Christ warned his disciples that there are various ways that the gospel is received, but the true saving faith always produces a degree of spiritual fruit of grace and holiness.

Cain brought of the fruit of the ground. Abel brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof, and the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering. Why was the one received and the other refused? Why did God reason with Cain, and comfort him, before ever a hand was raised? And when his brother's blood cried unto God from the ground, what did the judgment of God leave him? The text answers every one, verse by verse.

The soul of man is unique. Adam was created by God and God breathed into Him the breath of life and he became a living soul. Eve also had a living soul when God created her. Soon after creation, Adam chose to disobey God and listen to the lie of his wife. She had been deceived by the devil. Adam knew better but chose to defy God. The result was disaster for man.

Rev. Ophoff Our Doctrine of the Way I. Who This Is II. Why He is This III. With What Fruit Scripture Reading: John 14 Confessions: Belgic Confession art. 26 Text: John 14:6 Psalter #s: 261, 1, 67, 320, 196

The sermon concludes the book of Colossians by emphasizing that Jesus Christ, clothed in His gospel, is sufficient for every aspect of the Christian life. It highlights how gospel prayer and gracious witness are lived out within the practical realities of local church community. The text illustrates that true faithfulness involves steadfast prayer, wise conduct toward outsiders, and navigating internal divisions with grace and forgiveness. By examining Paul's final greetings, the message demonstrates that the church is a place where believers use their diverse gifts to advance the kingdom despite human frailty. Ultimately, the gospel produces fruit in ordinary life, calling believers to remain faithful and united in their witness to the world.