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God is not finished with you yet. No matter where you find yourself in life—whether questioning your purpose, wrestling with failures, or feeling unseen—Philippians 1:6 reminds us that "He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion." In this episode, we dive into the truth that our story isn’t over, and we are not defined by our failures.

We'll explore key scriptures like Ephesians 2:10, Hebrews 10:24-25, and Romans 12:18, reflecting on God’s masterpiece in us, the power of community, and the wisdom of seeking help. Through honest conversation, we’ll ask: How do we stay connected to God and bear good fruit? How do we mend relationships with humility and grace?

Join us as we unpack these truths, challenge limiting beliefs, and encourage one another to move forward in faith—because God’s not done yet.

Discussion Questions:
📖 What stood out to you this week?
🌱 Read John 15:4-5, 8. What are some fruits of the Spirit you see in others? What about in your own life?
🍇 How pleased do you think God is with the quality and quantity of your fruit?
🛤 How could you focus on your connection with God this year and grow more fruit of the Spirit in the process?

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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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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Bishop Dave Dolan from Sullivan, Illinois was here this week to continue celebrating Relate's 7th Birthday! 

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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Declarations for 2025

1. May every prolonged _________________ come to an end.

2. May every _________________- agenda against you backfire.
3. May every false ____________ and impersonator be __________exposed.

4. May you ______________ on every side.

5. May the _______________ of the wicked come to an _____________end now.

6. May you receive  ________________ in your bloodline.

7. May God _________________ your children and your childrens’ children.

8. May the heavens be __________________ over you.

9. May ______________ open in front of you.

10. May the devil get _______________ 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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Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever. 1 John 2:16-17

Lust of the flesh: internal cravings and addictions
Lust of the eyes: external desires, envy, and materialism

Pride of life: pursuit of status, position, and recognition

Simplicity – an inward contentment that leads to an outward way of life.  

1.  Accept Jesus’ Strong ____________. 

What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? Matthew 16:26

“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” Luke 16:13

2. _________ Down.

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” Matthew 11:28-30 MSG

Hurry sickness: A behavior pattern characterized by continual rushing and anxiousness.  

3.   Examine Your ______________.

Am I buying this for its usefulness or rather for its status?

Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Psalm 139:23

4.  Reject the _______________ .

Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”  Hebrews 13:5 

______________ before you _______________ .

5. ____________ More Things Away.

Freely you have received; freely give.  Matthew 10:8

6.  Build _____________  over ______________ .

Then Jesus said to his disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear.  For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. Luke 12:31

Discussion Questions:

What stood out to you this week?

Do you ever feel too busy or overwhelmed with the pace and pursuit of your life?

Which of the 6 Ways to Simplify your life resonated with you most? Why?  Which one is the hardest for you?

Discuss some practical steps you can take this week to set a better pace for the rest of the year.

Resources:

https://www.relatecommunity.com/challenge

https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/16928-the-ruthless-elimination-of-hurry

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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January 2, 2025  | Stretch Out | Week 1 

Why do we fast?

Fasting is giving up something important (for a period of time) to gain something more important. 

1.  ____________     with God.

Turn to me now, while there is time. Give me your hearts. Come with fasting, weeping, and mourning. Joel 2:12

Prayer    ___________       us to God

Fasting     ___________     us from the world.

Together the   __________  are unrivaled. 

Come close to God, and God will come close to you. James 4:8

2.   ____________    over your flesh. 

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize. 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

Fasting intentionally  _____________ my flesh so  that I can intentionally 
________________ my spirit. 

3. ______________ in hearing God’s voice.

Moses was there with the Lord forty days and forty nights without eating bread or drinking water. And he wrote on the tablets the words of the covenant—the Ten Commandments. Exodus 34:28

Prayer is a conversation that involves both ____________ and ____________________.

4. _______________- for greater things.

5. _______________ over the impossible. 

And when He had come into the house, His disciples asked Him privately, “Why could we not cast it out?”  So He said to them, “This kind can come out by nothing but prayer and fasting.” Mark. 9:28-29 

Discussion Questions:

What stood out to you this week?

Do you have experience fasting?  If so, how did it go for you?

Name some things that can potentially draw us away from Jesus or simply distract us from our calling?

What will your fast look like during the 21 Days of prayer and fasting this year?

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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Starting a new year with purpose and faithfulness, we invite you to join us on a spiritual journey filled with gratitude, prayer, and worship. Embrace the transformative power of God's presence as we explore how worship can serve as a catalyst for personal growth and realignment with divine purpose. Our new series, "Stretch Out," encourages us to push beyond our limitations and trust in what God can achieve in our lives. Through shared prayers and heartfelt testimonies, discover the strength found in faith and the joy that comes from allowing the Holy Spirit to overflow in your heart.

With the New Year on the horizon, we tackle the perennial challenge of self-control and the significance of inviting God into our everyday struggles. Reflecting on personal stories and the teachings of Saint Paul, we'll guide you through practical steps for spiritual growth, such as setting boundaries and prioritizing time with God. It's not just about sheer willpower; it's about placing Jesus at the center of our lives and using scripture as a guide. Whether you're working on personal goals or seeking to improve your relationships, this episode offers insights on how to embrace your responsibilities with grace and perseverance.

As we celebrate the joy and strength found in faithfulness, we touch on the emotional journey that faith can bring, from moments of loneliness to profound joy. Hear how gratitude and worship can transform difficult times into moments of praise, providing resilience and unwavering support. We emphasize the importance of self-compassion, likening personal growth to a child's journey of learning to walk, and encourage you to seek accountability and celebrate progress with others. Together, let's embrace 2025 with a spirit of worship and a commitment to keeping God at the center of our daily lives for a peaceful and joyful year ahead.

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 content explores the prophecy of Jesus' birth, focusing on his role as the prince of peace. It addresses mental health challenges during the holiday season, defining peace as inner harmony. Jesus offers believers a spiritual gift of peace, essential for facing life's struggles. The narrative emphasizes scripture as a healing tool, the importance of repetition in overcoming anxiety, and encourages trust in God while inviting prayer for emotional health.

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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Church isn’t just a place to attend.

It’s a space to worship.

It’s breakthrough.

It’s a people to belong.

 #comesitwithme 

9am + 11am // 26206 Aldine Westfield

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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What if our deepest struggle isn't just with sin, but with a hidden "orphan spirit" that distorts our perception of God and ourselves? Join us as we explore this profound question, revealing how feelings of rejection can obscure our true identity as beloved children of God. Through the lens of scripture, particularly John 14:18 and Romans 8, we unravel the spiritual implications of orphanhood and how embracing sonship can lead to a life free from fear and slavery.

We peel back the layers of the human experience, especially from the perspective of faith leaders, who often grapple with their imperfections while guiding others. Sharing candid reflections, we emphasize the significance of authenticity and community support in overcoming shame and embracing redemption. By confronting the "orphan spirit," we move beyond self-criticism and the relentless pursuit of external validation, discovering our worth in the embrace of God's love.

As we share personal stories, including moments of revelation in Africa, we invite you to experience the transformative power of seeing God as a loving Father. From practical advice on finding father figures within the community to the healing journey of forgiveness, this episode is a call to introspection and spiritual renewal. Immerse yourself in worship and prayer, releasing any hindrances to fully accepting your identity as a child of God, and step into a victorious life free from the chains of orphanhood.

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