Matthew 22:34-40 NIV84 and Luke 3:9-14 NIV84

9 The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.”

I question what this means, because I'm tempted to disagree. Back in biblical days and straight on through to now-a-days the "trees" that are not producing good fruit produce more fruit than any other "trees".

Compare those who have children.... those who are out of wedlock, or even in wedlock with no real purpose for child bearing (besides for sex or pure desire) vastly outnumber those in a marriage with intent to train a child up and have them surpass the achievements they've made themselves.

Compare the wealthy...... those who are selfish and self-idolizing vastly outnumber those like Warren Buffett who are very philanthropic.
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10 “What should we do then?” the crowd asked. 11 John answered, “The man with two tunics should share with him who has none, and the one who has food should do the same.” 12 Tax collectors also came to be baptized. “Teacher,” they asked, “what should we do?” 13 “Don't collect any more than you are required to,” he told them.

I think these verses fall right in line with what Jesus said in Matthew 22:34-40. I love practical examples altough I like making people come to an understanding themselves, making them dwell on it and figure it out. It tends to make people find what they believe and hold on to it alot more and more fervently because they actually understand and believe as opposed to taking someones word/p.o.v.

I love the fact that you have an example of those who not only came and repented and got baptized but sought to follow through. They asked "what do I need to do to change?" and hopefully they followed through, because I know plenty of people who will even ask but not do it.