October/November 2025 Message From Pastor Mike “Good Fruit to God’s Glory”

As we walk through fall with Thanksgiving on the horizon, it’s harvest time in the fields
and we are reminded that Jesus called His followers to bear good fruit to God’s glory (John
15:8). You may remember that I preached on leading fruitful lives recently, and the question
lingered in my heart: what sort of fruit does Jesus want to find growing in our lives?

The easy answer is love, kindness and sharing the Gospel. Jesus certainly wants us to act
in these ways, but what are the results, the fruit of being loving, showing kindness and sharing
His message of new life? When Jesus talked about fruit, I think He had in mind the outcomes,
the product of lives being touched and changed through our words and actions. What actual
difference are we making in the world around us?

For example, as we serve in the church, using our gifts to further the mission Jesus gave
us, we should see people growing in their faith and needs being met in ways we can see and feel.
We should witness people finding opportunities to connect with God through worship, prayer
and Bible study. We should be aware of administrative functions getting done and the church
property being maintained. We should notice the fruit of people who were once far from God,
now walking closely with Jesus in faith and spiritual devotion.

In the same way, as you love your neighbors, you should be able to point to the fruit of
growing friendships, helping hands at work and fences being mended in literal and figurative
ways. When we love the people around us, their lives should improve, their hearts should be
touched, conflicts should get resolved and doors should open to deeper relationships. The fruit of
loving your neighbors could be someone accepting your invitation to church.
Inside your home, you should also see fruit growing to God’s glory. As you follow Jesus’
example of mercy and forgiveness, you should feel children, parents and siblings drawing closer
to one another. Marriages should be loving and life-long. You should see faith take root, grow
and flourish in the lives of your children and grandchildren. We rejoice to see good fruit growing
in our families.
You can also rejoice over the fruit growing in your own heart as you seek faithfully after
the Lord in prayer, worship and devotion. What is the fruit of faithful prayer? It might not always
be the answer you desire, but you should witness God’s hand providing. As you set aside time to
show love to God, you should also feel His love giving you peace and hope. You should find the
fruit of discernment in your heart as you learn to listen to God’s voice and follow His wise
leading.
Maybe you can think of other examples of the fruit we grow to God’s glory. Our faith is
not just an abstract notion, an empty wish for a happy eternity. We follow Jesus daily, making the
most of this life by making a difference in the lives of people around us: loving our families,
loving our neighbors, serving in the church. The work of ministry, care and devotion that flows
from faith in Christ should produce good things, fruit we can see and touch, hear and feel.

When you notice good fruit growing, give thanks to the Gardener who cares for you and
to the Vine who gives you life. If you struggle to find fruit in your life, ask Jesus to show you
how to put to better use the gifts He has given you. He wants you to be fruitful, and His Spirit is
ready to help. Together we will see a bountiful harvest of lives being changed in Jesus’ name.