You may not be here next year or Don't let God have to cut you down

St Luke 13:6-9

Every Christian should learn this parable. It reminds us to do a self-exam. We should give an account of the fruit that we bear. We are the branches, Christ is the vine. Jesus warns us about being unfruitful. "Saying every branch that does not bear fruit is taken away. And every branch that beareth fruit is purged that it may bring forth much fruit."

In the text, we must understand that we represent the fig tree. There is a consequence for not being fruitful. The owner of the vineyard (God) talks with the keeper (Christ) of the vineyard (Church) and says, "these three years, I have come to get fruit and there is none. Then He says cut it down. Why let it take up space?"  We know that there are people who hold positions in the church and don't get anything done. And some people say they are working but there is no evidence. The complainers are many, but the true workers are few. Verse 8. "And he answering said unto him, Lord let it alone this year also, till I dig about it, and dung it." Verse 9. "And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shall cut it down."

We must understand how Christ pleads mercy on our behalf. He gives us the power of the Holy Ghost to be fruitful and accountable. We are unworthy to serve God but through Christ, we can be fruitful.

Faithfulness - in service

Obedient - to leadership

love which is the fruit of the Spirit

thunder the baptist

putting the Lord's business in the street