Sermon for May 19 from Matthew 7:13-23

So…

What is your favorite fruit?

Apples, pears, kiwi, grapes, wine…

Hops is not a fruit, just saying. But apple cider…

One of the neat things about the Deacon’s 5K and the whole celebration around it is the hot sandwiches our Kafe folks make and the fresh fruit the Deacons and the Kafe prepare for the runners and walkers.

And I love fruit this time of year!

Berries are coming, raspberries red and black, blackberries, and blueberries. All fruit is a bit of a challenge because it is high in sugar, so needs to be eaten in moderation, but none-the-less, yum!

So, back to the question of the day, what is your favorite fruit?

And then the tougher question, what kind of fruit are you?

I have said in the past that some think of the Otisville – Mt. Hope Presbyterian Church population as a big bowl of granola, fruit, flakes and nuts. So, which are you?

And then, taking it a step farther, what kind of fruit are you producing?

We are not talking about farming here!

Jesus is really asking about what your life is producing. What the results are of you being in this world working for God’s kingdom?

How are you using the energy, intelligence, imagination, and love that God has given you to bring Kingdom values into this world?

Today, in our 5K we have raised some funds to be sent along to the Ronald MacDonald House Charities, who housed not only Briana and Steve and family while Liliana was in Albany Medical Center and then Pittsburgh Children’s Hospital, but also housed the Sudarto Family for a year way back when Steve’s older brother Gerald was being treated for a brain tumor.

The House provides a room and meals for the family and asks for no compensation. That is amazing! And we, delightedly are supporting their work today by provide funds to further their mission of caring for families needing short stay.

So, together we are “making a difference”!

But are you, as a child of God, a member of the Kingdom, one of God’s sent people actually “making a difference” all on your own?

It’s an essential question Jesus says, because “by their fruit you will know them”, which is the traditional reading of Matthew 7:20, which the CEV translates “You can tell who the false prophets are by their deeds.”

It also, I’m afraid, applies to us. Your faith, your giftedness, your value to the Kingdom of God is all measured and made known by what you are making of your opportunity to “make a difference” in this world.

According to Jesus, you can tell how you are doing by the fruit you are growing.

So…

What is your favorite fruit? And what kind of fruit are you growing?

Resurrection power and a life changed by God’s grace means that what we are doing, how we are acting, what we value, and who we care for are all transformed by God’s amazing love!

The result should be good fruit, which the Apostle Paul reminds us is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

If those are happening, you are on the right track! If not, we should talk.

Making a difference, in Jesus Name!

Amen.