In this episode, Wes McAdams and Marcus Stenson wrestle with the meaning of the fruit of the Spirit, especially the aspect of joy. They explore the difference between trying to produce fruit by sheer willpower versus recognizing that fruit naturally flows from the Spirit living within. Using vivid metaphors, they contrast the Spirit’s genuine work with the artificial substitutes our culture often accepts. A major focus is the distinction between biblical joy and worldly happiness.

Marcus and Wes discuss how non-Christians may show echoes of love, joy, or kindness, but without the Spirit, these expressions are often misdirected or hollow. Marcus insists that the fruit of the Spirit is diagnostic, not prescriptive—it reveals whether we are truly living by the Spirit rather than being another “to-do list” for Christians. The conversation emphasizes that joy prepares believers for inevitable seasons of pain and loss, teaching us to lament honestly while still trusting God’s promises.

Marcus Stenson serves as the preaching minister at the Leander Church of Christ in Texas. He also coaches churches transitioning from consumer-driven to disciple-making models and partners in Kenya to help with discipleship and humanitarian projects. A self-proclaimed foodie and long-suffering Minnesota Vikings fan, Marcus brings both insight and practical analogies to the discussion.

Links and Resources

* Logos.com/radicallychristian

* The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis

* Harvard Adult Development Study (often called the “Harvard Happiness Study”)

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