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Parable of the Barren Fig Tree
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsThe Parable of the Barren Fig Tree, as found in Luke 13:6-9, carries a profound message within the teachings of Jesus. He spoke of a man who had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came seeking fruit on it but found none. For three years, he returned, hoping to find fruit, yet the tree remained barren. Frustrated, he said to the vinedresser, "Look, for three years I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree and find none. Cut it down; why does it use up the ground?" But the vinedresser answered, "Sir, let it alone this year also, until I dig around it and fertilize it. And if it bears fruit, well. But if not, after that you can cut it down." This parable, nestled among Jesus' teachings on repentance and the urgency of bearing spiritual fruit, underscores the patience and mercy extended to those who have yet to produce good works, while also warning of the consequences of persistent unfruitfulness. It serves as a call to awaken and respond before the time of opportunity passes.
Lessons From Roots (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeIf we are intent on bearing fruit, we can do some things to make sure that we are not inhibiting the process. We find them in one of the fig tree parables.
Lessons From Roots (Part Three)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeImagine a man studying the Bible for two hours a day. But if he then spends his other waking hours watching cartoons, he will derive little benefit from study.
All Leaves, No Fruit
Sermonette by Bill OnisickJesus cursed the fig tree because it lacked fruit and produced only leaves. It symbolized pharisaical hypocrisy, where works and talk are not in alignment.
Responding to God's Pruning Is Not Passive (Part One)
Sermon by David F. MaasOur Heavenly Father, the Vine Dresser, has provided His junior partners some valuable tools to assist in pruning and cultivating His emerging spiritual crop.
Magic Doesn't Work (Part Three)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughMagic is always used as some kind of weapon, but not to build or develop moral strength or character. God chooses a life-long process of sanctification.
Producing Fruit
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughTo be made clean only prepares us for producing fruit. If we stand still, simply resting on our justification, the dark forces will pull us backwards.
Patience With Growth
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughFruit maturation takes time. Waiting for the fruit is just part of the story; while we wait, we must also work, including thinning and pruning.
Don't Stand Still!
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe best way to conquer evil is to do righteousness, serving God and mankind. Sins of omission are every bit as devastating as sins of commission.
Matthew (Part Twenty-Seven)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughJesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem fulfilled prophecies. The crowds welcoming Jesus were actually choosing the Paschal Lamb of God on Abib/Nisan 10.
Our Heavenly Citizenship
Sermonette by Austin Del CastilloThe rampant disorder in America may encourage God's people to choose political sides, but doing so may place them in a position of opposing God's will.
God Expects a Return on His Investment (Part One)
Sermon by David F. MaasWe have the obligation to bear spiritual fruit, heeding the lessons of the cursing of the fig tree, and the parables of the barren fig tree and the talents.
Four Views of Christ (Part 4)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJesus sets a pattern for us by serving without thought of authority, power, position, status, fame, or gain, but as a patient, enduring, faithful servant.
Our Heavenly Citizenship
'Ready Answer' by Austin Del CastilloMembers of the church must focus on their identity in Christ and producing spiritual fruit even during such tumultuous times, not governments of men.
Spiritual Fine Tuning
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by David F. MaasAs maturing Christians, we are called to lay aside the childlike tendency to over-correct, violently and impulsively moving from one ditch to the other.
Four Views of Christ (Part 5)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughLuke's gospel portrays Christ as the son of man, the high priest of man, and the savior of man, having all the feelings, compassions, and aspirations of man.
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Twenty)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Our supreme objective in godly living is attainment and cultivation of wisdom, which consists of attributes giving us skill in living.
Bearing Much Fruit
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeHaving strong spiritual roots (being thoroughly tapped into Jesus Christ) allows us not only to survive, but to bear fruit.