Cultivating Fruitfulness in Christ

Pastor Jeremy Eastman emphasizes the importance of being fruitful in Jesus through faith, virtue, knowledge, self-control, and love, as outlined in 2 Peter. He encourages believers to seek a genuine relationship with Christ, which leads to a transformative and impactful Christian life.

In a recent sermon at Ignite Church WV, Pastor Jeremy Eastman delved into the theme of being fruitful in Jesus, drawing primarily from the book of 2 Peter. He emphasized that a true Christian life must be centered around Jesus, reflecting His character and teachings.

The Foundation of Faith

Pastor Eastman began by highlighting the significance of faith in Jesus Christ. He pointed out that our righteousness is not based on our actions but solely on our faith in Him. This foundational belief is crucial because it underscores that our ability to stand before God is made possible through the sacrifice of Jesus.

"If I could do it by myself, then that makes His death on the cross absolutely worthless."

This statement encapsulates the essence of Christian faith: acknowledging that we cannot achieve righteousness on our own. Instead, it is through Jesus' blood that we are cleansed and made whole.

The Process of Fruitfulness

Jeremy explained that fruitfulness in our lives takes time and effort. While some changes may be immediate, true growth in faith and character develops gradually as we engage with Scripture and deepen our relationship with God. He referenced 2 Peter 1:3-5, which encourages believers to supplement their faith with various virtues:

Virtue: Living a life that pleases God, guided by His standards rather than societal norms.
Knowledge: Gaining wisdom through a deeper understanding of God.
Self-Control: Exercising discipline over our actions and thoughts.
Steadfastness: Remaining firm in faith, especially during trials.
Godliness: Reflecting Christ's character in our lives.
Brotherly Affection: Cultivating genuine love for one another.
Love: The ultimate expression of our faith and the essence of serving God and others.

The Importance of Diligence

Pastor Eastman stressed the need for diligence in our pursuit of God. He referenced Hebrews 11:6, which states that without faith, it is impossible to please God. This pursuit requires intentionality and a commitment to seeking God earnestly, much like searching for hidden treasure.

"If we sought after God like we seek for lost items, it would change everything."

This analogy serves as a powerful reminder of the urgency and passion we should have in our relationship with God.

Living Out Our Faith

The sermon also addressed the practical aspects of living out our faith. Eastman encouraged believers to:

Engage with Scripture: Regularly read and meditate on the Word of God.
Practice Self-Control: Be mindful of our words and actions, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us.
Be Steadfast: Stand firm in our faith, especially during challenging times.
Show Love: Actively demonstrate love and honor towards others, reflecting the love of Christ.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

In closing, Pastor Eastman urged the congregation to embrace their identity as children of God and to live out their faith with intention and purpose. He reminded them that everything they need for a fruitful life in Christ has already been provided; they simply need to choose to walk in it.

"Everything you need for a fruitful productive life has already been given to you. You just have to choose to use it."

This message serves as a powerful encouragement for all believers to cultivate a fruitful life in Jesus, marked by faith, love, and a commitment to His teachings.