The God of Three-in-One

​Read: Psalm 8 & 2 Corinthians 13:11-13    
 
          Since the start of the year, we have built an "Unshakable" foundation, traveled the "Wilderness Road," and experienced the powerful change of Pentecost. We have seen that the Resurrection is not only a past event but a living reality that sends us out in mission. Now, with the Spirit among us, we begin a new chapter. This week, we start our new sermon series: "The Fruit of the Spirit: Living an Intentional Faith." In the coming weeks, we will focus on the real, practical signs of a life led by the Spirit. We begin by looking at the source of that fruit: the mystery of the Trinity. Our theme is "The God of Three-in-One," and through Psalm 8 and 2 Corinthians 13:11-13, we see that faith is not just about following rules, but about joining in the relationship God offers.
 
          It makes sense to start this series by looking closely at who God is, because our understanding of the "Fruit of the Spirit" depends on who we believe is at work in us. In Psalm 8, the writer looks up at the sky, sees the moon and stars, and feels humbled. He asks, "What are humans that you are mindful of them?" This question helps us ground our faith in the right place. When we think about how great God is, our pride and self-reliance fade away. We are made "a little lower than God" and "crowned with glory and honor," but this honor is not something we earn. It is a reflection of the One who created the stars and still knows each of us by name.
 
          The greatness of our Creator-God is the first part of our faith. He is the Father who holds the universe and calls it good. But our faith is not just about a distant God. In 2 Corinthians 13, Paul brings this greatness into our daily lives and relationships. He ends his letter with practical advice: "Be restored; listen to my appeal; agree with one another; live in peace." These are the first signs of the "Fruit of the Spirit" we will explore: restoration, unity, and peace. Paul says these are not just good manners; they naturally come from living with the "God of love and peace." If we want to see if our faith is intentional, we should look at our relationships. Do we bring peace? Do we listen? Do we help restore others?
 
          The heart of this passage, and of our whole series, is the blessing in verse 13: "The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with all of you." Here, the "Three-in-One" is not just a difficult concept to understand but the real source of strength in our daily lives. We have the Grace of Jesus, which meets us when we are weak and forgives us when we fail—a grace we felt when we walked the road to Emmaus and saw Jesus in the breaking of bread. We have the Love of God, the deep care of the Creator who made the heavens and gave us honor. And we have the Communion of the Holy Spirit, the power that came like a wind at Pentecost to fill us and send us out.
 
          Living with 'Intentional Faith' means shaping your daily life around the reality of the Trinity. It's about staying connected to the Spirit and remembering that your choices, words, and acts of service are never done alone. You do them with God, who is a community in Himself. The Trinity shows us that God's very nature is love, not just because He loves us, but because He exists as a perfect, loving, and giving relationship. When you show the fruit of the Spirit, you join in that relationship: you give grace because you've received it, you love because you are loved, and you help build unity because the Spirit brings us together. This is an invitation to step into the relationship of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
 
          When life feels heavy this week, remember the greatness of God in Psalm 8, who cares for you more than the stars in the sky. If you find it hard to love someone or settle a conflict, turn to the grace of Jesus and the peace the Spirit gives. In the end, intentional faith is about making space for God in the ordinary parts of your week, knowing you are not just working for God, but working with Him.
 
          This week, focus on noticing what is happening around you. As you spend time with your family, coworkers, and neighbors, look for signs of the Trinity at work. Where can you show grace? Where can you bring peace? Where can you help build stronger connections? The God of Three-in-One is already working in your life, inviting you to a deeper way of loving. Let us start this new series with open hearts, ready to see how the Spirit will grow His fruit in us—not for our own praise, but for the glory of the God whose name is great in all the earth.