April 4th, 2025
Friday, April 4th
The Beautiful Fruit of Salvation
Pastor Todd Crofford
I know it’s April, but can I go all Christmas fiction on you for a moment today?
When Ebenezer Scrooge had his heart change, how did people know it? Because it so clearly showed in his actions. He became generous and kind.
When non-fiction Zaccheus realized that Jesus was the Messiah, his life transformation became clear to all as well through his actions. Good fruit sprang from a life now made good.
First, his absorption with wealth does a complete reversal and he shows care for the poor, giving away half of his possessions. Next, he shows his willingness to live by God’s law by repaying those he has stolen from four times as much. (This is in alignment with God’s commands in Exodus 22.) Finally, he embraces accountability by making these declarations very publicly. He is willing to let people hold him to it.
Jesus declares with joy, “You and your family have been saved today.” (Luke 19:9 GW) If fruit inspectors look at our lives, will they say the same thing?
The Beautiful Fruit of Salvation
Pastor Todd Crofford
I know it’s April, but can I go all Christmas fiction on you for a moment today?
When Ebenezer Scrooge had his heart change, how did people know it? Because it so clearly showed in his actions. He became generous and kind.
When non-fiction Zaccheus realized that Jesus was the Messiah, his life transformation became clear to all as well through his actions. Good fruit sprang from a life now made good.
First, his absorption with wealth does a complete reversal and he shows care for the poor, giving away half of his possessions. Next, he shows his willingness to live by God’s law by repaying those he has stolen from four times as much. (This is in alignment with God’s commands in Exodus 22.) Finally, he embraces accountability by making these declarations very publicly. He is willing to let people hold him to it.
Jesus declares with joy, “You and your family have been saved today.” (Luke 19:9 GW) If fruit inspectors look at our lives, will they say the same thing?
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