About the Podcast
In this episode of The Foundation Hangout, Pastor Brian discusses how Christians can grow closer to God in their daily lives, especially at the beginning of the year. He emphasizes the importance of abiding in Christ, spending time in prayer and studying the Bible. He encourages listeners to reflect on their relationship with God and make a commitment to prioritize Him in their lives.
Key Takeaways
- (00:38) Abiding in Christ: Growing closer to God involves abiding in Christ, which means having an intimate relationship with Him. This includes spending time with Him daily through prayer, studying the Word, and praising Him. Colossians 3 advises setting our minds on heavenly things, focusing on Christ to draw strength and produce fruit, which is evidence of our connection to the vine.
- (06:05) Producing Fruit Through Christ: Producing fruit as Christians is only possible through Christ, who is the vine. God prunes us through trials and tribulations to help our faith grow and draw us closer to Him. This process allows us to produce more fruit, demonstrating the evidence of our relationship with Christ, who provides the necessary nutrients for growth.
- (09:33) Importance of Gratitude: It's important to regularly thank God for His blessings, such as waking up each morning, the ability to walk, and the gift of sight and hearing. Praising Him and crying out to Him in personal time, not just during church services, is essential for developing intimacy with God and deepening our relationship with Him.
- (15:34) Applying God's Word: After praying for God to reveal Himself through scripture, it's crucial to apply what He reveals to our lives. Without application, our prayers are in vain. We must be willing to put into action what God is telling us to produce fruit that glorifies Him and demonstrates our growing relationship with Christ.
- (16:42) Dependence on Christ: Without Christ, we can do nothing; He is the sustainer of life, enabling us to function and accomplish anything. We must remember that He provides everything we need, like water and nutrients, and brings the increase. The fruit we produce should glorify God and reveal Christ, showing our growth and sanctification.
- (20:14) Self-Reflection and Growth: We should ask God to search our hearts, know our anxieties, and reveal any wickedness within us, guiding us in the way everlasting. Identifying areas where we fall short and committing to improvement through Christ is essential. Even small improvements demonstrate growth in the Lord, sustained by the vine.
Website
https://thefoundationhangout.transistor.fm/
Redbubble Store
PastorBrianB.redbubble.com
Teepublic Store
http://tee.pub/lic/thefoundationhangout
YouTube Code for episode
7JRJ1RPFLOHJ7QQ2