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HOW'S YOUR FRUIT?
By Alan Yusko

Are you a Christian? Then, how's your fruit? Are you producing Godly fruit? Do you love sound doctrine? Do you seek God's will for your life? Do you look forward to being with your Saviour? Do you serve God as He has revealed your 'job' and personal ministry?

Matt 7
15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

HOW IS YOUR FRUIT?

A true Christian will produce good fruit. It is as natural as an apple tree producing apples. Below is some examples of Godly fruit that will naturally come out of a Christian's life.

Gal 5
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

In light of all these things Christians are clearly warned about false prophets, false teachers, and deceivers. One day the Lord Jesus will profess to them that He never knew them at all. These wolves will look like Christians, they will sound like Christians, they will walk in Christian circles and be accepted and loved. However, they are filled with evil fruit. These wolves feed themselves and could care less about the God of heaven and earth.

OBSERVATIONS OF THE SAVED:

An interesting point is a person cannot look at another person and see their heart. They can, however, look and see some fruit from their lives. In the below Scripture the Lord Jesus tells His people that we can see fruit from others.

Matt 7
18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

Just watch the fruit of people and use that to protect yourself and your family from the 'popular' wolves preaching heresy out there. Here are some things to watch for:

- Watch their doctrine: Wolves are very slick and fast talkers. They always preach and introduce heresies. To protect yourself then be a Berean. Find out what the Bible teaches about the basics of the Christian faith. Then when a wolf starts to deny the foundations of the faith then mark that as evil fruit and BEWARE! Let me remind you that a person cannot see another's heart, but we all can look around and see the fruit produced by a person's life. Sound Biblical doctrine is an important piece of Godly fruit! Doctrine is a fruit. Some have truth loving hearts. While others (wolves) have cold, hard, unteachable hearts who are set in the way of errors.

- Watch for money lovers. We all need money. Wolves, however have a special desire for money. They don't love God and they don't serve Him. Even though they speak great glowing words about their 'love' for God, it is all just a show and a sham. What the wolve loves is temporal things such as money, riches, treasures. Many popular wolves these days who are also traveling preachers have great riches. They are loaded down with jewelry, have big houses, possibly even a 'jet'. Yet they can beg and raise donations like an experienced beggar. They may call it 'seed faith' or 'giving to God' but it is all the same thing. The money will go into the pocket of the wolf.

I won't create a long list, but the above points are enough to sound some warning bells. Beware and stay far away from wolves!

IMPERFECT PEOPLE

Also remember that as Christians, we are imperfect people. Each and every one of us sins and fails God. No one here is perfect. We keep walking with God. We fall, repent, then get up and keep on walking. The difference between a Christian and a non-Christian is the Christian does not love sin. Christians have a deep burden in their heart to serve God and to live a life that is pleasing to Him. Here are some points to aid a person in their walk with God. By doing these things a person will grow and mature in Christ:

- Read the Bible each and every day. The Bible is Spiritual food. A person needs to eat to grow. So, eat your Spiritual food and you will grow up and mature in Christ. I used to be a counsellor in our Church years ago. When an altar call was given many came forward. Some came for salvation and others came for re-dedication. On each and every case where a person wanted to rededicate their life to Christ, they had stopped reading the Bible. People who backslide do not read the Bible on a daily basis. By doing this each and every day you will grow and will gain spiritual light for your walk and protection.

- Pray every day. Prayer simply is talking to God and making your requests and supplications known to Him. Prayer should be done each and every day and it should be done all day long. Talk to God in the morning, during the day, and at night!

- Attend a Bible believing church. One of the signs of the last days are the fact that many are falling away and rejecting sound doctrine. Many churches are also falling away and going apostate. A person may have to search but there are still some good Churches out there. Find one and attend it regularly.

- Witness to the lost as God gives opportunity. Each of us can witness in special ways. Some are good at going door-to-door, others are good with gospel tracts, others are good at one-to-one presentations. Pray for the lost people you encounter in your life. Pray that God will open their hearts that they may accept the Lord Jesus and the gift of salvation. Develop a burden for lost souls!

- Serve God as He leads. We all have different talents and God will use each of us in different ways. Be open to His leading and use your gifts and talents for His glory! Here are some examples: Are you an artist? If so, then don't just paint pictures of barns and flowers. Instead use your talent to glorify God. Make paintings that illustrate Biblical truth that will be a blessing to people. Are you a singer with a really great voice? If so then don't waste your talent. Use your voice to sing in a Godly manner for the Lord. Whatever your talent(s) may be, strive to use them for the glory of God.

If you do the above then you cannot help but live a blessed live in service to God!

CONCLUSION

The Lord Jesus will be coming back very soon! Strive to serve Him in these closing days. Avoid evil and avoid wolves and false teachers. There is no shortage of wolves in these days of apostasy! Soon we will all stand before God in our home, heaven! The goal should be to hear the: 'well done, faithful servant' from God.

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