We'll be coming from the book of Luke chapter 13 verses 6 through 9 and I will ask all who are able to stand to please do so for the reading of the scriptures this morning.

Again, the book of Luke chapter 13 verses 6 through nine.

And the word of God reads,

he also spoke this parable, speaking of Jesus.

A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came seeking fruit on it and found none.

Then he said to the keeper of his vineyard, look, for three years I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree and find none.

Cut it down. Why does it use up the ground? Verse 8. But he answered and said to him,

Sir, let it alone this year also until I dig around it and fertilize it. And if it bears fruit,

verse 9, well, but if not, after that, you can cut it. And if it bears fruit, verse 9, well. But if not, after that, you can cut it down.

Why don't we pray for our blessing on God's word this morning?

Loving Heavenly Father, thank you so much for giving us the opportunity to assemble

in peace to hear your word.

There is no other reason why we are here at this moment.

So would you bless us with your word? I pray that by the power of your Holy Spirit,

you would just touch us in a unique way that has never been done before. Make your presence

known in this body of believers. Your servants are listening in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.

Thank you and please be seated.

So the title for today's teaching is barren or believer. And our lesson will be coming from this portion of

scripture, also known as the parable of the barren fig tree. And one of the things that I want

to point out and make clear is that this parable is not the same parable that Jesus used when he cursed the fig tree that's captured in Matthew chapter 21 and also in the book of Mark chapter 11.

This is a separate parable and it's only captured here in the book of Luke and like many of the

parables in the word of God this parable has a dual meaning and a dual application that we all can apply. And it's funny to me because

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