Parable of the Two Leaves

In the first church I attended a story was told - a good one - about people staying in church for the right reason - and people leaving the church for the wrong one..

The story is told about a group of believers, who were worshiping in their church. A group of men with guns came in and commanded everyone to line up against the walls. After everyone did as they were told, they ordered all of those who were true believers in Christ to stay inside while they allowed the others to go outside. Sadly, many were too scared to take a stand and quickly departed the building. The gunmen went outside and those within the church heard gun shots. The Christians soon realized that they indeed had no hope to avoid being killed. They, however, knew that they were ready to die for Christ. When the assassins returned to the church they told the believers, “We’ve just purified your church. You are free to go! We admire those who are committed.”

Those that left the church did so since giving of all their life wasn't important...Jesus was less important than their life - they denied Him. Those that left are the bad leaves...

In the next story the same but in reverse - those that left to find a new fellowship are the leaving for the right reasons. They are the true branches.

The story is told about a group of believers, who were worshiping in their church. A man came in to preach. "We must take a stand for our RIGHTS. There's and enemy out there to conquer. Your heard what the president said. Loving your enemy does't get us where God wants us to be. Please stand if you want o join me in this battle".

Many stood. One after one. But a few families did not. Their Bibles were open...like the Bereans searching for where it says - all under the gaze of eyes and whispers of judgement from the standing onlookers.

Each of the sitting families stood. Nodded to each other and walked out the front.

In the parking lot was 2 men. One came up to them and said “The tempter was sent to tickle the ears. That purified your church. You are free to go! We admire those who are committed.”

In this case the leaves are the good leaves - they will go ad produce good fruit laying down their lives like their Lord. They left the ticklish sounds of a false teacher to rest in the loving arms of the true Shepard.

"Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary:

“If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

`Romans 12:14-21