Hello Gloria Dei,
In our Wednesday morning Men’s Bible Study, we are studying the book of Acts. We are in the second half of that book which details the different travels of the Apostle Paul. Two things stand out to me. Number one, Paul never shied away from an opportunity to tell people the good news of a God who loves them enough that he sent his Son to die and be raised. And number two, that Paul was incredibly brave to move into this proclamation even when he knew he would be beaten, flogged and thrown into jail for his sharing about Christ.
I’m not sure I could be that brave. However, Paul says often is that he is so convinced of Christ’s presence with him in the present and in eternity, that he counted suffering for Christ a privilege. And within his journeys, Paul’s life gave evidence to what he calls, in his letter to the Galatians, “The Fruits of the Holy Spirit.”
Do you recall the fruits of the Holy Spirit? Paul lists them in Galatians 5:22-23. Can you name them? “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.”
As we continue in our “Made For” sermon series, this weekend we focus on one of the Spirit’s fruits, Generosity. Paul was adamant about collecting a gift from the early Gentile Christian congregations and then sharing it with the poor in and around Jerusalem. He exuded generosity. Have you ever thought that God created you to be generous? We will explore that theme this week in worship.
God is good, all the time. See you in worship.
Pastor Tim
P.S. It’s important for your church to know you! Last week we heard how we are Made For Being Known. Help us to know you by filling out the Gifts and Skills Inventory. Our goal is for every member to do so! Thanks for helping.
