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Zephania 3v14-20 The Future of Jerusalem

Philippians 4v4-7 Let your gentleness be evident to all. v5.

Luke 3v7-18 Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. v8a.

Produce Fruit in Keeping with Jesus Christ!

· As Christians we are blessed to live under the grace of God in the New Covenant through Jesus Christ. Ours is a covenant relationship of love, forgiveness and freedom, producing faithful obedience and fellowship with God and each other.

· Unlike the old covenant under the law of Moses where people tried to meet a purity of lifestyle that could not be met, and were burdened by guilt, judgement, separation and slavery to the law and sin.

This years Advent readings focus towards judgement (as in John’s words in Luke) in our own preparation for the second coming of Jesus.

How do we then pull these two understanding together, of what God desires in the lives of those who walk with Him?

Quite simply.

The New Covenant is designed to produce the best in us by giving the best to us!

· God has given His Son for us. His sacrifice has set us free. Isaiah 53v4-12.

· Through a faithful relationship of Love and forgiveness with God, we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to live in a similar relationship with Him and each other. Galatians 5v22.

· The warmth of NT grace produces the fruits of grace, which are love for ones neighbour. Ezekiel 36v26-27.

John the Baptist’s said ‘Produce fruit in keeping with repentance’ v8.

v11 Share your excess wealth, clothing and food with those who have none.

v13 Don’t charge excess finance, more than you need, from others.

v14 Be honest in all your financial dealings:-

Do not bribe or blackmail to gain money

Give an honest account and do not accuse falsely.

Work for a fair day’s wages and do not expect more.

Issues that our institutions and big business should also hear!

Jesus says the law can be summed up in two statements:- Matthew 22v37-39.

· Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength.

· And love your neighbour as yourself.

There is a great expectation therefore for all Christians living in the Spirit, to produce fruit in keeping with GRACE, and that our lives will be characterised by faithfulness both to God and each other, and loads of good works of grace, love and forgiveness to each other. Romans 12v1-….

So we need to ask ourselves as we prepare for Jesus’ coming:-

Does my life produce good fruit in Jesus Christ?

Am I greedily selfish, or graciously giving?

Do I love the Lord and invite Him in to every part of my life?

And do I show a similar amount of love and forgiveness to others as God shows towards me?

Let us produce fruit in keeping with Jesus Christ!