Fruitfulness in the Bible

Ben Green | Mark 4:26-29 

[Jesus] also said, ‘This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. All by itself the soil produces corn – first the stalk, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. As soon as the corn is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come.’

The recording begins with Susan Haynes introducing the Explore service and explaining more about our current series, "Faithfulness on the frontline." The congregation were then asked, in groups around tables, to read one of a set of Bible passages and answer a question on it. After hearing the feedback from each of the groups Ben gave a short talk describing how we become more fruitful. How much of a part does God play and what is our responsibility?

The readings studied the congregation, and the corresponding questions, were:

Genesis 1:24-31

Where does fruitfulness originate/begin?

Colossians 1:1-14

What four things does Paul specify will come from being filled with the Spirit?

Luke 3:7-14

What should repentance lead to?

Isaiah 5:1-7

Why was the vineyard to be destroyed?

Isaiah 27:1-6

What is the promise of this passage?

John 15:1-17

What do we need to do in order to bear much fruit?

Galatians 5:13-26

What three action words associated with the Spirit does Paul say will result in fruit?

1 Corinthians 3:1-9

What are some of the elements needed to produce a fruitful harvest?

Revelation 22:1-5

Here we see the tree of life, bearing fruit, in a picture of what’s to come. What is being promised at the end of time?

An edited video recording of the Sunday service can be viewed on YouTube.