
In the Bible, fruit refers to more than a sweet edible what grows on trees. Fruit also refers to the way we live our lives. Do we live our lives for Christ, or do we live our lives for Satan, the dragon, or ourselves?
To repent also is far more than just being sorry. To repent means to change our mind on what we’re doing. It’s what the Apostle Paul calls renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2). It’s changing the way we think about sin.
John the Baptist said, “Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance.” (Luke 3:8)
The fruit of repentance is then the starting point of a Christian’s journey. It is admitting we’re not walking with God and our need for the sacrifice Jesus made for our sins. If such repentance has occurred then what John the Baptist said would become evident, that is, we’d be seeing its fruit in our lives.
In Matthew 7:20 Jesus said, “By their fruits you will know them.”
Going back to John the Baptist’s message, he went on to tell us not to rely on anything else for our salvation.
“Do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’” (Luke 3:8)
While our family tree may have those who are Christians, it doesn’t mean that we are. And just because we may be better than the next person doesn’t make us righteous. The only thing that makes us righteous is our belief in Jesus Christ. It is our confession and repentance of sin, and our acceptance of Jesus that accomplishes that.
Can I just say that the Bible knows nothing of a faith that does not lead to a changed life.
Jesus said, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word.” (John 14:23)
The Apostle James said, “Faith without deeds is dead.” (James 2:26)
And there is an outright urgency in John the Baptist voice when he said, “Even now the ax is laid to the root of the trees. Therefore, every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.” (Luke 3:9)
So, let’s not wait any longer to make this change. Let’s take John the Baptist’s advice and “Prepare the way of the Lord; make His paths straight.” (Luke 3:4)
Dennis Lee is the senior pastor of Living Waters Fellowship located at 211 West 1st South, behind ACE Hardware.
This Sunday at 10 a.m., Pastor Dennis will be looking at Enoch, and his walk of faith.
Sunday morning service begins at 10 a.m. either in-person or on-line (Children and Youth ministry available). All services and teachings, including Sunday 6 p.m. service, are available on our YouTube Channel, “Mesquite NV Living Waters Fellowship.”
Pastor Lee also provides daily inspiration (Devotionals, Thoughts, and Tweets) on his Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/dennis.lee.3760/).
A refreshing reminder of Who we serve and why.
Wes,
I always have to go back to the basics and get these gentle, yet profound, reminders. Thanks for always being there. Take care and God Bless
Dennis
Great message that is certainly relevant for living a Godly life. Thank you for your weekly messages. I look forward to reading them every week!!
Ed,
God always has a timely word for every one of us. I pray God’s healing hand upon You, as we as always wait for His perfect time and plan.
Take care my friend and God bless
Dennis
In regards to the fact that we cannot depend on the faith of our family members who are Christians for our salvation, I am reminded that Jesus calls each and every one of us individually. In Mark 8:27, when Jesus and His disciples were on their way to the towns of Caesarea Philippi, Jesus first asked them, “Who do men say that I am?”. After they gave them their answer as to what other men have said, Jesus then made it personal. In verse 29 He asks them, “But who do you say that I am?” Then we see Peter answering Jesus saying, “You are the Christ.” When we stand before God, we stand before Him alone. We will not be able to depend on the faith of others, but only our own personal faith in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.
In regards to faith without works being dead as the apostle James points out, I am reminded of what the apostle Paul said in Ephesians 2:8-9, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” Sometimes we can look at those 2 scriptures and forget the very next verse, 10 that makes it very clear that our faith and works go hand in hand. “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” God did not save us just as an insurance policy of our entrance into Heaven, He called us for a plan and a purpose that our lives would be lived in such a way that true transformation would take place that would be evident to others of what we say we believe.
Debbie,
Thank you for the two wonderful insights. I pray you have a great rest of your day, and I am praying for Ken’s healing.
God bless
Dennis
Pastor Dennis
Thanks for this reminder of baring fruit.
We need to be more then reading the Word of God, but being DOERS of the word
Blessings
James
Thank you James. You are correct, there are many who say they believe in God and His word, but do not follow it up in the way they live and deal with others. Have a great day. God bless.
it is important for us to understand repentance as a heart felt sorrow for sin. It carries the meaning “to turn back, away from, or toward” In the religious sense. It involves both our thoughts and actions in following Jesus and God’s will. This intertwining of our thoughts and actions with Christ is all about relationship. And relationship is everything!
As Christ’s salvation is an inward change that produces an outward testimony, John’s baptism was an outward sign of an inward change. That change comes about by repentance.
John certainly guarded against people being baptized for outward appearances without an inward change.
You’re right, repentance is the beginning of our Christian journey. As far following John’s “advice”, I think it would be better said to follow John’s “example.” The Isaiah passage was a clear prophecy of John’s ministry.
But, as John prepared the way for Jesus Christ to come, his message also prepared the hearts of those who would receive him. In that same spirit empowered by the Spirit of Christ, we who believe are called to share the message of God’s love searching for and leading those who would receive Jesus Christ through repentance and faith in him – to a new life filled with good fruit/works. Be blessed.
Tom,
Thank you for your insight into this doctrine of repentance.
I hope you have a great day.
Take care and God bless
Dennis