Category:

Bearing Fruit

New Understanding

by Esther Griggs August 11, 2023

Jesus, in the days before His death told His followers another would come, to remind them of His words and further instruct them. When Jesus returned to His disciples after His resurrection, He opened the scriptures to them, and explained His place in them. In 1 John 5:14-21, John writes, “the Son of God has come, and has given us understanding to know Him who is true.” We are in Him and also in His Son Jesus Christ, In Him is the true God and eternal life. By His Spirit we have a new understanding for confidence in prayer, in our relationship with Him, and to grow in Him.

Confidence in Prayer

The confidence we have is this, if we pray, in line with His heart, He hears us. In addition, if He hears us, which is already ascertained, then we know our prayers are already answered. But there is a need here for understanding even in prayer, John writes about a brother’s sin which does not lead to death and one that does. The amplified specifies leading to life as (that which can be repented of and forgiven.) Pray for the first and God will give him life, but as for the one whose sin leads to death he states, “I do not say that he should pray about that.”

In Our Relationship

Another aspect of our new understanding is this. Whoever is born of God does not sin,. No longer are we in a system of rules and regulations but rather a spiritual relationship. There the believer keeps his heart pure before God, the One he adores, and the wicked one does not touch him. We are born of God while the world remains swayed by the wicked on.

As We Grow

In our new understanding, God is true. With Him is eternal life. We don’t stay as babes drinking only milk. As Peter writes in 1 Peter 2;2, “desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby.” John warns, “Keep yourselves from idols.” Let nothing stand between you and the Lord Jesus. Let His word live in you, receive from the vine and bear fruit. In Him, we gain a new understanding where we find confidence in prayer, in our relationship with Him, and as we grow in Him.

August 11, 2023 0 comment

Alive in Christ Bearing Fruit

The Unseen God

by Esther Griggs July 14, 2023

written by Esther Griggs

John in verse 12 of 1 John 4 writes that no one has seen God at any time. Still, when we love one another, it shows that God is in us, that His love has been made perfect or complete in us. The gift of His Spirit confirms the life of the Spirit within us by our personal testimony, and our confession.

The Gift of the Spirit

The gift of the Spirit came after Jesus ascended to heaven. He bears witness with our spirit that we are God’s children. We not only live in the flesh but in the Spirit. God who is love becomes alive in us and bears fruit.

Confirmed

Having the Spirit of God within us is confirmed by our witness and testimony. We know that the Father sent His Son to be the Savior of the world. Like the story in John’s gospel of the woman at the well. When Jesus spoke to her, the spirit gave her life, and she ran to tell her community. They in turn heard the words to their individual hearts and believed.

Confession

The Spirit of God also enables our confession. We know the Spirit of God by the confession that Jesus is the Son of God. He now is alive in us and we in Him. We have not only come to know the love of God but also believed the love God has for us. “God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God and God in him.”

The gift of His Spirit confirms the life of the Spirit within us by our personal testimony, and our confession.

July 14, 2023 0 comment

Bearing Fruit Life in Christ

God is Love

by Esther Griggs July 7, 2023

written by Esther Griggs

This theme of love motivates John’s pen. He returns to it in 1 John 4:7-11. As we look to these verses we reflect on the love of God, what it does for us, and what it does in and through us.

The Love of God

“God is love,” he wrote. It is not about us loving God. It is that God loved us. He sent His Son Jesus to be the atoning sacrifice for our sin. Webster’s Dictionary defines atonement, “Christ’s incarnation and death on the cross which made up for the original sin of Adam and Eve, and enabled mankind to be at one with God again.”

God must express love for it is who He is. The person of Jesus Christ demonstrates God’s love.

What it Does for Us

What does it do for us? We in Christ live no longer under the curse of death, but alive through Jesus. Jesus spoke of this abundant life, a never ending life. It is a life of love awakened through the work of the Spirit of God’s transforming love. As we grow in our love and knowledge of Him, the centre of our universe changes. The Spirit of God living in us becomes our instructor.

What it Does In and Through Us

Love does something in and through us. John wrote “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God, and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.” It is a family trait. The life of love flows through us.

Paul wrote in Galatians of how it bears fruit like love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

In Philippians he wrote, “If there is any consolation in Christ, any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy.” Those who abide in Christ have experienced these things therefore he continues, “being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind, Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit.” He adds, “Let each of you look out not only for his own interest, but also for the interests of others.”

In this section, we reflected on the love of God, what it does for us and what it does in and through us.

July 7, 2023 0 comment

Bearing Fruit

Keep My Commandments

by Esther Griggs October 14, 2022

written by Esther Griggs

When we hear, “keep my commandments,” it can come with heaviness. We think of the law and how often we have failed. We know who we are in the flesh. But 1 John 5:3 puts it this way, “For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome.” It is now about a higher command, love, flowing from a loving relationship with God. Jesus in John 15:9-17 talks to the disciples about how to maintain the relationship, what it looks like, and what will come from it.

**“I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit.” John 15:16 NKJV.**

How to Maintain It

First, we discover how to maintain this relationship. In 1 John 5:1, we read, “Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ, is born of God, and everyone who loves Him (The Father) also loves him who He fathered.”

“Abide in My love,” Jesus said. “And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him.” There is delight in pleasing the Father. It doesn’t come through the laws of thou shalt not or thou shalt, but rather out of loving the Father and the Son and allowing His love to flow through us. It maintains the union. Jesus loved to the point of laying down His life. He told His disciples there was no greater love than laying down one’s life for their friends.

What it Looks Like

Secondly, what does it look like? This relationship is no longer Master and servants. Jesus said, “I have called you friends.” There was a time when they served Him. But they did not know what He was doing at that point. Now, everything He heard from the Father, He has told them. These were the things that will bring them joy and cause their joy to remain. Like John wrote in1 John 1:4, “These things I write to you that your joy may be full.”

The Result of the Relationship

Finally, what is the result of such a relationship? It is Me that chose you, Jesus told them. I not only chose you, but I also appointed you. I appointed you so that you would go and bear fruit, fruit that will remain. Then whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give to you. You must love one another.

Within the loving union of God the Father, and God the Son, are those who live and rest in His love. They will be fruitful, bringing forth beautiful, plentiful, and seed- bearing fruit to the glory of God.

October 14, 2022 0 comment

Alive in Christ Bearing Fruit

Bearers of Fruit

by Esther Griggs October 7, 2022

written by Esther Griggs

Being a master storyteller, Jesus utilized vivid pictures to instruct His followers. In John 15 we read the illustration of a vine dresser and his vine. Utilizing this picture, Jesus explained that His Father was the vine dresser, Jesus Himself was the true vine, and His followers were bearers of fruit.

**“I am the true vine. My Father is the vinedresser”**

The Father

Jesus said, “My Father is the vinedresser.” He takes care of the vine, cutting off the dead branches and pruning the others for increased fruit bearing. He receives the praise when the fruit is sweet and plentiful.

Jesus, the True Vine

He also said, “I am the vine.” Jesus explained that because of the words He had already spoken to His disciples, they were already clean. Now, He tells them they need to abide in Him, to stay in relationship. There must be constant union with Jesus. Without it, there is no life, and no fruit. A relationship of unity with Jesus, gives and maintains the life of the fruit bearer.

Bearers of Fruit

However, if the branch doesn’t bear fruit, the Father takes it away. If it does bear fruit, He prunes it back in order to produce more fruit. For without the union in Christ there is no life and no fruit. “Without Me you can do nothing,” Jesus said. Nothing is accomplished apart from Him. Staying attached to Jesus like a branch is attached to the vine, asking Him for our “desires,” He will hear, and it will be done for us. This brings glory to the Father and so makes those who bear fruit, His disciples

By this picture, Jesus explained that His Father was the vine dresser, Jesus Himself was the true vine, and His followers were bearers of fruit.

October 7, 2022 0 comment

Bearing Fruit

Encounters With Jesus

by Esther Griggs September 24, 2021

written by Esther Griggs

Jesus wants to go to Galilee. He has a reason. There is someone he is looking for. While there, He encounters two men. John writes of these two men who become followers of Jesus. These two future disciples have individual encounters with Jesus yet faced unimaginable experiences in the days ahead.

Two Men

John tells us first about Phillip. He lived in Bethsaida as Peter and Andrew did. He had probably heard about Jesus for when Jesus found him and asked him to follow, he did so. Later Phillip found Nathanael. I can imagine these two as young Hebrew men, discussing the scriptures and the prophecies, wondering if they would see it in their day. So, after Jesus found Phillip, he had to find Nathanael.

In the lists of the disciples, we don’t read about Nathanael but rather Bartholomew. Apparently, Bartholomew is a last name whereas Nathanael is a given name. So most likely the two names indicate the one man.

Different Encounters

These men have different encounters with Jesus. Phillip’s quick response caused him to find his friend and declare “We have found Him of whom Moses in the law, and also the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” Nathanael, unlike Phillip, had questions, “Can anything good come out of that town?” Phillip encourages him to come and see for himself and takes him to Jesus. Jesus knows the approaching Nathanael and tells him what He sees. Nathanael is unsettled and asks the question, “How do You know me?” Jesus answers him in a way which confirms to him that yes this is Jesus the Christ. He proclaims, “Rabbi, You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!”

Greater Days Ahead

In my mind I can hear Jesus, “You believe because of what I said, just you wait. Much greater experiences await you.” The rich reality of following Jesus held much more for Nathanael than he could comprehend. Jesus gave Him a tiny glimpse. These two men though having individual encounters with Jesus, faced unimaginable days ahead when they responded to Jesus’s call “Follow Me!”

September 24, 2021 0 comment

Bearing Fruit Body of Christ

From One to the Other / Pass it On

by Esther Griggs September 17, 2021

written by Esther Griggs

When we read John’s record of the first disciples, many details included by the other gospel writers especially Luke, are missing. John’s telling is succinct and illustrates a passing of the baton. From John’s proclamation, to Andrew’s declaration, and then the words of Jesus to Peter, we observe the passing of truth. They pass it on.

Behold the Lamb

At the baptism of Jesus, the Holy Spirit announced the Christ, the Son of the living God to John. From that point on, John boldly proclaimed Jesus as the Lamb. When he saw Him in the crowds he called out “Behold the Lamb of God.’ On this day when he called out, two of his disciples left him to follow Jesus. John knew Jesus superseded him. He knew he must become less and Jesus greater. He releases his own disciples to follow the greater. He has passed it on.

We Have Found the Messiah

Jesus then engages the two disciples of John. “What do you seek?” They want to know where He is staying, and He invites them along. We learn that one is Andrew. From the witness of John and now from his own encounter with Jesus, Andrew realizes this man is the Messiah, the One promised to the Jewish people. Next, he takes this knowledge to his brother Simon and declares, “We have found the Messiah.” He doesn’t just tell him. He leads the way. He takes him to Jesus. He passed it on.

You Shall be Called ‘Cephas”

Luke’s account however, includes more history about the relationship of Jesus and Simon. For one, Jesus healed Simon’s mother-in-law. For another, Jesus used Simon’s boat when the crowds pressed Him into the Sea. Later when Jesus thanked Simon with a huge catch, he humbled himself before Jesus. He came to personally recognizes the Christ. Jesus calls forth what He sees in Simon and gives him a new name. “You are Simon the son of Jonah, you shall be called Cephas, (which is translated a stone.)” We know that in Matthew 16 when Simon Peter declares Jesus as the Christ, the Son of the Living God, Jesus announces, “You are Peter, and on this rock, I will build my church.” Simon Peter passed it on.

From John’s proclamation, to Andrew’s declaration and then the words of Jesus to Peter, we observe the passing of truth. As it is received and confirmed it is passed on. From whom did you receive the truth? Has the Spirit witnessed to your spirit that Jesus is the Son of the Living God? Have you passed it on?

September 17, 2021 2 comments

Bearing Fruit

Paul Writes of His Struggle

by Esther Griggs May 21, 2021

written by Esther Griggs

Paul cannot see his audience. He cannot read the look in their eye nor understand their body language. His spirit however, tells him they have remained steadfast despite their sufferings. He also knows they do things in order. We know why this is important when we look to Paul’s letter to the Corinthians. In 1 Corinthians 14 we read that God is not a God of confusion but rather, of peace, in the churches of all the saints. Order is a sign of a work of God. Paul rejoices on these points, but still struggles. Similar to being a parent with adult children, he has done his best to give them a good start in their spiritual life. Here, however, when he cannot see them, he struggles. He needs to know they are okay. Sometimes all his letter writing doesn’t cut it. He longs to see the whites of their eyes. Paul as a spiritual father experiences this phenomena. He knows how they started their faith journey, reveals the desire of his heart for them, and communicates his concerns for their well-being.

How They Started

Paul writes of how they received Jesus Christ the Lord. As the apostles took the message throughout Asia, many heard the word and accepted it by faith. Then, the Holy Spirit confirmed it in their hearts. They received the word in faith and acted upon it, following the direction of the apostles on how to walk and please God.

The Desire of His Heart

The faith journey is a walk. Paul wants them to be encouraged in their faith. He also desires that their hearts be knit together, beyond mere common experience, in love. As well, he wants them to be totally confident in their understanding and knowledge of the mystery of God, both as Father and as Christ. Anything they could fathom to learn about God is in Christ and revealed by the Spirit. When they were born into the family of God, like a new baby, they came complete and perfect in His sight. He wants to see them grow to be the body of Christ.

Their Well Being

Paul knows the enemy like a roaring lion hates God’s children and attempts many ways to thwart their effectiveness. He is concerned for their growth. Putting down roots, being built up in the faith as they were taught, and abounding with thanksgiving are necessary. However he says, “Beware! Don’t let anyone cheat you.” Deceivers abound. Smooth, buttery speech, words that sound intelligent, from people who seem to be trustworthy and well meaning can easily deceive and again enslave God’s children. In Paul’s day there were those who said they had to follow certain Jewish customs and traditions. These were things built on man and not Christ. Things which would enslave them again to another master, not Christ. There is only one Lord and Master over all. Our completeness, our perfection lies only in Him. As 2 Peter 1 tells us, there are things we must do to grow and be fruitful. These however, do not enslave us to another.

Paul knows how they started their faith journey, reveals the desire of his heart for them, and communicates his concerns for their well-being.

May 21, 2021 0 comment

Bearing Fruit

Paul and Timothy Explain the Son to the Colossians

by Esther Griggs April 30, 2021

written by Esther Griggs

What the early Christians believed about Jesus meant either the success or failure of the newly birthed church. Doctrine had to be established in Christ. Paul and Timothy in their letter to the Colossians explain who the Son is. He is the image of the invisible God; He created and holds everything together and is also the head of the body, which is the church.

The Image of the Invisible God

In the Old Testament, God’s chosen people were forever trying to create an image to represent God. It became one of their biggest downfalls. God gave an exact picture in the God-man Jesus. When we need to see the face of God, we look to Jesus. We find love, mercy and grace. There is a hatred of sinfulness, of pride and wickedness. He possessed the power to calm storms, forgive sins, heal the sick and broken-hearted. Submitting himself to humanity, He became obedient to the cross, despising the shame and rose from the dead with power. In Jesus Christ, we have the image of the invisible God. He had a glory with the Father before the world began, and in His prayers before His death, He prayed the Father would glorify Him with the glory they shared before the world was.

Created and Holds Everything Together

In Genesis 1:26, we first realize that God is plural. When He creates man, it is in the image of God, plural. Jesus, as part of the Godhead, is the creator. Here we see the explanation. Jesus created everything if we can see it or not. Whether it is a throne, a country, a principality or a power, He created it not only by Himself but for Himself. He is before all things and He holds everything together. Science looks to explain creation and the cohesiveness of it all. Jesus the Christ is the answer.

The Head of the Body

Jesus is first. He was the first man to submit to death, then overcome its power. He is the source and life for the church. In Ephesians, Paul tells his readers, God has placed all things under His feet. God gave Jesus the position to be the head over all things for the church. It is His body. He fills all by His Spirit. I think of the great hymn. “The church’s one foundation is Jesus Christ, her Lord. She is His new creation by water and the word. From heaven He came and sought her to be His holy bride. With His own blood he bought her and for her life He died.”

Without the Lord Jesus Christ, what is there? He is the image of the invisible God; He created and holds everything together and is also the head of the body, which is the church. In Him, we place our trust.

April 30, 2021 1 comment

Bearing Fruit

Paul and Timothy Wrote to the Colossians

by Esther Griggs April 9, 2021

written by Esther Griggs

Paul and Timothy wrote to the Colossians. These are the faithful people who are in Christ in that city. They not only give thanks to God for these people, they also pray for them. News of their faith in Christ and their love for the saints has reached these two apostles of Jesus Christ. Paul and Timothy wrote to the Colossians of their hope springing up from the gospel, the fruit it brought forth, and the faithful minister who brought it.

***Is bringing forth fruit in all the world.***

Their Hope

The Colossians had heard the gospel, and their faith sprouted from it. They now had hope from what they had heard in the message. A hope laid up in heaven awaited them. Peter expounds on this hope in his letters. It is a living hope because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This hope is for an inheritance that cannot rust or spoil or fade. It is being reserved in heaven for all the saints.

The Fruit

The gospel bears fruit. The Colossians had heard the good news. Now as a result it bore fruit in them. However, they were not the only ones. Wherever the gospel had gone, throughout the entire world, there was fruit. Perhaps they were unaware of the power this gospel exhibited everywhere. Still, wherever people preach the good news of Jesus, there are people who respond in faith and love. It bears fruit.

The Messenger

Epaphras taught the Colossians about Jesus the Messiah. He was a faithful minister of Christ. In addition, he was a fellow servant of Paul and Timothy. He not only spoke to them of the gospel but also spoke about them because of their love of the Spirit. The message of truth they heard came from someone reputable, known by the apostles, and true to the Lord Jesus. The apostles confirmed it.

In our world today, faithful ministers like Epaphras take the gospel of Jesus Christ. There are those who hear and it bears fruit. They are those who work as part of a body, to the glory of Jesus Christ in bearing fruit. Paul and Timothy wrote to the Colossians of their hope springing up from the gospel, the fruit it brought forth, and the faithful minister who brought it. God remembers these faithful ones.

April 9, 2021 0 comment