Springville Church of the Nazarene's Podcast

"The fruit of the Spirit is... goodness" (Galatians 5:22). What is this "goodness" that the Holy Spirit produces in/through our lives? This virtue is unique to the Christian life - the Greek word was used exclusively in the New Testament to describe an authentic, genuine Christ-follower. Rooted in God's own character, the word was not commonly used in the everyday language...

"The Fruit of the Spirit is...kindness..." (Galatians 5:22). What, exactly, is this "kindness" that the Holy Spirit produces in/through our lives? And how can we put this "kindness" into practice in our everyday lives? Check out this 5th lesson in this 9-part series of lessons on the fruit of the Spirit from Galatians 5:22-23.

"Patience" - the Greek work is "macrothumos" from "macro" (a long time) + "thumos" (to boil) = "to take a long time to boil." What a word picture! When is patience demanded of us in our everyday lives? And how do we allow the Holy Spirit to develop this virtue in/through us? Don't miss this practical study of this 4th fruit of the Spirit - one...

This lesson takes an in-depth look at what the Bible says about the dimensions of peace, the diversion from peace, and the directions for peace in our lives. As the Holy Spirit dwells in us, He produces this fruit of "peace" in and through us (Galatians 5:22-23). What is it, exactly? Open your Bible to Philippians 4:6-9 and give this a careful and prayerful listen!

What is the difference between happiness and joy? Where does true joy come from? What does this second Christian virtue really look like? Our study of the Fruit of the Spirit continues with a closer look at what the Bible says about this second quality of a genuine, authentic, Spirit-filled Christ-follower.

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love..." (Galatians 5:22). We talk about love, we read books about love, we sing songs about love, we watch movies about love - but do we really understand what true, agape love: what it is and how it behaves? This first lesson in the Fruit of the Spirit series discusses the priority, practice, and permanence of love, using The Love Chapter (1 Corinthians...

A continuation from September 13, 2015 - part 2 of 2: What IS God's purpose for His church? How Can we apply this purpose at Springville Church of the Nazarene? Where should it be applied and to whom? Don't miss this informative and inspiring conclusion to this brief series of lessons.

Can you imagine a football game without a goal line or goal posts? travel without a destination? a business without a product or customers? a church without a purpose? Great news! God has clearly outlined HIS purpose for the church in the Bible. It is not our job to design the purpose, but to discover it...and do it.

In the 10th and final commandment, God says, "You shall not covet..." (Exodus 20:17). What is "covetousness?" It is desiring excessively, illegitimately, and selfishly - especially what belongs to another. The heart of this timeless principle is all about learning contentment - something we all struggle to put into practice in our everyday lives.

Exodus 20:16 - "You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor." This original 9th commandment dealt directly with perjury in a courtroom setting. However, 40 years later, when the commandment was repeated in Deuteronomy 5:20, a broader Hebrew word was used referring to any/all kinds of lying, dishonesty, or deceit. The bottom line is: we are called to be a people of truth. Wha...

"You shall not steal" (Exodus 20:15) - this 8th of the Ten Commandments is much broader in its application than it appears at first glance. This timeless principle deals with the issues of honesty, integrity, and financial responsibility. Anything and everything we have gained for ourselves must, by the application of this boundary, be gained honestly and justly. How do YOU measure up to...

God desires you to trust in Him - fully and completely. As you do, you will experience a peace that is indescribable in your life. Don't miss this Guest Speaker, Kristy Johnson, M.A. IMFT.

"You shall not commit adultery" (Exodus 20:14) is the 7th of the Ten Commandments and the one that is probably the most difficult for us to obey. Of course, "adultery" in its narrowest sense is when a married man or woman has sexual relations with someone other than his/her own spouse. But, in the broader sense (see Jesus in Matthew 5:28-30), "adultery" is any and eve...

"You shall not murder" (Exodus 20:13) - that's a pretty straightforward command that applies to murderers, terrorists, and perpetrators of other violent crimes. But wait! Did you know that, according to the Bible, a "murderer" has a much, much broader meaning? In fact, you - yes, YOU! - could be a murderer. Got your attention? Don't miss this lesson!

"Honor your father and your mother" (Exodus 20:12) - how do we put this 5th commandment into practice in our daily lives? Especially if we have had a dishonorable parent or step-parent? Or a father or mother who has hurt us, abused us, or mistreated us in some way? Why would God choose THIS commandment to put in the Ten Commandments when He chose but 1 command to guide the family?

"Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy." What does this commandment have to do with my life today? Wasn't this just an Old Testament command for the Jews? Surely God doesn't expect me to obey this "Sabbath" principle? You may be surprised how relevant this timeless commandment is!

"You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God" (NIV) or "You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain" (NAS). What is this 3rd commandment asking of us? Well, it's a whole lot more than just a prohibition of cursing, swearing, or profanity! The name(s) of God (there are over 100 "name" for God and Jesus in the Bible) are to be exalted in everyth...

"You shall not make for yourself an idol" (Exodus 20:4) - surely this commandment is old and archaic? We don't bow down and worship idols in America today! Or, do we? As we explore this 2nd of the Ten Commandments, you may be surprised to learn how prevelent this boundary governing the worship of "idols" really is.

"You shall have no other gods before Me" - this is commandment #1 of the Ten Commandments. It is the "vest-button" principle - it is first for a reason. If we don't get this one correctly, none of the other commandments will line up. But, what does it mean - what does it look like - to put God first?

The Ten Commandments? Aren't those just old and dry ideals written on stone? Surely they aren't relevant to our lives today? Or are they? In this introductory lesson to the series, we discover 5 benefits of the Ten Commandments for our lives today. You may just be surprised!

Luke 14:33 calls us to "give up everything" - what did Jesus mean? What does the fully surrendered life really look like? This final lesson in the six-part series on The Call to Discipleship explores the principle of stewardship - God is the Owner, we are the stewards (managers), and we are accountable to God for everything He has entrusted to our care.

This is the fifth "test" of a genuine, authentic Christ-follower from Luke 9:23-25. What was Jesus' intent when He told us that we must deny ourselves and take up our cross daily? This principle is the most difficult one to date (they have been getting more and more intense as we have progressed through this series of lessons).

"Jesus, if I'm going to be Your disciple, You actually want me to HATE my parents, spouse, children, siblings - even my own life? You've got to be kidding?!" But, that's exactly what Jesus says in Luke 14:26. What could He possibly mean by such a bold statement? In this lesson #4 of what it means to be a genuine, authentic Christ-follower, we dig in to this difficult teach...

In John 13:34-35 Jesus gives the one "mark" by which the world is given permission to judge whether or not we as Christians are truly His disciples: "Love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples..." This third "test" of the genuineness or authenticity of our faith is not as easy as it sounds! What does loving one another really, practically lo...

John 15:1-17 is where Jesus speaks of the second "test" of whether or not we are truly His disciples - especially verse 8: "This is to My Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be My disciples." Simply put: we are to be producing much fruit for God - fruit that will last, Jesus says in verse 16. What does this mean? How do we become "fruitful?...