Law

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law" ~ Galatians 5:22-23

These verses were probably some of the first ones you learned in the New Testament when you were a child. You may have memorized the fruit of the Spirit at some point, especially if you learned the jingle. But we should remember Paul's words that follow: "Against such things there is no law". That might seem like an obvious statement, but Paul's intended audience in this letter is those who have been led astray by people who still tout obedience to the Law of Moses as the way to be saved and accepted by Jesus. He points out the clear distinction between acts of the sinful nature and the fruit of the Spirit, with the Spirit producing things against which no one would create a law. This is a subtle reminder of the purpose of the law - to show what is good, right, and just regarding an individual's conduct, and to punish those who do wrong. We tend to forget this as forgiven Christians, but the law is and always has been a good thing, having been presented by the one, true Lawgiver and Judge. This week at Friendship, we'll talk about the foundation of "Law", including where it originated and why it was given. We'll also discuss what is incomplete about it, and how it could only find its fulfillment in Christ. As we move closer to the annual remembrance of what our Savior did on the cross for every single lawbreaker in the world, you don't want to miss this message.

Speaking of what He did for us on the cross, we will also be celebrating the Lord's Supper at all three services this weekend. As a reminder, all who are willing to accept Jesus as Savior and submit to Him as Lord are welcome at His table.