Bearing Fruit: What Happens When God's People Grow

Another home run from Robby Gallaty. This is the 3rd book in his series on Discipleship. The first 2 books are "Growing Up: How to Be a Disciple Who Makes Disciples" (2013) and "Firmly Planted: How to Cultivate a Faith Rooted in Christ" (2015).This volume is all about developing the fruit of a growing follower of Christ. I highly recommend a small group reading through this book for discussion and application.

Robby Gallanty writes another inspired book about living in the christian community and loving God, loving others and making disciples for christ. A great resource. Easy reading for the layman.

Loved the points made in this book

If you want to better understand and draw closer to God, this is a good book to read.

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BEARING FRUIT by pastor Robby Gallaty is part of a trio of books by books published by B&H Publishing Group on the topic of discipleship (the other two titles being Growing Up and Firmly Planted --- also published by B&H Publishing). This particular title focuses on the fruit of the Spirit as described in Galatians 5:22,23. But rather than an in-depth exposition of each of the fruits mentioned in that passage, Gallaty probes a more extensive exposition of the allegory of fruit as compared to the evidences of the life of God that should be evident in the lives of Christians.The author wants to show that sanctification --- the process on Earth where the believer cooperates with the action and leading of the Holy Spirit to become more like Christ --- is a natural growth function of life as a new creature in Christ. Just as a human baby would be treated as ill and nutritionally comprised if he did not learn to eat and digest adult food, and to grow physically, emotionally and mentally; so too a Christian is expected to display spiritual maturity and the evident inner changes wrought by the Holy Spirit as time goes on. As Gallaty writes, "Believers are expected to sanctify themselves in the Lord through the strength and power of the Spirit within each of us. We walk in the Spirit…when we allow God to work in us and to work through us." And the evidences of that work and sanctification [growth] are the fruits of character and attitude called the "fruits of the Spirit" in Galatians 5.The author makes a very good point in showing that the term "fruit" is actually used in several places in the New Testament outside of the passage in Galatians, and so a number of chapters are taken up with examining those passages and their meaning to the overall topic of spiritual growth and sanctification. After delving into a thorough explanation of the idea of abiding in Christ, the next chapters look at fruits of repentance, ministry, sanctification, righteousness, good works, love-joy-peace and others in Galatians 5; and finally, the fruit of praise. Writing in a clear and humble manner, Gallaty displays keen insights into both human behavior and psychology, as well as the truths of Scripture and church history to encourage believers to pursue a lifetime and lifestyle of growth by learning to yield to the promptings of the Holy Spirit and keep in step with Him on a daily basis. A quick read, but with much spiritual nourishment to be gained in less than 200 pages. Recommended especially for lay leaders and those who wish to become "disciples who make disciples."

Jesus said if we abide in Him and He in us, we shall bear much fruit, and by bearing fruit, we show to be His disciples (John 15:5, 8). Many think that bearing fruit means we evangelize and people will come to Christ which is our fruit. While it is true Christians should evangelize, this the text in John is not about evangelism. It is about abiding in Christ so that we may show that we are saved. In Galatians 5:22-23, we see the evidence of the work of the Spirit in our lives by what is called the Fruit of the Spirit.What is suppose to happen when God's people grow? That is the question Robby Gallaty asks in his latest book, Bearing Fruit. In this book, Gallaty shows us that bearing fruit is a necessity when abiding in Christ. One cannot abide in Christ and not bear fruit. One fruit that a Christian must bear is the fruit of repentance where we turn for sin and run to God. This is not a one time deal, this is a daily occurrence because we still live in this body of flesh and still prone to wander.Other fruit we are to bear is the fruit of ministry where we want to serve God's people and those around us. We also bear the fruit of sanctification, where we see God's good work in us which He will bring it to completions of the day of Christ (Philippians 1:6). There is also the fruit of righteousness, good works, the fruit of the Spirit, and the fruit of unceasing worship.Gallaty brings all that he has written in line with what Scripture teaches. We are to bear fruit as we continue to grow in the Lord. It does not mean we will reach perfection or a sinless life. It does mean we are maturing as we continue to walk with Jesus while living in our exile on the earth.This book is basic discipleship. Nothing that will go over anyone's head, but can be useful for a new believer.