Many people wonder if they will see not only their human loved ones again in heaven, but whether the Lord might also give them their beloved pets back in the new heavens and earth. This is a question that leads to the nature of Christ's redemption extending to the entire creation in the new heavens and earth.
The Bible very frequently refers to the wicked "gnashing their teeth." It is an expression of murderous rage against Christ and His people. This rage is increasing in our day as the antichrist's spirit gathers momentum. We must each one be in Christ or the enemy will surely deceive us.
The gospel must include a call to repentance. If not, it is not the gospel but mere easy believism. Repentance bears fruit. It is visible.
If the Word of God is going to take root and grow in us, we must not be careless in receiving it. There are many enemies of our souls waiting and watching to snatch away the seed of God's Word if we do not hold it fast.
This is the last sermon in this series. We consider now what signs there might be visible in a person which would indicate that they are not only a Barren Tree, a fruitless professor, but that God's axe has either fallen or is raised and poised to cut such a tree down in a moment.
We now turn to the example of Esau who was cut down as a barren tree, though he still lived in this present world.
We consider Cain and Ishmael as examples of Barren Trees who were cut down even though they still lived in this world.
The ministry of the local church must have the preaching and teaching of God's Word at its center. This will feed and sanctify genuine, fruitful believers in God's vineyard, and it will repel the barren trees.
Sin is utterly sinful because, for one reason, it is like a rat working destruction in the darkness. If left to its own, unrepented of, it will work death eternally.
Pride is a rotten fruit that is inevitably found on the barren fig tree.
