Podcasts about bearing fruit

This week's message reminds us that real fruit doesn't come from chasing dreams but from growing deeper in Christ. Your dream is not fruit; your maturity in Him is. Visitors don't mature—abiders do. There are real consequences to not abiding, but those who remain in Him bring joy to His heart. This post was inspired by a prophetic prayer shared by one of our prayer team members this week, calling us back to stay connected to the Vine and let our lives bear lasting fruit.

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Part of the Bearing Fruit series. Sermon by Pastor Nathan Alley The post Faithfulness Through the Fire // Daniel 6:3-10, 16-23 first appeared on Applewood Community Church.

Romans 7 confronts us with a reality we often try to avoid: the inner battle between who we want to be in Christ and the sin that still entangles us. This passage reveals that even after coming to faith, we face an ongoing struggle with sin—not because we're broken or unsaved, but because the enemy works harder than ever to pull us off course. Paul himself confesses this tension: 'I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.' The central message here is profoundly liberating: death brings freedom from captivity. Through Christ's sacrifice, we've been released from the law that once held us bound. The marriage illustration isn't about divorce but about covenant—we are the bride who broke our vows through sin, and only through Jesus' death can we be freed and united with Him. What makes this particularly relevant to our lives today is the exploration of how God's good gifts—money, sexuality, alcohol, food—can become twisted by sin into chains that bind us. These 'big four' areas of struggle remind us that sin takes common graces and perverts them into bondage. The litmus test of genuine conversion isn't perfection but fruit-bearing: when we're truly connected to Christ, something changes within us. The question we must ask ourselves is deeply personal: What is holding us captive today? What sin keeps us from bearing the fruit God intends for our lives? This passage calls us to honest introspection, genuine repentance, and the courage to walk in the freedom Christ purchased for us.### Sermon Notes**Introduction:**- Pastor Will welcomes the congregation and expresses gratitude for the opportunity to gather and study Scripture.- The focus is on Romans chapter 7, a continuation of the sermon series on Romans, specifically looking at the controversial and often misinterpreted first six verses.**Main Themes:**1. **Universal Sinfulness:**  - Paul addresses the reality of sin present in all human lives.  - Sin is a common struggle that should be openly discussed despite cultural tendencies to avoid the topic.  - Recognizing our depravity is the first step towards understanding the need for redemption through Christ.2. **The Inner Battle:**  - Even after accepting Christ, believers struggle with sin.  - This internal conflict between the desire to follow Christ and the tendency to sin is a common experience.  - Paul's admission of his own struggles in Romans 7:17 reinforces this truth.3. **Freedom Through Christ:**  - Paul's illustration of marriage laws demonstrates that death (Christ's sacrifice) frees us from the law's bondage.  - Believers are no longer bound by the law of sin due to Christ's atonement, highlighting the transformative power of His death and resurrection.4. **From Captivity to Freedom:**  - Sin can enslave us, but death in Christ brings freedom.  - Paul uses marriage as an analogy to explain this freedom, cautioning that the text is not a prescription for divorce but an illustration of spiritual freedom.5. **Bearing Fruit:**  - True conversion is evidenced by a change in lifestyle and the bearing of spiritual fruit.  - Followers of Christ are expected to exhibit visible transformations in their lives.  - The presence of fruit is a litmus test for genuine faith.**Practical Applications:**1. **Self-Examination:**  - Reflect on personal sins that may be hidden or denied.  - Consider areas in life where self-control is lacking and seek accountability.2. **Understanding Freedom:**  - Embrace the freedom from sin's bondage by continually turning to Christ and confessing shortcomings.  - Recognize the liberty found in Christ, not as a license to sin, but as empowerment to live righteously.3. **Bearing Fruit:**  - Actively seek ways to bear fruit in life, such as serving others, practicing generosity, and growing in spiritual disciplines.  - Engage in community and accountability groups to foster growth and encourage one another.**Discussion Questions:**1. **Understanding Sin:**  - How does acknowledging our own sinfulness enhance our dependence on Christ?2. **Inner Struggles:**  - In what ways have you experienced the inner struggle between following Christ and falling back into sin?3. **Freed by His Sacrifice:**  - How can we live out the freedom Christ has provided in practical, everyday situations?4. **Response to Freedom:**  - What steps can you take to ensure that the freedom purchased by Christ's sacrifice is not taken for granted in your life?5. **Real Evidence:**  - What are some specific ways you or someone you know has evidenced their transformation in Christ through the bearing of spiritual fruit?

The Psalm talks about a way - a path - to lead a happy or blessed life. Let's start by talking a little bit about a path - the movement toward living a blessed life. We'll sum it up like this: living life with the divine is a constant oscillation between emptying yourself and allowing yourself to be filled again. Emptying yourself - when you hear the definitions of the word "sinner" and the word "mockers," do they bring to mind any particular examples in current times? Maybe some people in powerful positions? Empty yourself of yourself. Empty yourself of everyone else's will for your life - including your own - in favor of the will of the divine. Allowing yourself to be filled. Here we reach a discussion about the "law" of God - the torah. Scripture. When you hear "quiet time," it probably brings an image of a specific practice for you, or maybe something you thought you were supposed to be doing a certain way. Yeah, that's probably not what the Psalmist meant. Scripture wasn't meant to be read alone at 5 a.m. with a cup of coffee. It was meant to be read (and in the ancient world it was only read) in community. This is one of the ways we allow ourselves to be filled. So in our effort to connect to the divine, we have two main resources that we pull from all the time. First there's the book of scripture, which we all think of immediately. But then there's also another resource, one that I won't spoil here, but you can think about it with us as you listen. The late great Rich Mullins has a great song about it. We're going to read those lyrics together and think about them in that context. Empty. Filled. To be emptied again - trees are full of grace bearing fruit for the benefit of others. Trees don't exist for themselves - they only exist to bless (give life) to creation. That's who we become. Speaker: Aaron Vis Scripture: Psalm 1:1-6 http://bible.com/events/49512947

Colossians 2:6-12

Part of the Bearing Fruit series. Sermon by Pastor Nathan Alley The post Goodness in the Dark // Amos 5:10-17 first appeared on Applewood Community Church.

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Conversations from the heart and soul of Humanity Church with Scott Lucas. For more information, visit www.humanitychurch.com LINKS: CONNECT CARD: https://humanitychurch.com/card JOIN A GROUP: https://humanitychurch.churchcenter.com/groups/humanity-groups GIVE: https://humanitychurch.churchcenter.com/giving   Christian discipleship, spiritual growth, freedom from addiction, body and spirit connection, overcoming temptation, Christian living, spiritual transformation, breaking bad habits, temple of the Holy Spirit, Christian discipline, agency, integrity, mindfulness, spiritual freedom, body stewardship, Christian self-control.

Part of the Bearing Fruit series. Sermon by Jessica Alley The post Let Kindness Lead // Luke 19:1-10 first appeared on Applewood Community Church.

In this episode of Root Issues, we have a special guest, Pastor Chris, and we dive deep into John chapter 15, one of the most powerful passages from Jesus' farewell discourse to His disciples. Recorded just before His crucifixion, this chapter gives us Jesus' famous metaphor of the vine and branches—a vivid illustration of what it means to remain connected to Christ and bear lasting spiritual fruit.​We'll explore the profound relationship between Jesus (the true vine), the Father (the vinedresser), and believers (the branches), unpacking what it truly means to "abide" in Christ. From there, we examine Jesus' radical commandment to love one another and His declaration that "greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for his friends" (John 15:13).

Part of the Bearing Fruit series. Sermon by Pastor Nathan Alley The post Patience in the Waiting // Luke 8:4-15 first appeared on Applewood Community Church.

Hi guys, welcome back to another episode of the Bearing Fruit podcast. In this week's episode, we dive deep into the difference between seeking God's hand (His blessings, provision, and intervention) versus seeking His face (His presence, relationship, and intimate fellowship). Are we focused more on what God can give us, or are we truly pursuing a deeper connection with who He is?Together, we'll reflect on what it truly means to desire God's presence over His provision, and how easy it is to slip into a faith built on asking rather than adoring. It's a heart-check for every believer—a call to return to the simple, pure pursuit of knowing God for who He is, not just what He gives.......Insta: @bearingfruitpod

Part of the Bearing Fruit series. Sermon by Pastor Nathan Alley The post Peace That Holds // Philippians 4:6-7 first appeared on Applewood Community Church.

Buddy Owen comes to share about the work of Tearfund, as well as to stir the church for the transformative power of the Gospel as the church reaches the physical, emotional, relational and spiritual needs in the community.

What kind of fruit is your life producing?   In this powerful sermon, we explore what it truly means to live a life that bears good fruit—fruit that lasts, glorifies God, and blesses others.   Anchor Verses: John 15:5 – "I am the vine; you are the branches..." John 15:16 – "You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit..."   Key Points from the Message: 1. The Fruit of the Spirit – Nourishing Goodness Galatians 5:22–23 Cultivate love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, and more—the evidence of a Spirit-filled life. 2. The Fruit of Good Works – Building a Good Harvest Colossians 1:10 | Matthew 5:16 Let your actions shine and bring glory to God as you serve others with purpose. 3. The Fruit of Speaking Up for Jesus – Bold Witnessing 1 Peter 3:15 Learn to share your faith boldly and respectfully, always ready to give a reason for your hope. 4. The Fruit of New Believers – Reproducing Goodness Matthew 28:19–20 Jesus calls us to go and make disciples—helping others experience the transforming power of the Gospel.   Jesus chose you to bear fruit—fruit that will remain. Let this message encourage and equip you to abide in Christ, walk in the Spirit, and live a fruitful life that makes an eternal impact.

Part of the Bearing Fruit series. Sermon by Pastor Nathan Alley The post Joy in the Wilderness // Nehemiah 8:9-12 first appeared on Applewood Community Church.

What is Jesus looking for when He examines your life? In Mark 11:11-26, we see Jesus confront a fig tree that had leaves but no fruit, a powerful illustration of how God views our spiritual fruitfulness. Just like physical fruit satisfies and nourishes people, spiritual fruit glorifies and satisfies God (John 15:8).In this sermon, “What Is Jesus Looking for in You?” missionary Steve Kern explores what the Bible says about bearing spiritual fruit. Using the parable of the fig tree, he challenges us to live a life of genuine faith, bearing lasting spiritual fruit that glorifies God. Connect with us on Social Media ↴Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/abundantlifels/Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/abundantlifels Connect with Pastor Phil ↴Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PhilHopperKCInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/philhopper_kc/Web: https://livingproof.co/resources/books/ Learn more about the A-Life Discipleship Journey: https://alife.livingproof.co/ More information on our sermons: https://livingproof.co/sermons/Do you want to see your life changed by Jesus? Visit our website: https://livingproof.co/

Before Jesus, we were bound to the law, and the sin in our lives produced fruit of shame and death. After Jesus, we were immersed in Him, died and rose with Him. We are now dead to the law, belonging to Him and living by the Holy Spirit. We celebrate, unashamed, knowing that we are bearing good fruit for God's glory

Part of the Bearing Fruit series. Sermon by Pastor Nathan Alley The post Love Above All // 1 John 4:7-12 first appeared on Applewood Community Church.

09-21-25Daniel Golder takes on the third point of Orchards Church mission statement: what does it look like to Bear Fruit?

A new MP3 sermon from Berean Baptist Church is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: Bearing Fruit for Christ Subtitle: John - Jesus Is The Christ Speaker: Sean E. Harris Broadcaster: Berean Baptist Church Event: Sunday - AM Date: 9/14/2025 Bible: John 15:1-8 Length: 44 min.

Part of the Bearing Fruit series. Sermon by Pastor Nathan Alley The post Fruit of the Spirit // Galatians 5:16-26 first appeared on Applewood Community Church.

#10MinuteswithJesus ** Put yourself in the presence of God. Try talking to Him. ** 10 minutes are 10 minutes. Even if you can get distracted, reach the end. ** Be constant. The Holy Spirit acts "on low heat" and requires perseverance. 10-Minute audio to help you pray. Daily sparks to ignite prayer: a passage from the gospel, an idea, an anecdote and a priest who speaks with you and the Lord, inviting you to share your intimacy with God. Find your moment, consider you are in His presence and click play.

Paul Hoynes and Joe Noga break down how Joey Cantillo's strong second half has proven the Mike Clevinger trade to be one of the most successful in Guardians history. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Be Filled, Bearing Fruit, and Being Empowered

Be Filled, Bearing Fruit, and Being Empowered

The Bible doesn't merely describe ancient agricultural rituals—it reveals God's precise timeline for redemption through the Feast of Firstfruits. While many Christians focus solely on personal salvation, Scripture demands both individual and national fruit-bearing, challenging us to recognize that God judges not only the grapes of our personal character but also the figs of our national witness in a divine harvest that cannot be postponed.

Let's get honest—Christianity isn't about checking boxes, memorizing verses, or looking good on Sundays. It's about fruit. Not just any fruit, but the kind that proves you're following Jesus. We're not called to simply believe in Him. We're called to become like Him—and that transformation shows up in our everyday lives.Our springboard for today's discussion is:“By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.” — John 15:8Jesus didn't say people would know we're His disciples by how well we preach, how many devotionals we write, or even how passionately we pray. He said we'd be known by our fruit. That's love when it's hard, patience when you're stretched, and joy when life doesn't make sense.Fruit is what the world sees when it watches your life. It's what your spouse experiences, what your kids pick up on, and what your coworkers notice when you're under pressure. You might be the only Bible someone ever reads—and your fruit is the ink.The question is—what are you producing?A true disciple bears fruit not because they're striving harder, but because they're abiding deeper. Fruit doesn't come from religious hustle. It comes from connection. Remain in Christ, and fruit will follow. Cut yourself off from Him, and you'll dry up fast.This isn't about perfection—it's about progression. You're not going to see a harvest overnight. But stay rooted in Jesus, and over time, the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—will begin to shape every part of your life.Question of the Day:What kind of fruit is showing up in your life today—and what does it reveal about your walk with Jesus?Mini Call to Action:Pick one area of fruit you want to grow in this week—and ask the Holy Spirit to cultivate it.Let's Get To Work!You weren't saved to sit still. You were saved to bear fruit that lasts. Keep abiding, keep growing—and let your life speak loud.My Reasons To Believe is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit myr2b.substack.com/subscribe

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Summary: The Sabbath is God's invitation to pause, worship, and rest in His presence so that our lives may be renewed, strengthened, and aligned with His purposes.Series: The Playlist of LifeTitle: Part 12: Sabbath With GodDate: 8/27/25, 7pm, Wednesday Bible StudySpeaker: Pastor Tom Van KempenOutline:00:00 - Welcome and Online Community02:15 - What Sabbath Really Means06:40 - The Rhythm of Rest: Seven, Stop, and Sit11:05 - Sabbath as Celebration: Thanksgiving, Praise, and Declaration18:10 - The Power of Worship and God's Faithfulness25:20 - Contemplation: God's Works and Deep Thoughts32:45 - The Contrast Between the Righteous and the Wicked38:00 - Recreation: Renewed Anointing and Strength43:10 - Flourishing and Bearing Fruit in Every Season47:20 - Conclusion: Let Sabbath Shape Your Week

In this episode of Reimagine Childhood, hosted by Monica Healer and powered by Early Childhood Christian Network, educators are guided on how to create impactful early childhood experiences for both children and their parents. Special guest Nichole Sims, a seasoned children's minister and current children's pastor, lends her insights on equipping educators to flourish. The discussion underscores the significance of meaningful community within early childhood centers. Drawing inspiration from Colossians 2, the conversation delves into the importance of building deep, flourishing roots through worship, scriptural engagement, and community support. Through the analogy of trees and a reflection on the Psalms and Acts 2, the episode illustrates how interconnectedness and unity among educators can lead to a thriving educational environment. The episode closes with practical applications and a heartfelt prayer for early childhood educators as they prepare for a fruitful school year.   00:00 Introduction to Reimagine Childhood 00:43 Meet Nichole Sims: A Passionate Leader 01:46 The Importance of Flourishing and Community 03:02 Biblical Insights and Practical Applications 25:58 Building a Community Beyond Work 26:57 Bearing Fruit in Every Season 32:12 The Power of Vulnerability and Connection 39:11 Strengthening Faith and Flourishing Together

All throughout both the Old and New Testaments, we see a clear pattern of people in Scripture turning to prayer and fasting in times of uncertainty, brokenness, and need. And in those examples, we find that prayer and fasting are not just religious obligations but natural responses to desperation. And we find that moments of crisis can lead to spiritual renewal when approached with humility and dependence on God. And we find that whether you and I are facing the unknown road ahead or the ruins of life, the invitation is to pray and fast, recognizing that our deepest hunger can only be satisfied by God. SPEAKERS: Jay Kim (Saratoga), video (South Hills) Bible Passage(s): Ezra 8:21,23, Nehemiah 1:3-4

Dr. Haris Ansari, PGY-1 Pediatric Resident at INOVA, joins Stranger Fruit for its final episode to reflect on the fruits we bear in life—both the ones we enjoy in the present and those we pass on to future generations. Together, we explore the fruit of the soul, the impact of intention and authenticity, and how our values shape the legacy we leave behind. From the sweetness of kindness and peace to the seeds we plant for the next generation, this conversation invites us to consider what we are truly cultivating in our lives. Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome and Introduction to the Fruit of Life 02:25 Mangoes and the Importance of Communal Family Connections 04:49 The Ripening Process: Softness as a Strength and Vulnerability 05:29 Kindness and Faith: The Beauty of Softer Relationships 09:06 Maintaining Family Connections: Purposeful Effort and Emotional Support 11:59 Deliberate Action: Planting Seeds for Future Reflection 12:59 Intentionality in Medicine: Beauty in Death and End-of-Life Care 16:45 Bearing Fruit from Hardship: The Inspiring Life of a Grandfather 22:33 The Power of Kindness: Ripple Effects and Privilege 26:54 God as Love and Justice: Navigating Faith and Personal Beliefs 30:19 The Problem of Evil: Finding Purpose in Suffering 35:43 Nurturing the Soul: Cultivating Love, Confidence, and Stability 37:32 Questioning and Understanding: The Balance of Faith and Intellect 41:27 Planting Seeds: Intentionality and the Future 41:52 Fruits for the Next Generation: Self-Care and Accountability 45:37 Love and Partnership: Choosing Deliberate Commitment 49:16 Marriage as a Sacred Bond: Faith, Accountability, and Working Through Hardships 54:29 Planting the Seed: The Power of a Good Word 55:24 Malcolm X: Justice, Faith, and Impact 59:04 Harvest and Ripen: Lessons Unlearned and Desires

John 15:1–8

You were created to make a real difference! In this episode, Pastor Daniel Stevens explores how to bear fruit for God's Kingdom by staying connected to Him. It's not about striving—it's about abiding. When we remain in Christ, fruit naturally follows. Tune in and discover how your daily walk can lead to supernatural impact.#BearingFruit #AbideInChrist #PurposeDrivenFaith #GoodHopeChurch #FaithThatWorks #John15[ Video Version ] / [ Sermon Notes ]STAY CONNECTEDSermon Podcast: https://sermons.goodhope.agInstagram: http://instagram.com/goodhopemnFacebook: http://fb.com/goodhopemn 

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You were created to make a real difference! In this episode, Pastor Mike Stevens explores how to bear fruit for God's Kingdom by staying connected to Him. It's not about striving—it's about abiding. When we remain in Christ, fruit naturally follows. Tune in and discover how your daily walk can lead to supernatural impact.#BearingFruit #AbideInChrist #PurposeDrivenFaith #GoodHopeChurch #FaithThatWorks #John15[ Video Version ] / [ Sermon Notes ]STAY CONNECTEDSermon Podcast: https://sermons.goodhope.agInstagram: http://instagram.com/goodhopemnFacebook: http://fb.com/goodhopemn 

I. THE GRATITUDE OF PAUL'S PRAYER LIFE (vv. 3-8)     1) Paul thanks God and prays ... for a church, most of whose members he has never met Colossians 1:3, "We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you," Colossians 2:1-2, "For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face..." Carson, "We must ask ourselves how extensive our own praying is. Do all our petitions revolve around our own families and churches, our own cherished but rather small circle of friends? Of course, we are primarily responsible for praying for our own circle... But if that is the furthest reach of our prayers, we become parochial [narrow in outlook or scope]... Our prayers may be an index of how small and self-centered our world is."     2) Paul's gratitude results from paying attention. Paul says to Philemon: "[4] I thank my God always when I remember you in my prayers, [5] because I hear of your love and of the faith that you have toward the Lord Jesus" (Philemon 4-5) Paul says to the Colossian church (that Philemon hosted in his house): "[3] We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, [4] since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints," (Colossians 1:3-4) Paul is listening! He is paying attention to others. Acts 15:36, "Paul said to Barnabas, 'Let us return and visit the brothers in every city where we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they are.'" Paul cares greatly about their spiritual state! Carson, "[I]t will do us good to fasten on reports of Christians in several parts of the world we have never visited, find out what we can about them, and learn to intercede with God on their behalf. Not only is this an important expression of the fellowship of the church, but it is also a critical discipline that will enlarge our horizons, increase our ministry, and help us to become world Christians." When a fellow believer comes to your mind, what is your first thought? Irritation? Annoyance? Jealousy? Bitterness? What is Paul's first thought? Gratitude! Philemon 4 "I thank my God always when I remember you in my prayers," Colossians 1:3-4, "We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, [4] since we heard of your faith..." Gratitude for what? Their faith, love, and heavenly hope. Paul credits God with their own faith and love. Philippians 1:29, "For it has been granted [Dictionary: to give graciously] to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake…” Colossians 3:12, "Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience,"     3) Paul thanks God for the gospel's fruit as it comes through human means (vv. 5b-8) Epaphras, after being converted under Paul, brings the good news to Colossea! (Last week's sermon)   II. THE FOCUS OF PAUL'S PRAYER LIFE (vv. 9-12) Spiritual growth is always the dominant concern, over the physical! Carson, "Suppose, for example, that 80 or 90 percent of our petitions ask God for good health, recovery from illness, safety on the road, a good job, success in exams, the emotional needs of our children, success in our mortgage application, and much more of the same. How much of Paul's praying revolves around equivalent items? If the center of our praying is far removed from the center of Paul's praying, then even our very praying may serve as a wretched testimony to the remarkable success of the processes of paganization in our life and thought. That is why we need to study the prayers of Paul." See Matthew 6:31-33, "Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?' or ‘What shall we drink?' or ‘What shall we wear?' [32] For the Gentiles [the pagans] seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. [33] But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." So what does Paul focus on in his prayer?     1) Paul asks God to fill believers with the knowledge of his will (v. 9) "[9] And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding," This may seem simple, yet it takes "all spiritual wisdom and understanding" in the complicated nature of life to know what is best. Doug Moo, "[This] suggests the ability to discern the truth and to make good decisions based on that truth." "spiritual wisdom" means wisdom from the Holy Spirit. (Not how many use the word "spiritual" today) EXAMPLE: Colossians 4:5-6, "Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of [= redeeming] the time. [6] Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person." How do I best love a fellow Christian who is in sin? How do I best evangelize a co-worker or family member? I only have limited money, how much do I spend, save, and give away? to whom? how often? How do I honor my parents if they are unbelievers and disagree with my faith? What does it look like to "speak the truth in love" when dealing with a rebellious student? or hostile unebeliver? or a timid Christian friend? When does hard work become sinful preoccupation with your career? When does rest become laziness?  You are posting something *true* on social media, but unsure if it will be edifying or needlessly distracting or contentious     2) Paul's purpose in prayer is that believers might be truly pleasing to the Lord (v. 10a)   v. 10 "so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him:" Knowledge must lead to action! "Knowing" God's will (with all spiritual wisdom and understanding) must lead to "walking/living out" God's will. We must walk in a manner worthy of the Lord. (Not earning, not perfection; but rather living "in accord with" the Lord, fully pleasing to Him)     3) Paul prays for four characteristics of a life that is pleasing to the Lord (v. 10b-12)   This will produce, among others, these four characteristics... "BEARING FRUIT in every good work" (v. 10b): Fruit is about character transformation and faithfulness, not mere "results." "INCREASING in the knowledge of God;" (v. 10c): it will lead to a fully experiential knowledge of God, as we walk with Him "BEING STRENGTHENED with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy;" (v. 11) "[Endurance] is what faith, hope, and love bring to an apparently impossible situation, [patience] what they show to an apparently impossible person." To endure ... takes power; to endure patiently with joy takes tremendous power "according to his glorious might." "GIVING THANKS to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light." (v. 12) Paul further reminds them why they should be thankful: (vv. 13-14) vv. 13-14 "He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, [14] in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins." All of this should be seasoned by thankfulness to the Father for our share in the "inheritance of the saints of light."   III. THE DEVOTION OF PAUL'S PRAYER LIFE     1) WHY does Paul pray so often for so many? Colossians 1:3, 9, "We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, .... [9] And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you," Carson, "In short, Paul is telling the Colossians that since hearing about them he has made it a point to intercede with God on their behalf in his disciplined, regular prayer times; he has 'not stopped praying' for them."  Carson, "Paul again and again prays for ... the Colossian believers, as if the supply must be constantly renewed." Think of it like watering the grass or flowers. It must be done continually! Colossians 4:12-13, "Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you, always struggling on your behalf in his prayers, that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God."     2) HOW does Paul pray so often for so many? Philemon 4-5, "I thank my God always when I remember you [singular] in my prayers," G.K. Beale, "Paul is praying specifically for Philemon [the 'you' is singular], which implies that his daily prayer list must have been extensive." Richard Phillips, "When we consider the large number of people for whom Paul says that he is praying, he must have had not only a devoted prayer life, but also a highly organized one." APPLICATION: Don't turn these points from Carson into legalisms, but take them as practical suggestions to help you pray in a more regular, organized, and focused way. I. PLAN TO PRAY Don Carson, "Much praying is not done because we do not plan to pray. We do not drift into spiritual life; we do not drift into disciplined prayer. We will not grow in prayer unless we plan to pray. That means we must self-consciously set aside time to do nothing but pray. What we actually do reflects out highest priorities. That means we can proclaim our commitment to prayer until the cows come home, but unless we actually pray, our actions disown our words. This is the fundamental reason why set times for prayer are important: they ensure that vague desires for prayer are concretized in regular practice. Paul's many references to his 'prayers' suggest that he set aside specific times for prayer -- as apparently Jesus himself did (Luke 5:16)... Unless we plan to pray we will not pray." ('Praying with Paul,' p. 1-2). II. ADOPT PRACTICAL WAYS TO FIGHT MENTAL DRIFT Don Carson, "Adopt practical ways to impede mental drift.... [Perhaps] articulate your prayers, moving your lips...to...help deter meandering.... A great way to begin to overcome this problem is to pray through various biblical passages. In other words, it is entirely appropriate to tie your praying to your Bible reading... [The] truths and entailments [in your daily Scripture reading] can be the basis of a great deal of reflective praying. [Another option is] journaling [your prayers.] III. DEVELOP A SYSTEM FOR YOUR PRAYER LISTS Carson, "Develop a system for your prayer lists. It is difficult to pray faithfully for a large spread of people and concerns without developing prayer lists that help you remember them." Carson's personal "system": "I kept a manila folder in my study, where I pray... The first sheet ... was a list of people for whom I ought to pray regularly: ... My wife..., my children and a number of relatives, followed by a number of close friends... [Then] institutional names on that sheed [which] included [my] local church ... and the seminary where I now teach. The second sheet ... listed short-range ... concerns that would not remain indefinitely... In other words, the first sheet focused on people for whom I prayed constantly; the second included people and situations for whom I might pray for a short[er] ... time, but probably not indefinitely. The next item ... was the list of the students ... for whom I was particularly responsible....and of course this list changed from year to year." IV. KEEP YOUR PRAYERS TIED TO SCRIPTURE V. PRAY UNTIL YOU PRAY VI. FIND MODELS WORTHY OF IMITATION Don Casron's book, which Mark used to help with the message and numerous subpoints, can be purchased here. You can watch this message here.

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We cannot dismiss our lack of fruit by arguing that “at least we have been faithful.” Faithfulness in duty for Christ is not the same thing as abiding with Christ. Main Points:1. We often talk about faithfulness as the goal of the Christian life. After all, when we stand before Him, we desperately want to hear God say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” While remaining faithful is a common topic of conversation, I rarely hear God's expectation of fruitfulness being discussed. 2. A branch disconnected from the vine has no life and cannot produce fruit on its own. Similarly, a Christian disconnected from Jesus has no life of their own and is incapable of producing fruit. Intimacy and closeness with Jesus, produced by our time with Him, are vital if we are going to bear fruit.3. Our faithfulness is not meant to be passive or stagnant; rather, it should overflow into tangible acts of love, kindness, and service that bear witness to the transforming power of Christ in our lives.Today's Scripture Verses:John 15:8 - “This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.”John 15:5 - “He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.”John 15:4 - “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.”Galatians 5:22-23 - “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.”Matthew 7:20 - “by their fruit you will recognize them.”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

As we read about Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, Fr. Mike breaks down Jesus' interactions with his disciples and the Sadducees and his reaction to the widow's offering. We learn that a life rooted in Jesus is a life that bears good fruit. Today we read Mark 11-12 and Psalm 67. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.