Take Courage

No Fruit, No Conversion

I want to thank Eric from www.jcrylequotes.com again for today’s quote. It should make you think, read the Word and pray.  Do you agree with Ryle or not? Anything you question about your life? Do you hear much preaching or teaching like this now? Personally I think we are way past easy believe-ism to everyone does what’s right in their own eyes and calls it “church.” We can learn a lot from some of these brothers from days gone by.

(19)The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; (20)idolatory and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions (21)and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the Kingdom of God.

(22)But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, (23)gentleness and self-control. Against such there is no law. (24)Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. (25)Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. (26)Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other. (Galatians 5:19-26)

Thank God for His forgiveness and grace! We can trust Him to help us live in such a way as to bring Him honor and glory with our thoughts, words and deeds. We don’t have to live changed lives alone, or try to bear fruit alone. He will help us! Praise His wonderful Name!

Stay faithful and hopeful,

Bill (a fellow-laborer)

Romans 15:13

No Fruit, No Conversion

Let it be a settled principle in our religion that when a man brings forth no fruits of the Spirit, he has not the Holy Spirit within him. Let us resist as a deadly error the common idea, that all baptized people are born again, and that all members of the Church, as a matter of course, have the Holy Spirit. One simple question must be our rule: What fruit does a man bring forth? Does he repent? Does he believe with the heart on Jesus? Does he live a holy life? Does he overcome the world? Habits like these are what Scripture calls “fruit.” When these “fruits” are lacking, it is profane to talk of a man having the Spirit of God within him.

~ J.C. Ryle

Expository Thoughts on the Gospels: Luke volume 1, [Carlisle, PA: Banner of Truth, 1986], 192.