The parable of the barren fig tree captures the attributes of our Vinedresser Father.  He is focused, patient, determined, protective, and longsuffering, willing to do all He can so that we’ll bear fruit.

Suffering is a strong foundation for friendship.  It was true for Abraham, God’s friend.  It’s true for us too, as we share in the sufferings of our Friend, Jesus Christ.

Our Friend God is without equal.  He loves, accepts, encourages, and supports us at all times.  And we experience His Friendship most fully when we go through adversity.

Our Husband God is like no other.  He hears and understands us.  He always makes us feel special.  He believes in and trusts us.  He provides everything we need.  And He is always there for us.

The Bible provides stunning insights into an often-overlooked aspect of God’s revealed identity: Husband.  He not only made us, but He treasures us and adorns us with His glory.

As His bride, we are responsible:  to grow in the knowledge of God, our Bridegroom; to receive Him as Lord and allow Him to meet our needs as He sees fit; and to trust and yield to Him as our very Life.

Intimacy.  Acceptance.  Dependence.  Trust.  Celebration.  Love.  Peace.  Joy.  Enthusiasm.  Security.  Giving.  Receiving.  Knowing.  All these are facets of the relationship that is ours to enjoy – today – as the bride of Christ.

Light describes our basic identity, who we are in Christ.  Facing certain adversity from those who love darkness, we’re to let our light shine, consciously choosing to step into the world’s darkness and shine the light of our Savior Jesus, Who indwells us.

Salt defines how we’re to interact with a fallen world.  More that just a preservative and a seasoning, we’re to boldly proclaim Jesus to the world.  We’re an aroma of death to the perishing but a fragrance of life to those who are being saved.

In this second of two interviews, Pastor Frank continues his conversation with David Gregory, speaker, teacher, and author of The Rest of the Gospel and the New York Times bestseller, Dinner With A Perfect Stranger.