The Tree Of Goodness Series

Just as an example Acts 11:24 tells us that “Barnabas was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith - and many people were added to the Lord through him”

· It wasn’t Barnabas’ great doctrine that drew people to Jesus

(altho’ his doctrine probably was impeccable)

· And it wasn’t his speaking style that drew large crowds for God

What drew people to Jesus was the fact that Barnabas was that he was a good man. He did good things. And because he was a man’s whose goodness was driven by the Holy Spirit, people came to God because of him.

Jesus said that was how things would work: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16

ILLUS: A little girl who, on the way home from church, turned to her mother and said, "Mommy, the Preacher’s sermon this morning confused me."

The mother said, "Oh! Why is that?”

The girl replied, "Well, he said that God is bigger than we are. Is that true?"

"Yes, that’s true," the mother replied.

"He also said that God lives within us. Is that true too?"

Again the mother replied, "Yes."

"Well," said the girl. "If God is bigger than us and He lives in us, wouldn’t He show through?"

When God dwells solidly within us by our constant fellowship with each other AND by our constant exposure to His Word… then HE begins to show through in every thing we do and say.

This is how I can produce the kind of fruit that God would desire in my life

CLOSE: But fruit needs to be attached to the vine or the tree to grow. And if you don’t belong to Jesus right now you’ll not be able to produce the quality of goodness that you’d really want

The only way to be part of Jesus, is to attach yourself to His tree. It’s a tree He planted years ago on a hill called Calvary.

(Sing)

On a hill far away, stands an old rugged cross, the emblem of suffering and shame

And I love that old cross where the dearest and best for a world of lost sinners was slain

So I’ll cherish that old rugged cross til my trophies at last I lay down

I will cling to the old rugged cross and exchange it someday for a crown.

SERMONS IN THIS SERIES

The Unknown Quality of Love = Galatians 5:22-5:25

Plugging the Leak in your Joy = Galatians 5:22-5:25

The Prescription for Powerful Peace = Phil. 4:1-4:9

The Puzzle of Powerful Patience = Galatians 5:13-5:26

God’s Idea of Kindness = Luke 6:25-6:42

The Tree Of Goodness = Galatians 5:22-5:23

Getting A Booster Shot Of Faith = Galatians 5:22-5:23