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Fruitful

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing… This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. John 15:5,8

You will know them by their fruits… Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. Matt 7:16-17

Jesus didn’t ask us to wear a costume  so we look right, but to crucify our flesh.

How pleased do you think Gods with the
quality of your fruit?

How pleased do you think God is with the
quantity of your fruit?

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5

Jesus is the vine
           I am the branch.

meno: remain, abide, dwell, live in

"Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me." John 15:4

Don’t focus on production
; focus on connection.

BE THE BRANCH

Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.       Galatians 5:25

Discussion Questions:

What stood out in Sunday’s message to you?

Why do you think Jesus used something as simple as fruit to describe spiritual life?

Why do you think Jesus repeats the word “remain” so many times in John chapter 15?

If someone at your work, school, or neighborhood described you, what kind of “fruit” do you think they would say they see?

Which practices help you stay connected to Christ the most? As a group, how can we help one another stay connected to the Vine this week?

Thank you for listening to the Relate Community Church podcast! Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode. If today’s message spoke to you, share it with a friend or leave us a review to help spread the word. To learn more about Relate Community Church, visit us at www.relatecommunity.com. You are always welcome here, and remember—you are loved

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United in Love

“My prayer is … that all of them may be one … so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one … so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.” John 17:20-23

God approves of a Church that is United in Love.

There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community. Prov 6:16-19

• One enemy

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, (I’m out) but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Eph 6:12

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy …” John 10:10

• One mission

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit … Matt 28:19

• One strategy

A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you (same politics)love one another. John 13:34-35

Discussion Questions:

What does being “United in Love “ mean from the sermon this week?

Why is it important at Relate? In your community?  In your home?

What is one way you can walk out being United in Love this week?

Thank you for listening to the Relate Community Church podcast! Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode. If today’s message spoke to you, share it with a friend or leave us a review to help spread the word. To learn more about Relate Community Church, visit us at www.relatecommunity.com. You are always welcome here, and remember—you are loved

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And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” Matt 3:17 

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.  Hebrews 11:6 NIV

Faith is not: Busyness  

So we make it our goal to please Him,  2 Corinthians 5:9a NIV

Enoch walked faithfully with God; then he was no more, because God took him away. Genesis 5:24 

Faith is not a: Moment 

For we live by faith, not by sight.  2 Corinthians 5:7 

Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1

Faith: Fades
when: Fear 
grows louder

3 ways to have AMAZING faith!

1. Amazing faith comes from: Hearing
 God

So faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the message about Christ. Romans 10:17

2. Amazing faith comes from: Remembering
 God

“We will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord,

his power, and the wonders he has done…

so the next generation would know them…

and they in turn would tell their children.

Then they would put their trust in God.”

Psalm 78:4–7

3. Amazing faith uses what you: Already Have

(1)Then Moses answered, “What if they do not believe me or listen to my voice? For they may say, ‘The LORD has not appeared to you.’”

(2)And the LORD asked him, “What is that in your hand?”

“A staff,” he replied.  Exodus 4:2

“He could not do any miracles there, except lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them. He was amazed at their lack of faith.  Mark 6:5–6 (NIV)

“When Jesus heard this, he was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd following him, he said, ‘I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel.’  Luke 7:9 (NIV)

Only two different kinds of people amazed Him:
 Weak faith and
Strong faith

Which one are You? 

Thank you for listening to the Relate Community Church podcast! Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode. If today’s message spoke to you, share it with a friend or leave us a review to help spread the word. To learn more about Relate Community Church, visit us at www.relatecommunity.com. You are always welcome here, and remember—you are loved

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Approved – week 1 – The Fear of the Lord

And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” Matt 3:17

A church that pleases God is made up of people who are pleasing God.

3 Qualities of a Church That Pleases God

• Fears the Lord
• Full of Faith (without faith impossible to please God)
• A Loving

A reverential awe that produces obedience, intimacy, and alignment with God’s heart.

The Lord delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love. Psalm 147:11

Fearing, awe-filled, reverently aware of God’s holiness and authority.

Low View of God

• Treat God’s Word casually.
• Ignore conviction and rationalize sin.
• Know what God says, but do what you want.

High View of God

• Take God’s Word seriously.
• Repent of your sins quickly.
• Obey God with reverence no matter the cost.

“I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. 45You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. 46You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet.” Luke 7:44-46

When we lose our awe of God, the God we serve gets smaller.

…Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. Phil 2:12-13 NLT

Want to go deeper this week? We’ve created a simple Bible reading plan that follows today’s message and helps you carry what God spoke on Sunday into your everyday life.  Scan the QR code to walk it out with us this week. https://www.relatecommunity.com/soap

Thank you for listening to the Relate Community Church podcast! Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode. If today’s message spoke to you, share it with a friend or leave us a review to help spread the word. To learn more about Relate Community Church, visit us at www.relatecommunity.com. You are always welcome here, and remember—you are loved

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Join Relate on superbowl sunday, and chose which of the 5 ads best descibes where you are at this week!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iNxvsxU2rJE (Alexa)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4TMQVYiIKk (Nike)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yv8NRl-C3WA (KFC)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y7KENDxBFaU (Uber)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oY9Mlz99z0A (Big Brother Big Sister)

Thank you for listening to the Relate Community Church podcast! Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode. If today’s message spoke to you, share it with a friend or leave us a review to help spread the word. To learn more about Relate Community Church, visit us at www.relatecommunity.com. You are always welcome here, and remember—you are loved

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Relate's 8th  Birthday Party and the How to be Bold Panel!

Join our Leadership team in a discussion about practical ways to Bold this Year!

- We have to be bold for God in a wise way.
- Obedience is our job, the outcome is God's job
- You've got to die to yourself and be obedient, because obedience begets         blessing every single time.
- Even the timid boldness is the yes that God needs.
- You don't grow when you stay in the same pot you've been in.
- Obedience is God's invitation to you.
- Life is letting others in and letting the walls down.
- Obedience to God can mean saying no to yourself.
- God is instructing you, and he wants you to follow his direction.
- We can be accountable to God and still keep our secret things hidden. 
- If we're not accountable to somebody then we're accountable to nobody 

Thank you for listening to the Relate Community Church podcast! Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode. If today’s message spoke to you, share it with a friend or leave us a review to help spread the word. To learn more about Relate Community Church, visit us at www.relatecommunity.com. You are always welcome here, and remember—you are loved

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Just Believe

I looked up and saw a man dressed in linen clothing, with a belt of pure gold around his waist. His body looked like a precious gem. His face flashed like lightning, and his eyes flamed like torches. His arms and feet shone like polished bronze, and his voice roared like a vast multitude of people. Only I, Daniel, saw this vision. The men with me saw nothing, but they were suddenly terrified and ran away to hide. So I was left there all alone to see this amazing vision. Daniel 10:5-8

My strength left me, my face grew deathly pale, and I felt very weak. Then I heard the man speak, and when I heard the sound of his voice, I fainted and lay there with my face to the ground. Daniel 10:8-9 1.

GOD CARES ABOUT YOU MORE THAN YOU DO.

Just then a hand touched me and lifted me, still trembling, to my hands and knees. And the man said to me, “Daniel, you are very precious to God, so listen carefully to what I have to say to you. Stand up, for I have been sent to you.” When he said this to me, I stood up, still trembling. Daniel 10:10-11

But you’ll welcome us with open arms when we run for cover to you.  Let the party last all night!  Stand guard over our celebration.  You are famous, God, for welcoming God-seekers, for decking us out in delight. Psalm 5:11msg

2. GOD IS DOING MORE THAN YOU UNDERSTAND.

Then he said, “Don’t be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day you began to pray for understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your request has been heard in heaven. I have come in answer to your prayer. But for twenty-one days the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia blocked my way. Then Michael, one of the archangels, came to help me, and I left him there with the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia. Daniel 10:12-13  

Just because you can’t see anything happening, doesn’t mean He isn’t working.

3. GOD’S STRENGTH IS MADE PERFECT IN YOUR WEAKNESS.

How can someone like me, your servant, talk to you, my lord? My strength is gone, and I can hardly breathe.” Then the one who looked like a man touched me again, and I felt my strength returning. “Don’t be afraid,” he said, “for you are very precious to God. Peace! Be encouraged! Be strong!” Daniel 10:17-19

 Until you understand your weakness, you won’t appreciate God’s strength.

 Discussion Questions:

Where in your life have you been praying for something that feels stuck right now?

If your spiritual life were a diet, would you say you are feasting, snacking, or starving right now?

How does that show up in your faith, peace, or confidence?

How does it change your perspective to think that God may be doing more than you can see in your situation?

What is one area where you feel weak right now and need God’s strength instead of trying to handle it on your own?

Thank you for listening to the Relate Community Church podcast! Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode. If today’s message spoke to you, share it with a friend or leave us a review to help spread the word. To learn more about Relate Community Church, visit us at www.relatecommunity.com. You are always welcome here, and remember—you are loved

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Get Strong

The wicked run away when no one is chasing them,
 but the godly are as bold as lions.  Proverbs 18:1

It pleased Darius to appoint 120 satraps to rule throughout the kingdom, with three administrators over them, one of whom was Daniel. The satraps were made accountable to them so that the king might not suffer loss. Now Daniel so distinguished himself among the administrators and the satraps by his exceptional qualities that the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom. Daniel 6:1-3

1. EXPECT OPPOSITION

At this, the administrators and the satraps tried to find grounds for charges against Daniel in his conduct of government affairs, but they were unable to do so. They could find no corruption in him, because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent. Finally these men said, “We will never find any basis for charges against this man Daniel unless it has something to do with the law of his God.”    Daniel 6:4-5

2.    KNEEL AND PRAY.

Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before. Daniel 6:10

Prayer is our First Response not our Last Resort

3. TRUST GOD WITH THE RESULTS.

My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight. Nor have I ever done any wrong before you, Your Majesty.” The king was overjoyed and gave orders to lift Daniel out of the den. And when Daniel was lifted from the den, no wound was found on him, because he had trusted in his God. Daniel 6:22-23

Discussion Questions

When you hear the word BOLD, what comes to mind first: personality, action, faith, or conflict?

Can you think of a time when doing the right thing brought resistance instead of applause?

What practical rhythms of prayer could help you stay spiritually strong throughout the day?

Where do you struggle most with the “what ifs” of faith?

Where is God asking you to be bold instead of blending in right now?

 Want to go deeper this week? We’ve created a simple Bible reading plan that follows today’s message and helps you carry what God spoke on Sunday into your everyday life. www.relatecommunity.com/soap

Thank you for listening to the Relate Community Church podcast! Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode. If today’s message spoke to you, share it with a friend or leave us a review to help spread the word. To learn more about Relate Community Church, visit us at www.relatecommunity.com. You are always welcome here, and remember—you are loved

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Stand Out is a call to bold faith in a culture that rewards compromise. The godly are as bold as lions, not because they are loud, but because they are rooted.
Daniel and his friends were pressured to blend in, renamed, retrained, and offered comfort in exchange for conviction. They chose obedience over convenience and decided early who they belonged to.

Part-time Christianity doesn’t hold up under pressure. Standing firm requires intention, discipline, and spiritual armor. Fasting is giving up something important to gain something more important.

We all fall short of God’s standard, but grace empowers us to stand. Better to be remembered for standing out than forgotten for blending in.

Thank you for listening to the Relate Community Church podcast! Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode. If today’s message spoke to you, share it with a friend or leave us a review to help spread the word. To learn more about Relate Community Church, visit us at www.relatecommunity.com. You are always welcome here, and remember—you are loved

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For to us a child is born to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Luke 2:10

no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it notbe held against them. But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength so that through me the message might be proclaimed. 2 Timothy 4:16-17

The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”. Matthew 1:23

Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King Herod. About that time some wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him.” Matthew 2:1-2

Stay Connected to the Body of Christ and your purpose   

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

Discussion Questions:

What is one area of your life right now where hope feels delayed or “deferred,” like Proverbs 13:12 describes?

Why do you think we isolate ourselves when life hurts, even though we’re created for connection?

What would a “fresh start with God” look like for you this Christmas season?

Who in your world might be spiritually or emotionally “home alone” this season? How can you help them?

What is one way you can practice overflowing hope, not just receiving it, but giving it awa

Thank you for listening to the Relate Community Church podcast! Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode. If today’s message spoke to you, share it with a friend or leave us a review to help spread the word. To learn more about Relate Community Church, visit us at www.relatecommunity.com. You are always welcome here, and remember—you are loved