Author Archives: Al Gilbert

Notes from Sunday morning message for Shallowford.Church video link:  Click Here Fruit of the Spirit:  Joy Gal. 5:22-23 Why is it called the “Fruit” of the Spirit? 1. Fruit is something we bear – not produce. (John 15:4-6) 2. Fruit is a result of abiding in Christ (Source). (John 15:4-6) 3. Fruit is different fromContinue reading “Fruit of the Spirit: Joy”

Notice the 9 words describing a cluster of fruit.  Not different kinds of fruits (apples, bananas, oranges, etc),  but fruit of one kind: Christ-like character.   This fruit is the  expected evidence of the Holy Spirit in the lives of all believers.  (Jn. 15:4-5;  Gal. 5:22-23) Fruit of the Spirit is Different than the Gifts ofContinue reading “Fruit of the Spirit: Christlikeness”

“I am the vine; you are the branches” (John 15:5a) It doesn’t sound right to say we “cooperate” with God. We certainly don’t operate equally. No religious activity, is in and of itself, life-giving. We cannot produce any genuine spiritual fruit on our own; He makes that clear when He says, “apart from Me youContinue reading “Cooperating With God”

In John 15:1-11  Jesus challenges His disciples to Abide in Him.  He is preparing them to live on earth without Him (physically) and yet He tells them to abide in Him (spiritually). Jesus promised He would live in His disciples through the Holy Spirit.  He challenged them to recognize His indwelling life and to dependContinue reading “Abiding in Christ”

John R. W. Stott was a well-known British theologian of the last century.  Christopher J.H. Wright said Dr. Stott prayed this prayer every morning: “Heavenly Father, I pray that this day I may live in Your presence and please You more and more.  Lord Jesus, I pray that this day I may take up myContinue reading “Introducing New Series: Fruit of the Spirit”