Fruit of the Spirit Series: October 5-November 23, 2008
Unlike the Gifts of the Spirit, the Fruit of the Spirit (listed by Paul in his letter to the Galatian churches, 5:22-23) is the evidence of the Holy Spirit's blessing in all followers of Jesus Christ. The word is singular, so it is more approprite to think of this collection as a basket of fruit, rather than as separate fruits. We don't, in other words, pick our favorite fruit out to demonstrate in our lives to the exclusion of an or all of the others. The fruit of the Spirit is simply a collective sign that God is working miraculously in our lives.
Or not.
But don't misconstrue this as some kind of test, or pathway to pleasing God. You're already in God's good graces. And what Paul clearly celebrates in Galatians 5:22-23 is the power of God at work in the lives of those whose hearts are completely committed to lvoing God and loving our neighbor. From such single-minded purpose of heart and mind comes the inevitable fruit: love, joy, patience, goodness, kindness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. This is not a list to fret about - but a cause for celebration - anytime you witness these behaviors in yourself or in others.
So for October and November, we will take an in-depth look at these signs of new life at work in our lives, as we commit ourselves more and more to obey and to follow where Jesus leads. Please join us for worship and for our companion study group that meets on Sunday mornings throughout the course of this worshp series to discover more the miraculous ways in which God demonstrates love for a hurting world through the gift of you.
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October 5, 2008 |
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October 12, 2008 |
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October 19, 2008 |
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October 25, 2008 |
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November 2, 2008 |
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November 9, 2008 |
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November 16, 2008 |
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November 23, 2008 |
