Playlist: Fruit, Not Bearing (topic)
Responding to God's Pruning Is Not Passive (Part One)
Sermon by David F. MaasI am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in Me and I in Him bears much fruit, for apart from Me, cut off from vital union with Me, you can do nothing. Even those who have been cleansed can still be thrown into the fire if they do not bear sufficient fruit. The branches cannot bear fruit independently; they must …
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.
Producing Fruit
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe call to produce fruit is central to our spiritual journey, for it is not enough merely to be swept clean of sin. If we remain idle after being cleansed, we risk becoming worse off than before, as an empty life invites the return of negative influences with greater force. Uselessness invites disaster, and without bearing …
Responding to God's Pruning Is Not Passive (Part Two)
Sermon by David F. MaasHebrews 6:7-8 paints a sobering metaphor of the dire consequences that follow a lifetime of neglecting self-examination and failing to cultivate the godly fruit of the Spirit. When one allows the works of the flesh—likened to spiritual thorns, thistles, and weeds—to overtake their life, it reshapes their character …
A Time to Grow
Sermonette by Ryan McClureHorticulture is not so easy as merely planting a seed and watching it grow. Tending and keeping implies continually watering, fertilizing, and cultivating.
The Vinedresser - Revisited
Sermonette by Clyde FinkleaDr. Bruce Wilkinson explains that 'takes away' should be more properly rendered 'takes up,' meaning new grape vines are lifted out of the dirt.
Hear the Word
Sermonette by Mark SchindlerWe must invest as much energy into understanding the messages as went into preparing them, regardless of the idiosyncrasies of those delivering them.
Controlling the Weeds
Sermonette by Mike FordThe entangling cares of the world draw off nutrients from our spiritual garden. Without daily tending, the spiritual weeds get out of control.
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.
Hebrews (Part Fourteen): Chapter 2, A Mind Bending Purpose (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Without a meaningful relationship with Christ, God's people cannot possibly bear fruit. Our responsibility is to yield to God's creative work in our lives.
Hebrews: Its Background (Part Nine)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe Book of Hebrews is a must-read for all members of God's church who seek the key for spiritual growth through a meaningful relationship with Jesus Christ.
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.
Teachings From Tabernacles (2021)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by David C. GrabbeIf we neglect our cultivation of spiritual fruit during the year, the harvest will reflect that. The fruit of one's labors will be evident at harvest time.
Five Easily-Neglected Doctrines
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Here are five easily neglected doctrines, which, if carelessly observed or distorted, could jeopardize the salvation of God's people.
What Is the Work of God Now? (Part Five)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughNeglecting to feed the flock has been detrimental to preaching the gospel to the world. Because of neglect, members succumb to feeling insignificant.
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.
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.
A Reminder and a Warning to Be Prepared
Sermon by Clyde FinkleaThe Feast of Trumpets signifies a spiritual alarm, admonishing us to repent, reflect, and prepare for the Day of the Lord, a horrendous time of judgment.
God's Rest (Part 4)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughCoveting—lust—is a fountainhead of many other sins. Desiring things is not wrong, but desiring someone else's things promotes overtly sinful behavior.
Hebrews (Part Ten): Chapters 1 and 2
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)God created angels as ministering spirits to take care of the heirs of salvation. The Bible is filled with examples of angels rescuing God's people from harm.
Hebrews (Part Fifteen): Chapter 2, A Mind Bending Purpose (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Even though we must cooperate in cultivating spiritual fruit, God alone creates character and takes responsibility for creating spiritual offspring.
Psalm Genres (Part Two): Imprecatory Psalms
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughPsalms of Imprecation consists of calling on God to judge one's enemies, not as personal vengeance, but for God to act against evil.
Many Are Called, But Few Are Chosen (Part Two)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsDespite the Council of Laodicea's condemnation of the Sabbath, a group of believers termed Paulicians kept God's laws and resisted the heresy from Rome.