Peaches from Apples

In his book entitled The Emotionally Healthy Church, Peter Scazzero makes an interesting observation:

Jesus describes becoming a Christian as a new birth. (see John 3:3-5). Picture yourself as an apple tree, but you would really like to bear peaches. You can be pruned, or someone can attach peaches with wire to your branches. But apples will keep coming. If you want peaches, you have to dig up the apple tree and plant a peach tree.

New roots are needed for new fruit. All we do is modify the same tree when we make resolutions and commitments to pray more, go to church more consistently, or resolve to stop bad behavior. The root needs to be pulled up. A new tree is needed.

Jesus said, "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." (John 3:3). And Paul pointed out that once we experience that new birth, everything becomes new! "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Have you been born again... made new in Christ? Or are you trying to turn your apples into peaches on your own?

Happenings - Week of 9/28

In addition to our weekly Bible study and midweek prayer meeting (Wednesday at 6:30), there are a couple of activities to keep in mind and prayer this week:

1. Haven of Rest - Service Day. This is a monthly opportunity to help others in a physical and real way. If you have never tried this, I encourage you to do so this weekend.
2. Voice of the Martyrs Conference. The pastor will be taking any who are interested to this conference about the persecuted Christians in our world.

Both of these events are on Saturday, October 4. Please call the church or pastor for additional details.