Fruit of the Spirit: Joy

The Orchard Church - GA

Fruit of the Spirit: Joy

September 8, 2024 • Alex Smith • Galatians 5:19–25, 1 Thessalonians 5:16, Philippians 4:4–7, Psalm 30:5, Nehemiah 8:9–10

This week, we’re continuing our Fruit of the Spirit series by talking about joy. Pastor Alex Smith draws from Galatians 5:22-25, Philippians 4:4-7, Psalm 30:5, and other key passages to dive into the meaning of joy and how to maintain it in every circumstance.

You’ve probably heard the phrase, “rejoice always,” but how do you actually live that out when life is hard? From everyday frustrations to major challenges—whether it’s job loss, relationship struggles, or just the stress of life—joy can feel really hard to hold onto.

But true joy isn’t tied to fleeting moments or dopamine rushes; it’s rooted in our identity as children of God and sustained by His presence. In a world addicted to temporary happiness, explore how joy transcends our circumstances and serves as a powerful tool against emotional defeat. With God’s help, you can experience this deep, abiding joy that strengthens us even in the midst of life’s toughest challenges.

Learn how you can find joy in knowing who you are in Christ and why it’s not just for you. The world around you needs that quiet, steady joy that comes from knowing God is with you, even in the middle of the mess.

If you’ve struggled to find joy lately, you’re not alone. Let’s walk through what it means to rejoice always, trusting that the joy of the Lord is our strength. Let’s seek His presence, draw near, and ask for His joy to fill our hearts.

Don't miss this powerful message!

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.