• New Testament Reading: Luke 3:1-37
• Old Testament Passage: Ezekiel 18:25-32
• Points to Ponder:

“Produce Fruit in Keeping with Repentance”

Repentance is not just a word. Repentance is always proven by deeds (Acts 26:20). Deeds or action
is the fruit of repentance. Repentance needs to be very specific as when the crowd who heard John
asked him, “What should we then do?”, and he gave each group specific instructions.

John refused to baptize anyone who did not produce fruit in keeping with repentance. I believe the
same was true in the early church and that we need to do the same today. Peter said, “Repent and be
baptized everyone of you...” in Acts 2. Paul said he preached to both Jews and Gentiles that “they
should repent and turn to God and prove their repentance by their deeds.”

Repentance is essential because Jesus comes as Savior but also as Judge and that judgment will be
based not on our words but on our actions. Some don’t want to hear that message and like Herod
they attack and try to silence the messenger. But the message of repentance cannot be silenced
because it is throughout the entire Bible. It is God’s ongoing expectation of all who will share in
God’s salvation through Jesus.

• Questions to Consider: Is your repentance ongoing? Is it proven in your life by your deeds?
Are you producing fruit in keeping with repentance?