1) Fruit bearing is gradual. Paul, why does he use the word “fruit”? Why not say traits? He’s using an analogy of botanical growth and it speaks to the rate of growth. Bearing fruit is as gradual as the growth rate of a blade of grass. Can you see a blade of grass growing while […]
Salvation
Book of Galatians – Teaching #2: How Fruit Works (pt1 of 3)
We are continuing our study through the book of Galatians, and specifically, we are taking a closer look at the fruit of the Spirit. Gal 5 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, 23 gentleness and self-control. Fruit of the Spirit. Last week, we talked more about […]
Book of Galatians – Teaching #1: Flesh vs. Fruit (pt2 of 3)
If there is fruit in your life, you can have assurance of salvation. This is not fruit in terms of ministry, although a born again Christian would likely be used by God to bring life to others. But the ultimate test is fruit of the Spirit. Love, joy, peace and so forth. The second set […]
Book of Galatians – Teaching #1: Flesh vs. Fruit (pt1 of 3)
I want to start with a little story. Our afternoon service time slot of 4pm has saved me on more than one occasion as a pastor. My goal in preaching is to be done with my sermon by Friday night, but sermon prep is not like writing a term paper for your English class. Pastors, […]
2 Cor 5-6 – Teaching #5: The New Creation and the Ministry of Reconciliation (pt1 of 3)
Happy Mother’s Day! Today I want to talk about the new creation and the ministry of reconciliation. Main thesis: The new creation changes a few things in the life of a believer: 1) it changes the way they view others, 2) it changes their purpose, and 3) it changes the character of their ministry. Before […]
Easter Sunday – Resurrection Faith: Just As He Said (Matt 28:1-10)
Main text: Matt 28:1-10 Happy Easter! He is risen. Did you know that every Sunday is a resurrection Sunday? When we gather for Sunday worship each and every week, we are gathering to celebrate His resurrection. Worship has to be the dominant flavor of our Sunday gathering. Because God so loved us, He loved us […]