Slideshow image

Pastor Philip spoke on the first of the three fruits of the Spirit on Sunday: love, joy, and peace.

When you bunch these three together, something interesting comes out. At least it did to me.

Jesus tells us in John that it is our LOVE for one another that will prove to the world that we are His followers. We are told to LOVE our neighbors as ourselves. Love stand in contrast to what the world provides. True love, unmerited love, is rare and unusual. It is sought after and desired. When we truly love, it leads to...

JOY! Joy is a gift from God. It is different than happiness. Happiness is dependant on my circumstances. Joy is evident even in the worst time. We count it all JOY in various trials. Even when we recognize our rebellion and sin, the JOY of the Lord is our strength. True love leads directly to joy. I cannot have joy if I do not have love, because love proves I am a follower of Christ, and joy is a gift from God. When I am filled with joy, it leads to...

PEACE! If I have joy even in the worst circumstances, I will have the peace that passes understanding. If joy allows me to laugh in the valley of the shadow of death, then I will fear no evil because peace will abound in my life.

So root yourself in Christ and let this fruit grow. Let those around you benefit from it. Show the world that you are His true followers!

SONGS FOR SUNDAY

This Is Amazing Grace

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFRjr_x-yxU

Still God Still Good

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ei8XWHpFDq4&list=RDEi8XWHpFDq4&start_radio=1

Firm Foundation

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x9ndiD0_qNk&list=RDx9ndiD0_qNk&start_radio=1

Names

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GvdyBfU8qys&list=RDGvdyBfU8qys&start_radio=1