As Christians we need to remember that if other people don’t love God, it is only because they don’t know God, and it’s our job to be God’s witnesses.
In the world around us, we meet many people each and every day who are either walking in deception and unbelief, or they are in bondage to the powers of darkness. They are part of the reason why we as Christians are on the earth today. You and I must reach out to others.
As Christians, we are supposed to love one another and walk in the fruit of the Spirit which according to Galatians 5:22 is “Love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control.”
In Matthew 7:1 the Word says, “Judge not, that you be not judged.” Instead, the Word tells us in John 15:13 that “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down his life for his friends.” We are to lay down our lives through prayer and intercession for others, through meeting others’ needs, through spending time reaching out to them and loving them.
Ephesians 3:17 says that we need to be rooted and grounded in love. In John 15:4 Jesus said that the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine. Neither can you unless you abide in Him. Then Matthew 7:20 says, “by their fruits you will know them.”
The picture I’m trying to create here is this. God is the source, Jesus is the vine, we are the branches, and by our fruits we will be recognized.
Can you remember the science experiment we all did in school, where you stick a piece of celery or a carnation in some colored dye? If you put a white carnation in a glass of red dye, the flower will eventually draw that red dye up into the flower, and the flower itself would turn red. Whatever the plant is rooted and grounded in will show up in the fruit of the plant.
The branch’s only responsibility is to stay in union with the vine. The branch does not have any control over the fruit, other than to provide a channel for the life juices to flow from the main plant. Christians have no other responsibility than to stay in union with God through Jesus, and provide a channel for His love and Word to flow. God will take care of the rest.
Isaiah 55:11 says, “God’s Word shall not return void, but it shall accomplish that which He pleases, and prosper in the thing for which it is sent.”
Bearing fruit is a totally natural process for the plant. The next time you walk by a fruit tree, go stand right beside it. Put your ear up next to the trunk if you want to, and listen very carefully. You will never hear a tree groaning and straining to produce fruit. It’s not hard work. It is a natural process for the tree.
The same goes for us as Christians. If we will make certain that we study the Word everyday, spend time in prayer and stay faithful in church, then our lives will naturally bear fruit. It is not up to us to decide what kind of fruit we should bear. Our only job is to stay connected to Jesus and allow His life and His love to flow out through our life towards others.
Remember, God is the source. Jesus is the vine. And we are the branches. The Fruit of the Spirit is “love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control.” If these are not evident in your life, check your source.
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Dr. Larry Ollison is founder and Senior Pastor of Walk on the Water Faith Church and founder of Larry Ollison Ministries. With over forty years in the ministry, he is a very popular speaker nationally and internationally and ministers the Word of Faith through radio, television, Internet, and daily e-mail devotionals. As the author of twelve books (including The Power of Grace, The Practical Handbook for Christian Living, Breaking the Cycle of Offense, Life is in the Blood, and recently released The Paradise of God), he is in frequent demand for radio/TV interviews, book signings, and magazine publications.
Dr. Ollison was raised a Southern Baptist. While majoring in theology at Southwest Baptist University, he received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. For many years he traveled extensively speaking at Full Gospel Business Men's meetings and conventions. He later earned an M.A. in Theology and a Ph.D. and Th.D. from Life Christian University.
Currently President of International Convention of Faith Ministries (ICFM), Dr. Ollison is also Vice-President of Spirit FM Christian Radio Network, Missouri State Director of Christians United for Israel (CUFI), and a Trustee on the boards of several international ministries. He is also the host of The Cutting Edge Radio Broadcast and authors The Cutting Edge Daily Devotional.
As the owner of a marine dealership, his extensive business background brings a unique flavor to his teaching. He founded and served as chairman of the Missouri State Marine Board, President of the Marine Dealers’ Association, Vice-President of a bank holding company, along with holding several directorships in various corporations.
Dr. Ollison's strongest areas of teaching are the blood of Jesus, faith, relationships, the Hebrew language, the Holy Spirit, the end times, and heaven. During ministry, he operates freely in the gifts of the Holy Spirit. His use of humor and his ability to make a theological concept simple makes it enjoyable and easy for everyone to understand. Countless testimonies have been received from people who say their lives have been changed after experiencing Dr. Ollison's unique ministry.
Dr. Ollison is a pastor, pilot, teacher, and author. His number one goal is to meet the needs of the people through the teaching of faith in God's Word. He and his wife, Loretta, have two children and six grandchildren.