Category: Confessions and Catechisms

John’s words of what Jesus taught are a worthy “vision” to be cast. I only wish we had such solid Biblical teaching in today’s churches.

If we are called, if we are chosen, if we are among the elect, we will abide. There will be seasons when we don’t produce much fruit, but the “vision” is to produce more, hence the need to be pruned.

Joh 15:2  Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.

Joh 15:6  If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.

It’s too long to post here, but it is useful to read old John Gill’s commentary on v6.

If we need assurance that we are among the much, or the more or even the not yet more fruit producers, look to these earlier words.

John 6:37  All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.

Joh 6:39  And this is the Father’s will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day.
Joh 6:40  And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.

Great analysis!

Rich truth in Mike’s post. I like his comment about fruit. Though that deserves it’s own study. Good fruit, bad fruit. Fruits of the Spirit. What about fruit of sound Biblical doctrine, and fruits of good works? The Bible speaks much about agriculture: Good Sed, Bad Seed. Good soil, which any farmer (or even the home gardener) knows takes hard work. Good fertilizer and watering. Seasons of fruiting. Pruning is needed. And maybe no so much about bees and pollination, or spraying. Doesn’t always work though…

Luk 13:8  And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it:
Luk 13:9  And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down.

I’ll just mention I too am having discussions with two elders, both younger than I am at our church about the music. Our first live in building service was Easter and the sound level was off the charts. After a year in lockdown they seem to have forgotten to monitor using their decibel meter. Not as bad as our friend’s daughter’s church where they hand out ear plugs, but loud enough to take the edge off of the joy of regathering together. Like your church we probably can not change back to “traditional”, but hopefully can work on the volume, and if possible getting them to stop singing and paying royalties to churches like Bethel Redding, which dominate today’s music.