January 1999

First Baptist Church of Vineland, NJ

Welcoming, Witnessing & Winning for the Kingdom of God

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JANUARY 1999

Have you ever wondered why you do what you do? I have searched that question many times. I believe we do what we WANT to do primarily because we like to do it. Oh, I know that there are times when we HAVE to do things we just don't really LIKE to do. But I am really pondering this question in regard to our Christian belief.

Why do we do what we do? The answer is simple, we do what we do because of what we are. It is like a fruit tree. Apple trees bear apples, pear trees produce pears, peach trees bring forth peaches. The fruit is the natural result of the nature of the three. I suppose you could tie apples to a peach tree, but that would not make it an apple tree. In the same way, adding religious activities to one's schedule does not make one a Christian. Just as the fruit of the tree naturally flows from the nature of the tree, even so the attitudes, words, and action of our lives reveal the true nature of who we are.

Jesus said "Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit - Therefore by their fruits you will know them..." (Matthew 7:17, 20)

Just makes me think that if there is not root there can be no fruit!

At this time of year when we make resolutions may we be resolved to bear fruit for the King of kings and the Lord of lords. May we be further resolved in our lives to start each day with God. I know this is not easy. It means heeding the alarm instead of sleeping on. It means getting out of that warm bed on a cold morning and reading His word for cleansing and instruction and praying to God as you commit the day to Him. Resolve to keep your daily rendezvous with the Lord.

May each on make one more resolution: To be in the House of the Lord each and every Sunday! May we become members of the "52 Club"! That club is made up of individuals who have made it their goal to be with like-minded Christians each and every Sunday for the entire year. How can we grow in the Spirit if we are not being fed on the Word of God? May each on of us be resolved to grow closer to the throne of Grace in 1999! God's best to each and every one.

Pastor Bob