"John 15:2" Every branch (in me) that bears not fruit is taken away.
It is a dreadful thing to be connected to God and still not bear fruit. The scripture says "We are to be in the world but not of it" Is it possible to be in the "church" (body of Christ) but not of it".
When a branch fails to produce, it is pruned in order for it to make room for new growth, with the hope. For when a branch ceases to produce, it no longer benefits the vine and must be disconnected.
The body is in a pruning season. We must allow God to cut off every dead thing in our lives, yes; anything that keeps us from producing good fruit.
"Good fruit" is not just good deeds or gifts of the Spirit. It’s not only feeding the poor or giving to the needy, these things the world do. It's not just speaking in tongues, prophesying, casting out devils or laying hands on the sick". "Many will say they did these things, yet Jesus will still say to them depart from me you worker of iniquity (I never) knew you". "Matthew 7:21-23". "If you keep my commandments you shall abide (remain) in my love. John 15:10. "For it is not the hearers of the word that’s justified before God, but the doers". Romans 2:13.
To bear good fruit means the Lord recognizes you. It's not just us saying we know him, but more importantly him saying he knows us.
If the lord was an apple tree, your branches should be producing apples, not oranges. "You shall know them by their fruit"(character) for every tree is known by the fruit it bears. Matt 7:16-20.
-Pastor Ronal Harris
