Part 13: Much Fruit

There is a crucial need for all of us to examine our own hearts.

We need to see for ourselves if we are not merely listening to the Word of God but obeying it from a heart trusting in God’s good promises. If we don’t, we are not fooling God, we are not fooling other people, we are fooling ourselves. James said, “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves” (James 1:22).

Self-examination is a serious matter. God will show the true condition of our hearts, the reality of our relationship with Jesus, and the destiny awaiting us in the next trillions of years. Self-examination is urgent. We must not wait until it’s too late. Darrell Bock, a New Testament scholar, issued this warning in light of the ministry of Jesus:

The stakes are rising, for rejection leads to a hardening of hearts and judgment from God. A person should not delay responding to the word, for as time passes it may become harder to respond. If one waits, it may eventually become too late (Luke, Vol. 1, p. 718).