In our summer series on the fruit of the Spirit from Galatians 5, we explore how the Holy Spirit empowers believers to bear good fruit. Today’s focus is patience, meaning “long-suffering,” which counters our impatient, control-seeking nature. By rooting ourselves in God’s gracious patience, seen in His mercy toward Israel and Jesus’ endurance on the cross, we cultivate patience to endure trials, forgive others, and shine as witnesses to Christ’s love in an impatient world through the Spirit’s work.
Rev. David Ball
The Fruit of the Spirit: Peace
In this sermon series on Galatians 5, we examine how spiritual fruit depends on the soil of our lives. True peace, unlike Roman control, is a divine gift from reconciliation with God through faith in Jesus, bringing well-being and freedom from fear. This peace enables us to trust God amid chaos, making our lives a witness to Christ’s hope in a dark world.
The Fruit of the Spirit: Joy
This sermon examines the fruit of the Spirit, emphasizing joy as a key Christian witness per Galatians 5. Joy, a divine command, stems from the Holy Spirit and Jesus, the source of unshakable joy (Psalm 16:11, John 15:11), not worldly circumstances. Rooted in Christ’s grace, this joy testifies to others, reflecting God’s grace amid suffering, as Spurgeon said, a Christian’s life is their best sermon. If lacking joy, we must repent and root ourselves in Jesus, the living water, for true joy.
Pentecost: Boldness for Mission
On Pentecost, we celebrate the Holy Spirit’s transformative power, fulfilling God’s promise to dwell with us, as seen in Acts 2, when the Spirit enabled bold gospel proclamation, reversing Babel’s confusion for Christ’s glory. The Spirit assures us as God’s children, empowering us to witness through lives bearing love and joy, embodying, as D.L. Moody said, a sermon for the 99 who read the Christian over the Bible.
The Ascended Lord: Our King, Our Home, Our Call
Transcendent moments in nature, literature, or worship awaken a longing for a lasting home beyond this world. Jesus Christ’s ascension, a triumphant enthronement as King, reveals Him as our true home, interceding and preparing a place for us, empowering us to boldly witness His hope and reign until His return.
The Helper Who Points Us To Jesus
In John 14:21-29, Jesus promises His anxious disciples the Holy Spirit, a helper who guides them in truth, teaches and recalls His words, empowers bold living for Him, transforms hearts, and assures them they are never alone.
Cross Shaped Love
On Good Shepherd Sunday, also Mother’s Day, motherhood reflects God’s love, guiding us to Jesus, our Good Shepherd. A mother’s sacrificial love, guidance, and protection, though imperfect, mirror God’s providence and find ultimate fulfillment in Jesus, who loves us, knows us intimately, and secures us eternally (John 10:22-30).
Mothers Day and The Good Shepherd
On Good Shepherd Sunday, also Mother’s Day, motherhood reflects God’s love, guiding us to Jesus, our Good Shepherd. A mother’s sacrificial love, guidance, and protection, though imperfect, mirror God’s providence and find ultimate fulfillment in Jesus, who loves us, knows us intimately, and secures us eternally (John 10:22-30).
The Gift of the Holy Spirit
The Gospel focuses on the peace of Jesus Christ’s resurrection—a divine gift sought amidst fears and anxieties. True peace is revealed in John 20:19-31, where Jesus says, “peace be with you,” reconciling us to God. This peace restores our relationship with God, sustains us through life’s challenges, and offers hope for eternal peace as beloved children under His grace.
The Hope of Life
Today, we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, a cornerstone of Christian faith that offers hope for eternal life and transforms our lives. This historical event, evidenced by the empty tomb, the testimony of women, and the disciples’ courage, fulfills our longing for purpose, belonging, and restoration, connecting us to God, His redemptive plan, and fellow believers.