Podcasts about practicing the way

It took decades to form you into the person you are. The stories you've come to believe and the ones you tell yourself over and over. The habits and routines you've come to rely on that define virtually every morning and every night of your life. The circle that you have chosen (or that has chosen you) for influence and connection. These have shaped you.What if you began to believe good, true, and healthy stories about God and yourself? What if your routines became intentionally centered on a faithful future? What if your most important influencers were not instafamous, but people who live in your town who have been formed into the image of Christ?The sermon today is titled "The Slow Fix." This sermon is the fifteenth installment in our series "Follow Me," and is the fourth in the sub-series "More Like Jesus." The Scripture reading is from Hebrews 12:1 (ESV). Originally preached at West Side Church of Christ (Searcy, AR) on June 15, 2025. All lessons fit under one of 6 broad categories: Begin, Instill, Discover, Grow, Learn, and Serve. This sermon is filed under GROW: Spiritual Formation.Click here if you would like to watch the sermon or read a transcript.Podcast Notes (resources used or referenced):John Mark Comer, Practicing The Way.Tim Keller, "The Runner." Sermon April 12, 2005.I'd love to connect with you!Watch sermons and find transcripts at nathanguy.com.Follow along each Sunday through YouTube livestream and find a study guide on the sermon notes page.Follow me @nathanpguy (facebook/instagram/twitter)Subscribe to my email newsletter on substack.

A Critique of Practicing the Way, Part 8 - The Uniqueness of the Apostles, presented by Bob DeWaay and Barb Gretch. 1John 1:1-3 clearly describes the objectivity of the incarnation. John's relationship with Jesus as an apostle was unique and tangible in ways that aren't true of believers today. John describes how we can have fellowship with Him, not be His apprentices. (duration 00:22:34) Click here to play

Title: Practicing the Way — Living Out Your CallingMain Texts: Ephesians 2:8–10; Matthew 3:16–17; Acts 9; Romans 1:1; Colossians 3:23–24Big Idea: You were created on purpose, for a purpose. Your identity is rooted in Christ, your calling flows from that identity, and your assignments are how you live it out.Key Points:Identity: Who You AreYour identity is not based on your performance, people's opinions, or what you have.It is anchored in the grace of God—“By grace you have been saved… not by works.” (Eph 2:8–10)You are God's poiēma—His workmanship, His masterpiece, His new creation.You are not what you do—you are who God says you are: beloved, child, disciple.Jesus' Identity Before MinistryBefore Jesus did anything public, the Father declared: “This is my Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased.”Our identity is not achieved—it's received.Everything Jesus did flowed from who He already was. The same is true for us.Calling: Your WhyYour calling is how you carry your identity into the world.It is shaped by your story—your pain, your passions, your personality.Calling is not a job title—it's a theme that shows up wherever you go.You are called to embody and express the love of Jesus in every sphere of life.The Apostle Paul is a powerful example: God didn't erase who Paul was—He redeemed it and used it for His mission.Assignment: Your Where and WhatAssignment is the current way your calling is being expressed.Assignments change—calling does not.Paul was a church planter and a tentmaker. In every season, he lived out his calling—even when the setting changed.What seems small or unspiritual might actually be sacred in God's plan.What About You?Are you neglecting your current assignment because it seems beneath you?Are you bitter that your role doesn't look like your dream?God might be using this “ordinary” assignment to prepare you for something eternal.Colossians 3:23–24 reminds us: Whatever you do… do it for the Lord.Final Challenge:Step into your identity. Clarify your calling. Embrace your assignment.And if you're unsure where to start—just start serving. God already has good works prepared for you. Your job is simply to walk in them.

"Information alone does not produce transformation." John Mark Comer cannot be more right. Whether it's our willpower, our knowledge, or counting on a sudden zap from God, we need something more, something better, something of heaven.The sermon today is titled "Three Losing Strategies." This sermon is the fourteenth installment in our series "Follow Me," and is the third in the sub-series "More Like Jesus." The Scripture reading is from Colossians 2:20-23 (ESV). Originally preached at West Side Church of Christ (Searcy, AR) on June 8, 2025. All lessons fit under one of 6 broad categories: Begin, Instill, Discover, Grow, Learn, and Serve. This sermon is filed under GROW: Spiritual Formation.Click here if you would like to watch the sermon or read a transcript.Podcast Notes (resources used or referenced):John Mark Comer, Practicing The Way.Acorn analogy borrowed from Tim Keller.The "Just Try Harder Heresy" line taken from Monte Cox, former preaching minister for the Downtown Church of Christ (Searcy, AR).I'd love to connect with you!Watch sermons and find transcripts at nathanguy.com.Follow along each Sunday through YouTube livestream and find a study guide on the sermon notes page.Follow me @nathanpguy (facebook/instagram/twitter)Subscribe to my email newsletter on substack.

In part 2 Stephanie Wilson teaches how we meditate on scripture. The digital age teaches us to read quickly and move on, but the library of Scripture was created for slow, prayerful reflection so that God's thoughts inhabit our minds completely.

Message from Ulrich Lombard on June 15, 2025

"There are no accidental saints. You can't just slip your hand up at the end of a sermon. It's a high bar of entry: It will require you to reorder your entire life around following Jesus as your undisputed top priority, over your job, your money, your reputation - over everything. Yet all these things will find their rightful place once integrated into a life of apprenticeship.” -- John Mark Comer, Practicing The WayThe sermon today is titled "No Accidental Saints." This sermon is the thirteenth installment in our series "Follow Me," and is the second in the sub-series "More Like Jesus." The Scripture reading is from Matthew 7:24-27 (ESV). Originally preached at West Side Church of Christ (Searcy, AR) on June 1, 2025. All lessons fit under one of 6 broad categories: Begin, Instill, Discover, Grow, Learn, and Serve. This sermon is filed under GROW: Spiritual Formation.Click here if you would like to watch the sermon or read a transcript.Podcast Notes (resources used or referenced):John Mark Comer, Practicing The Way.David Brooks, The Road To Character.Sports stories taken from here.Matthew Crowe, "No Accidental Saints." Sermon at the Goodman Oaks Church of Christ.I'd love to connect with you!Watch sermons and find transcripts at nathanguy.com.Follow along each Sunday through YouTube livestream and find a study guide on the sermon notes page.Follow me @nathanpguy (facebook/instagram/twitter)Subscribe to my email newsletter on substack.

A Critique of Practicing the Way, Part 7 - Jesus is the One and Only, presented by Bob DeWaay and Barb Gretch. We discuss the informal logical fallacies of equivocation and false equivalence and show how John Mark Comer uses these in the book regarding the terms "disciple" and "apprentice." We can't be an apprentice of Jesus because He is unique--the one and only. (duration 00:20:46) Click here to play

Title: Practicing the Way — The Practice of Simplicity & GenerosityMain Texts: 1 Timothy 6:6–10; Luke 12:15; Mark 4:18–19; Matthew 19:23–24; Luke 11:39, 41Big Idea: Greed is one of the most deceitful sins—it quietly damages our hearts and distorts our desires. The antidote is the practice of simplicity and generosity.Key Points:The Deceitfulness of GreedGreed is rarely confessed. It's easy to justify, often hidden beneath surface sins.Paul warns: “The love of money is a root of all kinds of evil” (1 Timothy 6:10).Greed traps us in the endless cycle of “more, more, more”, which never satisfies.How Culture Feeds GreedWe live in an era of surveillance capitalism—algorithms constantly fuel discontent and desire.Marketing sells feelings, not products: status, security, confidence, adventure.The American Dream is built on the myth of more: “If I just had a little more, then I'd be happy.”But in reality, the more we get, the more empty we often feel.Jesus' Warnings About WealthLuke 12:15 — “Be on your guard against all kinds of greed.”Mark 4:18–19 — Wealth is not evil, but it's deceitful. It chokes out spiritual life.Matthew 19:23–24 — Jesus warned that wealth can make it very difficult to enter the kingdom.Greed is a heart issue—not about income level, but about attachment and priority.Money Isn't Bad, but the Love of It IsWealth itself can be used for great good.But when money becomes the goal, it corrupts our motives and relationships.Pride, anxiety, contempt for others all increase when wealth becomes identity (TED Talk: Does Money Make You Mean?).The Antidote: Simplicity and GenerositySimplicity isn't about poverty; it's about intentionality.Luke 11:41 — “Be generous to the poor, and everything will be clean for you.”Generosity cleanses the heart by reminding us that we already have enough—and that life is found in giving, not hoarding.Personal Story of Radical GenerosityThe story of a family who gave sacrificially to meet tangible needs after a time of personal family crisis.True generosity leaves a legacy—not just in stuff, but in lives transformed.Final Challenge:The kingdom of God runs counter to the myth of more. Live simply. Give generously. Find contentment—not in what you accumulate, but in what you release.

Title: Practicing the Way — The Practice of Sabbath & RestMain Texts: Genesis 1:1, 31; Genesis 2:1–3; Mark 2:23–28Big Idea: True rest isn't just about taking time off—it's about transforming both how we work and how we rest by aligning with God's rhythm for life.Key Points:God's Rhythm of CreationGenesis 1:1 — God worked.Genesis 2:1–3 — And then God rested—not because He was tired, but because He was satisfied.Rest is holy. The very first thing God called “holy” was time, not a place or person.If God rests, who are we to think rest is for the weak or lazy? It's a part of the divine pattern.We Live in a Hustle CultureIn today's culture, busy is worn as a badge of honor.But endless busyness produces burnout, anxiety, and disconnection from self, others, and God.A connected soul, a family at peace—these are far more impressive than flashy schedules or name brands.Rest Is More Than Time OffMany think “I just need a vacation”—but no amount of time off will heal you if you don't change how you spend your time on.Sabbath is an intentional rhythm of work and rest:Work like God works.Rest like God rests.Two Modern Enemies of RestBurnoutSome are addicted to hustle and performance.Jobs, money, and accolades become identity. This is a recipe for collapse.Others are addicted to mindless “breaks” that actually exhaust them—social media, screens, shallow entertainment.Constant screen time keeps the body in fight-or-flight, blocking true rest and recovery.How do you get your dopamine? If the answer is screens and noise, you aren't truly resting.The Sabbath Was Made for YouMark 2:27 — “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.”The Pharisees overcomplicated the Sabbath. Our culture ignores it entirely.The solution is neither legalism nor neglect—it's joyful practice.Sabbath should be a gift, not a guilt trip.Practical InvitationSabbath isn't about strict rules—start simple:Shut down the phone.Disconnect from “work” for a full day.Engage in life-giving relationships, hobbies, meals, and worship.Practice what it looks like for your soul to say: God is enough. I can stop.Final Challenge:Fasting trains us to say “no.” Sabbath trains us to say “enough.”Start where you are. You won't master rest overnight—but embracing Sabbath as a rhythm will realign your heart with God's design for your life.

"A disciple is not above his teacher," said our master; "but everyone when he is fully trained will be LIKE his teacher" (Luke 6:40). In the past, we were predestined to be conformed to the image of Christ (Rom 8:29). In the present, we are being changed into His likeness by the Spirit (2 Cor 3:18). In the future, we know that when He appears, we shall be like Him in a fullness we can only dream of (1 John 3:2). In this podcast, we ask what it means to be "formed" into His likeness.The sermon today is titled "Spiritual Formation." This sermon is the twelfth installment in our series "Follow Me," and is the first in the sub-series "More Like Jesus." The Scripture reading is from Luke 6:40 (ESV). Originally preached at West Side Church of Christ (Searcy, AR) on May 25, 2025. All lessons fit under one of 6 broad categories: Begin, Instill, Discover, Grow, Learn, and Serve. This sermon is filed under GROW: Spiritual Formation.Click here if you would like to watch the sermon or read a transcript.Podcast Notes (resources used or referenced):John Mark Comer, Practicing The Way.James K. A. Smith, You Are What You Love.I'd love to connect with you!Watch sermons and find transcripts at nathanguy.com.Follow along each Sunday through YouTube livestream and find a study guide on the sermon notes page.Follow me @nathanpguy (facebook/instagram/twitter)Subscribe to my email newsletter on substack.

Scripture 01: ReadScripture is far more than an ancient text—it's a sacred story and a portal into God's reality, with the power to shape and transform our lives. In this sermon David Armstrong explores why reading the Bible is essential for those who follow Jesus, the Rabbi who modelled a life deeply immersed in Scripture. The Scriptures are not just for information but for spiritual formation. As we slow down, pray, and approach the text with hearts open to God's presence, the Spirit invites us into a living encounter with Christ—an encounter that shapes who we are and roots us firmly in the Story of God.

Message from Taiki Dimas on June 8, 2025

A Critique of Practicing the Way, Part 6 - The Importance of Authorial Intent, presented by Bob DeWaay and Barb Gretch. In this episode we discuss the importance of authorial intent in biblical interpretation. We contrast Comer's discipleship model with the Great Commission in Matt 28. We refute Comer's claim that "disciple" is a noun, not a verb, using the same passage. (duration 00:24:40) Click here to play

Scripture 00: A Jesus-Centred Approach The library we call “the Bible” can connect us to God and change who we are, but distraction, hurry, and confusion can hinder our experience with these ancient texts. This is the first of a six-week series helping us rediscover how to engage Scripture as an apprentice to Jesus.In this first part David Armstrong explores the complexities of interpreting the Bible in a modern world where it often seems to conflict with science, morality, and lived experience. Rather than abandoning Scripture or reading it literally without nuance, we are invited to rediscover the Bible through the lens of Jesus. Rooted in the Anabaptist tradition, this Jesus-centred approach helps us reconcile difficult passages, prevents us from misusing Scripture as a weapon and instead embrace the Bible as a divinely inspired narrative that points us to Jesus.Part of the Practicing the Way Series. For info and resources on this series go to redeemercentral.com/ptw

In the final message of our Practicing the Way series, we explore the ultimate reward of following Jesus—Jesus Himself. True life begins when we die to our false selves and come alive in the identity God created us to live, walking the way of the cross with Christ.

Message from Jo Ströhfeldt on June 1, 2025

Title: Practicing the Way — The Practice of PrayerMain Text: Luke 11:1–4Big Idea: Prayer is the doorway to life with God—not just something we do, but a relationship we enter.Key Points:Prayer MisunderstoodFor many, prayer feels distant, boring, ineffective, or frustrating.It often becomes a last resort—like grabbing the steering wheel once we're already in the ditch.But Jesus shows us that prayer is the very entry point to life with God. It's not optional; it's vital.Jesus' ExampleLuke's Gospel shows Jesus frequently withdrawing to pray (Luke 5:16, 6:12, 9:28).The disciples watched His vibrant relationship with the Father and asked, “Lord, teach us to pray.”They didn't ask Him to teach them how to preach, lead, or heal. They wanted His prayer life—because they saw it was the foundation of His power.Four Things Jesus Teaches About Prayer (Luke 11:1–4)1. God Is Our Father (Abba)Jesus uses intimate, unheard-of language for God: Abba—a deeply personal, affectionate term.God is not a dictator or vending machine—He's a good Father.Some of us need to spend more time healing our image of God before we can freely talk to Him.The word “heaven” doesn't mean distant outer space—it can also mean the air, the atmosphere.God is as near as your next breath. His name, YHWH, even sounds like breathing: inhale Yah, exhale Weh.You are never praying into silence—God surrounds and sustains you.“Hallowed be Your name” means we approach God with awe and joy, not just a grocery list of needs.Tim Keller calls this “a wondrous sense of His beauty.”We often treat prayer like pain management—but it's actually about delight in His presence.“Your kingdom come… on earth as it is in heaven.”The Bible is filled with stories where prayer changes outcomes: Hannah's child, Elijah's rain, Hezekiah's extended life, Peter's release.Prayer doesn't just align us with God's will—it often invites God to act in ways He's waiting for us to ask.The Goal Isn't to Master Prayer—It's to Be Mastered by GodDon't strive to be a prayer expert. Strive to be present.Make it consistent, habitual, personal. Pick a time. Pick a place.Prayer isn't a spiritual luxury—it's spiritual oxygen.Final Challenge:Draw near to God—and He will draw near to you (James 4:8). Let prayer become as normal as brushing your teeth or breathing in air. It's not performance—it's presence.

We serve a loving God who not only wants to be generous to us, but desires to be generous through us! Join us this morning to learn how!

As we wind down our Practicing The Way Series, Pastor Mitch encourages us to get and stay connected - To Jesus and to others!

As we wind down our Practicing The Way Series, Pastor Mitch encourages us to get and stay connected - To Jesus and to others!

We serve a loving God who not only wants to be generous to us, but desires to be generous through us! Join us this morning to learn how!

A Critique of Practicing the Way, Part 5 - Diminishing the Uniqueness of Christ, presented by Bob DeWaay and Barb Gretch. John Mark Comer claims that we can "do as Jesus did." Bob DeWaay shows that to "do as He did" assumes that you have to "be who He is." We cannot do what Jesus did - He is completely unique. We are called to do what He commanded, not to do what He did. (duration 00:21:58) Click here to play

Looking for a life of deeper meaning and purpose? This week's message invites you to explore how love, in the Way of Jesus, becomes a “joyous burden” that transforms our everyday actions into a life of grace and abundance.

A Critique of Practicing the Way, Part 4 - Deity Doesn't Have Apprentices, presented by Bob DeWaay and Barb Gretch. Bob DeWaay shows that equivocation creates confusion and false categories throughout the book, beginning with the idea that we can be apprentices of Jesus. We also discuss the influence of Eastern mysticism and show that true deity cannot have apprentices. (duration 00:21:36) Click here to play

God is moving in powerful ways through the next generation. We celebrated it loud and proud! Honor the Grad Sunday, a full Youth and Kids Takeover Service where students will lead worship, share testimonies, and show us what it looks like to live with bold faith in their everyday lives. As part of this special day, we honored our High School Seniors, celebrating all they've accomplished and praying over their next steps. This is a milestone moment you won't want to miss!

Explore the importance of doing what Jesus did, as highlighted in John 14:12. In a world seeking meaning, our actions reveal the reality of our relationship with Jesus, showing others that He is present and active through us.

"There is NO scenario where we practice the way of Jesus without consistent interactions with Scripture." As things in our life become more immediate and more automated, it can be tempting to do the same with our time in Scripture. In this study, we look at 5 ways we can interact with Scripture:Read it, study it, meditate on it, memorize it, and practice it. (As always with this series, many of the ideas are taken from practicingtheway.org. )

A Critique of Practicing the Way, Part 3 - Diminishing the Atonement, presented by Bob DeWaay and Barb Gretch. Comer claims that many Western Christians view Jesus as a "delivery mechanism for a particular theory of atonement." This is the latest iteration of theological liberalism. We encourage listeners to reject this and cling to the truth of the gospel. (duration 00:21:17) Click here to play

Title: Practicing the Way — The Practice of CommunityMain Texts: Matthew 18:21–35; Acts 2:42–47Big Idea: In a culture fractured by tribalism and individualism, God calls us to unity, sacrifice, and forgiveness in a community centered on His Word.Key Points:We Were Not Created for AlonenessSolitude is healthy; isolation is not.From womb to adulthood, we were designed for connection, but our culture pushes hyper-independence and pride in self-reliance.True Christian formation happens with others.Why We Avoid CommunityMany avoid community because they've been hurt by it.But the very thing that hurt you is often the thing God will use to heal you.Forgiveness is not optional in God's family—it's foundational.Forgiveness Fuels CommunityMatthew 18:21–35: Jesus teaches that we are to forgive others just as we've been forgiven—radically, repeatedly, and from the heart.Forgiveness isn't fair, but neither was the cross.Without forgiveness, there's no true community. With it, there's restoration, depth, and witness.The Call to Countercultural CommunityActs 2:42–47 paints the picture of God's design:Devoted to Scripture, fellowship, meals, prayerGenerosity, gladness, consistency, aweA community like this draws others to Christ.Questions to Reflect On:Who hurt you? Forgive them.Who do you need to move toward? Don't wait.Who do you need to say, “I'm sorry” to? Start the healing.Final Challenge:If you want the fruit of community, you must practice the way of community—and that means walking in truth, love, and forgiveness.

In our Practicing the Way series, we explore how becoming more like Jesus is a slow, consistent process shaped by who we follow and what we prioritize. Who or what is forming you today, and how are you actively choosing to reflect Jesus in your life?

Title: Practicing the Way — The Practice of ScriptureMain Texts: Romans 12:2; Matthew 7:24–29Big Idea: The practice of Scripture is our starting place. It's how we build a foundation strong enough to withstand life's storms.Key Points:Three Forces That Shape UsThe stories we believeThe habits we buildThe relationships we keepBut the stories we believe shape us most—and the enemy uses lies to distort them.The Castle of the Mind (Illustration)A warrior named Julian guards a castle built on truth. But lies sneak in through neglected cracks.Truth (Scripture) restores clarity and strength. We must renew our minds daily with the Book of Light.Formation Is Always HappeningWhether we realize it or not, we're always being formed—by culture, media, success, pain, etc.Romans 12:2 — Don't conform, be transformed by renewing your mind.Jesus as Rabbi: Truth-TellerA rabbi's job was to reveal truth, not just inform minds but capture hearts.Scripture isn't just information—it's formation.Truth vs. Cultural LiesPaganism: Many gods → The Lord is One (Mark 12:29)Moral relativism: Multiple truths → Jesus is the TruthSocial hierarchy: Exalt self → Serve and be humbledSelf-centeredness: You are not the center → Jesus must bePutting Truth into PracticeMatthew 7:24–29 — Don't just hear the Word—practice it.Storms don't create a foundation; they reveal it.Truth must become lifestyle: worship, obedience, sacrifice.Final Challenge:Start where you are. Let Scripture reshape the story you believe—then live it out.

A Critique of Practicing the Way, Part 2 - Diminishing the Deity of Christ, presented by Bob DeWaay and Barb Gretch. Comer claims that Jesus did not call people to convert and become Christians. We refute this claim and defend the intensity of our need for Christ. We are commanded to repent and believe. We show that no one qualifies to be an apprentice of Christ. (duration 00:27:33) Click here to play

Our series Practicing the Way, inspired by John Mark Comer, invites us to become true apprentices of Jesus. If Jesus is the Way, then the practices we follow are not the goal themselves—but pathways to deeper connection with Him.

We've talked about this more than just about any other topic, but it's something we all still struggle with... Living in Biblical community. 65% of young adults report feeling lonely regularly. Vivek Murphy calls loneliness "The #1 health concern in our world today." But Jesus models a different way for us to live. He left His followers, not with a business plan or marketing strategy, but with a simple call: "Love one another." This episode dives into the personal and practical side of community and service.

A Critique of Practicing the Way, Part 1 - Disciple or Apprentice?, presented by Bob DeWaay and Barb Gretch. In his book Practicing the Way John Mark Comer claims that we can be an apprentice of Jesus and that there is "...no problem that apprenticeship to Jesus cannot solve." We show that the apprenticeship model fails because Jesus is unique. (duration 00:20:48) Click here to play

Title: Practicing the WayMain Text: Luke 5:1-11Key Points:The Discipleship CrisisMany profess faith but do not practice the way of Jesus.Salvation is not just being saved from something—it's being saved to something: life with Jesus.The Call to FollowIn Jesus' day, being a rabbi's disciple was the highest honor—but Jesus didn't choose the elite.He called the backups—the ordinary, the overlooked—and said, "You're exactly who I want."Jesus initiates the call, not the other way around.Simon Peter's Encounter with JesusDespite logic and experience, Peter obeys Jesus' command to fish again—“because you say so.”Encountering Jesus confronts us with our sin, our smallness—and invites total surrender.The Cost and the InvitationPeter, James, and John left everything to follow Jesus.Following Jesus costs something, but the invitation is open to whoever is willing.The Kingdom of God is not for the qualified—it's for the willing.Be With Jesus. Become Like Jesus. Do As Jesus Did.Discipleship isn't passive; it's a relationship, a transformation, and a mission.Acts 4:13 reminds us that the world notices when ordinary people have been with Jesus.Final Challenge:Are you simply professing Jesus? Or are you truly practicing the way of Jesus?

Description: Discover the heartbeat of our church: the idea that the way of Jesus is just that, a way of life. And one that takes practice in community. Join us this Sunday.

Organization: Mount Hope Christian Church Campus: Burlington | Belmont

Organization: Mount Hope Christian Church Campus: Burlington | Belmont

It's one of those things we do fairly often, but do we really know what we're doing? The disciples asked Jesus to teach them how to pray... not because they didn't know "how" but because they didn't know how to pray like JESUS. This lengthy episode dives into the specifics of what made Jesus' prayers stand out, and what will impact ours today.

One of the very last things Jesus tells His followers before leaving this earth is "You will be my witnesses..." But what does it mean to be a witness?What does it look like for US to follow the example of Jesus today in this area? This episode is one that talks about an idea that is very simple but not always easy.

In this episode, Chad and Robert unpack why spiritual disciplines like prayer, worship, and even fasting aren't about earning God's love but creating space to experience His presence and transformation. They explore the difference between trying and training, how to find disciplines that fit your personality, and why fasting still matters today.Subscribe to receive our latest videos!Website: https://www.sunvalleycc.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sunvalleycc/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunvalleycc/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sunvalleyccTo support Sun Valley and help us continue to reach people all around the world click here: https://www.sunvalleycc.com/givingGod loves you no matter who you are, what you've done, or what's been done to you. This is the vision of Sun Valley Community Church, led by Pastor Chad Moore and based in Gilbert, AZ with multiple locations throughout the Phoenix valley.Chapters:00:00:00 Spiritual Disciplines: Balancing Grace and Effort00:02:53 The Importance of Discipline and Training00:05:31 Understanding Runner's High and Karate Kid Lessons00:07:56 Spiritual Disciplines in Christianity  00:10:31 Understanding Spiritual Disciplines and Joyful Practices00:13:06 The Role of Worship in Community00:16:00 The Importance of Fasting in Spiritual Life00:18:39 The Spiritual Discipline of Fasting