Galatians 5:22-23 shares with us the “Fruit of the Spirit,” and the difference between the gifts of the Spirit and the fruit of the Spirit is that unlike the gifts of the Spirit, the fruit of the Spirit is not divided among believers. All believers should be marked by each of these characteristics. The Bible tells us we need the Spirit to bring fruit into our lives because we cannot produce godliness apart from the Spirit. Two things need to happen in our lives as believers. The sin in our lives need to be thrust out, and the Holy Spirit needs to fill our lives, which will produce this fruit on our lives. We could illustrate this with a gate in our back yard. The gate can be used for two purposes: It can be opened to let people in, and it can be shut to keep people out. Spiritually our lives are like a gate, inside our lives are all sorts of things that are wrong and unpleasing to God. We need to let these things out, and allow the Holy Spirit to come in and control the very center of our lives. The Holy Spirit not only makes … READ MORE

An Apple tree may have many apples, but the tree only produces one fruit, Galatians 5:22-23 discusses that Fruit of the Spirit and outlines what that fruit looks like. It is no accident that the Scriptures call the Third person of the Trinity the Holy Spirit , because one of the main functions of the Spirit is to impart the holiness of God to us. As He does this He develops within us a Christ-like character. God’s purpose is that we would “become mature, attaining the full measure of perfection found in Christ.” (Eph. 4:13 NIV). These Characteristics outlined in Galatians 5:22-23 cannot be manifest in a persons life unless they have learned to walk in the Spirit of God. The characteristics are also such that we grow in our ability to manifest them the closer our walk with God is. I would encourage you to look over Galatians 5:16-25 and evaluate your growth and development in these characteristics. I would also like to begin to take us on a journey to understand the significance of this passage of Scripture. So buckle up your minds and begin to think with me as we explore this rich passage of Scripture.… READ MORE

If we are not to come to worship simply because we are obligated, or only because we are attempting to obedient, why should we come to worship the Messiah at Christmas? The true reason for worship is because of the relationship we enjoy with God. Galatians 5:16 reminds us that if we “walk in the Spirit, we shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.” The motivation for our worship should come from our love for the Lord for all that He has done for us and is doing. We need not be afraid of our circumstances, nor do we need to fear what lies ahead of us. He promises never to leave us nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). We come to the place of worship with hearts filled with gratitude, and with lives that learn to be content because of His indwelling presence. As you approach Christmas this year, and as you consider coming to the Lord in worship, understand His worth in your life, and find a place to worship that will direct your thoughts and focus to who He is, and what He has done for you.… READ MORE