THE FRUIT OF TREES

THE FRUIT OF TREES

Thursday, February 02, 2017

Matthew 7:18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.

  “Why do people do good or bad things?” To which Grandmother often answered “It’s the root of the matter Sonny.” Little did I realize then that she was reflecting Jesus’ teaching recorded by Matthew. (Chapter 7) Due to Grandmother’s teaching and later discovering the truth in God’s Word, I have been able to correctly answer the question for individuals, in Sunday School and jail.

  Last evening in beneficial class on 1John led by Pastor Bob, he illustrated the issue in another way. On the white board he marked a row of arcs to show that everybody has a story. Above all he drew a long arc, saying that most do not have an overarching story, the truth of sound doctrine found only in Scripture.

  Here’s the illustration I use:

ACTIONS

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ATTITUDE

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BELIEFS

  Why do we do what we do? Because we believe it is okay, doable. Our worldview and eternal view are made up of our beliefs >>> From them flows our attitude about self, others, life here and beyond >>> From which streams our actions.

  Jesus explained this issue to the adulterous Samaritan woman at the well. His conversation included reminding her of her past and present life. She had raised a major question on worship, the argument of place thereof. Jesus responded “If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water. … Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. … Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.“(Please read in context of John chapter 4)

  I now look out the window at my two apple trees. I can’t see the roots. I can see the trees. I saw they have yet to bear good fruit, instead providing a few puny withered inedible pomes. If they don’t change I will cut them down. But then just maybe it is a root problem yet to be examined?

EBB4

For further consideration, read of sound doctrine: 1Tim.1:10; 2Tim.4:3; Tit.1:9; 2:1