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Bulletin
Lay Lake Church of Christ
Volume 5 January 24, 2010 Number 04
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Are You Involved
The Fruit of the Spirit
David A. Bass
Galatians 5:22,23 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” The fruit of the Spirit lies in direct contrast to the works of flesh (Gal. 5:19-21). These qualities or characteristics will not happen accidentally. Like fruit, they must be cultivated. We must work on them patiently, realizing that it takes time.
All of these qualities were a part of Jesus’ life. If we are truly to be Christ-like then this must be a priority in our life.
The first “fruit of the Spirit” is love. It is not surprising that it should be placed first for it promotes the others.. We learn about love from God, & respond.. We read in John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Love is the catalyst for all Christianity (1 Corinthians 13:1,2). Love will cause us to seek the highest good for others.
Joy is second on the list. True joy comes from knowing and serving the Lord. The Bible says, ““Rejoice in the Lord alway: & again I say, Rejoice.” Phil. 4:4. Joy is not an outward emotion but it is a quality of life that comes from the heart that is truly serving God.
Peace is a product of harmony. Peace exists when each
Christian acts in harmony with his fellow-man and obeys the will of God. Phil. 4:7 “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts & minds through Christ Jesus.” This is an inward peace that does not depend upon outward circumstances. Paul said, “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, & I know how to abound: every where & in all things I am instructed both to be full & to be hungry, both to abound& to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Phil. 4:11-13.
Longsuffering, or patience, enables us to endure difficulty or injury. God is our perfect example. 2 Pet. 3:9 “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”
We must be longsuffering: Eph. 4:2 “With all lowliness & meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love.”
Gentleness (kindness) is active. It returns blessing for cursing and good for evil (Rom. 12:17-21). “Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.” Rom. 12:17-21.
(To be continued.)
Prayer List
Paul Martin family (loss of their son); Edna Eckert; Greg Duncan; ColinChandler; Martha Eckert; Christy Gray; Corey Boothe; Adam Carskaddon; Adam Pilling; Jesse Spillman; Major Marshall. Christopher Cary in Afghanistan.
Upcoming Activities & News
Scripture Reading: Matt. 10:16-23
Pantry: tuna
Visitation/Work Groups: Team #1 should meet the 1st week; Team 2 - the second week; Team 3 - the 3rd week; Team 4 - the 4th week.
Fellowship Meal: Following our morning worship TODAY! Please stay and eat with us.
Winter Bible School: Feb. 19,20. Please see the sign-up sheet on the bulletin board.
Fifth Sunday Prayer Service: Jan. 31st. All of our Christian men are encouraged to participate by reading scripture and/or leading a prayer.
Upcoming Events
Winter Bible School: February 19,20, 2010
Guntersville Family Retreat: March 18-20
Spring Gospel Meeting: April 11 - 14, James Pilgrim