In Galatians 5:22-23 Paul lists nine specific behaviors – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control – that are the result of the work of the Holy Spirit in a Christian’s life.
Paul used the word “fruit” to help us understand the product of the Holy Spirit, who lives inside every believer. The fruit of the Spirit is produced by the Spirit, not by the Christian. The Greek word is singular, showing that “fruit” is a unified whole, not independent characteristics—As we grow, all the characteristics of Christ begin to grow and manifest in our lives.
Yet, like physical fruit needs time to grow the fruit of the Spirit will not ripen in our lives overnight. Like a successful gardener must battle against weeds to enjoy the sweet fruit they desire, we must constantly work to rid our lives of the “weeds” of our old fallible natures that want to choke out the work of the Spirit.
The Holy Spirit gives us the power we need to reject our old desires—Becoming “New Creations” through Jesus Christ. Join us this week at Sedona United Methodist Church as the Rev. Fred Mast shares a message entitled “Free At Last”. Sunday mornings we enter the spirit of worship featuring meaningful and uplifting music, special times of prayer and passionate life changing messages designed to move you closer in your relationship with Jesus Christ and others.
We have temporarily suspended our On-Site Worship and Fellowship Time as an extreme precaution due to the Covid-19 virus. We are currently offering Spirit Filled On-Line Worship each week—Please access worship through our website (www.sedonaumc.org) and check out our Facebook and Website page for the latest details and updates regarding church activities and re-opening. We have also temporarily suspended all of our on-site studies, events, and community meetings. Please contact us if we may be of assistance and for pastoral care. We are here to help!
We continue to offer On-Site times of devotion and study. Join us on Tuesday’s at 10:30am for our current adult study entitled “Irresistible” by Andy Stanley. Wednesday’s at 9:00am our Men’s Bible Study takes place and all Men are invited to attend. We also offer a number of devotional times—please visit our website or call our office during normal business hours for additional information or access to our Zoom accounts.
The Church Building may be temporarily closed—But the Church is certainly open with so many great missions, ministries and opportunities at Sedona UMC—Visit our website at us on www.sedonaumc.org and “Like” us on Facebook. We would love to pray for you! —Prayer requests may be submitted online or by calling us at 928-282-1780. We are conveniently located at 110 Indian Cliffs Road off the Back O’Beyond roundabout on Route 179 in Sedona. All are welcome at Sedona UMC—Come and grow with us!
