Seedless Christians: Are you one?
As I was cutting up grapes for my one year old daughter. I sensed that God was wanting me to see more than a cute face eating grapes like it was her job! ha! But my eyes fell to the label on the grapes container that said SEEDLESS. Which is what it normally says, because we are not fans of the seeded grapes and its much easier for a baby to eat without the seeds. So you may be saying whats the big deal. Well, seedless grapes are ok & I love them. But a seedless christian isn't.
...seedless isn't an acceptable state for a Christian to live...
The problem with a seedless Christian is that they can't reproduce and the ability to multiply is core to our call and commission as Christians. John 15:16 calls it out nicely...
John 15:16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.
This post is an encouragement & challenge to two groups.
The Individual Christian: If your a Christian but you've never shared your faith or lead someone to Jesus or brought someone to Church and seen them come to know God, then most likely, you're a SEEDLESS Christian. You look good, you may even taste good, but you're no good to build the purpose of God on the earth. If you're in this space I want to encourage you that God has way-more in mind for you. The fruit-producing life is much more fulfilling.
The Pastor/Church Leader: Are you/we creating seeded or seedless Christians? Are you making disciples of Jesus that are equipped to not only look like a Christian but actually have the "stuff" inside to live it and reproduce it? Have you ever asked yourself the question, "Why is my church or my area of ministry not growing?" I know I have from time to time. Well the answer could be a few things but one of the reasons may be that you're producing beautiful looking Christians that are SEEDLESS and USELESS!?
Ok, so you're saying "Thanks Samuel for the encouragement!, but where's the (How-to) to start producing the SEEDED & USEFUL Christians?". Great question, and I don’t want to pretend that I have a magical formula to transform all Christians to Fruit-producing follows of Jesus.
But there is one specific first step to be sure we are all taking and specifically as pastors/leaders that we can draw from the following verses:
John 15:1-8 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. 3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4 Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
If we are going to continue to produce fruit and produce Christians that are SEEDED & INFLUENTIAL, we have to continue to connect people to Jesus. We must create the space and place for people to connect with God. To get into the presence of God and to get the Word of God in them. We must teach people how to embrace the power of the Holy Spirit which is the primary source of the power to reproduce. Lets produce! Lets bear fruit, fruit that will last!Remember, God is for you and His Spirit is with you! Praying for you and your Church!
