Point of Grace Online Worship 7.5.20

Sermon Notes - “His Present is His Presence – A Game Changer!”

Galatians 5 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.

Patience - forbearance, a slow fuse, longsuffering, replaces outbursts of temper or rage

Kindness - saving grace, whereas forbearance is passive love Kindness if active love,

Goodness - generosity, moral goodness exhibited

So needed?

Ephesians 2 6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith

Titus 3 3 At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. 4 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy.

What about Jesus?

Patience – Kindness – Goodness is God’s nature therefore when He lives in us by His Spirit He brings about this kind of fruit. We become more of who we were meant to be.

Colossians 3 12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

The meaningful life Christ intends means I am a conduit of kindness!

Why is Patience and Kindness so hard?

Surrender

Romans 2 4 Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?

The sinful self uses God’s kindness as license …. The saved self is moved by kindness to repentance.

“Kindness is often abused …… but it will also breakthrough!”

We can have “agreements” with untruth about kindness.

“If I am kind all the time I can’t be honest or truthful”

“Kindness doesn’t get things done.”

“Being kind all the time is too hard…. Don’t have time for that!”

“I just say it like it is.”

“It’s just the way I am.”

Great Tools to Foster Kindness

- Communication – Let Kindness Reign!

- Recognition and Appreciation – Let Kindness Win!

Can you imagine the possibilities for the kingdom if we are kind?

Come Holy Spirit. Fill me afresh. I Surrender myself and my agenda and - I get to let go of my “unkind normals” and lies surrendering to the Spirit of kindness and patience. Letting go of control leaves room for kindness even when kindness gets abused. I Receive You and Your agenda for and - I receive the Holy Spirit’s agenda for me which includes all the hope and possibilities of patience, kindness and goodness. I will Act like it! - I can respond to the Spirit in me by being helpful and graceful in my communication while recognizing and appreciating kindness when I see it.

Join in on “After Thoughts” Thursday at 7 pm – Facebook Live or go to www.pog.church to view.

Resources which will help you “walk in the Spirit bearing His fruit of patience, kindness, goodness” in your life!

A new resource recommended last couple weeks which I again encourage this week is:

Daily Scripture Readings for this Week: Mon – Titus 3:1-8 (so good) Tue – Colossians 3:12-17 (One of my favs) Wed – John 8:1-11 (Jesus styled kindness…. Wow!) Thu – John 9:1-12 (Read the chapter if you can…. Such kindness of Jesus contrasted with human pettiness.) Fri – Matthew 5:48 (Jesus calls to be radically kind when mistreated even when taking offense is in style.) Sat - Psalm 19

Solitude – Spend TWO minutes quietly alone. Take some deep breaths… Just be… “Holy Spirit, speak to me through Your Word! I rest in You!”

Scripture – Read the scripture slowly, out loud if possible, listen, reread, dwell, notice words & phrases you are drawn to & return there! Reflect on what you are noticing and where He is leading your thoughts.

Prayer – Have a conversation with God, “What are You saying to me, God?” Talk about what you notice is on your heart. Begin to own the “word of God” being revealed to you.

Finish - Spend TWO minutes again with God, resting and listening and being loved.

Restoration Year by John Eldredge – A 365 Day Devotional - These daily devotions are excellent encouragement to live by the Spirit each day.

Check out bibleproject.com. Look for their videos on the Holy Spirit and Acts.

The “One Minute Pause” App by Ransomed Heart (use is multiple times every day)

“Get Your Life Back” by John Eldredge

Jesus Calling by Sarah Young (Devotional Book)

Ransomed Heart website and app - many helpful resources including prayers, readings, podcast etc

Moving Mountains by John Eldredge (excellent teaching on spiritual warfare and prayer