August 20, 2020 - WHERE’S THE FRUIT?

 

Day 233 - (Today’s Bible readings: Lamentations 3:25-39; Psalm 49; Colossians 1:15-23)

WHERE’S THE FRUIT?

On the following day, when they came from Bethany, he was hungry. And seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to see if he could find anything on it. When he came to it, he found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs. And he said to it, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again.” And his disciples heard it. (Mark 11:12-14 ESV)

The curse and destruction of the fig tree warns Jesus’ disciples of impending judgement against the temple and the unfaithful people. 

●  Works without faith are truly fruitless. 

●  True faith, and the life that flows from it, cannot be separated. 

●  They are the good and gracious gifts of our heavenly Father. 

James put it this way: 

“So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” (James 2:17 ESV)

Paul Speratus got it right back in the 1500's when he wrote:

Faith clings to Jesus’ cross alone

And rests in Him unceasing;

And by its fruits true faith is known,

With love and hope increasing.

For faith alone can justify;

Works serve our neighbor and supply

The proof that faith is living.

(Salvation unto Us Has Come, Lutheran Service Book, CPH, 2006, #555, stanza 9)

Lord, may my life show the fruit of my faith. Yes, may I live my life for Jesus who died and rose for me. Amen.

NEW LINK to St. Paul’s 9 am online Sunday Worship Service:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88676558248

IN CHURCH SUNDAY SERVICE and Parking Lot Worship Service 9 am 

both with Holy Communion

IN CHURCH WEDNESDAY SERVICE 7 pm with Holy Communion

Youtube link to all previously recorded services:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNFbkeFTQAhiGc7bafdvlPkfwnuiDfTQ9

Pastor David Paape 

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105 ), is the theme for this three-year journey through the entire Old Testament once (the Psalms - twice yearly), and the New Testament twice. There will be daily readings from the O.T., Psalms and the N.T. Special days on the church calendar will be highlighted with appropriate readings. This calendar has been compiled by representatives of the Lutheran Church of Canada, the North American Lutheran Church and the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. Please click this link for the daily reading calendar:

https://blogs.lcms.org/2017/lcms-lcc-and-nalc-compile-three-year-schedule-of-daily-bible-readings

Then scroll down to 2020 Bible Reading Calendar and download it if you so wish. The “assigned” daily readings will appear on a daily basis in this blog. May the Lord bless your meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!