Why Did Jesus Curse a Fig Tree (Mark 11:12-14)?
Bible Questions & AnswersOutward appearance does not count with God. Instead, what really counts is whether or not one produces godly fruit in his or her life.
The Cursed Tree
'Ready Answer' by Dan ElmoreJesus' cursing of the fig tree has puzzled and even disturbed Bible readers for centuries, as it just does not seem to be something our Savior would do.
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.
How to Survive Exile
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod exiles to punish for sin, separating individuals and groups from Him in order to spur repentance. There is something to exile that God finds very good.
Lamentations (Part One)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe book's five acrostic songs (chapters) answer the question, 'Why did this happen?' God brought the punishment on Judah because of gross and sustained sin.
Unity and Division: The Blessing and a Curse (Part Two)
'Ready Answer' by Charles WhitakerA curious phenomenon ties together several biblical stories: God makes a judgment and divides His people into two groups, often splitting them down the middle!
Psalms: Book Three (Part One)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughBook Three of the Psalms deals with the somber theme of judgment on a people who have rejected their God and have produced much rotten spiritual fruit.
Lessons From Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim
Sermon by Charles Whitaker (1944-2021)If God's Law has not been written in our hearts, the corporate entity in which we find ourselves will not save us from the wrong side of the judgmental cut.
The Book of Joel (Part One)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWhen Joel describes the devastating locust plagues, instead of promising a silver lining on a very black cloud, he says things are going to get intensely worse.