This week we bring our series Cultivate to a close, considering the fruit of self-control. Self-control isn’t a flashy virtue; it seems common and almost mundane. But, allowing the Spirit to teach us self-control may be one of the most important things we can do to protect our own well being and the well being of those around us. Exercising self-control is actually an incredible expression of love. Reading: 1 Corinthians 9:24-27
Cultivate Gentleness — John Mangrum (10 Mar 2019)
What does it mean to be gentle like Jesus? Reading: Matthew 12:13-21
Cultivate Faithfulness — Bob Whitaker (3 Mar 2019)
There are few characteristics that are more often referred to in a description of God than the word “faithfulness.” As a result, it is predictable that such a characteristic ought to mark the lives of Christ-followers. Why is it important, and how are we doing? Reading: Matthew 25:14-23.
Cultivate Goodness — Bob Whitaker (24 Feb 2019)
Acts 10:38: Jesus is our example of goodness, so how should we emulate him?
Cultivate Kindness — Dan Waugh (17 Feb 2019)
Mark Twain said, “Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.” As Christians, we are called to speak this language in increasing measure and in so doing, to reflect our kind God. Join us Sunday as we explore how God’s kindness gives us a pattern to follow this week. Reading: Ephesians 2:1-10.
Cultivate Patience — Bob Whitaker (10 Feb 2019)
“God please give me patience and hurry up because I need it now.” That might be a humorous and contradictory request, but it sounds like me sometimes. Patience is certainly a difficult fruit to cultivate. Reading: Ephesians 4:1-6
Cultivate Joy — Bob Whitaker (3 Feb 2019)
Joy is definitely part of the Christian life. It is both promised and on some occasions it seems like a command. Let’s think about this together. Reading: Philippians 4:4-8.
Called to Peace — John Mangrum (27 Jan 2019)
“Let the peace of Christ rule in your heart.” What is the peace of Christ, and how does it affect how we view our interactions with others, even with other believers? Reading: Colossians 3:12-15.
The Unity of Love — Bob Whitaker (13 Jan 2019)
The fruit of Spirit and any other Christian virtues rise to their highest level when they are accompanied by love. Otherwise, as the Apostle Paul says, “they are a clanging cymbal.”
Cultivating the Fruit — Bob Whitaker (6 Jan 2019)
The Apostle Paul provides a simple but profound message to the Galatians: Don’t be a slave to the law or a slave to sin; instead, live in the Spirit. The message is still good today.