Short Stories - Part 2 "Organic Manure"

Series: Short Stories

After three years of not producing any fruit, the owner of a vineyard abruptly demanded that his fig tree be cutdown. The gardener said not so fast—let me dig around the fig tree and give it a little manure to see if it will produce fruit. We are a people that like instant results. When something or someone gets in our way, it is tempting to control and remove by force. Yet Jesus says the kingdom of God is like seeds, yeast, and manure. Things often ignored but are bubbling with invisible life. Jesus calls people to slowdown, see how He is at work in the lives of the people we are connected to, and for us to do the hard work to create environments for those in our life to thrive.

Speaker: Zach Thwaits

June 9, 2022

Zach Thwaits

Groups Pastor

Follow Along with the Message

Short Stories

Part 2: “Organic Manure”

June 9 & 12, 2022

Value is the regard that something is held to deserve—the importance, worth, or usefulness of something.

The value you have for something determines your actions towards it.

The value you place on people will determine your actions towards them.

Faithfulness cultivates fruitfulness.

Luke 13:6-9

Then Jesus told this story: “A man planted a fig tree in his garden and came again and again to see if there was any fruit on it, but he was always disappointed. Finally, he said to his gardener, ‘I’ve waited three years, and there hasn’t been a single fig! Cut it down. It’s just taking up space in the garden.’ “The gardener answered, ‘Sir, give it one more chance. Leave it another year, and I’ll give it special attention and plenty of fertilizer. If we get figs next year, fine. If not, then you can cut it down.’ ”

2 Peter 3:8-9

But you must not forget this one thing, dear friends: A day is like a thousand years to the Lord, and a thousand years is like a day. The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.

Repentance is a change of heart and a change of direction.

_________ is the best person to be faithful to the fig trees in their life.

Surveys show that one in three people would come to church if asked by a friend.

This week:

Value the fig trees in your life
Dig out distractions
Generously pour onto others