The Truth That Sets You Free
A Collection of Sermons on the Importance of Cultivating the Fruit of the Spirit in Everyday Life
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Someone has said: “Happiness depends on things that happen, but joy depends on Jesus.” I agree with that, and would like to consider the difference. Recently my wife, who is a much neater person than I am (but don't tell her that) said, “I'd be happy if you blew the leaves off the patio.” Well I knew that this would make her happy, so I complied. I do believe that it is right and good to make others happy whenever possible. However; this is such a good example of the fleeting nature of such happiness that it is fitting to mention it here. Happy for a few hours, until the leaves fall again, then --unhappiness? There is nothing wrong with this kind of happiness. I hope we all experience it, and often. In the words of R. C. Sproul it is “that rush that comes over your soul” when you see a newborn baby, or when at a wedding the minister says to the groom “You may now kiss the bride.” Or when your favorite ball team wins, or you get a great mark on a test, or satisfactorily complete any project. All these things bring happiness, but it is only temporary. The newborn doesn't stay that way; newlyweds settle down to build a family, which is often a struggle; your ball team doesn't always win; and there are always new projects to challenge us. However, the joy that the scriptures speak of is not transient. It is eternal because it is the fruit of the eternal Holy Spirit dwelling within us and it is based on the promises of God, who changes not. So how do we display this joy to the world around us, the world that desperately yearns for it? Are we to be smiling always, no matter what the circumstances? No, the smiles should be part of our general demeanor, but there are times when they are not at all appropriate; they may even be cruel. Oh dear friends, there is a time to mourn; the Scriptures tell us that. We are not some kind of plastic doll without emotions; Jesus was not. A few years ago, as I arrived home from work, I saw my son approaching from his house next door. It was evident that he was extremely upset. He told me that the ten-year-old boy who lived across the street was just hit and killed by a truck that was coming over the hill as the boy was getting off his school bus. The truck didn't see the bus or the boy until it was too late. I was overwhelmed, emotionally, yet I felt compelled to provide whatever comfort I could to the parents. That may have been one of the hardest things I've ever done. We can't explain why bad things happen to good people, and it is especially difficult to understand when the loss of a child is involved. But if we let people know that we mourn with them maybe, just maybe, they will sense the presence of the One who wept at the tomb of His friend Lazarus. There is a time to mourn with those who mourn, to weep with those who weep, and thus display our Christian character, giving some sense of hope when there is none to behold.
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About the Book
This collection of inspirational sermons considers that which is made possible when we embrace the Gospel and invite the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit into our lives. Each of the first eight sermons is dedicated to a different fruit of the spirit: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self Control. In the ninth and final sermon the author takes a deeper look at a blessing-filled life, The Means of Grace, and The Great Commission, which instructs Christians to share the Gospel they proclaim. These sermons include biblical truths, personal anecdotes and everyday examples that encourage the reader to develop and maintain an intimate relationship with Jesus. As the author explains, when we nurture and express our spiritual fruit we exemplify the transformational power of a life made whole by Jesus and are empowered to experience the exceptional life God has planned for each of us.
About the Author
Edwin Schrader was born in Brooklyn, New York on April 1, 1927. After graduating high school in 1945, he joined the Navy, enlisting during the Second World War. Ed often jokes that upon hearing of this Germany and Japan promptly surrendered.
By the time he left the Navy, Ed's family had moved from Brooklyn to live in Salisbury Mills, NY. Ed joined them there, where he met and married Nancy Kraiza, who remains his bride after sixty-one years of marriage. Together they have raised six children. Cheri, their first child, has since gone to be with the Lord. Those still with them are Christine, Cathy, Edwin Jr., Charlene and David, combined with fourteen grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
While Ed's career in the construction industry was quite successful, the Lord had something more in mind for him. In 1966, he was elected and ordained as a Ruling Elder of The Westminster Church, in Rock Tavern, NY. Part of his responsibility was to conduct evening and midweek services. In this capacity, he officially began the theological writing and teaching phase of his life. From there, Ed was called to become the chaplain of the Salisbury Mills Fire Company, a position he holds to this day.
He also accepted an invitation to teach theology classes at Chapel Field Christian School, which lasted for about fifteen years. This led to his writing of essays; many of which have been presented as sermons in various churches. These sermons, based on the Fruit of the Spirit, have been compiled and presented in this his first book, The Truth That Sets You Free: A Collection of Sermons on the Importance of Cultivating the Fruit of the Spirit in Everyday life.