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What if the verse you’ve always treated like a warm blanket is actually a wake-up call? We take a hard, hopeful look at James 4:8 and discover that “draw near to God” isn’t about vibes or goosebumps but about culture, movement, and surrender. We share a tangible generosity update—kitchens, dorms, and classrooms coming to life at a Kenyan orphanage, plus an adopted neighborhood school—and connect it to the deeper question underneath it all: what culture is shaping your heart?

We unpack James 3–4 to contrast two competing cultures—heaven-down and hell-up—and show how the fruit of your life reveals the soil beneath it. Envy, selfish ambition, and constant conflict don’t just happen; they grow from a culture we’ve chosen, often by drift more than decision. You’ll hear why nearness requires agency (you move first), why drift is inevitable without intention, and how simple, honest rhythms—a guarded first 15 minutes with God, gathered worship, service that costs, and obedience that sticks—can reorient your days.

Along the way, we demystify spiritual “signals” that aren’t biblical, revisit God’s own preferences for worship, and sit with a surprising truth: the Almighty yearns jealously for your nearness. Not a transactional meeting, but a life shared. We end with a clear pathway to reset—submit to God, resist the devil, cleanse your hands, purify your heart, humble yourself—and an invitation to choose a heaven-down culture in the places that matter most.

If this challenged you or sparked a needed reset, share it with a friend, subscribe for more, and leave a review to help others find the show. What one step will you take today to paddle back to nearness?

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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Romans 8:28 

And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words.  And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will. And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.  And having chosen them, he called them to come to him. And having called them, he gave them right standing with himself. And having given them right standing, he gave them his glory.  Romans 8:29-30

1.   THE PROMISE.

I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway.  Romans 7:19-20

For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son  Romans 8:29-30

2. THE PROCESS.

God will permit what He hates to accomplish that which He loves.  - Joni Erickson Tada

For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ    Philippians 1:19 

knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.  James 1:3

And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Romans 5:3

With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:8-9

But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.  Genesis 50:20 

Synergy = the interaction or cooperation of two or more organizations, substances, or other agents to produce a combined effect greater than the sum of their separate effects. 

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. Romans 8:18

3. THE POWER.

1. HUMBLE YOURSELF.
   
   
   
2. FOLLOW JESUS.
   
   
   

Discussion Questions:

What’s something other people call “good” that you secretly think is not good at all? (Think pineapple on pizza, watching golf, or sand in your shoes at the beach.)

Romans 8:28 says God works “for the good.” How do you usually define “good” in your own life?

Coffee takes time to brew; growth takes time too. Where do you struggle most with waiting on God’s process?

How does remembering heaven as the ultimate “good” reframe the way you handle struggles here and now?

What are some practical ways you can rely on the Spirit this week instead of your own power?

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 Free

Get rid of all bitterness, rage, and anger, brawling, and slander, along with every form of malice.  Ephesians 4:31

…forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:31-32

Forgiveness is the key that unlocks you from the trap of an offense. 

Then Peter came to him and asked, “Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me?  Seven times?”  No, not seven times,” Jesus replied, “but seventy times seven!”  Matthew 18:21-22

Then the king called in the man he had forgiven and said, ‘You evil servant! I forgave you that tremendous debt because you pleaded with me.  Shouldn’t you have mercy on your fellow servant, just as I had mercy on you?’ Then the angry king sent the man to prison to be tortured until he had paid his entire debt. “That’s what my heavenly Father will do to you if you refuse to forgive your brothers and sisters from your heart.” Matthew 18:32-35

1.   Forgiveness is not saying it's OK.

Forgiveness is not saying it’s ok, it’s saying you don't owe me.

2.  Forgiveness is not a feeling .

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:21

Forgiveness isn’t a feeling, it’s a Decision.  

3.  Forgiveness is not Forgetting.

Forgiveness is remembering what Jesus did for you and offering the same to others. 

4.  Forgiveness is not the same as Trust. 

5.  Forgiveness is not dependent on someone saying I'm sorry.

Forgiveness only requires one person, while reconciliation requires
two or more. 

6.   Forgiveness is not fair.

He [God] does not treat us as our sins deserve… Psalm 103:10

Forgiveness is: The Word Release or Let Go. 

Challenge:

1. Accept God’s forgiveness and follow Jesus.

2. Offer forgiveness and be free.

Discussion Questions:

What’s a small thing that easily irritates you - social media comments, traffic, jokes that hit wrong? Why do those little offenses stick to us?

The outline says “bitterness comes from an offense.” Why do you think it’s so hard to notice bitterness taking root until it’s already producing fruit?

How does the parable of the unforgiving servant challenge the way we think about justice and fairness?

How does receiving God’s forgiveness first make it possible to extend forgiveness to others?

What would it look like for you this week to take one step toward releasing an offense—small or big?

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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I’m Fine

 King Ahab told his wife Jezebel everything that Elijah had done and how he had put all the prophets of Baal to death.  She sent a message to Elijah: “May the gods strike me dead if by this time tomorrow I don't do the same thing to you that you did to the prophets.”  // Elijah was afraid and fled for his life; he took his servant and went to Beersheba in Judah.  Leaving the servant there, Elijah walked a whole day into the wilderness. He stopped and sat down in the shade of a tree and wished he would die. “It's too much, Lord,” he prayed. “Take away my life; I might as well be dead!”  There he went into a cave to spend the night. Suddenly the Lord spoke to him, “Elijah, what are you doing here?”  He answered, “Lord God Almighty, I have always served you—you alone. But the people of Israel have broken their covenant with you, torn down your altars, and killed all your prophets. I am the only one left—and they are trying to kill me!” 1 Kings 19:9-10

What happens when you allow Offense to take root?

1. You Take Responsibility For a Battle That isn't Yours.

2.  Your Thinking Gets Out Of balance.

Better one handful with tranquility than two handfuls with toil and chasing after the wind.  Ecclesiastes 4:6 NIV

3.  You isolate Yourself In A Cave. 

The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone.”         

Genesis 2:18 NIV

4.   You Let The Noise Around You overpower God’s Voice.

“Go out and stand before me on top of the mountain,” the Lord said to him. Then the Lord passed by and sent a furious wind that split the hills and shattered the rocks—but the Lord was not in the wind. The wind stopped blowing, and then there was an earthquake—but the Lord was not in the earthquake.  After the earthquake there was a fire—but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire there was the soft whisper of a voice.  When Elijah heard it, he covered his face with his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. A voice said to him, “Elijah, what are you doing here?” He answered, “Lord God Almighty, I have always served you—you alone. But the people of Israel have broken their covenant with you, torn down your altars, and killed all your prophets. I am the only one left—and they are trying to kill me.” 1 Kings 19:11-14 

5.   You Start Believing The lies  You Tell Yourself.

And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise… Then the God of peace will be with you.                           

Philippians 4:8-9 NLT

6.   You forfeit The Role God Has Given You

The Lord said, “Return to the wilderness near Damascus, then enter the city and anoint Hazael as king of Syria; anoint Jehu son of Nimshi as king of Israel, and anoint Elisha son of Shaphat from Abel Meholah to succeed you as prophet. 1 Kings 19:15-16

Discussion Questions:

Growing up, how did your family handle payback? (Examples: siblings getting even, playful revenge, or getting even.)

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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Vengeance is Mine 

Offense is the Greek Word SKANDALON: the bait that triggers a trap to close when an animal touches it 

Avoiding an offense is impossible but living offended is a choice.

When we feel wronged, it feels right to get revenge.

If Cain is avenged seven times, then Lamech seventy-seven times. Genesis. 4:24

It’s right to want justice  , but it’s wrong to take revenge . 

But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.  Luke 6:27-28

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.  Romans 12:2

Do not repay anyone evil for evil… If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Romans 12:17-18

Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.  Romans 12:19

1.  It’s right to want justice, but it’s wrong to take revenge . 

Revenge doesn’t remove the pain; it actually magnifies it. 

2.   It’s God's Job , and He is very good  at it.

Responding to evil with evil doesn’t overcome
 it.  It only adds to it. 

Come, therefore, let us now kill him and cast him into some pit… we shall see what will become of his dreams! Gen 37:20

You plotted evil against me, but God turned it into good, in order to preserve the lives of many people who are alive today because of what happened.  Genesis 50:20

1.  Leave Room = Give God the Opportunity to Avenge Us. 

2.   When You Take Revenge, You Remove God. 

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:21

Discussion Questions:

Growing up, how did your family handle payback? (Examples: siblings getting even, playful revenge, or getting even.)

Romans 12:19 says, “It is mine to avenge; I will repay, says the Lord.” Why is it so hard to believe God will handle it?

Joseph told his brothers, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good” (Gen. 50:20). How can that perspective change the way we look at people who have hurt us?

How can long-term unforgiveness or hidden bitterness quietly erode spiritual maturity, even in seasoned believers?

What would it look like for you to “step over the offense” and leave room for God?

This week, what’s one way you can redirect that energy into something good?

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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The Bait

And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another.  Matthew 24:10

1.   Offenses are going to happen.

2.  The opportunities for new offenses are Limitless. 

Then He said to the disciples, “It is impossible that no offenses should come… Luke 17:1

Offense is the Greek Word SKANDALON: the bait
 that triggers a trap to close when an animal touches it

Holding on to an offense allows bitterness
 to sink its fangs into your heart.

God’s plans for your future are too big for you to hold on to small offenses from your past.

Avoiding an offense is impossible
 but living offended is a choice 

.A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense. Proverbs 19:11

1.   The Wisest People Overlook  Offenses.

If your brother sins against you... seven times in a day, and seven times in a day returns to you, saying, ‘I repent,’ you shall forgive him.” Luke 17:3-5

And the apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith.” Luke 17:3-5 

2.   Overlooking Offense = "Pass Over / Step Over” it.

3.  Step Over an Offense = Close the Gap
 with Love.

Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs. Proverbs 10:12

Two options with an offense:

Accuse – assume the worst
 about someone

Love – Assume the Best
 about someone’s intentions 

A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.  Proverbs 19:11

Discussion Questions:

What’s a funny or random thing that has offended you before (like traffic, social media, or even Chick-fil-A drive-thru merging)?

On a scale of 1–10, how easily do you think you get offended? Why?

Have you ever been caught in the trap of offense? What happened, and how did it affect your relationships, joy, or walk with God?

How do small offenses (like online comments, driving, or coworkers) add up to create big bitterness over time?

Why do you think overlooking offense feels weak in the moment—but is actually a sign of wisdom and strength?

What’s one offense you’re holding onto right now? What would it look like to “step over it” instead of staying stuck in it?

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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But the time is coming—indeed it’s here now—when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for those who will worship him that way.  John 4:23

1. Worship Isn’t Limited to a segment of People

Romans 1:21–25 (NIV)

“For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like a mortal human being and birds and animals and reptiles. Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen.”

2. Worship Isn’t Limited to a segment  of Life

Matthew 6:33 (NIV) — “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

3. True Worship is a whole Life Response

John 4:19–24 (NIV)

“Woman,” Jesus replied, “believe me, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews. Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.”

4. Why does Worship Matter?

     - Because you become what you worship

Psalm 115:2

1 Not to us, Lord, not to us

    but to your name be the glory,

    because of your love and faithfulness.

2 Why do the nations say,

    “Where is their God?”

3 Our God is in heaven;

    he does whatever pleases him.

4 But their idols are silver and gold,

    made by human hands.

5 They have mouths, but cannot speak,

    eyes, but cannot see.

6 They have ears, but cannot hear,

    noses, but cannot smell.

7 They have hands, but cannot feel,

    feet, but cannot walk,

    nor can they utter a sound with their throats.

8 Those who make them will be like them,

    and so will all who trust in them

     - Because You Only Get one shot 

Isaiah 42:5

“This is what God the Lord says—

the Creator of the heavens, who stretches them out,

who spreads out the earth with all that springs from it,

who gives breath to His people,

and life to those who walk on it.

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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Worship is a Weapon

But the time is coming—indeed it’s here now—when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for those who will worship him that way.  John 4:23

Jesus isn’t interested in a casual  relationship with you 

One day as we were going down to the place of prayer, we met a slave girl who had a spirit that enabled her to tell the future. She earned a lot of money for her masters by telling fortunes. She followed Paul and the rest of us, shouting, “These men are servants of the Most-High God, and they have come to tell you how to be saved.” This went on day after day until Paul got so exasperated that he turned and said to the demon within her, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And instantly it left her. Her masters’ hopes of wealth were now shattered, so they grabbed Paul and Silas and dragged them before the authorities at the marketplace. “The whole city is in an uproar because of these Jews!” they shouted to the city officials. “They are teaching customs that are illegal for us Romans to practice.”  A mob quickly formed against Paul and Silas, and the city officials ordered them stripped and beaten with wooden rods. They were severely beaten, and then they were thrown into prison. The jailer was ordered to make sure they didn’t escape. So the jailer put them into the inner dungeon and clamped their feet in the stocks.

Acts 16:16-34

1.  Life is Not Fair .

For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike.  Matthew 5:45

Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening. Suddenly, there was a massive earthquake, and the prison was shaken to its foundations. All the doors immediately flew open, and the chains of every prisoner fell off. Acts 16:16-34

2.  Look Up .

The jailer woke up to see the prison doors wide open. He assumed the prisoners had escaped, so he drew his sword to kill himself.  But Paul shouted to him, “Stop! Don’t kill yourself! We are all here!”  The jailer called for lights and ran to the dungeon and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. Then he brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”  They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, along with everyone in your household.”  And they shared the word of the Lord with him and with all who lived in his household. Acts 16:16-34 

3. There is an assignment   in the Pit.

Even at that hour of the night, the jailer cared for them and washed their wounds. Then he and everyone in his household were immediately baptized. He brought them into his house and set a meal before them, and he and his entire household rejoiced because they all believed in God.  Acts 16:16-3

4. Worship Moves the Immovable  .

Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.  James 4:8

When the praise Goes Up  - Your God Shows Up .

Discussion Questions:

What’s one idea from the message that really stood out to you? Why did this idea grab your attention?

Can you think of a time in Scripture when worship shifted the atmosphere or changed the outcome of a battle?

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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We live in a world full of filters, facades, and fake—it’s hard to know what’s real anymore. But in John 4:23, Jesus says the Father is looking for something specific: true worshipers. Not perfect ones. Not polished ones. Real ones.  

This Sunday, we’re talking about what it means to worship in spirit and in truth—not just with a song, but with your everyday life. If you’ve ever wondered if your worship matters, or how to draw close to God when life is messy, this one’s for you.  Come ready. Come honest. God’s looking for the real ones.

https://relatecommunitychurch.churchcenter.com/episodes/512725

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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Goodness transforms every environment it enters. Just as light immediately changes a dark room, true biblical goodness changes the culture, people, and atmosphere around it. In this final installment of our Fruitful Summer series, guest speaker Talon unpacks the profound meaning of "agathosune" – the Greek word for goodness found in Galatians 5:22.

The essence of biblical goodness can be distilled into a powerful formula: doing the right thing, the right way, for the right reason. This isn't about feelings or self-perception but active moral excellence that manifests through our actions. When we examine the obstacles to goodness, we discover two categories of sin that battle against it: sins of commission (actively doing wrong) and sins of omission (failing to do right when we should). These sins of omission often flourish in the comfortable, convenient spaces of our lives.

Talon shares a remarkable real-world example of goodness in action through his non-profit organization, Seventh Beacon, which combats child exploitation on the internet. Their work embodies the definition of biblical goodness – sacrificially doing what's right, with ethical methods, motivated purely by the desire to protect vulnerable children. The results are staggering: in just six months, they've helped remove over 52 terabytes of harmful material, impacting an estimated 15,600 children.

As we conclude this series on the fruits of the Spirit, we're called to examine where goodness is evident in our lives and relationships. Are we allowing God's work to produce this fruit not just within us but flowing through us to transform our homes, workplaces, and communities? Next week, we'll shift focus to prayer and worship as we enter a new season of stretching our faith to reach higher levels.

Does your life spread goodness that transforms? When was the last time your presence changed the atmosphere around you? Join us next Sunday as we begin our journey into deeper worship and prayer.

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