Are you a tree in the devil’s orchard? If so, you may see your future in the words “Cast into the fire!”
In the crowds of people who listened to John, there were numbers of religious folk. Some of them were teachers. All the devil’s trees don’t grow on his estate, therefore I want you now to look at
The Devil’s Trees which Grow in God’s Orchard.
Judas was one. He had the advantage of Christ’s friendship, and might have become one of the first missionaries, but he was covetous. Demas was the companion of Paul, and might have been another Silas, but he “loved this present world.” Ananias and Sapphira were growing side by side among the beautiful trees in the early church, but they were selfish and deceitful, and after telling a lie, they were both cut down and cast into the fire. You notice it does not say every tree in the devil’s orchard shall be cut down, but “every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit.” How is it with you? Judgment has begun at the house of God. What are you? What is the product of your life? Is your influence beneficial? Does the result of your life shew that you are born of God?
A Holy Life is the only way to Escape
the Fire of Hell.
Do not say you do no harm; that is not enough, you are to bear fruit unto holiness. Your life must be profitable to God, or you cannot escape the axe. A man does not plant apple trees to look at, but to gather fruit from. Have you paid God for all He has expended on you? Remember you are British, you live where there are Bibles, Ministers, Sunday Schools. Public opinion is on the side of right. It is easier to be good here than anywhere else in the world. The husbandman will not be satisfied with leaves or blossoms, there must be
Fruit or Fire!
Yes, you will do well to consider that there is a power of destruction which may be called into action any moment.
Look, then, at