Gateway Baptist Church
November 23, 2025

      • 2 Chronicles 7:14LGCYSTNDRDBBLSB

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      • 2 Chronicles 7:14LGCYSTNDRDBBLSB

  • The Way Of The Cross Leads Home
  • It Is Well With My Soul
  • How Majestic Is Your Name
  • Great Is Thy Faithfulness

  • Acts 4:13-22

    Have you ever observed that fruit trees are genetically predisposed to produce specific types of fruit? The same principle applies to peanut trees. My great-grandfather was among the pioneers in grafting various pecan (walnut) cultivars onto one another. In Boerne, Texas, the origin of my family's roots, he grafted a black walnut onto a Texas pecan tree. The pecan tree belongs to the Hickory family. These trees can attain heights of up to 145 feet and diameters of approximately 10 feet. They offer excellent shade and are highly valued for their wood, which is used in furniture, cabinetry, and culinary applications. Furthermore, they are designated as the state tree of Texas. These trees are easily recognizable.
    What is the commonality between ‘Standing with God’ and walnuts (pecans)? Firstly, if you are standing with God, you are grafted into the family. Secondly, you are commanded to produce fruit. Finally, you are recognizable.
    Peter and John are positioned within the Sanhedrin Court, undergoing interrogation regarding the healing of the lame and their declaration of Jesus as the Messiah. There are three notable distinctions that believers exemplify when standing with God. The first is that they are identifiable. The second is that they disturb the adversary. The third is that they bear fruit.

    Identifiable:

    The adversary is able to identify you due to the presence of Christ within you. When Peter and John addressed them, they were amazed by their demeanor. They noted the confidence and audacity with which they articulated their message. While expressing admiration, they ‘recognized’ them as associated with Christ. Upon being incorporated into the family, our genetic makeup transforms to align with that of Jesus.
    The Greek term for ‘recognize’ is (epiginosko), which signifies being known, recognized, or understood. This marker distinguishes believers from non-believers. Absent Christ and the Holy Spirit within, individuals become unrecognizable to both the world and the adversary.
    Reflect upon the words of Christ in John 15:19. Had Peter and John been of the world, would they have faced persecution? Clearly not, as they would have been among the worldly. I observed Kevin Hart criticize Franklin Kirk in a clip from a music awards show. If the adversary does not acknowledge you as belonging to Christ, he will attack you. Consider the words of the evil spirit to an individual attempting to be someone they are not, as recorded in Acts 19:15.
    John 15:19 LSB
    “If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, because of this the world hates you.
    Acts 19:15 LSB
    And the evil spirit answered and said to them, “I recognize Jesus, and I know about Paul, but who are you?”
    Are you identifiable as belonging to Christ? If you are why, then you are trouble to the adversary.

    Trouble to the Adversary:

    Listen to the words of those on the Sanhedrin Court. “What should we do with these men?” They recognized a great thing had happened, but it was not by them, so it would hinder their influence and power. Not only is the enemy in the world, but it can disguise itself as light, 2 Corinthians 11:14.
    2 Corinthians 11:14 LSB
    And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.
    They faced similar challenges as we do today. Our endeavors are concentrated on two levels: the international arena and within religious legalistic elites. Whenever you or I oppose either group, conflict arises. The opponent detests a faithful individual who persists with unwavering devotion to God. Such a person is acknowledged as an unstoppable force capable of surpassing obstacles. They will demand that we cease speaking the truth or engaging in acts that lead people to Christ. If these actions threaten their authority, they oppose them.
    If we are identifiable, we create trouble for the enemy because we are bearing good fruit.

    Bearing Fruit:

    Peter and John bore fruit from Christ, and their fruit was evident. They spoke with might, confidence, and boldness that Christ was the Messiah. They did not cower when the enemy attacked but stood tall and allowed the Holy Spirit to fight for them. They were faithful, a fruit that seems lacking with some today. Being faithful to God is ‘Standing with Him’ even in the face of great persecution. Trusting Him even when you are walking through the Valley of Death. Not leaning on your own understanding but leaning on His providence. This fruit is essential for the believer to do what God has called them to do.
    To be candid, the lack of fruit should prompt self-examination regarding one's salvation. Consider what transpires when a pecan tree ceases to produce fruit: it is often cut down and repurposed as firewood, and it becomes increasingly vulnerable to diseases. Remember what Jesus did to the fig tree that was not bearing fruit? (Mark 11:21) Conversely, a pecan tree that bears pecans signifies vitality. Similarly, for a Christian, bearing fruit serves as evidence of spiritual health. A devout Christian who bears fruit is a vessel through which God can bring those lost in darkness into the light.
    Mark 11:21 LSB
    And being reminded, Peter said to Him, “Rabbi, look, the fig tree which You cursed has withered.”
    So, are you identifiable, trouble to the enemy, and bearing fruit acceptable to Christ? If not, I beg you to ask the Holy Spirit to show areas of your life you need to repent of.

      • John 15:19LGCYSTNDRDBBLSB

      • Acts 19:15LGCYSTNDRDBBLSB

      • 2 Corinthians 11:14LGCYSTNDRDBBLSB

      • Mark 11:21LGCYSTNDRDBBLSB

  • Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus
  • Gateway Church

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Gateway Baptist Church
gatewaybaptistchurch@live.com
8128533787
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