Spirit Empowered Living

On Sunday, October 3, 2021, Pastor Stuart shared a message in person and online via YouTube Live and Zoom. Pastor Stuart continued our series on the Spirit-empowered life. This week’s message encourages us to be aware of our tendency toward self-deception, which leads us to invest in things that do not promote a Spirit-empowered life. We also discussed becoming weary in doing good. God promises a reward for those who don’t give up.

Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
Galatians 6:7-10 (NIV)

Spirit Empowered Restoration

On Sunday, September 26, 2021, Pastor Stuart shared a message in person and online via YouTube Live and Zoom. Pastor Stuart continued our series on the fruits of the Spirit. This week’s message reminds us that those that are spiritual are:

• Restorers (helping others heal),

• Rebuilders (re-establishing kingdom ways), and

• Reflectors (evaluate their own actions)

Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves. Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, for each one should carry their own load.
Galatians 6:1-5 (NIV)

The Spirit Empowered Life, Part 11: How the Holy Spirit Develops Self-control in Us

On Sunday, September 19, 2021, Pastor Stuart shared a message in person and online via YouTube Live and Zoom. Pastor Stuart continued our series on the fruits of the Spirit. This week’s message encourages us to embrace the reality of our flesh, draw from God’s power, and harness the power of We.

The acts of the flesh are obvious… But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.
Galatians 5:19, 22-25 (NIV)

The Spirit Empowered Life, Part 10: How the Holy Spirit Develops Gentleness in Us

On Sunday, September 12, 2021, Pastor Stuart shared a message in person and online via YouTube Live and Zoom. Pastor Stuart continued our series on the fruits of the Spirit. This week’s message encourages us to identify and avoid Satan’s influence toward division, focus on the oneness we have in Christ, and practice gentleness.

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
Ephesians 4:2-6 (NIV)

The Spirit Empowered Life, Part 9: How the Holy Spirit Develops Faithfulness in Us

On Sunday, September 5, 2021, Pastor Stuart shared a message in person and online via YouTube Live and Zoom. Pastor Stuart continued our series on the fruits of the Spirit. This week’s message encourages us to draw near to the Lord with a sincere heart, hold fast to the hope we have in Christ, and encourage one another to be faithful in love and good deeds.

Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.
Hebrews 10:22-24 (NIV)

Pastor Abraham Philip – The End Is Near, so Pray, Love, Serve

On Sunday, August 29, 2021, guest speaker Pastor Abraham Philip of the North India Christian Ministries, shared a message in person and online via YouTube Live and Zoom. Pastor Abraham’s message encourages us to pray, love, and serve as acts of worship because the end of all things is near.

The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.

1 Peter 4:7-10 (NIV)

The Spirit Empowered Life, Part 8: From Root to Fruit – Goodness

On Sunday, August 22, 2021, Pastor Stuart Nice shared a message in person and online via YouTube Live and Zoom. In our discussion this week, Pastor Stuart discusses the meaning of goodness and encourages us to develop a sensitivity to the Holy Spirit in the pursuit of doing good.

So we keep on praying for you, asking our God to enable you to live a life worthy of his call. May he give you the power to accomplish all the good things your faith prompts you to do. Then the name of our Lord Jesus will be honored because of the way you live, and you will be honored along with him. This is all made possible because of the grace of our God and Lord, Jesus Christ.
2 Thessalonians 1:11-12 (NLT)

The Spirit Empowered Life, Part 7: How the Holy Spirit Develops Kindness in Us

On Sunday, August 15, 2021, Pastor Stuart Nice shared a message in person and online via YouTube Live and Zoom. In our discussion this week, Pastor Stuart shares with us how the Holy Spirit convicts us of our brokenness, reveals God’s character in kindness, and washes us and renews us so that we might live in kindness toward others.

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. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.

Titus 3:3-7 (NIV)

Am I Willing?

On Sunday, August 8, 2021, Gio Serrato shared a message in person and online via YouTube Live and Zoom. In our discussion this week, Gio lead us in a conversation about our willingness to respond to Jesus in faith. Gio asks us three questions:

• Am I willing to recognize Jesus as Lord?

• Am I willing to accept God’s will for our lives?

• Am I willing to obey the Lord in however God leads us?

Large crowds followed Jesus as he came down the mountainside. Suddenly, a man with leprosy approached him and knelt before him. “Lord,” the man said, “if you are willing, you can heal me and make me clean.”
Jesus reached out and touched him. “I am willing,” he said. “Be healed!” And instantly the leprosy disappeared. Then Jesus said to him, “Don’t tell anyone about this. Instead, go to the priest and let him examine you. Take along the offering required in the law of Moses for those who have been healed of leprosy. This will be a public testimony that you have been cleansed.”
Matthew 8:1-4 (NLT)

The Spirit Empowered Life, Part 6: Practicing Patience as a Spiritual Discipline

On Sunday, August 1, 2021, Pastor Stuart Nice shared a message in person and online via YouTube Live and Zoom. In our discussion this week, Pastor Stuart continues our series on the Fruits of the Spirit by sharing how the Holy Spirit produces the fruit of patience in our lives. We discuss how to practice patience in the seasons of life we find ourselves in, being patient with one another, and being patient with God.

The acts of the flesh are obvious… But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience…
Galatians 5:22 (NIV)

We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy.
Colossians 1:11 (NLT)

The Spirit Empowered Life, Part 5: Finding and Keeping Peace in the Storms of Life

On Sunday, July 25, 2021, Pastor Stuart Nice shared a message in person and online via YouTube Live and Zoom. In our discussion this week, Pastor Stuart continues our series on the Fruits of the Spirit by sharing how the Holy Spirit produces the fruit of peace in our lives. We discuss how we lose our peace, how we restore our peace, and how to cooperate with the Holy Spirit in living a life of peace.

The acts of the flesh are obvious… But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace…
Galatians 5:22 (NIV)

“All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
John 14:25-27 (NIV)

The Spirit Empowered Life, Part 4: From Root to Fruit: The Joy Filled Life

On Sunday, July 18, 2021, Pastor Stuart Nice shared a message in person and online via YouTube Live and Zoom. In our discussion this week, Pastor Stuart continues our new series on the Fruits of the Spirit by sharing how the Holy Spirit empowers us to live a joy-filled life by acknowledging things that bring us joy, identifying things that steal our joy, and seeking the Spirit’s presence to lead us in joy in times of ease and challenge.

The acts of the flesh are obvious… But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy…
Galatians 5:19, 22 (NIV)

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13 (NIV)

The Spirit Empowered Life, Part 3: From Root to Fruit: Acts of Love

On Sunday, July 11, 2021, Pastor Stuart Nice shared a message in person and online via YouTube Live and Zoom. In our discussion this week, Pastor Stuart continues our new series on the Fruits of the Spirit by sharing how the Holy Spirit empowers us to love by teaching us to see the image of God in one another. From there, the Spirit teaches us to bless and forgive, which are necessary for loving God by loving others.

The acts of the flesh are obvious… But the fruit of the Spirit is love.
Galatians 5:19, 22 (NIV)

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
Matthew 5:43-48 (NIV)

An Introduction to the Spirit Empowered Life, Part 2: From Root to Fruit

On Sunday, June 27, 2021, Pastor Stuart Nice shared a message in person and online via YouTube Live and Zoom. In our discussion this week, Pastor Stuart continues our new series on the Fruits of the Spirit by sharing how to cultivate strong spiritual roots so that we can keep in step with the Holy Spirit. Cultivating strong spiritual roots entails applying the fertilizer of repentance, surrender, and faithfulness in prayer.

Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.
Galatians 5:24-25 (NIV)

An Introduction to the Spirit Empowered Life

On Sunday, June 20, 2021, Pastor Stuart Nice shared a message in person and online via YouTube Live and Zoom. In our discussion this week, Pastor Stuart introduced a new series on the Fruits of the Spirit by highlighting walking in the Spirit. He encouraged us to cultivate a desire for intimacy with the Holy Spirit, to anticipate spiritual battles, and to envision the path to victory by keeping in step with the Holy Spirit.

You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.

So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
Galatians 5:13-18 (NIV)

Communicating for Intimacy: Review and Evaluation

On Sunday, June 13, 2021, Pastor Stuart Nice shared a message in person and online via YouTube Live and Zoom. In our discussion this week, Pastor Stuart leads us in conversation from Ephesians 4:15 which is a review of the series on communication. In this conversation, we covered listening well, speaking effectively, working through difficult conversations by checking our own motives first, clarifying our expectations in our relationships, sharing our hopes and dreams, and lastly refreshing others so that we can grow closer to the Lord and one another.

Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church.
Ephesians 4:15 (NLT)

Taking Communication to Another Level: Refreshing Others

On Sunday, June 6, 2021, Pastor Stuart Nice shared a message in person and online via YouTube Live and Zoom. In our discussion this week, Pastor Stuart leads us in conversation from Ephesians 4:15 about appreciating and affirming one another, just as God, the Father, affirms us.

Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church.
Ephesians 4:15 (NLT)

Taking Communication to Another Level: Refreshing Others

On Sunday, June 6, 2021, Pastor Stuart Nice shared a message in person and online via YouTube Live and Zoom. In our discussion this week, Pastor Stuart leads us in conversation from Ephesians 4:15 about appreciating and affirming one another, just as God, the Father, affirms us.

Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church.
Ephesians 4:15 (NLT)

Taking Communication to Another Level: Loving Deeper

On Sunday, May 30, 2021, Pastor Stuart Nice shared a message in person and online via YouTube Live and Zoom. In our discussion this week, Pastor Stuart leads us in conversation from Ephesians 4:15 about appreciating one another by sharing our hopes and dreams and offering support as needed to achieve these things that are close to our hearts.

Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church.
Ephesians 4:15 (NLT)

Taking Communication to Another Level: Clarifying Expectations to Build Healthy Relationships

On Sunday, May 23, 2021, Pastor Stuart Nice shared a message in person and online via YouTube Live and Zoom. In our discussion this week, Pastor Stuart leads us in conversation from Ephesians 4:15 about the role of expectations in relationships and how to clarify them instead of allowing them to be a hindrance to building healthy relationships.

Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church.
Ephesians 4:15 (NLT)