Podcasts about spiritual fruit

Rock Point Church exists to glorify God by leading people into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. Did you miss last Sunday or just want to hear it again? Check out our sermons here on the Rock Point Sermons podcast!

Rock Point Church exists to glorify God by leading people into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. Did you miss last Sunday or just want to hear it again? Check out our sermons here on the Rock Point Sermons podcast!

What kind of fruit is your heart producing?In today's episode, hosts The Alessies and Stephanie Alessi Muiña invite us to explore the connection between the posture of our hearts and the ways Scripture transforms our lives. We'll discover together how approaching the Bible with humility allows God's word to take root and bear fruit, bringing peace, direction, and renewed faith.Let's gather for this uplifting devotional, embracing the journey of prayer and daily devotion as a community, seeking a heart ready to receive all that God has for us.Tap HERE to send us a text! BECOME A FOUNDING "MY MORNING DEVOTIONAL" MEMBERIf you enjoy your 5 minute daily dose of heaven, we would appreciate your support, and we have a fun way for you to partner with the MMD community! We've launched our "Buy Me a Coffee" membership where you can buy us a latte, OR become a founding member and get monthly bonus video episodes! To donate, go to mymorningdevo.co/join! Support the showNEW VIDEO EPISODES! You can watch our new video episodes on YouTube! Watch Our Video DevotionalsNEW TO MY MORNING DEVOTIONAL? We're so glad you're here! We're the Alessis, a ministry family working together in a church in Miami, FL, and we're so blessed to partner with the My Morning Devotional community and continue the great work done by the show's creator and our friend, Alison Delamota.We pray our personal reflections and devotions will empower you to grow your faith in God, and that you'll join us every morning in prayer! JOIN THE MMD COMMUNITYSubscribe to the show on this appShare with a friendJoin our newsletter Follow Us on ⁠Instagram⁠ and ⁠Facebook⁠⁠Leave a reviewMORE PODCASTS YOU'LL ENJOYEnjoy more podcasts from Metro Life Studios, including:The Family Business with The AlessisMen's Morning DevotionalThe Mary and Martha Show Available on our Metro Life Studios app!Get The Metro Life Studios app 

Rock Point Church exists to glorify God by leading people into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. Did you miss last Sunday or just want to hear it again? Check out our sermons here on the Rock Point Sermons podcast!

Rock Point Church exists to glorify God by leading people into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. Did you miss last Sunday or just want to hear it again? Check out our sermons here on the Rock Point Sermons podcast!

Rock Point Church exists to glorify God by leading people into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. Did you miss last Sunday or just want to hear it again? Check out our sermons here on the Rock Point Sermons podcast!

Main Idea:What you CULTIVATE determines what GROWSGalatians 5:16 NETGalatians 5:19-21NETTakeawayThe flesh ROTS whatever it RULESGalatians 5:22-26 NETGalatians 5:24 NETTakeaway    2. The Spirit TRANSFORMS whatever we SURRENDERApplicationThe fruit of the Spirit CREATES a new COMMUNITYApplication   2. Spiritual Fruit nourishes Spiritual Values.NEW NLCC VALUESWe will submit to God's WordWe will love strangersWe will seek justice and love mercyWe will follow the Spirit's leadingWe will value every generationApplication   3. The Spirit moves us from Rot to Fruitfulness.

A screaming, fist-swinging baby who wants the whole world to know he's unhappy — it's a picture that's easy to laugh at, until we recognize ourselves in it. In this honest and relatable episode, Vivian Bricker reflects on how many of us feel that same urge to cry, kick, and lash out — and how the fruit of self-control is one of the hardest, most necessary gifts the Holy Spirit grows in us. From childhood tantrums to adult struggles with anger, impulse spending, peer pressure, and addiction, the battle for self-control is one every believer knows well. Vivian shares the story of a friend whose struggle to say "no" to alcohol grew quietly and steadily until it became something he could no longer manage on his own — and whose eventual freedom came not through willpower, but through the work of God and the Holy Spirit's cultivation of egkrateia: Spirit-enabled mastery over desires, impulses, and habits so that they serve rather than rule us. That same Spirit is available to every one of us today. Self-control is the last fruit listed in Galatians 5:22-23 — but it may be the one we need to pray for most urgently. The road is long, but God walks every step of it with us. Today's Bible Verse "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law." — Galatians 5:22-23, NIV Ponder Today Self-control is a fruit of the Spirit, not a product of willpower. You cannot manufacture it through discipline alone. It is cultivated by the Holy Spirit working in and through you — which means the starting point is always surrender, not striving. The Greek word egkrateia reframes everything. Self-control is not white-knuckled restraint — it is Spirit-enabled mastery of desires, impulses, and habits so that they serve rather than rule you. That changes how we pray for it. Walking in the flesh leaves us empty; walking in the Spirit brings life. Whatever area of self-control you're struggling with today, the path toward freedom runs through the Holy Spirit — not around Him. A Prayer for You Today Dear Holy Spirit, I confess that I do not do well with self-control. I get angry over small things, give in to impulses, and struggle to master the desires of the flesh. Please help me begin cultivating self-control today. Bless me with the ability to have mastery over my desires, impulses, and habits. The only thing that truly brings me joy is walking in alignment with You — and I trust that You can produce in me what I cannot produce in myself. In Jesus' name, Amen. Don't Miss an Episode If today's prayer stirred a desire to walk in greater freedom and self-mastery, we'd love to stay connected. Subscribe to the LifeAudio newsletter at LifeAudio.com for daily prayers, devotionals, and more content to help you grow in the fruit of the Spirit every day. If you like this podcast, be sure to check out our sister podcast, Your Nightly Prayer - an evening Christian prayer podcast to help you end your day in conversation with God. https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-nightly-prayer/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Three Renovaré staff members—Carolyn Arends, Monty Harrington, and Brandan Spencer—joined Nathan on Life with God to describe the team's pilgrimage to Montgomery to give sustained attention to injustice against Black people in the United States and celebrate the legacy of God-empowered resistance and resilience.

This episode of 2 Minute Disciple explores Matthew 7:15–20, where Jesus warns against false prophets and establishes fruit — not words or appearance — as the true measure of a life. Host Nick Oyler guides listeners through the contemplative devotional rhythm of slowing down, reading, meditating, and responding in prayer.

As our confidence in God grows, so does our capacity to wait for His answers and accept His will.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Spiritual Fruit Of Patience Colossians 3:12-13

The Spiritual Fruit Of Patience Colossians 3:12-13

Joe Lueders - Encounter - Weekend Sermon Podcast - www.auburngrace.com

What if the secret to a thriving spiritual life isn't trying harder… but staying connected? In John 15, Jesus reveals how His love nourishes our lives and produces fruit that lasts. In John 15, Jesus gives one of the most powerful pictures of the Christian life. He describes Himself as the vine and His followers as branches. Just as branches receive life and nourishment from the vine, believers must remain connected to Jesus in order to thrive. In this sermon from Covenant Church Doylestown, Tim Geiger explores what it means to abide in Christ and how God shapes our lives to bear spiritual fruit. In this message you'll learn: • What Jesus meant by “I am the true vine” • Why God sometimes prunes His people • How abiding in Christ produces joy and love • What real spiritual fruit looks like • Why Christian community is essential for growth Jesus' invitation is simple but life-changing: remain in Him.

Episode 244 of The Truth Response PodcastWhat if your faith looks healthy on the outside—but isn't producing real fruit? In this episode, we explore the powerful moment in Mark 11 where Jesus curses the fig tree and cleanses the temple, revealing God's concern with authentic transformation rather than empty religious activity.The conversation challenges listeners to examine the difference between appearance and reality, busyness and true worship, performance and obedience. From how we respond under pressure to the motivations behind our ministry, this episode invites honest reflection about the condition of the heart and what real spiritual fruit actually looks like.Clarity in chaos. Bringing hope to a chaotic world.This episode is a call to move beyond religious image and into genuine faith—living for God's approval alone, even when no one else notices.Links:https://www.instagram.com/thetruthresponse/https://www.facebook.com/thetruthresponsehttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-truth-response/id1504362531https://open.spotify.com/show/6Kpkgsy7I7zVuv5UyiRACu?si=BqwQH988RW2DpLbYg5BnSAThe Truth Response LIVE! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-truth-response-live-tickets-1980265229609?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=wsa&aff=ebdsshwebmobile

Has your heart grown hard? Drawing from Hosea 10:12, Jay challenges Christian men to break up spiritual complacency and prepare for growth. True leadership begins with a cultivated heart ready for God's Word.

 Love shows up in our lives as we abide in His love for us.  

Lots of people are reflecting on their lives at this time of the year. They feel the disconnect between who they are and who they want to be. All the devil offers is death, destruction, and loss, but Jesus is offering the opposite of that. The “full” life He offers means of the highest quality. It means an abundance, but it starts on the inside. Jesus said in Matthew that what’s on the inside will make its way to the outside. What you are full of on the inside will be obvious through your words and actions. That principle is true for good stuff and for bad stuff. Jesus said that what comes out of your mouth is the overflow of your heart, so if you want your life to look different, you have to change what’s going on inside. This week, we’re kicking off a new series focused on this concept, and we’re starting with the importance of love.

Lots of people are reflecting on their lives at this time of the year. They feel the disconnect between who they are and who they want to be. All the devil offers is death, destruction, and loss, but Jesus is offering the opposite of that. The “full” life He offers means of the highest quality. It means an abundance, but it starts on the inside. Jesus said in Matthew that what’s on the inside will make its way to the outside. What you are full of on the inside will be obvious through your words and actions. That principle is true for good stuff and for bad stuff. Jesus said that what comes out of your mouth is the overflow of your heart, so if you want your life to look different, you have to change what’s going on inside. This week, we’re kicking off a new series focused on this concept, and we’re starting with the importance of love.

In Matthew 7:16, Jesus said, “You will know them by their fruits” (NKJV). Some use this verse to argue against the Pentecostal belief that speaking in tongues is the initial evidence of the baptism of the Holy Spirit. In this episode of Apostolic Life in the 21st Century, Dr. David K. Bernard addresses that argument directly. He explores what “fruit” means in Scripture and clarifies how speaking in tongues functions biblically in relation to salvation and the Christian life. This podcast episode offers a thoughtful, Scripture-based response for anyone seeking to understand the biblical role of tongues.Visit PentecostalPublishing.com to shop Dr. Bernard's full catalog of published works. Enter promo code DKB10 at checkout to save 10 percent on your order.If you enjoy this podcast, leave a five-star rating and a review on iTunes or your preferred podcast platform. We also appreciate it when you share Apostolic Life in the 21st Century with family and friends.

Today's Promise: John 15:8 God's desire for every believer is simple yet profound: to live a fruitful life that reflects His glory. In this episode, we explore what it truly means to bear spiritual fruit and why it's not about striving harder, but drawing closer to Jesus. Fruitfulness isn't something you manufacture; it naturally flows from a heart that walks in daily fellowship with Christ. We unpack the transforming power of abiding in Christ and how to enter His presence, relying on His strength, and trusting His work in your life. When you learn to abide, you discover that spiritual growth becomes less about effort and more about surrender. God is already shaping your heart, nurturing your character, and cultivating His fruit in you. Join us as we dive into the joy, the freedom, and the supernatural results of letting Christ live His life through you. This is the path to true, lasting spiritual fruit.

Dave Rich examines virtue ethics within Christian teaching, contrasting secular approaches with biblical principles. While godless virtue ethics lacks authority and struggles with practical guidance, Christian virtue ethics finds its foundation in God's character and Christ's perfect example. Scripture emphasizes moral excellence through passages such as 2 Peter 1:3-8, which call believers to cultivate virtues including knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, and love.Virtue ethics complements deontological commands and teleological purposes in comprehensive Christian ethics. Believers imitate Christ as the perfect exemplar, bearing God's image through godly attributes that produce righteous actions, for a good tree bears good fruit. ★ Support this podcast ★

Wednesday October 22, 2025XIX Week After Pentecost—In today's episode, we see how God's power, justice, and love overturn the ways of the world—calling His people to live with spiritual vision, holy restraint, and radical grace.

What if the secret to real change is not trying harder but staying connected to the One who gives life? We open John 15 and let Jesus' picture of the vine and branches reframe how transformation actually works, why pruning isn't punishment, and how fruit grows without the hustle mindset. Instead of a checklist of virtues, we talk about fruit as evidence of life—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self‑control—flowing from a steady, relational connection to Christ.We walk through the cycle Jesus shows us: abide, bear fruit, face pruning, then bear more fruit. Pruning hurts because God cuts back what steals strength, exposes what we rely on besides Him, and invites us into trust. But pruning is preparation, not rejection. That perspective reshapes seasons of suffering and discomfort into spaces where God readies us for greater impact. Along the way, we press into identity: being loved as the Father loves the Son. That love becomes the anchor for confidence, forgiveness, and generosity, and it spills into how we build church culture—wide welcome, honest grace, and open‑handed giving that fuels mission.Abiding isn't vague. We spell out rhythms that help you make your home in Christ: resting in His promises, letting His words remain in you, building simple habits that outlast willpower, and removing hindrances that numb your attention and steal your roots. If you've felt stuck between who you are and who you sense you're called to become, this conversation offers a better path—less striving, more staying. Subscribe, share with a friend who's weary of white‑knuckle religion, and leave a review to tell us how you're choosing to abide this week.

You may want to have love, peace, joy, self-control and all the other results of our faith...but are you willing to accept the responsibility to grow them? Christ-followers are given the seeds of these attributes, but will they accept their roles as gardeners, nurturers, growers and harvesters of this spiritual fruit? And what if the primary method for tending and nurturing these spiritual qualities is through suffering and being under pressure?! Would we all still choose to become Christians if we knew that it would require suffering like Jesus...in order to experience resurrection and miracles and power like Jesus? Spiritual fruit isn't delivered fully ripened, it must be grown!

“But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!” (Galatians 5:22–23 NLT) How do I know if you’re a Christian? For that matter, how do you know if I’m a Christian? You can’t see my heart. You can’t see my faith. But you can see the results of my faith. Jesus said, “Yes, just as you can identify a tree by its fruit, so you can identify people by their actions” (Matthew 7:20 NLT). I can’t determine if you’re a follower of Jesus merely by your profession; I need to see evidence in you. And that evidence is spiritual fruit. Spiritual fruit doesn’t grow overnight; it takes time. Sometimes the best judge of the growth in your life is another person. You may be introspective and ask, “Have I become more like Jesus in the last twenty-four hours?” But that’s like trying to watch your kids grow. The growth is too subtle to notice in real time. But someone who hasn’t seen your kids in months may say, “Wow, they’ve really grown!” Similarly, you may not see spiritual growth in your own life. But someone else might say, “You’ve really changed!” That’s the work of the Holy Spirit in you. And that’s important because Jesus said, “You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name” (John 15:16 NLT). Jesus wants to see spiritual fruit in your life. The apostle Paul identifies the fruit in Galatians 5:22–23. It starts with love—love for God and for others. Jesus said, “If you love me, obey my commandments” (John 14:15 NLT). We bear spiritual fruit when we show our love for the Lord. We show our love for the Lord by doing what He says. The Holy Spirit helps produce spiritual fruit by reminding us of God’s commands. Jesus also said, “Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples” (John 13:35 NLT). We bear spiritual fruit when we show love to others—especially to people who are hard to love. The Holy Spirit helps in this area by reminding us of the love that God has shown us. We express that love by maintaining a spirit of joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Another translation of Galatians 5:22–23 puts it this way: “Things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely” (MSG). How do you bring forth this fruit? Jesus said, “But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted!” (John 15:7 NLT). You remain in Christ. You sink your roots deeply in the soil of God’s Word. You get your nourishment from it. You stand strong when conditions get bad. You invite the Holy Spirit to cut away the dead or unhealthy branches in your life. That’s how you produce spiritual fruit. Reflection question: What does spiritual fruit look like in your life? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known."All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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/

Prayer Moment 1 of 5 in SeptemberPrayer for Visions & Dreams1. Christians to Have Visions & Dreams: Pray that Christians around the world would have visions and dreams that embolden them to preach the Good News of Jesus in the Buddhist world. 2. Buddhists to Have Visions & Dreams: Pray for Buddhists to have visions and dreams of Jesus that would draw them to saving faith in Him. 3. Spiritual Fruit from Visions & Dreams: Pray that God-given dreams and visions would bring fruit for the building of the Kingdom.

Christians have an inner conflict. They are fighting against the desires of the flesh, which are against the desires of the Holy Spirit. In this message, Pastor Lutzer describes three images that show what it means to walk in the Spirit: a cross, a road, and a garden. What does it practically mean to walk in the Spirit? To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/172/29

Christians have an inner conflict. They are fighting against the desires of the flesh, which are against the desires of the Holy Spirit. In this message, Pastor Lutzer describes three images that show what it means to walk in the Spirit: a cross, a road, and a garden. What does it practically mean to walk in the Spirit? This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at https://rtwoffer.com or call us at 1-888-218-9337. 

Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control—these are the fruit of the Holy Spirit. This stands in stark contrast to the deeds of the flesh that we war against. In this message from Galatians 5, Pastor Lutzer explains the relationship between God's Spirit and His law. What does it really mean to keep in step with the Spirit? To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/172/29

Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control—these are the fruit of the Holy Spirit. This stands in stark contrast to the deeds of the flesh that we war against. In this message from Galatians 5, Pastor Lutzer explains the relationship between God's Spirit and His law. What does it really mean to keep in step with the Spirit? This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at https://rtwoffer.com or call us at 1-888-218-9337. 

In today's special episode, host Cyndee Ownbey welcomes back Renee Rowell, a dedicated women's ministry leader who serves at a church in Columbia, South Carolina. Renee opens up about her decades-long journey in ministry, including navigating a particularly challenging season marked by conflict, gossip, and discouragement. Through her honest storytelling, Renee shares how prayer, fasting, wise counsel, and the unwavering support of her church leadership helped her persevere and ultimately witness remarkable growth and unity within her women's ministry.If you've ever faced hardships in ministry—or are in the thick of a difficult season right now—Renee's testimony of God's faithfulness and the “fruit that remains” is sure to encourage you. Plus, don't miss exciting details about the upcoming Faithful Virtual Women's Ministry Conference, where Renee will be sharing even more practical wisdom for leaders.This episode is also available on YouTube here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LbESQ_2CQpU.The transcript is available on the Women's Ministry Toolbox blog here: https://womensministrytoolbox.com/womens-ministry-leader-interview-with-renee-rowell/.Listen to Renee's first interview here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1qtPnleL1ZYkCKnn5GQaBe?si=3cc9ad89ecfe4382For more information about Cyndee's mentoring sessions click here: https://womensministrytoolbox.teachable.com/p/mentoring-1-sessionTo register for the Faithful Virtual Women's Ministry Conference visit: https://womensministrytoolbox.teachable.com/p/virtual-conference-2025Thank you for listening to the Women's Ministry Toolbox Podcast. You'll find additional women's ministry resources below.Women's Ministry Toolbox Resources: Sign Up for My Email List - https://bit.ly/wmtbemail Website – https://womensministrytoolbox.com/ Online Store – https://womensministrytoolboxshop.com/ Online Training – https://womensministrytoolbox.teachable.com/ Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/womensministrytoolbox/ Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/womensministrytoolboxcommunity/ Women's Ministry Essentials on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/shop/wmtoolboxYou can connect with Cyndee via Facebook, Instagram (@womensministrytoolbox), and email (cyndee@womensministrytoolbox.com).

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Today's shout-out goes to Chuck Peter from Roseville, MN. Thank you for standing with us throughout Project 23. You're helping people move from the appearance of faith to the fruit of it. This one's for you. Our text today is Mark 11:12-14: On the following day, when they came from Bethany, he was hungry. And seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to see if he could find anything on it. When he came to it, he found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs. And he said to it, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again.” And his disciples heard it. — Mark 11:12-14 At first glance, this seems like one of the most confusing moments in the Gospels. Jesus is hungry. He sees a fig tree full of leaves, promising the possibility of fruit. But when he gets close, there's nothing. So he curses it. Why? Because it looked fruitful from a distance, but had nothing to offer up close. This wasn't just about a tree. It was a parable in real time. An enacted warning. Jesus was making a point about empty religion. You see, the fig tree had the appearance of being healthy and vital. But no fruit. Just like the temple he was about to walk into. The temple was full of religious activity, rituals, and noise, but no repentance. No faith. No spiritual nourishment. It was all leaves, no fruit. Jesus sees through the façade. And he still does. From a distance, your life could look spiritual. Church attendance. Polite behavior. Christian language. Even Bible reading. But up close and intimate, does your life bear real fruit? Jesus doesn't curse the fig tree out of irritation. He curses it to make a statement. He's not fooled by appearances. Neither is he interested in performance that has no power behind it. So, stop focusing on looking spiritual. Start cultivating what actually matters—humility, repentance, love, truth, obedience, surrender. Because Jesus doesn't just want your leaves. He wants your life. And he wants it to be full of fruit. #RealFaith, #SpiritualFruit, #Mark11 ASK THIS: Why did Jesus curse the fig tree? What's the danger of outward appearances without spiritual depth? Where in your life are you tempted to “fake” fruit? What does real spiritual fruit look like for you this season? DO THIS: Ask someone who knows you well: “What kind of fruit do you see in my life?” And really listen. PRAY THIS: Jesus, I don't want to just look the part. I want to bear real fruit. Expose anything in me that's all appearance and no substance. Amen. PLAY THIS: “Clear the Stage” by Jimmy Needham.

Greg explains that spirituality is measured by spiritual fruit, not spiritual gifts, then he answers questions about preterism, evidence for a beginning of the universe, the law requiring rapists to marry their victim, and whether or not Genesis 1 indicates God created chaos.   Topics: Commentary: Spirituality is measured by spiritual fruit, not spiritual gifts. (00:00) What are your thoughts on preterism? (05:00) Isn't the universe eternal? Can you provide any evidence for a beginning of the universe or a God? (23:00) How can you explain God forcing rape victims to marry their rapist in Deuteronomy 22:28–29? (44:00) If God subdued and controlled chaos in the creation account, bringing order out of disorder, then does that mean he created chaos? (52:00) Mentioned on the Show:  Greg Koukl and Michael Shermer at the End of the Decade of the New Atheists – Transcript of their dialogue

By Mike Phelps - God's Spirit imparts His power, love, and mind which can profoundly impact others.

By Jonathan Beam - In this world the job of a farmer is daunting in this age. There are many problems that together work to make a bountiful harvest difficult. But God is also a farmer - pruning and preparing His people as the first fruits of His future spiritual harvest. He does not remove us if we do not initially

In our busy lives, we often lose sight of what truly matters—bearing fruit for God rather than simply staying busy. John 14:21 teaches that love for God manifests in love for others. While we may engage in good activities, we must ensure they fulfill God's purpose. Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar discuss how easy it is to mistake productivity for fruitfulness, just as Martha was consumed with tasks while Mary chose to abide with Jesus. God is the vine, and we are the branches. True fruitfulness comes from abiding in Him, not just from doing His work. If our efforts lead to stress, pride, or anxiety, we are likely not growing spiritually. Many people are so caught up in ministry or service that they neglect their relationship with God. This is dangerous because it shifts our focus from Him to our own efforts.Busyness is often celebrated in today's culture, but scripture warns that it can be a distraction. Rest should not merely serve to improve our productivity; it should be a time to abide in God. We must ensure that our actions are motivated by love. Without love, our best efforts are meaningless. Love, at its core, is genuine care for God and others. True fruitfulness should be an effortless outcome of abiding in Christ. As we grow in our relationship with Him, we should be moved by the fruits of the Spirit to share the gospel. Our love for God deepens as we understand His love for us.God works so we can rest, and resting is an act of defiance against the false gods of busyness and self-reliance. Jesus left His throne to bring us into His kingdom, calling us to be faithful rather than to strive for immediate fruitfulness. God knows what we need and what is best for us. When raising children, we must ask whether we are teaching them to be busy or to be fruitful. Too often, we are simply in survival mode rather than guiding them to abide in Christ. Resting in the Lord allows us to slow down and reflect on His will. Service without seeking the Lord is harmful. Colossians 1:10 teaches that true fruitfulness comes from increasing in our  knowledge of God. To walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, we must devote ourselves to knowing His heart.Abiding in Christ requires time. Like any relationship, our connection with God deepens when we invest in it. Never approach ministry or service without first communing with Jesus. Fruitfulness cannot exist apart from truth, and it cannot be separated from Christ. Ultimately, our goal is not to achieve visible results but to remain faithful, trusting that God will bring about the fruit in His perfect timing.Send us a textThanks for listening! If you've been helped by this podcast, we'd be grateful if you'd consider subscribing, sharing, and leaving us a comment and 5-star rating! Visit the Living Waters website to learn more and to access helpful resources!You can find helpful counseling resources at biblicalcounseling.com.Check out The Evidence Study Bible and the Basic Training Course.You can connect with us at podcast@livingwaters.com. We're thankful for your input!Learn more about the hosts of this podcast.Ray ComfortEmeal (“E.Z.”) ZwayneMark SpenceOscar Navarro