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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. From the insights of thinkers like Plato and Confucius to the varied interpretations within modern Christian culture, this episode offers a rich tapestry of ideas that challenge us to reflect deeply on how we embody goodness in our lives.

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. Through stories like high school students gifting a Jeep to their custodian, we'll 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 episode 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? Join us for a compelling conversation with Pastor Chris May from Real Life Community Church as he unpacks the profound message of the fruit of the Spirit, focusing on patience. Drawing wisdom from Galatians 5:22 and Colossians 3, Pastor Chris 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 kindness, humility, and forgiveness in our daily lives. Through relatable anecdotes and scriptural insights, Pastor Chris helps us understand how to embody these attributes effectively.

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

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

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Why was it better for the disciples that Jesus "go away?" Join Pastor Chris May as he unpacks the transformative power of the Holy Spirit from John 16:5-15. Discover how the Holy Spirit equips us today in ways the disciples could only dream of, allowing believers to experience faith and joy beyond physical sight, as affirmed in 1 Peter 1:8. Understand how this divine guidance isn't just supplementary but essential for a deep, abiding relationship with Christ.

Are you tired of the empty promises of health and wealth offered by the prosperity gospel? Pastor Chris offers a candid comparison, highlighting the true essence of Christianity which calls for sacrifice, obedience, and the carrying of one's cross. Dive into the essential role of the Holy Spirit in convicting individuals of their sins and leading them to genuine acceptance of the gospel. This discussion challenges listeners to seek a transformative journey rather than superficial gains, emphasizing the necessity of the Holy Spirit's intervention.

Lastly, hear the inspiring testimony of Corey, a former atheist whose life was transformed by faith. Witness how his newfound belief and public proclamation of Jesus Christ illustrate the profound impact of the Holy Spirit. Pastor Chris underscores that, with the Holy Spirit's guidance, we are more equipped to live the Christian life today than the original disciples. This episode is a heartfelt invitation to deepen your relationship with Jesus and explore how the Holy Spirit can lead you in truth and conviction. Don't miss this opportunity to enrich your spiritual life and join our community at Real Life Community Church.

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 Christians are called not just to reach heaven but to bring heaven to earth? Join Pastor Chris May as he unravels this transformative idea, drawing from Jesus’ profound teachings in John 15. We explore the mission of believers to abide in Christ, bear spiritual fruit, and navigate the inevitable challenges that come with following Him. Pastor Chris passionately discusses the Christian mission to turn the world upside down by God's spirit, urging us to avoid the 'escapist mentality' and embrace our role in transforming the culture around us.

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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