10/19/2026
Sunday Sermon
Mark 11:12-22
Promising Leaves, But No Fruit
(Your Appearance, Your Accountability and Your Assurance)
Co-Pastor Eric
Jesus uses the parable of the fig tree to teach us about the power of faith and trusting in Him. He wants us to know that we can talk to the mountain (our problems) and say, “Go throw yourself into the sea”. Through His humanity He wants us to know that we can bring our mountains to Him in prayer and trust Him with them.
The fig tree had plenty of leaves, but no fruit. It had the appearance of growth (leaves), but no evidence of it (fruit). God examines our heart and wants genuine faith that produces good fruit. He wants more than external appearances: appearance of worship, but no surrender; appearance of faith, but no obedience; appearance of love, but no compassion; appearance of holiness, but no transformation; appearance of prayer, but no relationship; appearance of service, but no sacrifice and appearance of spiritual growth, but no spiritual maturity!
There has to be a standard and accountability for what we allow to go on in the church. We should ask ourselves, What would Jesus find in the church? He’s not looking for religion, but for relationship. We all have to be accountable for our own relationship with Him.
There is assurance from Christ when we exercise fruits of the spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Your mouth, heart and mind must agree - if your mouth can say it, your heart can believe it and your mind agrees, your eyes will see it.
We can intentionally choose actions and words and make choices to bear fruit that glorify God in our daily lives.
Appearance, Accountability and Assurance is our fruit! 🙌🏽