WEBVTT

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 Welcome to Ontario Community Church, where we are encouraging, equipping, and engaging lives for Christ.

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 I'm Pastor Patrick Daly, and each week I share sermons that balance the grace and love of Jesus Christ with the truth of the Word of God.

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 Together, we'll explore Scripture using observation, interpretation, and application.

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 This helps us discover practical ways to live out our faith every single day.

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 Let's dive in together into God's Word.

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 Well, good morning, everyone.

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 How are we doing this morning? Are we doing okay?

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 Well, it's good to see each and every one of you as we are going forth, continuing our sermon series through the parables of Christ.

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 Thy kingdom come, which is part of the Lord's Prayer.

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 When we think of these parables, we think of spiritual truths that come from Christ's teachings that are not only spoke to the audience back then, but they speak to us continually.

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 What's so powerful about the Word of God is that the Word of God speaks to us just as God continues to speak to us every single day.

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 Can I get an amen?

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 It's so powerful and important for us to know.

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 The Word that we have in our hands is something that is living and active.

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 It's for us to read and to observe the text, to learn lessons from all of the Word of God.

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 But also, as we go through this, we have to think of what we can apply to our very lives.

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 And let's face it, the world that we live in is constantly changing.

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 There's technological advances, cultural shifts.

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 You turn on the news and it's just nothing but craziness.

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 But in that craziness, despite the chaos like a raging sea, we know that it is Jesus Christ who commands the sea.

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 We know that it is the God of all creation that is constant, everlasting to everlasting.

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 Being the same yesterday, today, and forever.

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 And the same God that spoke into existence the creation of the heavens and the earth.

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 The same God that commands the sea.

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 Made each and every one of us with intentionality and detail.

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 And calls for all of us to receive salvation by believing in Him through faith.

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 And today, we're going over this parable, the barren fig tree.

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 How many of you have read something in Scripture about fig trees where Jesus curses the fig tree?

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 Where Jesus is going by and you're like, why is Jesus so angry at this fig tree?

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 What did the fig tree do wrong?

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 This actually will help us in our understanding of why that is.

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 As I was preparing for the sermon, I found to be very interesting that when you see in this parable,

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 it's expected for a fig tree to grow as, depending upon the variant of the plant,

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 it can grow figs within the first year, as early as the first six months.

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 But for the case of this parable, it's supposed to, within two to three years, is more common.

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 But there are variants where it can grow even faster.

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 What's interesting about fig trees, so let's say within two to three years, it should be producing figs.

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 And typically, twice a year, the tree would be full of figs.

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 And when we think of that, we think of someone coming onto the scene and being frustrated

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 at the fact that this tree that's supposed to bear not just one crop, but twice a year,

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 giving the fig tree time and nothing happens.

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 How many of you have planted before?

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 Right?

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 Is the expectation to plant a fruit tree just to look at the tree?

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 I mean, I guess that's part of it, right?

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 But we want to have apples or oranges or apricots, right?

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 You want to have grapes on the vine.

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 And in this case, we're going to see the expectation of figs growing on the fig tree.

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 Let's pray together, and we'll go into the text, and we'll go further.

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 Heavenly Father, Lord of all creation, we are grateful that we are here today

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 as we're going through these parables.

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 Such simplicity, but yet through simplicity, depth.

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 We're grateful for that.

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 We're grateful that you are the Lord of all creation, and you are the sovereign God.

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 We're thankful that you keep your promises,

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 and that your word is living and active,

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 and that you continue to speak to us through the Holy Spirit.

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 Father, I pray that if there's any insight that needs to be revealed,

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 any healing or comfort, let it be done so today, according to your will.

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 Father, we recognize that everyone here comes from,

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 we all have a different backstory,

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 and I pray that everyone here or everyone watching online will come to know who you are,

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 know Jesus Christ as the way, the truth, and the life grow in you,

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 produce fruit, and be moved to do good in your name.

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 It is in the name of Jesus that we pray and we all say together, amen.

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 So let's turn our Bibles.

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 We're going to go to the next slide here.

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 Luke chapter 13, verses 6 through 9, but I told the half truth.

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 It's Luke chapter 13.

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 We're going to start from verse 1.

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 So I apologize in advance, but the parable is from verses 6 to 9.

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 It's on page 1037, found in your ESV Pew Bibles.

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 Or feel free to use your mobile device, your Bible of choice,

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 whether that's a, you know, new revised standard version,

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 NIV, ESV, KJV, NKJV, whatever that may be.

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 Let's turn to the Gospel of Luke chapter 13, amen.

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 All right, are we all there?

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 All right.

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 So in order for us to understand what is going on in this scene,

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 we see here that there is the parable of the barren fig tree.

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 And right before that, you might see a header that says repent or perish.

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 And this helps us with our understanding of why this parable was being taught in the first place.

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 So there were some who were present at that very time who told him about the Galileans,

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 whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices.

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 That is not a good scene at all.

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 Something happened.

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 Something happened where, well, there was not a good event that happened, right?

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 Blood being mingled with sacrifices, you can get a pretty good image of what that is.

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 And he answered them, Jesus is saying,

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 Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all of the Galileans because they suffered in this way?

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 No.

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 I tell you, but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.

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 Then it goes on.

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 Or those 18 on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them.

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 Do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others who lived in Jerusalem?

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 No.

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 I tell you, but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.

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 And we look at this as a second to help us with our understanding of the barren fig tree.

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 Because what you have is two bad events that happened, two tragedies that happened.

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 Well, we have tragedies today, don't we?

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 We had the tragedy in the text here that's talking about whatever blood being spilled, right?

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 Unfortunately, a mass killing, a murder, something to that effect.

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 But also this tower in Siloam that fell and 18 people were killed.

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 And what Christ is talking about is how, look, do you think they were that worse of sinners?

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 He's speaking to the fact that there are back then and there are people even now who say, well, they had it coming.

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 They were obviously wicked people and they deserve to die.

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 But Christ is speaking to that, saying, well, wait a minute.

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 You are a sinner as well.

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 You need to come to faith.

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 That helps us understand what we're going to see in the barren fig tree.

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 Because for the people that Christ is speaking to, their hearts were hardened, thinking, oh, well, you know, it's not really a bad tragedy.

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 They must have been worse sinners.

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 What a horrible attitude to have towards a tragic event that happened.

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 Christ is saying, you need to repent, right?

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 The changing of the mind.

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 Or you too will be like them.

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 You too will perish.

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 And so then we go into, this helps set the scene again, the parable of the barren fig tree.

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 He told them this parable.

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 So because of what was happening, because of him speaking to this, he goes in.

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 A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard.

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 And he came seeking fruit on it and found none.

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 And he said to the vine dresser, look, for how many years?

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 For three years.

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 Right?

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 Now I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree and I find a little bit?

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 None.

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 Zero.

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 Right?

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 I find none.

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 So now what?

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 Cut it down.

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 Get rid of it.

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 Why should it use up the ground?

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 And he answered him, sir, let it alone this year also until I dig around it and put on manure.

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 Then if it should bear fruit next year, well and good.

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 But if not, you can cut it down.

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 So we see here just right within the text, there is going to be some additional time, an extra year.

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 Now, as I was mentioning with fig trees, let's just say for the sake of argument, between the second and third year, it would be producing fruit.

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 So it would make sense as to why someone, when you're planting a tree into the ground and you're wanting it to bear fruit.

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 You're wanting to see within, you know, okay, figs are going to happen six months at a time.

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 Right?

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 Twice a year there's going to be figs.

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 And I want to have some figs.

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 Right?

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 And so it's not happening.

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 What a frustrating scenario to be in, especially for those of us who have planted trees with the expectation of receiving, like I said, apples, oranges, figs, apricots, whatever it is.

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 There has to be something wrong with this fig tree.

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 And we see not only in the physical world when there's something like this, you might have the thought, it's just a bad tree.

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 Let's get rid of it.

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 Let's just remove it.

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 You know, I've given it a certain amount of time.

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 It doesn't really have any value to me.

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 Let's get rid of it.

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 But you have the gardener then that's coming onto the scene.

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 You have the owner and the gardener.

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 Gardener is coming onto the scene saying, well, wait a minute.

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 Let's give it more time.

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 Let's give it one more year.

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 And so what we're seeing here, the fig tree should bear fruit by the third year.

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 There are some scholars that are saying that that three year time period is a representation of Christ's ministry, representing his death, burial and resurrection.

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 There's some case that has been made for that.

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 And there's also been what's very interesting is that the fig tree has typically been represented as the people of God, not bearing fruit.

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 So here's what's interesting.

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 The Lord giving more time, right?

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 You have the owner giving more time, the gardener to work on it and cultivate it, allowing for more time for the fig tree representing Israel to bear more fruit,

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 which is symbolism for paving the way for salvation so that more time can happen for more people to come to salvation.

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 Does that make sense?

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 You can see that right away.

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 And there's quite a few verses.

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 We don't have time to go through all the verses, but there's a lot of verses that show the fig tree being represented in the people of God.

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 Does that make sense?

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 Can I get an amen if that makes sense?

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 All right.

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 We can keep going.

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 So cut it down.

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 Why should it use up the ground, right?

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 The tree is absorbing the resources.

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 It's not producing anything in return.

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 So the expectation, just like with any tree, is that it should produce fruit.

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 And in the same way, when we've talked about in other parables, the seed of the word being planted into good soil, we are to grow, right?

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 And we are to produce fruit.

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 That's so important for us in our walk with the Lord.

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 And so Christ is coming in, right?

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 The representation of the vine dresser or the gardener who's coming in, giving it more time.

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 The digging is representing obstacles that may have been happening around with the fig tree.

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 And fertilizing or adding manure, as it's saying, is adding nourishment to it.

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 So if you see this tree that might have rocks with it, or it might, the ground needs to be cultivated.

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 Do you see that the vine dresser or the gardener is using intentional care into the fig tree so that it can produce fruit?

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 You know, you go on YouTube and you see, you type in the search engine, why is your fig tree not bearing fruit?

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 Well, there has to do with how, what is the ground like?

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 How are you cultivating the soil?

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 Are you watering it?

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 It's like those kind of questions that you have to think about.

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 And that's what we're seeing here, is that the gardener, with his love and his care for the tree, that's what's happening here.

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 And so we can also think of how throwing out the tree is a representation, like we know.

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 We've talked about parables with the fish being thrown out, right?

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 Or the wheat and the tares, right?

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 You want to remove those weeds?

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 Well, in this case, it's showing if it's a bad tree, let's throw it out, which we know is a representation of judgment.

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 So there's more time before there's some sort of judgment with this fig tree.

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 It's really fascinating.

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 And in verse 9, when it's saying there's this choice that the fig tree has to essentially make, whether it's going to bear fruit or not.

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 If you go back in verse 9, if it should bear fruit next year, well and good.

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 That's a weird word right there, right?

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 Well, that's good if it bears fruit.

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 But if not, you can cut it down.

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 So I had to look at, that's so bizarre and wild for the language to say that.

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 So I had to go into the Greek and it's basically saying, if this tree bears fruit, it is good and secure.

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 Some translations have even gone to say, if it bears fruit, so be it.

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 But it will be secure, it will be saved instead of cast out or thrown out or whatever.

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 So the outcome then depends on how the tree responds.

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 Let's go to that next slide here.

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 So I was mentioning here, right, the tragedy and repentance.

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 And then finally, further, is talking about the woman being freed from a disabling spirit,

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 which is indicating fruit that is coming out of Christ, basically.

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 There's healing that comes from Christ.

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 There's transformation that comes from Christ.

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 But showing the importance to the people of God and even showing the importance for us that we receive the seed of the word,

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 we're to grow into trees, and we are to bear good fruit.

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 And so in all of this then, it comes with the question, we can go to that next slide then, is what can we learn from this?

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 It's a very simple and it's also a very short parable.

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 So the first thing that we can learn is that God gives us time, or God gives time but not forever.

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 So God is giving more, or the owner, the gardener, they were talking about giving one more year for this fig tree to grow.

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 Much like how when we think of the time period in which God gives us a certain amount of time to respond to salvation for our lives.

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 Much like how God is giving a year for this tree to produce fruit.

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 So God gives time but not forever, right?

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 And we know that when we think of God, that God is patient.

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 It's not the question of, will God be patient?

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 It's how are we going to respond to God's call for our lives?

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 When we think of this fig tree and how this applies to us, this lesson that we can learn,

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 let us remember how important it is for us to respond to the invitation, the time that's been allotted for us,

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 to respond to God's call for our life by receiving salvation as the free gift.

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 In 2 Corinthians 6, verse 2, you don't have to turn there, it actually says that now is the favorable time,

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 which is known as the, now is the time, the day of salvation, it says.

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 Isn't that interesting?

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 A lauded amount of time that God gives for us.

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 The second thing then is that salvation is available for all, from Jew to Gentile.

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 The fig tree representing Israel.

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 The extra time is allowing not only for the fruit tree to bear fruit, but also the extension, right?

00:18:09.740 --> 00:18:13.140
 When we think of the mystery of the gospel being revealed to all,

00:18:14.100 --> 00:18:17.160
 whosoever believes shall not perish but have eternal life.

00:18:17.240 --> 00:18:21.980
 It's extending time and it's extending reach so that all can respond.

00:18:21.980 --> 00:18:30.220
 The people of God were given time and now all are invited to receive the grace from Jesus Christ.

00:18:30.319 --> 00:18:31.000
 Can I get an amen?

00:18:31.420 --> 00:18:32.620
 Does this make sense?

00:18:32.900 --> 00:18:35.380
 I want to make sure we understand this, right?

00:18:36.140 --> 00:18:41.460
 And the next thing is that Christ, representing the vine dresser, advocates for us.

00:18:41.460 --> 00:18:50.140
 It is not just a, it is an amount of time before final judgment will happen.

00:18:50.460 --> 00:18:52.340
 That's what we know within parables.

00:18:52.480 --> 00:18:56.279
 That's what we know within the word of God, that there is a final judgment.

00:18:56.279 --> 00:19:02.799
 When we think of Revelation 20, showing the final judgment, when I talked about the weed and the tares,

00:19:02.880 --> 00:19:07.759
 and I talked about the parable of the net, it goes directly into Revelation.

00:19:07.759 --> 00:19:11.920
 And the connectedness that we find within Scripture is wonderful.

00:19:12.420 --> 00:19:15.180
 Looks like we have someone in the back.

00:19:18.500 --> 00:19:19.759
 Can you check it out real quick?

00:19:22.480 --> 00:19:23.259
 That's all right.

00:19:29.119 --> 00:19:30.720
 It might be the dog owner.

00:19:32.019 --> 00:19:32.799
 That's all right.

00:19:32.799 --> 00:19:43.539
 It's also for us to think that when you come to Christ, let God cultivate your life.

00:19:44.240 --> 00:19:46.059
 Let God work in and through you.

00:19:47.299 --> 00:19:50.399
 We are all a work in progress.

00:19:51.599 --> 00:19:57.259
 We all, before we know the Lord, it's a journey to know who Christ is.

00:19:57.259 --> 00:20:04.119
 And upon knowing Christ, it's a journey in him, being molded into who God wants us to be.

00:20:05.200 --> 00:20:13.759
 Experiencing healing and transformation, comfort and understanding of things that might not have made sense before,

00:20:13.819 --> 00:20:15.700
 but they start to make sense now.

00:20:16.440 --> 00:20:23.759
 And it's my prayer for you that you will come to know the Lord and grow in him and produce that fruit.

00:20:23.759 --> 00:20:27.099
 Be moved to do good in his name.

00:20:28.379 --> 00:20:34.440
 And what's even fascinating when we think of other verses in Scripture, in John 15, 2,

00:20:34.619 --> 00:20:40.420
 every branch that does not bear fruit, he prunes so that it may bear more fruit.

00:20:41.259 --> 00:20:42.279
 And that's interesting.

00:20:43.339 --> 00:20:48.359
 The Lord working on plants, as it were, to produce more fruit.

00:20:49.200 --> 00:20:50.640
 Haven't we pruned before?

00:20:50.640 --> 00:20:54.520
 We've pruned a plant before, I'm sure, for a lot of us, right?

00:20:54.860 --> 00:20:58.480
 But some of us may have gone through a pruning process, as it were.

00:21:00.100 --> 00:21:05.960
 And in all of this, then, we must allow God to work.

00:21:06.060 --> 00:21:11.140
 If you are a Christian and you believe in the Lord, let God work in your life every single day.

00:21:11.140 --> 00:21:16.740
 Are you the same person that you were in a spiritual sense a year ago?

00:21:17.759 --> 00:21:18.740
 Five years ago?

00:21:19.460 --> 00:21:23.320
 It's really remarkable how God can truly transform your life.

00:21:24.320 --> 00:21:26.160
 Putting on the new self.

00:21:27.060 --> 00:21:30.340
 Understanding truly that you are a new creation.

00:21:31.240 --> 00:21:35.340
 Knowing that there's nothing to worry about or to be anxious about.

00:21:35.400 --> 00:21:36.220
 That's hard to do.

00:21:36.220 --> 00:21:38.440
 I get it.

00:21:39.319 --> 00:21:43.299
 But it's continued transformation for our very lives.

00:21:45.100 --> 00:21:46.779
 Let's go to that next slide, then.

00:21:47.480 --> 00:21:48.079
 If we can.

00:21:48.940 --> 00:21:49.960
 If not, that's all right.

00:21:53.860 --> 00:21:54.339
 Sorry.

00:21:55.660 --> 00:21:57.140
 Let me go to that next slide, please.

00:21:57.140 --> 00:22:06.880
 It's important for us to know when here at Ontario Community, we read the text and we look at what are the lessons?

00:22:07.020 --> 00:22:09.280
 What's the historical and cultural value?

00:22:10.840 --> 00:22:13.120
 We learn the lessons so that we can grow.

00:22:13.240 --> 00:22:17.580
 But that third piece is so critical for us is what do we do about this?

00:22:19.060 --> 00:22:22.080
 How do we live this out in our everyday life?

00:22:22.079 --> 00:22:23.679
 All right, pastor.

00:22:24.240 --> 00:22:28.119
 You preached on the parable of the barren fig tree.

00:22:28.259 --> 00:22:30.220
 It didn't produce fruit and gave it more time.

00:22:31.019 --> 00:22:32.619
 What does that got to do with me?

00:22:33.359 --> 00:22:35.039
 How do I live this out?

00:22:35.899 --> 00:22:40.319
 Well, the first thing is, today is the day of salvation.

00:22:41.139 --> 00:22:41.960
 Respond now.

00:22:42.419 --> 00:22:45.899
 And this is for people who don't know who Jesus Christ is.

00:22:46.639 --> 00:22:48.319
 Understand the simple gospel.

00:22:48.319 --> 00:22:59.379
 1 Corinthians chapter 15, verses 1 through 4, which talks about believing in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

00:22:59.599 --> 00:23:01.559
 Believing in the Lord and being saved.

00:23:01.659 --> 00:23:05.599
 Knowing that Christ is a fulfillment of scripture, of prophecy.

00:23:06.460 --> 00:23:10.460
 That he's all that you need to secure eternal life.

00:23:11.399 --> 00:23:12.879
 That's the first and foremost.

00:23:13.079 --> 00:23:15.700
 If you don't know the Lord, respond now.

00:23:15.700 --> 00:23:20.700
 And repentance, when we talk about this idea, I've mentioned it many times before.

00:23:21.720 --> 00:23:24.400
 It's not just about confessing your sins.

00:23:24.600 --> 00:23:32.140
 It's about the change of mind for who God is so that you can understand that Jesus Christ is Savior and Lord.

00:23:33.340 --> 00:23:36.640
 It's much more than just stopping sin.

00:23:37.180 --> 00:23:38.220
 It's much greater.

00:23:38.220 --> 00:23:40.620
 Because here's the thing.

00:23:41.799 --> 00:23:45.559
 As we repent to the point where we believe, right?

00:23:45.620 --> 00:23:49.940
 As our minds get changed to believe in Christ, we continue to repent.

00:23:50.539 --> 00:23:52.980
 We continue to experience transformation.

00:23:54.360 --> 00:23:58.019
 Knowing more deeply and more intimately who the Lord is.

00:23:58.019 --> 00:24:06.559
 And so God's patience, the time that's allotted for us to respond, it's not going to be forever.

00:24:07.019 --> 00:24:09.559
 But it's meant to lead to transformation.

00:24:10.240 --> 00:24:12.319
 To become that new creation.

00:24:14.700 --> 00:24:18.259
 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down.

00:24:18.319 --> 00:24:19.639
 And that's always a scary one.

00:24:19.640 --> 00:24:24.259
 But let this be a call for you to bear good fruit.

00:24:24.600 --> 00:24:30.200
 Let this be a call for you to respond now to the call that God has for you.

00:24:31.200 --> 00:24:33.560
 That kind of leads into that second one, doesn't it?

00:24:34.460 --> 00:24:36.880
 Let today be the day that you bear fruit.

00:24:37.220 --> 00:24:41.720
 You may have heard the famous verse that says that faith without works is what?

00:24:43.300 --> 00:24:43.740
 Dead.

00:24:44.280 --> 00:24:44.420
 Right?

00:24:45.540 --> 00:24:46.640
 Faith without deeds.

00:24:46.640 --> 00:24:48.640
 Depending on your translation that you use.

00:24:48.720 --> 00:24:49.940
 But it's the same concept.

00:24:50.600 --> 00:24:56.320
 We have to bear fruit that God desires transformation that we live it out every single day.

00:24:57.040 --> 00:24:58.720
 In how we live our life.

00:24:58.820 --> 00:25:00.360
 How we conduct ourselves.

00:25:00.500 --> 00:25:03.540
 How we interact with believers and non-believers.

00:25:04.420 --> 00:25:06.220
 It's not just about what you say.

00:25:06.320 --> 00:25:07.440
 It's also what you do.

00:25:07.520 --> 00:25:13.060
 And what I mean by that is, look, we live in this everyday world where we deal with all sorts of people, don't we?

00:25:13.320 --> 00:25:16.280
 Do we just interact with Christians on a day-to-day basis?

00:25:16.640 --> 00:25:17.300
 Well, no.

00:25:17.840 --> 00:25:20.259
 We interact with all different sorts of people.

00:25:20.960 --> 00:25:24.720
 Are you being salt and light in all that you say and all that you do?

00:25:24.820 --> 00:25:31.380
 Are you being a representative for Christ, even if that's in the workplace, even if that's in the political arena?

00:25:31.580 --> 00:25:32.900
 Whatever it is.

00:25:33.600 --> 00:25:35.660
 Be that ambassador for Christ.

00:25:36.920 --> 00:25:38.900
 Exhibiting the light, love, and truth.

00:25:38.900 --> 00:25:41.940
 In all that you say and in all that you do.

00:25:43.780 --> 00:25:45.240
 That's a challenge, isn't it?

00:25:45.700 --> 00:25:46.700
 We're not perfect.

00:25:47.320 --> 00:25:52.019
 But God continues to transform us so that we can respond much better.

00:25:52.019 --> 00:25:58.079
 So let today be the day that you bear fruit.

00:25:58.740 --> 00:26:03.440
 We think of love, joy, peace, patience, and kindness.

00:26:03.740 --> 00:26:05.980
 We think of the fruit of righteousness.

00:26:05.980 --> 00:26:14.799
 In 2 Corinthians 13, verse 5, examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith.

00:26:16.140 --> 00:26:21.960
 That examination is not to be, it sounds like a scary thing, but it's really just a reminder.

00:26:21.960 --> 00:26:22.059
 It's a reminder.

00:26:23.860 --> 00:26:25.319
 It's a reminder for us.

00:26:26.319 --> 00:26:29.680
 It's like the famous saying, check yourself before you wreck yourself.

00:26:30.460 --> 00:26:32.000
 Many of you heard that one before, right?

00:26:32.740 --> 00:26:34.660
 Check yourself before you wreck yourself.

00:26:35.319 --> 00:26:36.720
 Well, we can think in Scripture, right?

00:26:36.759 --> 00:26:40.500
 Well, examine yourselves to see whether you're in the faith or not, right?

00:26:40.539 --> 00:26:41.819
 It's pretty similar.

00:26:43.039 --> 00:26:46.000
 But also in John, chapter 15, verse 8,

00:26:46.299 --> 00:26:50.660
 By this my Father is glorified that you bear much fruit.

00:26:50.660 --> 00:26:58.680
 How interesting is it that the Lord of all uses this agricultural kind of language for us

00:26:58.680 --> 00:27:01.380
 because it's so simple.

00:27:02.580 --> 00:27:04.220
 Anyone can really understand it.

00:27:05.140 --> 00:27:06.720
 Children can understand it.

00:27:07.580 --> 00:27:11.180
 Hey, Mom, why doesn't that tree have any peaches on it?

00:27:11.220 --> 00:27:13.279
 Why doesn't that tree have apricots anymore?

00:27:13.440 --> 00:27:15.120
 You can think of those kind of things.

00:27:15.119 --> 00:27:21.059
 And then finally, let God work in you to share the gospel.

00:27:22.379 --> 00:27:28.099
 If you feel unfruitful, perhaps this is a call for you to let God prune you,

00:27:28.619 --> 00:27:30.299
 to work in you.

00:27:31.399 --> 00:27:34.059
 Sometimes our hearts do get hardened, don't they?

00:27:34.839 --> 00:27:40.119
 Sometimes we go through experiences where we're just not having it.

00:27:40.119 --> 00:27:43.439
 Let God work in and through you.

00:27:45.079 --> 00:27:49.759
 God calls for us to grow in him so that we share the good news of the gospel.

00:27:50.019 --> 00:27:54.619
 That can be with a simple conversation about the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ.

00:27:54.619 --> 00:27:58.559
 But it can also be the ministry of presence.

00:27:58.559 --> 00:28:02.599
 Sometimes when someone is going through a tragedy.

00:28:03.399 --> 00:28:11.639
 Instead of like we found with the Tower of Siloam or whatever happened with Pilate and the Galileans,

00:28:12.240 --> 00:28:13.980
 being present with people.

00:28:15.500 --> 00:28:18.759
 Sometimes when someone is going through a crisis,

00:28:19.539 --> 00:28:22.440
 just sitting next to them and not saying anything at all

00:28:22.440 --> 00:28:26.440
 is just as powerful or even more powerful at times.

00:28:26.440 --> 00:28:31.500
 I know there have been times when things have happened to people

00:28:31.500 --> 00:28:33.680
 and I don't know what to say.

00:28:34.620 --> 00:28:36.120
 But just showing up,

00:28:36.700 --> 00:28:38.940
 that is powerful.

00:28:44.380 --> 00:28:47.299
 Spiritual growth is a process.

00:28:48.220 --> 00:28:50.400
 And when we are present with people,

00:28:50.799 --> 00:28:53.019
 when we share in the good news of the gospel,

00:28:53.019 --> 00:28:57.119
 when we're standing firm on truth and dealing in love,

00:28:57.200 --> 00:28:59.559
 right, the balance between grace and truth,

00:29:00.079 --> 00:29:03.839
 we are living out the word.

00:29:04.200 --> 00:29:06.819
 We're living out God's call in our life.

00:29:08.200 --> 00:29:11.579
 Let us be reminded of Philippians chapter 1 verse 6.

00:29:11.759 --> 00:29:16.079
 He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion.

00:29:16.079 --> 00:29:20.220
 Again, we're all a work in progress.

00:29:21.299 --> 00:29:24.039
 Let God work in your life.

00:29:26.720 --> 00:29:29.379
 And in Matthew chapter 5 verse 16,

00:29:29.500 --> 00:29:30.639
 many of you know this one,

00:29:30.779 --> 00:29:33.659
 let your light shine before others that they may see

00:29:33.659 --> 00:29:37.439
 your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

00:29:37.440 --> 00:29:40.259
 It's so important for us.

00:29:40.259 --> 00:29:42.259
 When we get educated,

00:29:43.200 --> 00:29:44.980
 when we receive an education,

00:29:45.240 --> 00:29:47.299
 we learn new concepts and principles,

00:29:47.880 --> 00:29:49.700
 we have got to live it out.

00:29:51.480 --> 00:29:52.820
 Every single day.

00:29:53.320 --> 00:29:55.640
 With our daily interactions with people.

00:29:56.259 --> 00:29:57.620
 Don't just keep it up here.

00:29:58.480 --> 00:29:59.620
 Exhibit it here.

00:30:00.440 --> 00:30:01.100
 In the heart.

00:30:01.840 --> 00:30:03.259
 In how you live your life.

00:30:03.340 --> 00:30:04.920
 That's so important for us.

00:30:04.920 --> 00:30:09.620
 The fig tree then was given more time.

00:30:11.080 --> 00:30:13.320
 Was the tree given forever though?

00:30:14.560 --> 00:30:16.900
 The tree was given a year.

00:30:17.500 --> 00:30:21.320
 Much like how we are given a certain amount of time

00:30:21.320 --> 00:30:25.759
 for us to respond to salvation through faith.

00:30:26.360 --> 00:30:30.500
 Given a certain amount of time for us to share the gospel with other people.

00:30:30.500 --> 00:30:36.400
 But also a certain amount of time to live and love like Jesus.

00:30:38.039 --> 00:30:39.299
 Ask yourself.

00:30:39.759 --> 00:30:41.480
 Are you bearing fruit?

00:30:42.059 --> 00:30:43.380
 Or are you not?

00:30:44.279 --> 00:30:45.339
 You shall know them.

00:30:45.880 --> 00:30:47.339
 By their fruits.

00:30:48.079 --> 00:30:50.759
 And so as we come to this conclusion.

00:30:50.759 --> 00:30:53.680
 Let us remember.

00:30:54.799 --> 00:30:57.140
 As God works in and through you.

00:30:57.839 --> 00:30:59.680
 Other people are affected.

00:31:00.819 --> 00:31:02.500
 Where they experience.

00:31:03.200 --> 00:31:04.460
 The presence of God.

00:31:05.140 --> 00:31:06.859
 The love that comes from him.

00:31:07.720 --> 00:31:09.220
 Healing and transformation.

00:31:09.220 --> 00:31:13.620
 I think of how so many times in scripture where it says.

00:31:13.819 --> 00:31:15.000
 I was blind.

00:31:15.559 --> 00:31:16.640
 But now I can see.

00:31:17.539 --> 00:31:21.240
 Not only does scripture talk about physical healings.

00:31:21.600 --> 00:31:24.120
 But also spiritual healings.

00:31:25.559 --> 00:31:28.279
 It's just like how scripture says so many times.

00:31:28.500 --> 00:31:30.559
 Let he who has ears.

00:31:30.559 --> 00:31:31.279
 Let him what?

00:31:32.019 --> 00:31:32.539
 Hear.

00:31:33.160 --> 00:31:33.480
 Right?

00:31:34.440 --> 00:31:35.819
 Or one that has eyes.

00:31:35.900 --> 00:31:36.579
 Let them see.

00:31:36.680 --> 00:31:37.740
 Or whatever it may be.

00:31:37.740 --> 00:31:39.940
 It's not just the physical.

00:31:40.180 --> 00:31:41.299
 It's also the spiritual.

00:31:41.940 --> 00:31:43.880
 We have to remember that as we.

00:31:44.660 --> 00:31:46.000
 As we go forth.

00:31:47.180 --> 00:31:50.700
 Let us remember that we are called to bear fruit.

00:31:51.160 --> 00:31:52.579
 And to be fruitful.

00:31:53.299 --> 00:31:54.420
 And to multiply.

00:31:55.620 --> 00:31:59.579
 That doesn't just mean having strong families and strong marriages.

00:31:59.759 --> 00:32:00.799
 But certainly it does.

00:32:00.799 --> 00:32:03.799
 But also how we multiply disciples.

00:32:04.960 --> 00:32:07.700
 People growing in Christ.

00:32:07.740 --> 00:32:08.519
 Let's pray together.

00:32:09.519 --> 00:32:11.099
 And Father we thank you.

00:32:11.579 --> 00:32:12.680
 For this time.

00:32:12.779 --> 00:32:13.579
 And this opportunity.

00:32:13.920 --> 00:32:15.120
 For us to gather together.

00:32:16.279 --> 00:32:18.539
 Father I pray that this parable.

00:32:19.140 --> 00:32:20.019
 Has been.

00:32:21.019 --> 00:32:21.380
 Taught.

00:32:21.960 --> 00:32:23.019
 And it has been preached.

00:32:23.180 --> 00:32:23.960
 In such a way.

00:32:24.079 --> 00:32:24.960
 That it is understood.

00:32:25.220 --> 00:32:25.859
 By those.

00:32:26.339 --> 00:32:27.059
 Who are listening.

00:32:28.359 --> 00:32:29.640
 May they hear.

00:32:30.180 --> 00:32:31.839
 And may they understand.

00:32:31.839 --> 00:32:32.839
 I pray.

00:32:32.839 --> 00:32:33.839
 I pray.

00:32:33.839 --> 00:32:34.279
 I pray also.

00:32:34.279 --> 00:32:34.819
 For.

00:32:35.759 --> 00:32:36.240
 Transformation.

00:32:36.939 --> 00:32:38.139
 And if there's anyone.

00:32:38.139 --> 00:32:39.859
 Who doesn't know who you are.

00:32:40.659 --> 00:32:42.659
 That they may come to believe in you.

00:32:43.259 --> 00:32:44.639
 To believe in the Lord.

00:32:44.699 --> 00:32:45.500
 And be saved.

00:32:46.000 --> 00:32:47.079
 Believing in the death.

00:32:47.159 --> 00:32:47.480
 Burial.

00:32:47.480 --> 00:32:48.159
 And resurrection.

00:32:48.159 --> 00:32:49.319
 Of Jesus Christ.

00:32:49.319 --> 00:32:51.839
 I pray for continued growth.

00:32:52.019 --> 00:32:53.240
 That we may bear fruit.

00:32:54.519 --> 00:32:56.159
 And that we may be moved.

00:32:56.159 --> 00:32:57.700
 To live out this faith.

00:32:57.759 --> 00:32:58.639
 Every single day.

00:33:00.200 --> 00:33:01.200
 Lord you give us.

00:33:01.259 --> 00:33:02.379
 A certain amount of time.

00:33:03.379 --> 00:33:04.519
 You mold us.

00:33:04.599 --> 00:33:05.679
 You cultivate us.

00:33:06.799 --> 00:33:07.379
 May we.

00:33:07.599 --> 00:33:09.259
 Not be fruitless.

00:33:09.839 --> 00:33:10.980
 But full of fruit.

00:33:11.980 --> 00:33:12.899
 In what we say.

00:33:13.339 --> 00:33:14.299
 And in what we do.

00:33:14.960 --> 00:33:16.279
 It is in the name of Jesus.

00:33:16.279 --> 00:33:17.000
 That we pray.

00:33:17.079 --> 00:33:17.920
 And we all say together.

00:33:17.980 --> 00:33:18.279
 Amen.

00:33:18.759 --> 00:33:19.200
 Amen.

00:33:21.160 --> 00:33:22.220
 Thank you for listening.

00:33:22.220 --> 00:33:23.359
 For this week's message.

00:33:23.359 --> 00:33:24.819
 From Ontario Community Church.

00:33:25.180 --> 00:33:25.920
 I pray.

00:33:25.920 --> 00:33:27.319
 That you are encouraged.

00:33:27.319 --> 00:33:28.319
 And strengthened.

00:33:28.559 --> 00:33:29.599
 In your walk with Christ.

00:33:30.220 --> 00:33:30.879
 For more sermons.

00:33:31.059 --> 00:33:31.639
 And resources.

00:33:32.259 --> 00:33:32.539
 Visit.

00:33:33.559 --> 00:33:34.940
 OntarioCommunityChurch.org

00:33:34.940 --> 00:33:36.579
 May God bless you.

00:33:36.700 --> 00:33:37.460
 As you live out.

00:33:37.559 --> 00:33:38.079
 His grace.

00:33:38.279 --> 00:33:38.759
 And truth.

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 Every single day.

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 You are encouraged.

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