JESUS CHRIST THE ALPHA AND OMEGA: TESTIFYING OF HIS GLORY AND MAVELOUS DEEDS

Isaiah 5:1-7; Phil. 3:4-14; Matt. 21:33-46

Introduction

"One most devastating situations in life is getting no yield after investing so much." Businessman expresses his frustration."

A businessman sets out to invest money and time in a business with so much expectation of getting good returns at the end of the month. He employs highly qualified personnel and pays them so well having in mind the competition of crossing carpets among employees. At the end of the month, gets nothing from the business. After making a good assessment of all activities hoping to get a good return, this was the year he even went negative. Putting all the needed resources together in order to revamp the business the following year, he goes bankrupt. What do you think the Businessman will do to the employees?

Today, in God's message, we are being urged to 'Producing Fruit'.

Based on the context of the people, Jesus gave the parable in Matthew 21:33-46 to explain that without producing fruits one will lose the kingdom. He used the parable to teach that one's acceptance of Christ and being part of the Church is not the end but producing fruits in addition.

Isaiah explains, "The vineyard of the LORD Almighty is the nation of Israel [the World, where we find ourselves], and the people of Judah [the Christian] are the vines he delighted in." Isaiah 5:7 (NIV)

God awaits you and me to bring to Him good fruits. Never assume that after salvation it is finished, you're expected to bear fruit as you;

a, Become like Christ

b, Demonstrate victorious Christian living always

c, Lead others to Christ (Evangelism & Mission)

Producing Fruits

You are strategically Placed to Produce Fruits. God provides you every logistics you may need to produce good fruits. Isaiah explains where God has placed you in order to produce good fruit. "He dug it (you) up and cleared it (you) of stones and planted it (you) with the choicest vines. He built a watchtower in it (you) and cut out a winepress as well." Isaiah 5:2 (NIV) All that you are to do is produce the fruits. 'Count your blessings and name them one by one...'

Divine Patience On Humanity

Unfruitfulness brought these words from Jesus in a parable, "Cut it down! Why should it use up the soil?" Luke 13:7 

There is no justifiable excuse for unfruitfulness. Meanwhile, God is patient to us in demand for good fruits from us all the time. "‘Sir,’ the man replied, ‘leave it alone for one more year, and I’ll dig around it and fertilize it." Luke 13:8 (NIV) 

Precious one, this divine patience of God has limits "If it bears fruit next year, fine! If not, then cut it down.’” Luke 13:9 (NIV)

How many chances have you wasted to produce good fruits?

Producing Fruits

The onus lies on us as individuals to produce fruits. We need to embrace the responsibility of producing good fruits in order to be worthy before God.

Paul explains in Phil 3:4-7, that the choice of producing good fruits is with us. He narrates where he used to channel his energy which he now counts them as a loss. 

In order to produce fruits, you ought "to know Christ - yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead." Philippians 3:10-11

Jesus cautions, “Therefore I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit. Anyone who falls on this stone [not producing fruits] will be broken to pieces; anyone on whom it falls will be crushed.” Matthew 21:43-44 (NIV)

Conclusion

God has given you and I one more chance to 'press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called us heavenward in Christ Jesus and that is to produce fruit.' God has given you and I one more chance to 'press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called us heavenward in Christ Jesus and that is to produce fruit.' 

"You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit —fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you."

John 15:16 (NIV)

Shalom aleichem...

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