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Discover the transformative power of self-control as we unpack its profound impact on every facet of life, from relationships and health to spiritual growth. Imagine harnessing the discipline of an athlete to pursue not just victory in life’s races but the ultimate prize of eternal life. We'll navigate through the rich tapestry of history and scripture, drawing insights from the Apostle Paul’s athletic metaphors and Jesus' example of prioritizing spiritual nourishment over worldly desires.

Journey with us through ancient Greece and the famous Panhellenic Games, where athletes trained rigorously for perishable rewards. We’ll explore how these historical events serve as a powerful metaphor for the Christian pursuit of eternal treasures. In today's world, marked by financial challenges and endless distractions, we discuss the critical role of financial discipline and spiritual practices in cultivating a life centered on Christ. Drawing parallels with modern sports, we emphasize aligning our daily actions with long-term spiritual goals.

Addressing the battle for self-control, we delve into the importance of spiritual disciplines like prayer, scripture reading, and community to strengthen our spiritual resolve. We challenge the misconception that "little sins" can be overlooked and highlight how they can lead to greater consequences if left unchecked. The episode culminates in a call to prioritize Christ over all worldly desires, inviting listeners to realign their hearts and seek fulfillment through a committed, disciplined life in the Spirit. Embrace this journey with us, as we learn to choose Jesus above all and live out the fruits of the Spirit.

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

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Ever faced off against a rooster in your own backyard and realized it's time to reevaluate your approach to life? That's exactly how an unexpected encounter led Pastor Ben to explore the profound virtue of gentleness. Inspired by Jesus' teachings in Matthew 11:29, we examine how embodying gentleness can transform personal struggles into avenues for growth, even when it involves a comical showdown with a neighbor's feisty bird.

Through this sermon, you will learn how Jesus’ gentleness often defied societal expectations. By prioritizing mercy and goodness over rigid rules, as seen in his dealings with the Pharisees and his healing miracles, Jesus built a legacy not of force, but of compassion and humility. Pastor poses a bold challenge: How can we align our lives with such a mission, choosing gentleness over aggression, and selflessness over personal comfort?

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

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What if your devotion to a sports team could teach you about spiritual commitment? Join us for an enlightening sermon where Pastor Chris makes surprising connections between the loyalty of Kentucky Wildcats fans and the deeper, spiritual faithfulness Christians are called to embody. We start with Peter's denial of Jesus from the gospel of Luke, transitioning into an exploration of the fruit of the Spirit with a spotlight on faithfulness. You'll discover how our allegiance to God transcends any worldly ties and how understanding His unwavering loyalty to us can strengthen our own spiritual journey.

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

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What truly defines goodness, and how can we align our lives with this profound concept? Explore the intersection of biblical teachings and ancient philosophies as we promise to unravel the essence of goodness from both scriptural and philosophical perspectives. We start with the virtues of love, joy, and peace as presented in Galatians, emphasizing the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, before examining Jesus' challenging encounter with the wealthy ruler in Luke 18. Pastor Chris contrasts ideas of goodness from ancient philosophers and modern ideas with how the Bible explains goodness.

Journey with us as we unearth the biblical standard of goodness through the lens of Jesus' interaction with the rich man, highlighting the necessity of a heart aligned with God’s commandments over mere actions. We confront the inherent human struggle to meet divine standards, advocating for a transformed heart that relies on Christ’s sacrifice. By drawing parallels with literature like "Lord of the Flies," we underscore that true goodness is less about self-improvement and more about redemption. Discover practical ways to walk in goodness by evaluating our thoughts and actions against God's standards and leaning on the Holy Spirit for strength.

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

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Can kindness truly transform lives in a world where it's becoming increasingly rare? Join us as we unpack this profound question with Pastor Chris May from Real Life Community Church. Discover the inherent power believers possess through the fruit of the Spirit, including kindness, and how yielding to Christ can guide us to walk by the Spirit. We will explore how genuine kindness has the potential to make significant impacts and reflect God's common grace.

Pastor Chris challenges us to understand the essence of true kindness from a Christian perspective, differentiating it from its counterfeit forms such as manipulation or self-glory. With inspiring tales of bravery and compassion, like Sir Nicholas Winton's heroic efforts during World War II, we are called to embody kindness consistently, even towards those who oppose us. Listen in as we celebrate historical figures like Polycarp, who demonstrated the radical nature of kindness by showing love to his captors, and learn how these acts reflect the intrinsic value of glorifying God.

Moving beyond the surface, we emphasize the importance of loving our enemies, echoing Christ's kindness as highlighted in Ephesians 2:7. Pastor Chris shares anecdotes that illustrate the transformative power of kind words and actions, like a teacher's encouragement that changed a student's life. This sermon invites you to reflect on how the legacy of kindness in figures like Polycarp and the everyday actions of communities can lead others toward the kindness of God, and how you, too, can be part of this meaningful journey.

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

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How do we cultivate patience in a world that constantly challenges our ability to stay calm? Listen to this moving sermon from Pastor Chris May as he unpacks the profound message of the fruit of the Spirit, focusing on patience. Drawing wisdom from Galatians 5:22 and Colossians 3, PC reminds us that, as believers, the Spirit’s fruit is already within us. The real task lies in walking by the Spirit and nurturing virtues such as peace daily.

Fostering patience in a culturally diverse church community can be complex, but Pastor Chris sheds light on navigating these challenges. He draws parallels between the early church's struggles and today's modern-day diversity, explaining how different backgrounds and social classes contribute to varying convictions. Despite these differences, embracing and celebrating our unique cultural distinctions while maintaining unity in Christ remains crucial. Pastor Chris emphasizes the importance of patience, forgiveness, and open communication as essential tools for building a harmonious and unified church community.

Forgiveness and reconciliation are central themes in our discussion, as Pastor Chris underscores the need for active efforts to heal relationships. Forgiveness involves more than just avoiding grudges; it requires us to confront issues openly and work towards genuine reconciliation, mirroring the forgiveness God extends to us. Using the metaphor of "wearing appropriate clothing," Pastor Chris calls on us to embody a Christ-like identity, throwing off old habits and embracing spiritual renewal. Listen in to discover how these values can transform your daily life and help build a genuine, unhindered worship community.

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

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

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

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Fruit of the Spirit | Part 2 | The Fruit of Love

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

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

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