In the midst of so much suffering that we are witnessing from the Katrina disaster, this study may seem out of place. However, I think the timing is perfect. It is the joy of the Lord that is our strength in any situation, and we can and should have joy in Him in any and every situation.

Let us also consider that this kind of suffering is going on every day in our world, though most of it is not in a place where the media can focus on their suffering.  Therefore, they do not get the attention...

As we begin our study of the individual characteristics of the fruit of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5:22-23, we need to remember that this is exactly what they are—individual characteristics of the “fruit of the Spirit,” singular, not fruits, plural. If we have one fruit, we should have them all. If we lose one fruit, we will lose them all. They are inseparable.

This is not a matter of being overly technical. It is important that we understand the unity of diversity that is the nature of the Spirit. If we have the Spirit, we should have...

The fruit of the Spirit is listed in Galatians 5:22-23:
 

These are the characteristics which every Christian should manifest in their life, and will if he or she is a true disciple. This does not mean that a disciple will be perfect all of the time, but true Christian discipleship, which is a life devoted to following Christ, learning His ways, and being changed into His image, will grow in...

As we continue our study on the fruit of the kingdom, we will begin this week with the most important text in the Bible about bearing fruit, which is the statement of the Lord Himself on this matter, as recorded in John 15:1-8:
 

We have been briefly discussing how the seedbed of the fruit of the Spirit is New Testament church life. Of course, another main seedbed of this fruit is family life. This is why both of these, church life and family life, are under such an assault in our times. However, it is during these times that the greatest church life and the greatest families will emerge.

As we have discussed previously, the Lord Jesus could have bound the devil and taken possession of the world immediately after His resurrection, as He had fully purchased it by the cross....