Fruit is an oft-repeated theme in the Bible. In Genesis 2 we learn the importance of distinguishing between fruits. Among the trees in the Garden of Eden were the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. God commanded Adam, “Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.” Genesis 2:16-17
In the Amarillo area, Let the Bible Speak with Brett Hickey airs at 7AM on Sunday mornings on KAMR / Channel 4 (NBC).
It is not always easy to be in front of a television when a program is airing. We will be posting individual videos and some of Brother Hickey’s short series of videos.
Please connect with us if you have questions about any of the messages or with any Bible questions.
May 24 – May 26, 2024
The Flesh vs. The Spirit
The Thief on the Cross
God Wants Our Hearts
Are We Serving God Fully?
Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ. Now I praise you, brethren, that you remember me in all things and keep the traditions as I delivered them to you.
1 Corinthians 11:1-2
It is very interesting how the Apostle Paul opens 1 Corinthians 11. It is a classic counseling tool. In verse two, he praises the Corinthian brethren inasmuch as they have followed his teachings, or traditions, as it is translated in the NKJV. Then Paul proceeds to instruct them on how they need to correct their ways.
If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple. And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple. For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it — lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.’ Or what king, going to make war against another king, does not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? Or else, while the other is still a great way off, he sends a delegation and asks conditions of peace. So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple. Luke 14:26-33
One writer says:
If the closest relationships of a disciple’s life conflict with the claims of Jesus Christ, then our Lord requires instant obedience to Himself. Discipleship means personal, passionate devotion to a Person — our Lord Jesus Christ. There is a vast difference between devotion to a person and devotion to principles or to a cause. Our Lord never proclaimed a cause — He proclaimed personal devotion to Himself.
Is this what it means to be a disciple of Christ?
The basic definition of the word “disciple” is “a learner or student.” I have, for most of my Christian life, given no more thought to this word. A disciple is a student — I am a student of God’s Word — therefore, I am a disciple of Christ.
There is comfort in such an easy understanding — and yet, any thinking person can read the passages where this word “disciple” is found and know that it means much more. This study is dedicated to knowing more and, by extension, being more.
