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What if joy isn’t just a fleeting emotion but a commandment for every believer? Join us as we uncover the profound significance of joy in our nine-week series on the fruit of the Spirit from Galatians 5. We start with scripture readings from Galatians 5:22 and Luke 10, highlighting the incredible mission of the 72 disciples and their joyous return. Joy, much like love and self-control, stands as an essential virtue for Christians, woven into the fabric of our faith by biblical teachings.

Discover the depth of joy beyond mere happiness, as illustrated through Old and New Testament scriptures like Psalms 33:1 and Philippians 4. We explore the consistency of this divine command and share a humorous yet thought-provoking anecdote about Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr., underscoring the necessity of authentic joy in our lives. Reflect on how joy can coexist with grief, drawing inspiration from Jesus' life and the cross, proving that true joy is deeply rooted in faith and the Holy Spirit.

In our final chapter, learn practical ways to nurture a joyful spirit through a close relationship with Jesus. We discuss the importance of consistent prayer, daily Bible reading, and the power of Christian community and worship. Delve into the uplifting lyrics of "Our God is for Us" and "It Is Well with My Soul," and find out how journaling and meditating on God's goodness can help maintain your joy. Whether you're a believer seeking to deepen your faith or someone curious about the joy found in Christ, this episode offers valuable insights and an invitation to experience lasting joy through faith in Jesus.

We are currently recording season four of the Real Friends Podcast. To listen to previous episodes, go to myrealchurch.org or find us on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.

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Can love really transform a community and change lives? Tune in to this deeply insightful episode with Pastor Chris May of Real Life Community Church, as we dissect the true essence of Christian love and its critical importance in our faith. Drawing from the often-misunderstood 1 Corinthians 13, Pastor Chris reveals how Paul's stern message to the Corinthians serves as a wake-up call for us all—without genuine love, our spiritual gifts and charitable acts hold no real value.

Journey with us as we explore the attributes of authentic Christian love, extending beyond mere words to actions rooted in kindness, humility, and selflessness. Pastor Chris tackles the issues of envy, boasting, and arrogance that once plagued the Corinthian church, urging us to reflect on our own attitudes towards others, especially the less fortunate. By embodying virtues like patience and faithfulness, we challenge ourselves to align more closely with the example set by Christ.

In a heartwarming conclusion, Pastor Chris shares a touching story of a young boy in Chicago who walked miles through the snow to attend a church where he felt truly loved. This compelling narrative underscores the transformative power of genuine love within a church community. Inspired by the teachings of Kerry Newhoff, we explore how embodying Christ's love can draw people to the church and foster a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere. Join us for this thought-provoking episode and discover practical steps to grow in authentic love, making a real impact in your community.

We are currently recording season four of the Real Friends Podcast. To listen to previous episodes, go to myrealchurch.org or find us on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.

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What if the essence of Christian transformation is more profound than just changing behavior? In this message, Pastor Chris May uncovers the true nature of becoming a new creation in Christ; he provides deep insights into Galatians 5:16-25, delineating the stark contrast between the works of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit. Through a heartfelt discussion, he reveals the internal, inevitable, incremental, and inseparable aspects of true Christian change, emphasizing that our outward actions should mirror the internal transformation guided by the Holy Spirit.

We are currently recording season four of the Real Friends Podcast. To listen to previous episodes, go to myrealchurch.org or find us on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.

Support the show