Growing in Christ to glorify God and enjoy him forever!
“Like a city whose walls are broken down is a person who lacks self-control.” (Proverbs 25:28)
The Proverb above says, that if we lack self-control, we are like a city without walls. We become defenceless – not from external attack, but to our own destructive behaviours.
Self-control is a guard for our life. Without it all the other characteristics of the fruit of the Spirit become worthless. Listen, watch this Sunday to find out more…
“Like a city whose walls are broken down is a person who lacks self-control.” (Proverbs 25:28)
“Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently.” (Galatians 6:1a)
As Christians we want to challenge one another to become more Christ like, but if we try to push someone to change too quickly or too aggressively, then they may not be able to cope and just leave the church or give up on faith. That is why the verse above says, that when someone is caught in a sin, we need to go about restoring them gently.
People are fragile. We all have our emotional breaking points and if we are treated harshly or aggressively we may snap. We need to treat one another gently.
“Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commands.” (Deuteronomy 7:9)
This Sunday we return to our series on the Fruit of the Spirit, this week focussing on the characteristic of faithfulness.
We need to know that God is faithful, because it shows that he can be trusted. If we cannot be confident in that, then we won’t put our faith in him, and ultimately it is only through faith in God’s promises that we are saved.
“Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit.” (Matthew 28:19)
The above verse is often seen as Jesus’ mission statement. What are we meant to be trying to achieve as the church? Jesus says, make disciples!
The above verse is often seen as Jesus’ mission statement. What are we meant to be trying to achieve as the church? Jesus says, make disciples!
“Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.” (1 Corinthians 12:7)
This Sunday is Pentecost. It is the day we remember God sending his Holy Spirit onto the church. The events of the day itself were spectacular and memorable with the sound of a rushing wind, flames of fire settling on the disciple’s heads, the apostles praising God in different languages that visitors to Jerusalem could understand and, perhaps most amazingly, 3,000 people becoming Christians and being baptised!
The work of the Spirit is not ordinarily that spectacular, but it is aways important. It is not limited to those who speak up front in church services or to super-spiritual Christians.
St. Luke's Church Ramsgate