Bear Fruits of Repentance

The Way of a New Life

God's Justice

Luke 3:7-14 The Message

7-9 When crowds of people came out for baptism because it was the popular thing to do, John exploded: “Brood of snakes! What do you think you’re doing slithering down here to the river? Do you think a little water on your snakeskins is going to deflect God’s judgment? It’s your life that must change, not your skin. And don’t think you can pull rank by claiming Abraham as ‘father.’ Being a child of Abraham is neither here nor there—children of Abraham are a dime a dozen. God can make children from stones if he wants. What counts is your life. Is it green and blossoming? Because if it’s deadwood, it goes on the fire.”
10 The crowd asked him, “Then what are we supposed to do?

For Reflection

Christians are to be known by the fruits of their labor, not by their parentage or lineage.  The blessings of this new covenant are not a birthright.  Neither can one trust in church membership as a pathway to salvation. Nor, for that matter, can reading scripture, singing hymns, or performing acts of contrition result in the promise of the Gospel. Only one who has a change in one's heart, to act in love and kindness; giving your life to the service of others, friend or enemy with the intent of receiving nothing in return. These acts of altruism will transform you from a self-centered to a God-centered person, free to become the human being God has intended you to become.

Pray

Pray so that you will become God-centered. Pray so that you will be a humble servant of all human-kind and confederate in the establishment of the Kingdom of God here and now.

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