The following is a compilation of notes by Robert, an anointed member of the Body of Christ.
From the opening lines in Genesis, the Bible portrays God
not as a distant clock maker who winds up the universe and walks away, but as a
loving Creator who delights in what he has made.
After each act of creation - light, sky, land, seas, plants, animals - God declares it “good”.
When humanity is formed in His image, He pronounces the whole creation “very good”. (Genesis 1:31)
This repeated affirmation underscores a fundamental truth:
Creation is not an accident or a mere by-product, but an
expression of God's overflowing goodness and love. God's love is evident in the
care with which He fashioned all creation. The intricate balance of ecosystems,
the beauty of sunsets, the vastness of galaxies – all reflect a Creator who
invests Himself in the details.
Psalm 104 poetically celebrates this, describing God as One
who waters the mountains, provides food for beast, and sets boundaries for the
seas. Such provisions reveal a love that is active and ongoing, not limited to
the moment of creation, but extended through Providence, even after humanity’s
fall into sin.
God’s love does not abandon.
God’s love is not distant or theoretical, it is active, pursuing, and
life-changing.
God’s love embraces the sparrow that falls, and cares for
the lilies of the field. It is a love
that invites response to care for creation as stewards, to love one another,
and to glorify the Creator.
In a broken world marked by suffering and exploitation,
God’s love for creation offers hope.
We are reminded that the earth is not disposable, but
cherished, destined for renewal.
Ultimately, God’s love transforms creation from mere existence into a
theater of glory, where every creature reflects the beauty and goodness of its
Maker.
In beholding creation with the eyes of faith, we glimpse the
Heart of God, who loves us deeply and eternally.
God’s love is personal, He knows us intimately, even the
number of our hairs on our head. (Luke12:7)
It is transforming – it forgives, heals, empowers us to love
others in return. Christian love for one
another (agape) is the practical, sacrificial, and deliberate love that
believers in Christ are commanded to show toward one another in faith.
It flows directly from God’s love for us and serves as the
defining mark of true discipleship.
Jesus summarized the entire law in two commandments:
"Love God with all your heart, and love your neighbor as yourself." (Mark 12:31)
He elevated this further, by giving His
followers a new command:
"Love one another as I have loved you, so you must love one another, by this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." (John 13:34-35)
This love is based on Christ’s example –
selfless, humble, and willing to lay down one’s life. We show love by putting other’s needs above
our own. (Philippians 2:3-4; 1 John3:16-18).
Forgiving – bearing with one another and forgiving as we
have been forgiven. (Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:13) Seeking peace,
encouragement, and harmony in the body of Christ. (Romans 12:10)
The apostle Paul describes this love beautifully in 1Corinthians 13. It is patient, kind, not
envious or boastful, not proud or rude, not self-seeking or easily angered. It keeps no record of wrongs, and rejoices in
truth. It bears all things, endures all
things.
In essence, love for one another is the visible evidence of
God’s invisible love dwelling in us.
When we love others this way, especially those who are hard
to love, we reflect Christ’s character to a watching world and fulfill the
heart of the gospel as 1John 4:11-12 declares:
"Dear friends, since God loved us, we ought to love another. If we love one another, God lives in us and His love is made complete in us."
(Where is the "True Religion" -- Christ's Body -- God's Temple?)
Faith in God is the bedrock of our Christian lives.
A dynamic trust that pleases God, produces righteousness,
and bears fruit in obedience.
From Noah's Ark to Jesus' miracles, scripture shows that
faith moves mountains, overcomes fear, and secures eternal hope.
Faith in God is one of the most profound and transformative
themes in the bible. It is not mere intellectual assent of fleeting emotion,
but a deep trust in God's character, promises, and sovereignty, even when
circumstances seem contrary. The scriptures define faith clearly, and
illustrate it through the lives of ordinary people who trust an extraordinary
God. At its core, faith bridges the seen and the unseen, anchoring the believer
in hope and enabling obedience.
The book of Hebrews provides the foundational definition:
"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped
for, the conviction of things not seen." (Hebrews 11:1)
This assurance is not wishful thinking, but a confident
expectation grounded in God's faithfulness.
The chapter continues...
"and without faith it is impossible to please
Him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he
rewards those who seek him." (Hebrews 11:6)
Faith begins with believing in God's existence and His
goodness toward those who diligently pursue Him.
Ephesians 2:8-9 states...
"For by grace you have been saved through faith.
And this is not your own doing, it is the gift of God, not a result of works,
so that no one may boast"
This grace-given faith justifies us before God, as with
Abraham. True faith is never solitary or inactive. James warns,
"So faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead."
(James 2:17)
He illustrates with Abraham's willingness to sacrifice Isaac, and Rahab's aid
to the spies - both demonstrated faith through action. (James 2:21-26)
Works are the fruit of genuine faith, evidence that it is alive and
transformative.
In trials, faith sustains us...
"For we walk by faith, not by sight"
2 Corinthians 5:7
Jesus promised, "if you abide in my word, you truly are
my disciples, and you will know the truth and the truth will set you free"
(John 8:31-32)
But freedom comes through believing faith. Prayer fueled by
faith is powerful:
"and whatever you ask in prayer, you will
receive, if you have faith" (Matthew 21:22)
Jesus Himself emphasized the power of even small faith.
When His disciples failed to cast out a demon, He
said...
"Because of your little faith.
For truly I say to you, if you have faith like a grain
of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, move from here to there, and it
will move, and nothing will be impossible for you." (Matthew 17:20)
In another instance, calming a storm, He rebuked the
disciples: "Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?" (Matthew 8:26)
Jesus taught that faith unlocks divine intervention, as seen
when He healed people, saying, "Your faith has made you
well". (Mark 10:52, Matthew 9:22)
We have many biblical examples of Faith.
Noah obeyed Gods warning about a flood unseen in his time,
building an ark that saved his family and condemned the world's unbelief. (Hebrews11:7)
His faith was active, demonstrated through years of
laborious obedience amid ridicule.
Abraham, believed God's promise of descendants despite his
and Sarah's old age. He was credited with righteousness because, "Abraham
believed God, it was counted to him as righteousness"
His ultimate test came when he was to sacrifice his son
Isaac, Abraham had faith and trusted God, no matter how painful that was to
do. (Hebrews11:17-19)
David faced Goliath not with superior armor but with faith
in the living God, declaring, "the battle is the lords". (1Samuel 17:47)
Faith in God is a deeply personal force that shapes how we
navigate daily existence, offering purpose, resilience, and moral guidance amid
life's uncertainties. It is not merely an abstract belief, but a lived
relationship that influences decisions, relationships, and emotional
well-being. At its core, faith in God provides a sense or meaning and
direction.
In a world often marked with chaos and existential
questions, faith in God anchors us, and helps us to develop a personal
relationship with God through prayer and reflection, which fosters inner peace
and a calling to live meaningfully.
Faith helps reframe challenges: worry turns to prayer, fear
to courage, and complaints to gratitude.
Faith encourages ethical living, compassion in
relationships, and forgiveness, turning potential conflicts into opportunities
for growth.
In a world that often feels chaotic, uncertain, and
overwhelming, faith in God stands as a powerful force that can protect
us. It is not a distant ideal reserved for moments of crisis, it is a
daily invitation to trust, to hope, and to find meaning, even in the ordinary.
Faith in God can carry you further than fear, doubt, or
self-reliance ever could.
Life will bring storms , loss, disappointment, illness ,
betrayal, or seasons of deep loneliness - but faith whispers that there is a
greater purpose unfolding, even when we cannot see it.
Difficulties become opportunities to grow stronger, to lean
deeper into divine love, and to discover resilience you didn't know you had.
Let us continue to pray without ceasing, and building
ourselves, and one another up, in Faith.
We encourage one another in love, so that we may thrive with
purpose, peace, and unshakable hope.
Let faith be your anchor and your wings. Trust that the One
who created the stars knows your name, sees your struggles, and walks with you
every step of the way.
The best is still ahead if we do not give up, and keep our faith.
The Spirit versus The Flesh
From the very
beginning of creation, the Holy Spirit reveals himself to us as the active,
personal presence of God among us. The Bible opens with the Spirit of God
actively involved in creation at Genesis 1:1-2. This beautiful image shows the Spirit bringing
order, life, and beauty out of chaos.
Throughout the Old Testament, God's Spirit empowers specific individuals for His purpose - Prophets, Judges, Kings, and Craftsman, for example. (Exodus 31:3). The prophets foretold a day when God's Spirit would be poured out widely, transforming hearts and renewing His people. (Ezekiel 36: 26-27)
In the New Testament, the Holy Spirit plays a central role in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. The Spirit descended upon Him at his baptism. (Luke 3:22) Jesus Himself promised the coming of the Holy Spirit as a helper/advocate/comforter to His disciples. (John 14:26; John 16:7)
Jesus also described
the Spirit as the "Spirit of truth" who would guide believers into
all truth. (John 16:13; Acts 2:2-4)
Paul tells us at 1Corinthians 6:19, the Spirit seals us for the day of redemption, empowers us
for witness, produces fruit in our character, and helps us in our weakness.
(Acts 1:8; Galatians5:22-23; Romans 8:26)
The Spirit also
brings freedom, hope, and transformation.
(2 Corinthians 3:17;Romans 15:13)
God’s Spirit is not
distant or detached. He is personal, relational, and intimately involved in our
lives. He convicts, comforts, teaches, empowers, and draws us closer to Jesus. The
Bible urges us not to grieve him at Ephesians 4:30, but to be continually
filled with him (Ephesians 5:18), and to walk in step with him (Galatians5:25).
Paul makes it clear that there are two forces in constant opposition. He states this at Galatians 5:17
Here, "the
flesh" (Greek :sarx) refers not merely to the physical body, but to the
sinful human nature - our fallen inclination toward self-centeredness,
rebellion against God, and pursuit of immediate, selfish gratification. It
represents life driven by natural impulses apart from God. In contrast,
"the Spirit" refers to the Holy Spirit, the very presence of God
dwelling within us believers. The Spirit brings new life, aligns us with God's
will, and empowers us to live in righteousness.
Paul explains in
Romans 8:5-8 that those who live according to the flesh set their minds on
fleshy things, leading to death, while those who live by the Spirit set their
minds on spiritual things, resulting in life and peace.
The mindset makes all
the difference. This is not a battle only for "weak" Christians, it
is the normal experience of every true believer. The moment we begin to live our lives
according to the Spirit and it takes up residence in our hearts, the old nature
doesn't vanish instantly, instead a war begins.
Paul doesn't leave
the nature of the flesh vague. He list its evident "works" (or acts)
in Galatians 5:19-21. Paul issues a
sobering warning:
"I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God."
These are not the
occasional slips, but patterns of life that reveal a heart still determined by
the flesh.
In beautiful
contrast, Paul describes the fruit (singular, not plural "fruits")
produced when we yield to the Holy Spirit.
He states this at Galatians 5:22-23.
This fruit is the natural outgrowth of a life connected to Christ, like
fruit growing from a healthy vine. (John 15:1-4).
Notice how these
qualities mirror the character of Jesus Himself - they are not achieved through
human effort or legalistic rule-keeping, but through surrender to the Spirit's
transforming work.
Here are the nine
characteristics of the Spirit's fruit, beautifully displayed in every day life:
Love -
selfless, sacrificial care for others
Joy - deep
contentment rooted in God, not circumstances
Peace - inner
calm and harmony with God and others
Patience -
(forbearance) enduring difficulty without complaint
Kindness -
compassionate and generous actions
Goodness -
moral integrity and generosity
Faithfulness -
reliability and loyalty
Gentleness -
humble strength and tenderness
Self-control -
mastery over impulses and desires
Against such
qualities, Paul says, "there is no law", because they fulfill the law's true intent
through love. (Galatians 5:14)
The key to overcoming the flesh is not trying harder in our own strength, but crucifying the flesh through our identification with Christ's death. (Galatians 5:24) We must live this out daily.
Paul concludes in Galatians 5:25, “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.”
Walking in Spirit means:
Daily dependence on
him through prayer and scripture.
Setting our minds on spiritual things. (Romans 8:5)
Yielding
moment-by-moment to His leading.
Putting to death sinful deeds by the Spirit's power. (Romans 8:13)
The result is freedom - not license to sin, but liberation from sin's mastery. The Spirit empowers us to live the life we truly desire: one that pleases God and bears lasting fruit. Every day presents a choice:
Will we gratify the desires of the flesh, leading to corruption and death?
Or will we walk by
the Spirit, producing the beautiful fruit that glorifies God and blesses
others?
The Spirit is not weak - He is the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead, now living in you. (Romans 8:11). The flesh is strong, but the Spirit is stronger.
May we each say with
Paul: "Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the
flesh." Galatians 5:16
In doing so, we discover the abundant, transformed life Christ came to give. May we open our hearts to the beautiful, powerful, and loving presence of God's Spirit - the very breath of God living within us, transforming us day by day into the likeness of Christ.
We close with Paul's words of encouragement at
2 Corinthians 13:14 -
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