The Replay

Welcome to a new weekly post (I hope) related to Sunday's message.  As a quick way of getting us to keep thinking on God's word as it was delivered in Sunday's sermon.  Here is a recap of our sermon on Galatians 5:22-23:

1. We live in a world that exhibits and uplifts anger, rage, abuse, etc.  Where do you see these kinds of actions at work around you and in your life?
2. God promises to bear the fruit of His Spirit in our lives.  That Fruit is centered in Love and Love is a description of Christ and his sacrifice for us.  Therefore, patience, kindness and goodness are facets of love.  How do these three qualities expand upon or enhance your understanding of God's love for you?
3. Patience and Kindness are God's way of leading us to repentance.  How can you practice patience and kindness in order to lead others to repentance?
4. Goodness is all that God is and does - his salvation, his life, even his anger and judgment are good for they are a way of loving his chosen people and ensuring that they are safe for all time.  We, God's people, can train our minds to focus on his goodness by immersing ourselves in the Scriptures.  Do you spend as much time reading the word and thinking on Christ and his love as you do on taking in the messages that the popular media wants you to absorb?  If not, how can you seek to change what you dwell upon in your mind?  Remember, our transformation begins in our mind's.  
5. Finally, there were three challenges issued to do one act of patience, kindness and goodness to those who you desire to be in relationship with and who also need to hear the gospel of Christ proclaimed in both word and deed.  Go forth this week and live your faith.