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. 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.
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.
Lessons From Roots (Part One)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeFruit is not produced immediately; it is produced only when a plant is both mature and stable enough that mere survival is no longer its top priority.
Parable of the Barren Fig Tree
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsIn the Parable of the Barren Fig Tree, Jesus does not attribute tragedy directly to any person's sins as the Jews did; instead, He affirms the sinfulness of everyone.
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 FinkleaClyde Finklea revisits the interpretation of John 15:2 , which reads in most translations, "every branch that does not bear fruit, He takes way." This is assumed by many to mean "get rid of." Dr. Bruce Wilkinson, in his book, The Secrets of the Vine, explains that "takes away" should be more …
Conditions of Discipleship (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by Mike FuhrerIf our worship of God ends in slavish obedience, so does our salvation! While He wants us to obey, God is not looking for obedient drudges but loyal children.
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.
The Vinedresser
CGG Weekly by Clyde FinkleaJohn 15:2 may seem to say that the Vinedresser cuts off every barren branch, but the Greek behind "takes away" shows something else. Here is what God does.
Parable of the Sower
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsWhen the gospel of the coming Kingdom of God is preached in all the world, the ears that hear it are not always receptive of this priceless knowledge.
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.
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.
Weeds!
Article by Mike Ford (1955-2021)We must weed out detrimental habits that choke our lives. If we want to produce quality fruit, we must weed the garden!
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.
Many Are Called, Few Are Chosen
'Ready Answer' by John O. Reid (1930-2016)God's calling and predestination can be confusing, especially the verse that 'many are called, but few are chosen'. Why does God not just choose everyone?
Hebrews (Part Fourteen): Chapter 2, A Mind Bending Purpose (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWithout 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.
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.
Five Easily-Neglected Doctrines
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughHere are five easily neglected doctrines, which, if carelessly observed or distorted, could jeopardize the salvation of God's people.
Hebrews (Part Ten): Chapters 1 and 2
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod 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.
Teachings From Tabernacles
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.