Hello, dear listeners, and welcome back to "A Word from the Vine." I'm Pastor Loren, and I'm so glad you're joining us today. As we continue our Advent journey, we've already explored John the Baptist's call to prepare the way for the Lord and his stern warning about genuine repentance. Today, we'll focus on what it means to bear fruits of repentance in our daily lives.
Let's turn to our scripture for today, Luke 3:10-14: "And the crowds asked him, 'What then shall we do?' And he answered them, 'Whoever has two tunics is to share with him who has none, and whoever has food is to do likewise.' Tax collectors also came to be baptized and said to him, 'Teacher, what shall we do?' And he said to them, 'Collect no more than you are authorized to do.' Soldiers also asked him, 'And we, what shall we do?' And he said to them, 'Do not extort money from anyone by threats or by false accusation, and be content with your wages.'"
Here we see the practical side of John's message. The crowds, moved by his call to repentance, ask a simple yet profound question: "What then shall we do?" This question shows their desire to change and live in a way that pleases God.
John's responses are practical and specific. To those with extra tunics or food, he calls for generosity: share with those in need. For tax collectors, who were often seen as corrupt, he instructs them to collect only what is fair. For soldiers, who had the power to intimidate and extort, he commands them to refrain from violence and be content with their wages.
These instructions highlight that repentance is not just about feeling sorry for our sins but about making tangible changes in our behavior. It's about living out our faith in practical ways that demonstrate our commitment to God and our love for others.
During this Advent season, let's consider how we can bear fruits of repentance in our own lives. Are there areas where we can be more generous, more honest, or more content? How can we live out these principles in our daily interactions?
As we reflect on John's call to bear fruits of repentance, I encourage you to think about the practical steps you can take to live out your faith. Seek God's guidance in identifying areas where you can make a difference and commit to making those changes.
Let's close with a prayer:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the practical wisdom of John the Baptist's message. Help us to bear fruits of repentance in our daily lives. Give us the courage to be generous, honest, and content, and to live in a way that reflects Your love and grace. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Thank you for joining me today on "A Word from the Vine." May God bless you and guide you as you seek to bear good fruit in your life. Until next time, take care and stay blessed.
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