When you hear that list and take a survey of your own life, how are you doing? Do those fruits of the Spirit characterize your day-to-day behaviors and attitudes? This is a struggle for all of us. You may find that some traits come more naturally, but as Pastor Richard will remind us in today’s message, when we submit to the Holy Spirit, it’s in His power that our lives begin to take a shape that more closely reflects His character.

As believers, our mission and the way we live our lives should reflect the love and grace that’s been extended to us in Jesus. This selfless way of living will attract attention – some good, but often it won’t be. As Pastor Richard will point out in today’s message, the Christian way goes directly against the agenda of a world bent on serving self to the point of destruction, and that underlying trend grinds directly against the way of Christ.

Do you ever feel like you simply don’t have time for one more thing? It may be something you really want to do, but you just don’t know how to fit it in. As Pastor Richard will point out in today’s message, this is a common feeling – you’re not alone. As we struggle with our schedules, God wants us to have time for rest and to live with purpose. This requires intentional submission to His guidance, holding loosely to the things that rule our day.

When our eyes are adjusted to the darkness, a bright light can be shocking and offensive to our senses. The same happens in a dark world that’s embraced sin in the absence of spiritual guidance. As Pastor Richard will warn in today’s message, when we carry the light of Christ into the world, we’ll get a lot of resistance. The brightness of His truth will make some enemies, but it’s worth it for the souls that He’ll rescue from darkness.

Following Jesus is never boring. He will lead us through moments of needed rest, where His peace flows readily through our hearts, but He’ll also lead us through times of trial and hardship where we’ll be tempted to believe that He’s abandoned us. As Pastor Richard will encourage us in today’s message, we are called to persevere, and every turn this path takes is worth the glory and immeasurable peace we have to look forward to.

Imagine a drowning person was rescued by the Coast Guard in a life-endangering mission, and on the ride back to shore, the person decided to throw themselves back overboard – all because they were confident the Coast Guard would save them. As Pastor Richard will warn in today’s message if you’ve been accepted into the family of God – rescued from the destruction of sin – why on earth would you jump back into that sin?

Grace is not a free pass to do whatever you please because you know that Jesus loves you. This is a common doctrine floating around the Church today. As Pastor Richard will clarify in today’s message, Scripture makes it clear that living in sin is not acceptable after you’ve received Jesus as your Savior. To continue in the sins He died to save you from is a mockery of His great sacrifice, and through His Spirit, you can overcome sin.

As believers, our mission and the way we live our lives should reflect the love and grace that’s been extended to us in Jesus. This selfless way of living will attract attention – some good, but often it won’t be. As Pastor Richard will point out in today’s message, the Christian way goes directly against the agenda of a world bent on serving self to the point of destruction, and that underlying trend grinds directly against the way of Christ.

The calling of God on your life won’t always make sense to you or the people around you. Well-meaning friends and family may ask you to reconsider your plans when you follow His will. With grace and kindness, you may need to remind them that when Jesus is with you, you don’t need to be afraid. As Pastor Richard will point out, you very well may face persecution or death, but you’re called to a purpose that transcends this temporary life.

Many believers, and entire church denominations, have compromised on the truth of the Bible for the sake of loving others. But we don’t have to choose between the two. In fact, as Pastor Richard will remind us in today’s message, when we compromise on the truth our Creator has given us, that’s the opposite of love. When we truly love our neighbors, we’ll share the uncomfortable, life-giving truth with them no matter what.