Tim Keller has reminded us of the important category of fruitfulness. "A more biblical theme for evaluation than either success or faithfulness is fruitfulness. Jesus, of course, told his disciples that they were to “bear much fruit” (John 15:8). Paul spoke even more specifically. He spoke of conversions as “fruit” when he desired to preach the gospel in Rome “that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles” (Rom 1:13)." [Keller, Center Church , p. 13] This was a strong theme in the preaching of Chrysostom in the fourth century. He didn't have any time for unapplied doctrine or an ornamental church. "What good, after all, tell me, is a tree reaching to the sky and bearing leaves aplenty if it is devoid of fruit?" [Chrysostom, Homily 13 on Genesis] "Nothing is more frigid than a Christian, who cares not for the salvation of others... Look at the trees of the forest, see how sturdy and beautiful they are, how tall they grow, and how...
Living and preaching at the foot of the Cross