Fruit of the Spirit: Goodness

The Orchard Church - GA

Fruit of the Spirit: Goodness

October 6, 2024 • Alex Smith • 1 Peter 2:14, Ephesians 2:8–10, Romans 8:27–29

In this sermon, Pastor Alex explores the Fruit of the Spirit, focusing on *goodness*. While goodness can be hard to define, it's much more than simply avoiding sin or being nice. Pastor Alex dives into how our understanding of "good" often shifts depending on societal and personal perspectives, but biblical goodness has a clear, purposeful meaning.

True goodness in a Christian context is both morally upright and active. It’s about doing good works and showing the world what God’s kingdom looks like in action. Drawing from 1 Peter 2:14, Ephesians 2:8-10, and Romans 8:27-29, Pastor Alex reminds us that biblical goodness is meant to heal, restore, and transform. Whether it's through justice, mercy, or caring for others, goodness reflects God's will and calls us to participate in His work of restoration.

Key points covered:

- The challenge of defining biblical goodness

- Common misconceptions about being "good"

- Establishing the Bible as our foundation for understanding goodness

- Active goodness vs. simply avoiding sin

- How goodness fits into God’s plan for restoring the world

- Practical ways to live out godly goodness in our everyday lives

This message encourages believers to move beyond surface-level morality and embrace a transformative goodness that reflects Christ's love. Whether you've been walking with God for years or are just beginning to explore faith, this sermon provides valuable insights on living a life of true goodness, empowered by the Holy Spirit.

Tune in to learn how we can become the "good" our world desperately needs.

Fruit of the Spirit: Self-Control

October 27, 2024 • Alex Smith • Galatians 5:22–23, 2 Timothy 1:7

Fruit of the Spirit: Self-Control

Fruit of the Spirit: Gentleness

October 20, 2024 • Alex Smith • Matthew 11:28–30, Matthew 5:5, 1 Peter 3:15–16

Pastor Alex Smith continues the Fruit of the Spirit series with a message on the transformative power of gentleness. He begins by addressing anger and gentleness in real-life conflicts, explaining how we can let go of rage by embracing Jesus’ example of love and forgiveness. Pastor Alex highlights how embracing gentleness can revolutionize your relationships and bring you closer to Jesus. Key points covered: · Gentleness is strength with humility, not weakness · Jesus modeled gentleness despite having ultimate power · Learn to find rest by cultivating a gentle spirit You'll explore: · How gentleness differs from the world's aggressive approach · Why gentle responses often yield better results in conflicts · The challenge of staying gentle when you believe you're right Pastor Alex uses relatable examples to illustrate his points: · Comparing spiritual growth to improving at pickleball · How gentleness disarms arguments more effectively than force · Historical examples like the Civil Rights Movement and abolitionism, demonstrating gentleness's lasting impact Practical takeaways: · Identify areas in your life where you need to practice more gentleness · Understand how spending time with God shapes a gentle spirit · Learn to trust Jesus' way, even when immediate results aren't visible This sermon challenges you to embrace gentleness in a harsh world. You'll be inspired to let the Holy Spirit cultivate this fruit in your life, leading to more Christ-like interactions and trusting that God's way will bring deeper peace and transformation.

Fruit of the Spirit: Faithfulness

October 13, 2024 • Nick Nixon • Galatians 5:16–23

Connection Coordinator Nick Nixon continues the Fruit of the Spirit message series, focusing on faithfulness and what it looks like in our everyday lives. Through thought-provoking stories, an unexpected encounter, and a courageous rescue in the dark, you’ll discover how faithfulness goes beyond words and becomes faith in action. This message unpacks: - What it means to grow in faithfulness - How the Holy Spirit guides you in your spiritual walk - Why practicing obedience, not perfection, is key - The power of community in nurturing your faith - God's unwavering faithfulness and its impact on your life You’ll also explore practical ways to stay rooted in God’s Word, trust Him in all things, and experience radical dependence on the Holy Spirit. Whether you're seeking to deepen your relationship with God or understand how to walk in the Spirit, this sermon offers valuable insights and encouragement.