You May Know The Tree, By It's Fruit

How do I know?

This is a question that comes up every now and then. It comes in many forms, but in essence, it is the same question. How do I know?

How do I know I'm in the right Church?
How do I know that the Child of God talking to me, IS a Child of God?
How do I know I AM a Child of God?

The Answer is the same to all versions of this question. It is an answer that Jesus Himself gave us. It is a pretty simple one, and one easy to understand.

"You will know them by their fruits."

Pretty easy concept, is it not. He was talking about False Prophets. He was talking about false Religions. He even told us that these fakers would rise. He said this.

"Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore by their fruits you will know them." {Matthew 7:15-20}

If you want an Apple, do you go to an Orange Tree? If you want an Orange, do you go to a Mango Tree? There are many plants out there that produce poisonous fruit. Don't ever eat Horse nettle Tomatoes, Or Holly Berries. It will not turn out good. Why did Jesus tell us this?

"For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect." {Matthew 24:24}

What Jesus is talking about here is Religion and Religious Leaders. Remember this exchange between Jesus and the Religious Leaders of His day?

"Then came together unto him the Pharisees, and certain of the scribes, which came from Jerusalem. And when they saw some of his disciples eat bread with defiled, that is to say, with unwashen, hands, they found fault.

For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, except they wash their hands oft, eat not, holding the tradition of the elders. And when they come from the market, except they wash, they eat not. And many other things there be, which they have received to hold, as the washing of cups, and pots, brasen vessels, and of tables. Then the Pharisees and scribes asked him, Why walk not thy disciples according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashen hands?

He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do. And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition." {Mark 7:1-9}

How do I know I'm in the right Church?

First, how did you find that Church? Were you invited by a friend of family member? Did you just decide to walk in? Was there a draw to it. A nudge, or pull of the Spirit? Second, Pray about it. Ask God if this is the Church you should be a part of? Third, and the most obvious, what does the Church DO? Is it merely a place to go to "Hear the Word?" Or is it a Church that actually DOES something. Are they feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, setting captives free? What fruit do they produce?

You see, just like the Natural World, there is fruit in the Spirit Realm. There are good fruit and bad fruit. Fruit that can nourish and assist in life giving benefits, and poisonous fruit that can, and will, lead to death.

"Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God."

Now we could do a Seventeen Part Series just on the Works or, fruit, of the flesh. For today, I'm sure you can understand why any of these will cause destruction and death in your life. However, there are good fruit..

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law." {Galatians 5:19-23}

How do I know if the Child of God I'm talking to, is actually a Child of God? What are they producing? What do they say, vs, what do they do? Jesus told us that we may eat whatever we want. We can even eat with unwashed hands. This may make us sick, but it does not defile us. Jesus put it this way..

"There is nothing from without a man, that entering into him can defile him: but the things which come out of him, those are they that defile the man. If any man have ears to hear, let him hear. 

And when he was entered into the house from the people, his disciples asked him concerning the parable. And he saith unto them, Are ye so without understanding also? Do ye not perceive, that whatsoever thing from without entereth into the man, it cannot defile him; Because it entereth not into his heart, but into the belly, and goeth out into the draught, purging all meats?

And he said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man. For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: All these evil things come from within, and defile the man." {Mark 7:15-23}

So what is Jesus telling us. He tells us that the bad fruit, the works of the flesh, come from the Heart of a Man. They are as natural to Mankind as Holly Berries are to the Holly Plant. God recognized this before and following the Flood when He made this statement..

"And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And it repented the Lord that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart." {Genesis 6:5-6}

Then after...

"And the Lord smelled a sweet savour; and the Lord said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man's sake; for the imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth; neither will I again smite any more every thing living, as I have done." {Genesis 8:21}

So evil is our way. The flesh produces Sin. Without a full conversion, a renewing of the Heart and Mind, Mankind will never produce anything else. It is only by the Blood of The Christ, through accepting the Spirit of Adoption that can only come through accepting Jesus's sacrifice for us, that we can even hope to produce the Fruit of the Spirit.

Remember, the Devil knows God. He knows Jesus. He can quote the Bible Chapter and Verse. He was there when it was written. Does this mean He produces good fruit? Does this mean he is Saved? Does this mean He does good works? Of course not. Therefore,

"Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world." {1 John 4:1}

How do I know if I am a Child of God? First, Do you know Jesus as your Savior? Have you been adopted into the Family of God? If not, say this Prayer. Right now. Wherever you may be. Say it in your own words, and do not doubt in your heart. God will hear you. He will send the Spirit of Life to you. Let us Pray..

"Oh heavenly Father, Lord God. I am a sinner. I know this. I know there is nothing I can do to change that. But I know you can. I accept Jesus's sacrifice for me. I repent my sins. Please send the Spirit of Adoption into my life. Help me to get to know the real you. Save me. Please. In the name of Jesus, Amen!"

That's it. It really is that simple. Now go tell someone what you have just done. "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." {Romans 10:9} You need to find a Church that God leads you to, and be Baptized the way Jesus said to be. You are now a Child of God. A new Creature. You "have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him." {Colossians 3:10}

Now what are you, or what are you going to produce. See, being a Child of God is NOT a Day a Week, and hour to two hours, if you feel like going. It is NOT, singing Hymns, praising God, and going Home. It is NOT Claiming Jesus, that makes you a Child of God. It is you LIVING for Him. It is a 24-7 relationship with God. It is producing good fruit. It is Sowing the Seed, Telling the Truth, and showing the way.

What kind of Tree are you? Check your Fruit..

If you want to contact me, or comment, question, give testimonials, or just say "Hi," the Email is opntalk@gmail.com

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen. {2 Corinthians 13}

Until next time, be Blessed, be a Blessing, and Jesus IS Lord..

Merry Christmas To You and Yours

Matthew 1:18-25

Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. 

Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily. 

But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins.

Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,

Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name Jesus.

Luke 2:1-14

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

May you all have a very Merry Christmas, and always remember, there is nothing wrong with lights on the Tree, nor Presents under it, as long as you never forget, the reason for the season is the Gift God gave to all mankind. Merry Christmas and a very Happy and Healthy New Year. Be Blessed, be a Blessing, and Jesus IS Lord.

Peter

Love Not The World

Nor the things in it.

Is it normal? Human Nature? To LOVE the World. To LOVE the things in it? To dream of having more and more of it? Money, Things, Lusts, Living Life "To the fullest." "Hey, you only got one life. Live it up." Right?

Well, Yes. Yes it is Human Nature. Yes it is normal. We are born into and of the World. Of course we want it all. However, if you are now a Child of God, you are no longer OF the World, but merely in it. Remember the Tenth Commandment?

"Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour's." {Exodus 20:17}

Ahab coveted Naboth's field, which lead to bearing false witness, which lead to the Murder of Naboth. David coveted Bathsheba, which lead to Uriah being killed for the Sin of David. It also cost David the life of his Son. You see, when you start coveting something, it then leads to other Sins. Thoughts, Deeds, Death.

Jesus warned us of this as well..

"Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth." {Luke 12:15}

And plainly,

"No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon." {Matthew 6:24}

This is why John warns us....

"Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.  For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever." {1 John 2:15–17}

He was most likely touching on the Parable of the Rich Man who was building Barns to keep all his stuff. Jesus told us this is a world concept, but one that makes no real sense at all. Remember, Jesus told us this..

"The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.

But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?" {Luke 12:16-20}

You know that old saying? "You can't take it with ya." So "He who dies with the most toys wins?" Uh, no. When he dies, his toys become someone else's. Jesus tells us that instead of Coveting what is in the World, we should be storing up "a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth."

You see, the World is carnal. We are in the Flesh so that we can operate, live, in this carnal World. However, we are no longer bound to this World. As a Child of God, we have been lifted above the World. We are Strangers in a Strange Land. We are Princes and Princesses of Heaven. We are Children of God.

We no longer have to walk according to, or in, the flesh. We have a better way..

 "For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be."

SO?

"So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God." {Romans 8:5-8}

We need not Covet. ALL things are God's. We are the Children of God. We are heirs of EVERYTHING. We shall inherent ALL things. And greater things we cannot even comprehend. There is nothing in this World that is worthy to be compared to this fact. Jesus asked us this question. Think about it for a second..

"For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?" {Mark 8:36}

Our time on this Earth is like a Vapor. A blink of an eye. We are here, then gone. But we ARE Eternal Beings. We will live forever. Do you want stuff that will pass away with the Earth? Or do you want Eternal stuff. Do you want the stuff that is here today, and gone tomorrow? Or do you want the stuff that is ALWAYS there waiting for you. Trust me, when your time comes, when you go to stand before God, the last thing on your mind is NOT going to be your big screen TV.

It is true. I have seen it, heard it, first hand. You have heard of it as well. What happens at the end of this life? More times then not, the regrets that most people espouse is that they didn't love more. Have more time with Children or Family. That they did not give back more. That they were not happy. Even if they were Billionaires, many die heart broken.

Why? Because this is when they finally realize, they can't take it with them. They realize, now too late, all that stuff is meaningless. They realize that they missed out on what matters the most. Love. True love. See, the World will move on. Their stuff will belong to someone else. What do they really have, now at the end?

Now that we are in the Holiday Season, now is a great time to take this advice to heart Child of God..

"If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory." {Colossians 3:1-4}

Sounds better than that new Blender, does it not? Better than that new Big Screen TV. Does it not? Better than that must have Gift this year. Does it not?

Oh, speaking of that. Parents? Think about this also. You go through all you do. You save. You work extra hours. You lose sleep. You go out on the busiest Shopping day of the year...You know I did that once. I did. I went out on Black Friday. It was not pretty. People were running over each other, pushing and shoving. I even saw an actual fight over some "Thing." Not pretty. But you go through all this for your Children.

Well? What extreme lengths do you go to, to ensure that your Kids get the GREATEST GIFT Of all? The Gift of Salvation. The Gift of Jesus. The Love of God? The Gift that will never run out of Batteries, break, rust, where out, get stolen, or even be out grown? Think about that honestly..

"Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen." {1 John 5:21}

What about you? Do you know Jesus as your Savior? Have you been adopted into the Family of God? If not, say this Prayer. Right now. Wherever you may be. Say it in your own words, and do not doubt in your heart. God will hear you. He will send the Spirit of Life to you. Let us Pray..

"Oh heavenly Father, Lord God. I am a sinner. I know this. I know there is nothing I can do to change that. But I know you can. I accept Jesus's sacrifice for me. I repent my sins. Please send the Spirit of Adoption into my life. Help me to get to know the real you. Save me. Please. In the name of Jesus, Amen!"

That's it. It really is that simple. Now go tell someone what you have just done. "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." {Romans 10:9} You need to find a Church that God leads you to, and be Baptized the way Jesus said to be. You are now a Child of God. A new Creature. You "have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him." {Colossians 3:10}

If you want to tell me, or comment, question, give testimonials, or just say "Hi," the Email is opntalk@gmail.com

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen. {2 Corinthians 13}

Until next time, be Blessed, be a Blessing, and Jesus IS Lord..

Psalm 150

1 Praise ye the Lord. Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power.

2 Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness.

3 Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp.

4 Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs.

5 Praise him upon the loud cymbals: praise him upon the high sounding cymbals.

6 Let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord.