2. 5. The Fruit Identifies the Tree Luke 6:43-49 p. 952

3. Thanksgiving  We have an incredible amount to be thankful for.  But some days and some weeks are better than others.  Is thanksgiving based on a level of comfort?  Apostle Paul... Phil. 4:12, 1 Thess 5:16-18.  Jesus gives us the secret here.

4. 1. A Good Tree bears Good Fruit  We are preparing for winter  Light and warmth are on their way again when we see cherry blossoms.  Only know about a tree when you see the fruit.  Jesus is the latest pop-culture idol.  Everyone wants to see him, hear him, touch him.  Don’t necessarily want to make uncomfortable changes.

5. 1. A Good Tree bears Good Fruit...  Jesus explains what it look like to follow him  The motivations of the heart are revealed in deeds (v 45) (Good means: faithfully seeking and following God)  Claim allegiance to God but live contrary to His ways:... we claim falsely

6. 1. A Good Tree bears Good Fruit...  Whether a tree is good or bad  about how we choose to live, who we choose to follow  About how we allow God to cultivate good in us (Jn 15:2, Lk 13:8-9)

7. 2. Build on the Rock  A direct question:  “Why do you call me Lord, Lord, and not do what I tell you?” (v 46)  He seems to say: Do what I tell you.  Completing the sentence:  Those who hear my words & put them into practice will … Donald Trump?Donald Trump? You and me?You and me?

8. 2. Build on the Rock...  Jesus says: “the house could not be shaken” (v 48)  Vast crowd – for many daily life is tough.  Significance: Relates to life in the present  Taking Jesus seriously – makes huge difference to daily life  He does not say it will make life easy.

9. 3. Pleasing God  Not something Jesus talks about directly.  God cares about our wellbeing in the present.  It pleases God that we become resilient in our daily lives.  He loves to comfort, support & strengthen us.  There are two other truths to consider:

10. 3. Pleasing God  Not something Jesus talks about directly.  God cares about our wellbeing in the present.  It pleases God that we become resilient in our daily lives.  He loves to comfort, support & strengthen us.  There are two other truths to consider:

11. 3. Pleasing God... 1) The two houses may look the same:  The foundation is hidden underground.  Only when the earthquake comes will we be able to tell.  We see the truth of this every day.  It pleases God to build our lives on a sure foundation

12. 3. Pleasing God... 2) Building a solid foundation is hard work:  Financial cost, investment of effort.  Requires perseverance and patience.  It pleases God when we invest time and effort in things that really matter.

13. Living It  Our Story.  Jesus’ Promise (Matt 11:29-30).