Hays Christian Church Hays Christian Church

Pastor Cana uses 1 Peter 3:8-14 to introduce the 5th Fruit of the Spirit, kindness. God’s Spirit grows kindness in our hearts as a response to the love we have been given by God. We are asked to choose kindness over niceness (there is a difference!) and to prepare for the Spirit to grow kindness in us through true awareness of self and others.

Jennie Straight uses Matthew 5:17-23 to discuss the fulfillment of the law and anger. Jesus came to fulfill the law of God, which is not the same as the laws of the pharisees. For instance, God’s law of “do not murder” not only prohibits killing, but also consuming, unrighteous anger. Our anger should be from injustice to others or dishonoring God. Are we twisting God’s law for our desires? We are challenged to consider our reasons for our anger.

This Pentecost, Pastor Cana reads from John 16:4-15, which shows Jesus telling His disciples of greater things when the Holy Spirit comes to them. Because of Jesus’ departure, the Holy Spirit is present to teach and guide us in the way of truth.

Deuteronomy 15:7-11 gives instructions to pre-nation Israel for how to be God’s people, specifically, giving to those in need and cancelling debt in the Sabbath (seventh) year. Pastor Cana explains that the chain of generosity begins with God and it is our responsibility to continue the chain and help the poor willingly and without judgement, whether with our money, resources, time, skills, or emotional support.

The fourth Fruit of the Spirit Pastor Cana is focusing on brings us to James 5:7-11, where James writes to Christians struggling with social exile to assure them that their endurance and patience will pay off when the Lord comes again. God’s compassion guarantees if we are patient, there will be blessing.

Pastor Cana’s sermon text, John 21:1-13, in which the resurrected Jesus greets His fishing disciples as they begin to return empty-handed and tells them to cast their nets on the other side of the boat. After an abundant catch, Jesus invites them to breakfast. Christ our Host offers us what we need and beyond.