THE MISSION: Bring Great Glory to a Great Savior by telling people what Jesus did for great sinners and inspiring others to do the same.

August 10, 2009

64 - Two Believers--Two Types of Fruit

I certainly can't judge whether a person is truly a born again believer. Only God knows that. However, Jesus did say by their fruits we will know them (Matt. 7).

I spoke to a couple of ladies today. Both professed to be born again Christians. Both seemed to have an orthodox understanding of the gospel and of the need for repentance and trusting in Christ alone for salvation.

One had just recently been baptized and said she was doing those things indicative of a genuine follower...prayer, time in God's word, getting plugged into a fellowship of believers. The other was not going to church but admitted that she needed to be going. She said she had some neighbors that had been talking to her about going to her church and that she really needed to follow up with them and find out where they go. She said she prays and reads the Word regularly, but then acknowledged that she was going through a lot of things in her life that suggested the possibility of reaping the fruit of an improper lifestyle.

In both cases, I tried to encourage them in their walk with the Lord. Sometimes I will exhort a person to do as the Word instructs--to examine themselves carefully to make sure that they're really in the faith and really following after the Lord wholeheartedly. I didn't do that this time, but I did share with them that Jesus said his followers learn to fish for men, because nothing's more important than the eternal destinies of those around us.

We all need constant encouragement. I hope I was an encouragement to these two ladies today.

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