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The καρπός: Fruit of the Spirit (Contd)

Yesterday we talked about Love and Joy, we continue today with the rest of the seven. Peace - eirene The Biblical concept of peace, εἰρήνη (eirene) in Greek, is:  inclusive of life without conflict, as well as wholeness and harmony with God and others. A life of peace is safe and secure both physically and mentally. “The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.” (Romans 8:6) “Peace is a result of allowing the Holy Spirit to work in our hearts and minds. When we have peace, we are from fear and worry about finances, our safety, our salvation, and our eternal life. The fruit of the Holy Spirit is seen in the peace that comes even when our circumstances are far from tranquil. (Penny Noyes) Jesus encouraged his followers in John 16:33, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Forbearance - makrothumia Makrothumia is used to express a sl

The καρπός: Pastor Rajiv's Daily Reflections

Yesterday we talked about the heavenly team of God the father, God the son (Jesus) and the Holy Spirit of God. We also understood that once we have committed to Jesus and received our “saving” , we are left by Him with the Holy Spirit to change us. This change has also been defined in the Bible and known as the Fruits of the Spirit – meaning the inner and outer effect the Holy Spirit will have on us. Today let’s look at the Fruit of the Spirit, with their original words in Greek, and see what they actually meant, in their original form.  The Greek word καρπός  or Karpos that we translate  as “fruit” usually means fruit in the sense of edible fruits and vegetables, but it can also be translated as offspring, deed, action, result or  outcome.  Galatians 5:22-23 22) But the fruit of the Spirit is love (ἀγὰπη - Strong's #26), joy, peace, longsuffering (μακροθυμὶα), kindness, goodness, faith, 23) gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. There is only ONE Fruit! 

The Dream Team: Pastor Rajiv's Daily Reflections

In a relay race, there can be no individual winner. It's the team. We are taught about the importance of teamwork in every school, college, university and work. But do we know that the best example of team work is as old as God? While many people do not give much thought to the doctrine of the Trinity, because of its seeming unimportance and irrelevance, it actually is absolutely essential for the Christian faith to be true. The biblical teaching of one God in three persons is at the heart of Christian belief. God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit all work together to achieve one common objective: the Salvation of mankind. Of you and me. They have their roles cut out: God created us; Jesus saved us; and the Holy Spirit sanctifies us.  Once we have committed our selves to Christ what is the difference between our old self and new self? It's the presence of the Holy Spirit in us who now gives us the fruits of the spirit  Galatians 5:22-23 - "But the fruit of th

Walking with God: Pastor John Mohammad, Melbourne as Guest Speaker

Pastor John Mohammad is a regular guest speaker at the Hilton Street Church and those who follow their services online, or in person, would know him quite well. As ex policeman, Pastor John combines his experience and his faith to witness to God.  Today Pastor John talks about what it means to walk with God. 

Walking Humbly: pastor Rajiv's Daily Reflections

Micah 6:6-8 6 With what shall I come before(A) the Lord and bow down before the exalted God? Shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves a year old?(B) 7 Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams,(C) with ten thousand rivers of olive oil?(D) Shall I offer my firstborn(E) for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?(F) 8 He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly(G) and to love mercy and to walk humbly[a](H) with your God.(I) Yesterday we talked about whether God can trust us. Today we will talk about what God expects from us. In the quoted verse, it is quite clear that above our earthly gifts, the Lord requires us to act Justly, love mercy and walk humbly with our God. I think that is the start to building trust. Of these three, todays lets talk about walking humbly with God. This statement is in two parts - 1. Walking with God and 2. Walking humbly. First, what does i

Can God Trust You? Pastor Rajiv's Daily Reflections

We all talk about the need for us to trust God in all that we do or live. But have we ever considered - Can God Trust us?  Today let us reference Samuel, the prophet and  religious hero in the history of Israel, represented in the Old Testament in every role of leadership open to a Jewish man of his day—seer, priest, judge, prophet, and military leader. His greatest distinction was his role in the establishment of the monarchy in Israel. Samuel has a personal relationship with God. His attitude and service won the heart of God. And His trust. Consider this verse-  1 Samuel 3: 19 "And Samuel grew, and the Lord was with him, and did let none of his words fall to the ground". Such was his commitment to God that Samuel became a king maker. Literally. He installed Saul, later removed him and installed David. So what was so great about Samuel that he could do all of this and have a personal relationship with God? 1. Samuel listened to God. He not only heard God but did what God wa

In God we Trust: Sunday Reflection

Today's title (which is  the official motto of the United States of America) is not a reflection on that country but on all of us. We profess one thing but practice another. We profess God but trust ourselves and our friends and  allies. This was 700 years before Christ as well, where God's people were in name only. Our opening verse from Isiaah talks about the infidelity of man towards God, true then and true now.  Isiaah 30:15 "For thus said the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel: In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength. But you refused...." Isaiah was best known as the Hebrew prophet who predicted the coming of Jesus Christ and is known for having urged Israel to rely on Yahweh, their national god, instead of on the political power, and the gods of nations like Egypt or Assyria for protection and prosperity. He also promoted just and ethical practices in everyday life and politics. Today the opening verse is as t