The Light of Christ Journey

Encouraging people on their journey with Christ

God’s Invitational Questions

Paula K. Graves

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September 20, 2026

Isaiah recorded some of God’s invitational questions for His people. Isaiah 55: 1 “Is anyone thirsty? Come and drink—even if you have no money! Come, take your choice of wine or milk—it’s all free! 2 Why spend your money on food that does not give you strength? Why pay for food that does you no good? Listen to me, and you will eat what is good. You will enjoy the finest food. [1]

The people of Israel worked hard to dig wells, care for their flocks, and farm their land. They knew what it meant to provide their own food and drink. God used the images of food and drink to describe His abundant grace for all people. God asked these questions of the weary using an image they knew. In Scripture, both water and wine can represent the Holy Spirit.

The Futility of the World

Just as physical food is necessary to maintain our earthly bodies, we must feed our souls and spirits with nourishing spiritual food. During Isaiah’s time, many were seeking idols instead of Godly things. They were living on substitutes that would not give them eternal life. That’s why God challenged them with questions. He wanted them to think about what they were doing.

God freely gives gifts to His followers. We don’t have to earn His favor; we simply have to trust Him. God highlighted the futility of spending money on worldly pursuits which would never satisfy anyone spiritually. These Old Testament verses parallel Jesus’ teaching on eternal riches.

Matthew 6: 19 “Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. 21 Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be. [2]

God’s Invitation

God’s questions urged the people to reassess their priorities. He wanted them to focus on the eternal satisfaction only He could bring. For us, this is Jesus’ invitation to the abundant life. He promises a feast that truly satisfies. He allows us to find purpose and satisfaction in our relationship with Him, even during life’s struggles.

God invites us to come and then to listen. This isn’t just a one-time thing. The Hebrew implies “listen persistently” or “keep on listening.[3] We are to partake in spiritual nourishment continuously. Jesus described Himself as the Bread of Life (John 6:35) and Living Water (John 7:38).

God invites us to come and find true fulfillment in Him. Be willing to delve into this kind of Godly feast, rather than taking part in the fleeting pleasure of the world. How would you answer God’s invitational questions found in Isaiah 55? What does this show about your priorities? Where is Jesus inviting you to change your spiritual diet?

To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/nourished

[1,2 Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

[3] Walker, L. L., Elmer A. Martens. (2005). Cornerstone biblical commentary: Isaiah, Jeremiah, & Lamentations (Vol. 8, p. 242). Tyndale House Publishers.

Avoid the Empty Trap

Paula K. Graves

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September 19, 2026

Paul urges the church of Colossae to avoid the empty trap. He knew that believers must stay vigilant against teachings that sound appealing but lack the truth found in Christ. These teachings may look intellectually sophisticated, but they ultimately offer no foundation for life. They are empty.

Colossians 2: 4 I am telling you this so no one will deceive you with well-crafted arguments. 5 For though I am far away from you, my heart is with you. And I rejoice that you are living as you should and that your faith in Christ is strong… 8 Don’t let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers of this world, rather than from Christ. 9 For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body.[1]

Standing Firm Against Deception

Satan is a liar and loves to lead believers down the wrong path. Forewarned is forearmed. Paul wanted the believers to be aware of satan’s traps so they could avoid them. We must remain aware of potential deception. This requires active vigilance and the evaluation of all teachings against the Gospel of Jesus.

Christ’s divine fullness empowers us as believers to see through and resist the compelling yet empty philosophies that distract us from authentic faith and truthful living. Through continuous growth in knowledge of Christ, we are better equipped to withstand societal pressures that challenge our faith. We need to rely solely on Jesus for our spiritual insight and understanding and reject any teaching or philosophy that detracts from His central position in our lives.

We must stay rooted in the solid foundation of Jesus and avoid the empty trap of false philosophies because we live in a world filled with competing ideologies. True fulfillment is only found in a personal relationship with Christ. We want to avoid external influences that claim to offer wisdom or enlightenment. Every part of the Biblical narrative points to Jesus as the answer to humanity’s deepest questions and struggles.

Rejecting Empty Enticements

Our culture contains multiple temptations that can lure us away from Jesus. Even good things can distract us from our relationship with Jesus. When we are full of Jesus, we won’t have an appetite for the empty attitudes and beliefs that capture us and lead us away from our Savior. We must be watchful and discern where we may be putting down roots in something empty.

Ask yourself this: What are you consuming in the form of media, books, and social feeds that is filling your mind with empty promises instead of the Gospel truth? Try conducting a “media audit” of your life this week. Replace one source of information that leaves you anxious or cynical with one source that builds your knowledge of Scripture.

Remember, we must rely solely on Jesus for our spiritual insight and reject any teaching that detracts from His central position in our lives. To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/rooted

[1] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Col 2:4-5,8–9). Tyndale House Publishers.

Deep Roots in Invisible Places

Paula K. Graves

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September 18, 2026

Deep roots in invisible places determine a tree’s stability. We can only see the part of the tree above ground, but its roots go below the surface, where no one sees. In his letter to the church of Colossae, Paul encouraged the believers not only to accept Christ but to grow in their relationship with Him.

Colossians 2: 6 And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. 7 Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness. [1]

Walking with Christ

Paul reminded the Colossians that they had accepted Jesus as Lord. This meant that they had received the Gospel message, publicly confessed their faith, and been baptized. They were living as the body of Christ and needed to continue to follow Him. Some translations use the word “walk” instead of “follow.” Either word can give us the image of a guide on a journey. One would follow because the guide knows the way. In addition, one can also walk alongside the guide. Jesus is our guide for life.

Rooted in Faith

Just as one accepts Christ by faith, so should one’s daily faith life continue in discipleship. Discipleship practices are often unseen, just like the roots of a tree. But just as roots provide a foundation for a tree, private prayer, reading Scripture, and quiet times spent with the Lord are necessary for faith to grow. Just as a tree needs deep roots to withstand wind, we need deep, hidden roots in Christ to survive life’s storms.

A tree also needs deep roots to grow strong. Being ‘rooted’ in Christ provides the stability necessary for spiritual growth. The imagery of tree roots drawing nourishment mirrors the need for our roots in Christ to face life’s uncertainties. Spiritual disciplines like prayer and Bible study foster a life that is authentically anchored in Him and able to withstand trials.

Thankfulness as Faith’s Testimony

Thankfulness is a significant marker of a mature faith; it indicates that the believer’s life is well-rooted and sustained by Christ. Gratitude becomes both the evidence and outcome of a flourishing faith because it points to Christ as the source of all blessings.

Spiritual growth is not optional but essential; to thrive in faith, we must intentionally root ourselves in Christ and His word, allowing Him to transform our communities and us. When that happens, others will witness the power of gratitude and resilience in action.

Are you rooted in Christ? Do you pursue faith and a relationship with Jesus daily? Do you have deep roots in invisible places?

To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/rooted

[1] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Col 2:6–7). Tyndale House Publishers.

The Blessings of a Good Heart

Tom Graves

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September 17, 2026

The blessings of a good heart transform a person’s life by opening them to the Gospel and making them receptive to it. Jesus emphasized this truth when He concluded the Parable of the Sower. Luke 8:8“Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.” [1] Everyone in the crowd had physical ears, yet Jesus was speaking about something deeper than the ability to hear. He was speaking about spiritual hearing, a listening heart that receives God’s truth with faith and understanding.

Jesus knew that many would hear His words without truly embracing them. His parables revealed the condition of people’s hearts. Some listened out of curiosity, others for entertainment, and some only to find fault. But those whose hearts were open to God would hear the deeper message and respond in faith.

The same challenge persists today. We can read Scripture, attend worship, and listen to sermons, yet still fail to hear what God is saying. A good heart approaches God’s Word with humility, asking not only, “What does this mean?” but also, “Lord, what are You teaching me?” The blessing begins when we listen with both mind and heart, allowing God’s truth to take root in us.

Receiving the Seed of God’s Word

 In explaining the parable, Jesus described the good soil. Luke 8:15“good-hearted people who hear God’s word, cling to it, and patiently produce a huge harvest.” [2] The seed is the Word of God, and the soil is the human heart. Wherever God’s Word is sown, there is the possibility of a harvest.

We can find good soil in people who believe the Gospel and let Jesus transform their lives. They cherish the Word, allowing it to shape their thoughts, priorities, and actions. This receptiveness is a blessing, as God teaches and nurtures a good heart. The more open we are to His Word, the more we grow in faith, wisdom, and maturity. The Lord delights in cultivating welcoming hearts and trusting His promises.

Producing a Harvest for God’s Glory

Jesus says that those with good hearts “patiently produce a huge harvest. [3]” Luke 8:15. Healthy soil does not keep the seed to itself. It produces a harvest. Likewise, believers who receive God’s Word eventually reflect Christ in their daily lives.

 The fruit may appear in acts of kindness, words of encouragement, faithful service, steadfast hope, or opportunities to share the Gospel. Others begin to see what Jesus has done in our lives. As we tell His story, more seed is scattered, and more hearts are reached.

Believers are called to be good soil in every area of life. As we remain open to God’s Word, He continues to teach us, mature us, and use us for His purposes. The blessings of a good heart are not only that it receives God’s grace but that it becomes a channel through which His grace flows to others. May God give us hearts that hear, receive, and bear fruit for His glory.

To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/rooted

[1-3 Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Tyndale House Publishers.

The Slow Choke

Tom Graves

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September 16, 2026

The slow choke is a metaphor for what happens when we let life distract us from the importance of our relationship with our Savior. Jesus describes this condition in the parable of the Sower. Luke 8: 7 Other seed fell among thorns that grew up with it and choked out the tender plants.[1] Jesus gives the explanation later.

Luke 8: 14 The seeds that fell among the thorns represent those who hear the message, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the cares and riches and pleasures of this life. And so they never grow into maturity.[2]When we drift away from the Lord, it is not a single dramatic moment. It dies slowly.

Very few Christians wake up one morning and decide to abandon Christ. Instead, the slow choke of distraction often weakens our faith. Calendars fill up. Notifications multiply. Work demands rise. Entertainment fills every quiet moment. None of these things may be sinful in themselves, but together they can slowly crowd out what is essential. The danger is not always rebellion. Sometimes it is simply neglect.

Recognizing the Warning Signs

A plant being choked by weeds shows symptoms before it dies. In the same way, there are often early warning signs that our souls are being suffocated. One sign is irritability. When we are disconnected from Christ, patience becomes scarce, and small frustrations feel overwhelming. Another sign is a diminishing prayer life. Conversations with God become rushed, infrequent, or absent altogether. We may still believe, but we no longer abide.

A third sign is constant rushing, moving from task to task without time for reflection, worship, or rest. We stay busy but feel empty. Jesus notes some hear and joyfully receive the Word, but when difficulties arise, their shallow roots show. Their reliance on emotional excitement rather than sustained nourishment from God’s Word is a deeper problem. These warning signs are spiritual dashboard lights that alert us to bigger issues.

Returning to the Source

The solution is not simply to become less busy. It is to become more deeply rooted in Christ. Healthy plants flourish because they remain connected to a source of water and nourishment. Healthy believers flourish because they remain connected to Jesus through His Word, prayer, worship, and the fellowship of His people.

Ask yourself: What is slowly choking my spiritual life? What has crowded out time with Christ? Where have I allowed the pace of modern life to steal the moisture my soul needs? The good news is that the Gardener has not abandoned His garden. Jesus still calls us back to Himself. He still waters weary souls with His grace. He still strengthens weak roots through His Word.

Before the slow choke becomes spiritual collapse, listen to the warning signs. Pull the weeds. Make room for the Word. And remain rooted in the One who alone gives life. To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/rooted

[1,2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

Clearing the Subsurface Rocks

Tom Graves

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September 15, 2026

Clearing the subsurface rocks is important because rocky soil can appear ideal for planting. A thin layer of rich dirt covers the ground, and seeds sprout quickly. Everything looks healthy. Yet, just below the surface, lies a shelf of solid rock. The roots cannot penetrate it. They spread shallowly, drawing only temporary moisture. When the sun rises and conditions become difficult, the plant has no depth to draw on for life.

In the Parable of the Sower, Jesus uses this image to describe a spiritual reality in which the word is the seed and the soil is our hearts. Luke 8:6Other seed fell among rocks. It began to grow, but the plant soon wilted and died for lack of moisture.[1]  Some people receive God’s Word with enthusiasm and joy. Their response appears genuine. Growth begins. But beneath the surface are hidden barriers that prevent the Word from sinking deeply into the heart.

The danger is that outward appearances can be deceiving. We may attend worship, participate in Bible study, and speak confidently about our faith. Yet there may be areas of our lives that remain untouched by God’s transforming grace. The issue is not what is visible. The issue is what lies beneath.

The Hidden Rocks of the Heart

What are the rocks beneath the surface? Sometimes they are old wounds we resist surrendering to God, guarding painful memories because letting go seems risky. They can be stubborn pride resisting correction, habits of unforgiveness, or cynicism, disappointment, and bitterness that shape our view of God and others.

These hidden rocks often remain concealed beneath an otherwise respectable spiritual life. Yet they prevent God’s Word from reaching the deepest places of our hearts. When trials come, these unyielding places are exposed. Jesus says that those represented by rocky soil.

Luke 8:13 The seeds on the rocky soil represent those who hear the message and receive it with joy. But since they don’t have deep roots, they believe for a while, then they fall away when they face temptation. [2] The Lord does not point out these rocks to shame us. He reveals them because He desires deeper growth.

Inviting God to Break the Rock

The good news is that God specializes in transforming hard ground. He is not discouraged by what lies beneath the surface. His Word is powerful enough to break through even the most stubborn barriers. His grace reaches places we have hidden for years.

The invitation of this parable is not simply to examine our hearts but to open them. Ask the Holy Spirit to uncover whatever is preventing deeper roots from taking hold. What is a hidden rock in your heart that you have been hesitant to let God break up? The Master Gardener is ready to do His work. Trust Him with clearing the subsurface rocks of your heart.

To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/rooted

[1-2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

The Invisible Thief

Tom Graves

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September 14, 2026

When we think of spiritual warfare, we don’t think of the invisible thief! We often imagine dramatic confrontations or fierce temptations. Yet Jesus describes something much quieter. In the Parable of the Sower, the devil appears not as a roaring lion but as a thief. Luke 8:5 A farmer went out to plant his seed. As he scattered it across his field, some seed fell on a footpath, where it was stepped on, and the birds ate it. [1]

The seed is the Word of God. The path is the hardened heart. But notice the enemy’s timing. Jesus says the devil comes and immediately takes away the Word. He does not wait days or weeks. He acts at once. How often do we hear a sermon, read a Scripture passage, or receive God’s encouragement, only to quickly shift to the next thing? Before the truth has a chance to sink deeply into our hearts, it is crowded out. The enemy understands the value of God’s Word. If he can prevent it from taking root, he can prevent it from bearing fruit.

An Unprotected Field

Imagine a farmer scattering valuable seed and then leaving the field completely unprotected. Birds would quickly descend and consume what was sown. Jesus uses this very image to describe what happens when God’s Word is left exposed. Luke 8:12 The seeds that fell on the footpath represent those who hear the message, only to have the devil come and take it away from their hearts and prevent them from believing and being saved. [2]

 Hearing alone is not enough. We must receive, guard, and ponder the Word. Throughout Scripture, God’s people are encouraged to meditate on His Word day and night. Meditation is not merely thinking about Scripture; it means holding it close, turning it over in the mind, praying through it, and allowing it to shape the heart.

Prayer and reflection act as a protective shield around the seed. They give the Word time to settle into the soil of our lives. When we leave worship, close Bibles, or finish devotions without reflecting, we leave the seed vulnerable. The invisible thief loves unattended truth. A few moments of prayerful meditation often accomplish more than hours of distracted listening. What is protected can grow. What is neglected can be stolen.

Guarding the Gift

Every encounter with God’s Word is a gift from the Lord. The question is whether we will guard that gift. After hearing God’s Word, pause. Ask, “What is God teaching me?” Write down a verse. Pray it back to Him. Carry it with you throughout the day. These simple practices help fence in the seed. The devil is active, but Christ is victorious.

The same Savior who warns us about the thief also gives us the means to resist him. Through prayer, meditation, and faith, the Word takes root and flourishes. Today, do not leave God’s truth lying on the path. Treasure it. Guard it. Reflect on it. The invisible thief is real, but so is the living Word that God has planted in your heart. To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/rooted

[1-2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

Rooted Where It Matters Most

Paula K. Graves

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September 13, 2026

During times of uncertainty and distress, we want to be rooted where it matters most: in our God. Even though Jeremiah lived long before Jesus walked the earth, the Lord had told him that it was better to trust Him than to trust humans.

Jeremiah 17: 5 This is what the Lord says: “Cursed are those who put their trust in mere humans, who rely on human strength and turn their hearts away from the Lord. 6 They are like stunted shrubs in the desert, with no hope for the future. They will live in the barren wilderness, in an uninhabited salty land.

7 “But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. 8 They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit. [1]

Deceived by Relying on Self

Jeremiah described those who trust in human strength as cursed, like a shrub in the desert, struggling in isolation without relief. This image highlights our vulnerability and inadequacy when we rely solely on human capabilities. Without grounding in God and the Gospel of Jesus, life’s challenges may overwhelm us. Our culture has seen an increase in depression and anxiety because many have walked away from Jesus and trusted human teaching.

When we root our trust in temporary, earthly solutions, we inevitably feel parched and isolated. Instead of thriving, we merely survive; thus, we need to turn to the enduring source of life, Jesus, the living water. We can see that we need to shift our rootedness from a drought-stricken existence to one of growth and vitality. We can accomplish this by trusting God.

Blessings of Being Planted by the Waters

Jeremiah paints a vivid picture of a flourishing, strong tree planted by water, representing those who rely on God. God’s provision gives a life that is nourished and is less affected by the trials or the heat of life. When we trust God completely, He can replace anxiety and fear with confidence and peace, thus transforming our spiritual and emotional lives. Like a tree by the water, a life grounded in Christ is marked by resilience and fruitfulness.

Our sinful nature tends to turn us away from God and lead us to do things our way. The enemy tricks us into thinking that we can rely on ourselves without regard for God. There are consequences for our choices about where we seek our security and identity. Reliance on earthly things leads to disappointment and barrenness, but trusting in God leads to spiritual resilience and fruitfulness.

Stressful times often force us to reevaluate the foundation of our lives. We need to be rooted where it matters most: in Jesus Christ. We can do this by actively pursuing Christ through prayer, Scripture, and community. Are you aiming for a lifestyle firmly rooted in the Gospel of Jesus Christ?

To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/rooted

[1] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Je 17:5–8). Tyndale House Publishers.

Sow a Life That Matters

Paula K. Graves

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September 12, 2026

Paul closes his letter to the Galatian churches by urging them to sow a life that matters. He gives us all an important principle: we reap what we sow. Every choice we make plants a seed.

Galatians 6: 7 Don’t be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant. 8 Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit. 9 So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. 10 Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith. [1]

Plan the Harvest

We know that if we plant corn, we can only harvest corn, not any other vegetable. It is the same in the spiritual realm. We must decide what crop we want and plant accordingly. Every action has its consequences. All that we do is either an investment in worldly things or in the Spirit. What we do with our material things is evidence of how we value spiritual things.

Our behavior functions like farming. When we plant sinful behavior, we ultimately harvest death. In contrast, sowing seeds of the fruit of the Spirit will yield a harvest for eternity. Spreading seeds of joy, peace, and kindness demonstrates the love of Jesus and prepares hearts to receive the Gospel. We might be able to deceive others or even ourselves with our motives and attitudes as we plant seeds, but we cannot fool God.

Persevere

Sometimes our obedience to plant seeds of the Spirit feels unnoticed. Kindness, prayer, serving, giving, forgiving, and loving others can seem small. Yet God sees every seed planted in faith. The seed that is planted may not bear fruit immediately. There are seasons to the soul just as there are seasons in nature. We must trust God’s timing in the harvest.

Because actions that please the Spirit often involve eternal matters, the harvest may not come until eternity. Just because the harvest doesn’t appear when we think it should doesn’t diminish its reality. When we plant to please the Spirit, our actions can pave the way for our words of witness to others. God is always working beneath the surface. Faithfulness today becomes fruitfulness tomorrow.

If we become too weary to plant, there will be no harvest. Even though there may be a spiritual battle, God assures us that at the proper time we will reap a harvest. This encourages us to serve faithfully even when we want to give up. We want to sow a life that matters. What seeds are you planting in your life right now? How often have you regretted missing a chance for encouragement or kindness? We can’t retrieve past time, but we can resolve to plant as many seeds of the Spirit as possible.

To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/the-gospel-of-grace-alone

[1] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Ga 6:7–10). Tyndale House Publishers.

Freedom with a Purpose

Paula K. Graves

no comments

September 11, 2026

Paul wanted the Galatian churches to know that through the mercy and grace of Jesus, we have freedom with a purpose. Paul had risked his life to preach the Gospel and plant these churches, and now false teachers were leading them astray. These people wanted the Gentiles in these churches to follow the Jewish laws in addition to believing in Jesus.

Paul knew that when one tried to live under the law, one must depend on one’s own efforts. In contrast, when you live under Jesus’ grace, you can depend on Him for salvation. Galatians 5:1 So Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don’t get tied up again in slavery to the law.[1] To turn back to the law to try to earn what Christ has already given mocks His sacrifice.

New Freedom Through the Holy Spirit

These false teachers feared that people might use their newfound freedom from the law as a license to sin. They didn’t understand that the law cannot force people to get along. Our sinful nature will rule us unless we allow the Holy Spirit to fill us. Our freedom from the law is not doing whatever we want; it is becoming who God created us to be.

Galatians 5:13 For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love… 16 So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves.[2]

Love in our hearts is God’s substitute for laws and threats. It is the love of Christ that enables us to love others. This kind of love will not allow one to steal, lie, envy, or try to hurt others because that is not loving. It is not law on the outside but love on the inside of us that makes the difference. This kind of love is only possible through the power of the Holy Spirit.

The Fruit of the Spirit

We know that fruit grows from a living entity. It takes time to grow and requires care and cultivation. Galatians 5:22 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! [3]

Notice that even though Paul lists nine different characteristics, he also classifies them as a singular fruit. Love is listed first because all the others proceed from it. The Spirit produces the fruit, and it is our job to get in step with the Spirit.

“Because God who sent the law also sent the Spirit, the by-products of the Spirit-filled life harmonize perfectly with the intent of God’s law. A person who exhibits the fruit of the Spirit fulfills the law far better than a person who observes the rituals but has little love in his or her heart.”[4] The grace of Jesus gives us freedom with a purpose through the power of the Holy Spirit. No longer do we need the external force of the law to keep us in God’s will. Now we have the internal leading of the Holy Spirit. To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/the-gospel-of-grace-alone

[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Tyndale House Publishers.

[4] Barton, B. B. (1994). Galatians (p. 189). Tyndale House.

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