Overtime with Jim Putman

Overcome: Our Testimony

 
Real Life Overtime Podcast Show Notes 
"Overcome: The Power of Testimony"
 
Introduction
Welcome to the Real Life Overtime Podcast! This week, we dive into the Overcome series, reflecting on the power of testimony and its role in our journey of faith. Our speakers—Blake, Titus, Gabe, along with our host Jim Putman - share insights from messages delivered across Real Life’s campuses, all centered on Revelation 12:11: “They overcame by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony.” Whether you’re a group leader, a new believer, or someone seeking encouragement, this episode reminds us of the transformative power of the gospel and the personal stories of God’s grace in our lives.
 
Key Points Discussed

1. The Role of Testimony in Overcoming
o We overcome through the blood of Jesus and by sharing our testimony of what He’s done in our lives. Blake highlights 1 John 5:11-12, emphasizing that our testimony reflects both who we are in Christ and how we live.

2. Testimony as Witness
o Titus explored John 9, sharing the story of the blind man whose simple testimony—“I was blind, but now I see”—shows that even short, authentic accounts of Jesus’ work are powerful.

3. Cracks That Shine Light
o Using a visual of a broken mug, Titus also illustrates how God’s grace shines brightest through our cracks and failures. Our testimony isn’t about perfection; it’s about God’s redemptive power.

4. Living and Sharing the Gospel
o Gabe stressed the importance of walking the talk, being ready to share, and speaking up about our faith. He shared practical tips, like praying for opportunities and being present in everyday moments, such as at the gym, to witness to others.

5. Collective Testimony as the Church
o Jim emphasized the importance of community. Our testimony isn’t just individual but collective as we live out Acts 2:42–47, growing in unity, love, and discipleship.

6. Facing the Accuser
o Both before and after coming to Christ, the enemy accuses us. Yet, as Jim reminds us, our testimony points to Jesus as the hero of our story, not ourselves.
 
Discussion Questions
1. What specific moments in your life reflect God’s transformative power?
2. How can you intentionally share your testimony in everyday conversations?
3. What does it mean to “walk the talk” in your personal life and relationships?
4. How has being part of a Christian community strengthened your faith and testimony?
5. How do you combat feelings of inadequacy when sharing your story?
 
Action Steps
• Identify & Pray: Identify someone in your life who doesn’t know Jesus. Commit to praying for them daily.

• Reflect & Share: Spend time reflecting on your testimony. Write down key moments where God’s grace was evident and share it in your group.

• Live Intentionally: Be mindful of living out the gospel in your daily interactions—at work, home, or even the gym.

• Encourage Others: Share words of encouragement with someone struggling in their faith journey.
 
Final Encouragement
As we close out this Overcome series, remember that your testimony is a vital part of God’s work in reconciling the world to Himself. Whether your story feels big or small, it has the power to inspire and point others to Jesus. Let’s live out our testimonies boldly and authentically, supporting each other as the family of God. God bless you, and we’ll see you next week on the Overtime Podcast!
 

 

Jesus Is: Fulfillment

In this week's episode of the Overtime Podcast, Chris Short sits down with campus pastors Gabe, Jim, and Blake to dive deeper into the messages shared across campuses. The focus: "Jesus is Fulfillment"—the central theme of the weekend's teaching. Together, they unpack how Jesus fulfills prophecy, the law, and the personal longing in each of our lives. The discussion offers encouragement, practical insights, and a timely reminder as we head into the Christmas season: Jesus alone is the fulfillment we seek.

Key Discussion Points
1. Jesus Fulfills Prophecy

• Jesus' coming wasn't a coincidence; it was foretold in the Old Testament through countless prophecies.
• They highlight the astronomical probability of Jesus fulfilling even a small number of these prophecies, proving He is God.
• The Wise Men’s Example: They were looking for the Messiah because of ancient prophecy. What you look for, you will find.
• Encouragement: Let’s ask ourselves this Christmas season—What are we looking for?

2. Jesus Fulfills the Law

• The team explains that Jesus didn’t abolish the law but fulfilled it perfectly.
• While we could never meet God's holy standard (613 laws!), Jesus did what we couldn’t do: He lived a sinless life and became the perfect sacrifice.
• As Paul writes, the law reveals our need for a Savior, and Jesus fulfilled that need for us.
• Freedom Through Grace: We no longer rely on our own efforts to gain God’s favor.

3. Jesus Fulfills Our Lives

• Fulfillment isn’t found in circumstances, possessions, or relationships. True fulfillment is only found in Jesus.
• John 10:10 – "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."
• They give us the challenge: What are you searching for this season? A tree full of presents or a life full of Jesus?
• Jeremiah 29:13 reminds us, "You will seek me and find me when you search for me with all your heart."

4. The Gift That Must Be Received

• Salvation is the ultimate gift, but a gift is only meaningful if it’s received.
• The team emphasized how many people leave the “perfect gift” unwrapped, missing out on the life-changing relationship Jesus offers.
• No matter what we’ve done or where we are, this gift is for everyone.

5. Encouragement for Those Struggling

• Life’s challenges can leave us feeling unfulfilled.
• They addressed those who say, “I tried Christianity, but it didn’t work for me.”
• They reminded listeners that fulfillment doesn’t mean an absence of struggles but the presence of Jesus in those struggles.
• Colossians warns us against hollow and deceptive philosophies; only Jesus satisfies our thirsty souls.
• John 6 – Jesus is the bread of life; when we seek Him, we’ll never hunger or thirst spiritually.

6. Confidence in God’s Faithfulness

• God’s fulfillment of prophecy, His covenant promises, and His work through Jesus give us confidence in His faithfulness for the future.
• Revelation 21:5 – "I am making everything new."
• Christmas is just the beginning: Emmanuel, God with us, leads us to eternal hope and confidence.

Discussion Questions
Use these questions to guide group discussions or personal reflection:

1. What are you looking for this Christmas season? Are you searching for fulfillment in things other than Jesus?

2. How does knowing Jesus fulfilled the law change the way you view God’s grace and your relationship with Him?

3. What does it mean for you to live a life "full of Jesus"? What needs to shift in your focus to experience this?

4. Have you "unwrapped" the gift of salvation, or are you leaving it under the tree? What steps can you take to fully receive and walk in this gift?

5. When you feel unfulfilled or discouraged, how can the truth of Jesus as the "bread of life" encourage you?
 
Practical Next Steps
• Seek Jesus First: This Christmas, focus on seeking Jesus above all else (Jeremiah 29:13). Spend intentional time in prayer and Scripture.

• Reflect on Fulfillment: Write down areas where you’ve sought fulfillment outside of Christ and pray for Him to be the center.

• Encourage Others: Share the gift of Jesus with friends, family, or neighbors this season. Invite someone to Christmas services or share your faith story.

• Download the Real Life Ministries App: Use the new app to access resources, messages, and tools to support your spiritual growth.
 
Closing Thoughts
This episode served as a powerful reminder that fulfillment—true, lasting, abundant life—is only found in Jesus. As you navigate the expectations and busyness of the Christmas season, don’t leave the perfect gift unwrapped. Jesus is the fulfillment of prophecy, the law, and the deepest needs of your heart.
 
Resources Mentioned:
• Real Life Ministries App – Available now for tools, messages, and more.
• Website: realliferesources.org

Next Episode: The Overtime Podcast will return in 2025 with a new series to kick off the new year. Until then, have a Merry Christmas and a blessed holiday season!

Jesus Is: God

Welcome to the Real Life Overtime Podcast! In this episode, we dive deeper into the first message of our Christmas series, Jesus Is..., exploring the foundational truth that Jesus is God. Join Sam Meredith and Titus Leger, Josh Austin, and Blake Whiteman as they unpack this essential doctrine and discuss its significance for our faith, our lives, and this Christmas season.
 
Key Points
1. Understanding Jesus as God
The pastors clarify the doctrinal foundation of Jesus' divinity, rooted in the Bible’s teaching of the triune God.

Jesus' divinity is evident throughout Scripture, affirmed by His claims, His acts, and His acceptance of worship.

Believing Jesus is God should transform how we celebrate Christmas, worship, and live.

2. Seeing Jesus Clearly

Josh illustrated how our view of Jesus might be blurry, like a pixelated image, until we truly grasp His identity as God.

He challenged listeners to answer the question, “Who do you say Jesus is?” emphasizing the life-changing impact of that answer.

3. Jesus: The Eternal Word

Titus emphasized that the story of Jesus begins not at the manger but in eternity, as the eternal Word who created all things.

John 1:1-5 was central in unpacking Jesus' divine attributes: eternal, Creator, and life-giver.

4. Why Jesus’ Divinity Matters

Without Jesus being God, Christianity loses its foundation. His divinity is crucial for:
   The power of His sacrifice to atone for humanity’s sin.
   The reality of the resurrection and the hope it provides.
   Transforming lives through His divine authority and grace.

5. Practical Applications for the Christmas Season

Advent Traditions: Engage in family activities like Advent calendars, reading the Gospel of Luke, or baking a Jesus-themed birthday cake to focus on Him.

(Find the Real Life Advent Calendar here: https://realliferesources.org/current-series/jesus-is/ )

Knowing God’s Word: Spend intentional time in Scripture to deepen understanding of who Jesus is.

Being Witnesses: Live out the truth of Jesus’ divinity in work, family gatherings, and community interactions.
 
Discussion Questions
1. How does the truth that Jesus is God change how you view and celebrate Christmas?
2. What steps can you take to clearly articulate why you believe Jesus is God?
3. In what ways can you model Mary’s humble response, “I am the Lord’s servant,” this season?
4. How can you share the evidence of Jesus’ divinity with gentleness and respect, especially during family gatherings?
 
Actionable Next Steps

• Study the Bible: Read through the Gospel of Luke (one chapter per day) as a countdown to Christmas. Reflect on what it reveals about Jesus.

• Engage in Apologetics: Visit https://realliferesources.org/ to explore materials that help answer questions about Jesus’ divinity.

• Practice Intentional Living: Look for ways to reflect Christ in your interactions, whether at work, home, or holiday events.

• Family Focus: Start a Christ-centered tradition, like baking a symbolic birthday cake for Jesus or discussing His significance during family time.
 
Closing

This Christmas season, let’s fix our eyes on Jesus, the eternal Word who became flesh. He is God, and His divinity transforms everything about our faith and life. Stay rooted in the Word, serve the Lord with humility, and shine His light in every corner of your life. Thanks for joining us, and don’t forget to check out Real Life Resources for more tools to help you grow in your walk with Christ. Merry Christmas!

Made For These Days: Steward Our Health

Welcome to Real Life Overtime, where the sermon doesn’t end on Sunday! This week, Craig Miles is joined by Pat Lessard and Jim Blazin for a deep dive into the topic of stewarding our health. It’s a comprehensive conversation touching on physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Often overlooked in stewardship discussions, this episode highlights how caring for our health is a key part of honoring God. Join us as we unpack what it means to navigate these areas faithfully, no matter your starting point.
 
Key Points Covered:
1. Holistic Health Is Complex and Interconnected:

• Health involves physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual components that influence one another deeply.
• Life experiences, family history, and personal challenges shape how we approach health in these areas.
• It’s essential to avoid comparisons to others and focus on faithfulness in our unique circumstances.

2. The Role of Hardship in Growth:

• God uses trials and struggles to refine us and teach stewardship.
• Scripture encourages embracing challenges as a way to grow in resilience and faith.

3. Practical Stewardship Requires Action:

• Stewardship isn’t formulaic; it involves intentional, often challenging steps.
• Practicing disciplines like taking thoughts captive (2 Corinthians 10) or abiding in Christ (John 15) keeps us rooted in truth.

4. Small, Sustainable Steps Matter:

• A simple walk, time in God’s Word, or moments of gratitude can recalibrate your mind, emotions, and spirit.
• Small practices like journaling or reframing thoughts can lead to significant mental and emotional health benefits.

5. Recognizing the Spiritual Battle:

• Satan thrives in imbalance, aiming to distort our health and derail our focus.
• Staying connected to God and His truth through scripture and prayer is vital for balanced living.
   

Discussion Questions:

1. How have you seen the interconnectedness of physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health in your own life?

2. What steps can you take to address an area of health you’ve been neglecting?

3. Reflect on a recent hardship: How might God be using it to grow your stewardship or deepen your faith?

4. How does the practice of gratitude shift your perspective during challenging times?
 
Action Steps:
Gratitude Practice: Spend a few minutes each night thanking God for three things from your day.

Take a Walk: Commit to a 5-15 minute walk this week to clear your mind, pray, or reflect.

Daily Scripture Focus: Choose a passage to meditate on and pray through, even on busy days.

Reframe Your Thoughts: Use a tool like journaling or an app to identify and combat cognitive distortions with God’s truth. (You can find the one Pat mentions here: https://www.thinkwithclarity.com/ )
 
Closing:

Stewarding our health—physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual—is part of honoring God with all He’s entrusted to us. While perfection isn’t the goal, faithfulness is. As you step into this week, remember to abide in Christ, take small steps, and trust God’s process of growth through life’s complexities.

Thank you for joining us for this episode of Real Life Overtime. See you next time as we continue to explore what it means to live out our faith every day!

 

Made For These Days: Steward Our Hearts

In this episode, we continue the series, "Made for These Days", exploring how God has placed us in this time and place for His purposes. Drawing from Ephesians 2:10 and Acts 17, we dive into what it means to live as God’s masterpiece—individually and as part of His collective church. The conversation highlights our call to steward the resources God has entrusted to us, including our finances, time, and hearts, and the importance of cultivating gratitude and contentment in a world that constantly demands “more.”

Key Points:

Living as God’s Masterpiece:

We are individually and corporately designed for good works that God prepared in advance.

God is both the owner and master; we are stewards of His resources.

Stewarding Our Finances:

Tithing: A tangible act of acknowledging God’s ownership, supporting the ministry, and ensuring God remains at the center of our lives.

Generosity flows from recognizing God’s abundant generosity toward us.

Contentment and the Heart:

Greed and dissatisfaction are enemies of our hearts that keep us trapped in a cycle of “more.”

Biblical contentment brings freedom. Reflecting on 1 Timothy 6:6-10 and Ecclesiastes 5, the guys talk about the dangers of loving money and how godliness with contentment is “great gain.”

Zacchaeus’s transformation is a powerful example of how encountering Jesus shifts the focus from “me, mine, and more” to generosity and joy.

Practical Tools for Heart Stewardship:

Guard your heart: Recognize and resist the lies of entitlement, comparison, and greed.

Cultivate gratitude: Focus on the blessings God has given, regardless of circumstances (Philippians 4:6-8, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).

Choose contentment: Evaluate needs versus wants, avoid impulsive decisions, and realign desires with God’s will (Haggai 1:5-7).

Heart Health Lessons from Scripture:

Gratitude and contentment are like vitamins for spiritual heart health.

David’s life demonstrates the importance of repentance, obedience, and abiding in God’s word, even after failure.

Gratitude Over Bitterness:

The enemy seeks to stir discontent through comparison and entitlement, but thanksgiving cuts off the roots of bitterness and lack of contentment.

Whether in abundance or difficulty, gratitude reorients us to God’s eternal perspective.

Discussion Questions:

1. How does recognizing God as the owner of everything change the way you view your finances and other resources?
2. What practical steps can you take to cultivate gratitude in your daily life, especially when facing challenging circumstances?
3. Reflect on your heart’s motivations: Are there areas where discontentment, comparison, or entitlement are present? How can you surrender these to God?
4. How does living with an eternal perspective impact the way you respond to temporary challenges?
5. What does generosity look like for you in this season of life, and how can it reflect God’s generosity toward you?

As we enter Thanksgiving week, let’s fix our eyes on Jesus, the ultimate example of generosity and contentment. Reflect on all that He has done for us and embrace the freedom that comes from living as His stewards. May gratitude overflow in our hearts, anchoring us in the eternal hope we have in Christ.

 

Made For These Days: Steward our Finances

In this episode of the Real Life Overtime Podcast, the teaching team dives deeper into the biblical principles of stewardship and generosity, exploring how these concepts connect to our calling in Christ. Anchored in Acts 17 and Matthew 25, the discussion focuses on how we, as individuals and as the body of Christ, are called to manage our resources—time, energy, and finances—for God’s purposes. The conversation highlights the spiritual discipline of tithing, the role of obedience, and the eternal impact of giving.

Whether you're wrestling with how to start tithing or seeking to deepen your understanding of biblical generosity, this episode is a practical and inspiring guide to aligning your heart with God's mission.

Key Topics Covered:

God’s Intentional Design for Our Time and Place:

• Acts 17 affirms that God placed us in this exact moment in history with specific purposes.
• Ephesians 2:10 reminds us that we were created for good works, individually and corporately, to reveal God’s wisdom and love to the world.
  Stewardship and Accountability:
• From Matthew 25, we learn that we are stewards, not owners, of everything we have.

Stewardship is about investing our God-given resources (time, talents, finances) in ways that honor Him and advance His kingdom.

Why God Speaks So Often About Money:

• Scripture addresses finances over 2,000 times because money is closely tied to our hearts (Exodus 20:3, Malachi 3).
• 
  The danger of idolizing wealth and possessions can lead us away from trusting God.

Tithing as a Discipline and a Test of Faith:

• Tithing is introduced before the Mosaic Law and affirmed throughout Scripture as a foundational act of obedience.
• Malachi 3 invites believers to “test” God in tithing, promising His provision and blessings.
• Tithing shifts our mindset from ownership to stewardship and cultivates a heart of generosity.

The Practical and Eternal Impact of Generosity:

• Generosity supports the church’s mission: feeding the hungry, equipping leaders, supporting global missions, and meeting community needs.
• Obedience in giving impacts not only our spiritual growth but also the lives of countless others through the body of Christ.

Reflection & Discussion Questions:

1. How does understanding that God placed you in this specific time and place shape your view of your role in His mission?
2. In what ways can tithing or practicing generosity help you grow in trust and obedience to God?
3. How can you identify and address areas where money or possessions may have become an idol in your life?
4. What is one practical step you can take this week to invest your resources (time, talents, or finances) for God’s kingdom?
5. How can you encourage your group or family to embrace a heart of generosity together?

This episode challenges us to live with eternity in mind, seeing our resources as tools to invest in God’s kingdom. Generosity isn’t just a command; it’s an invitation to experience God’s faithfulness and transform lives. As you reflect on today’s message, consider how your obedience in stewardship can impact your spiritual growth and the world around you.

Stay tuned for next week’s episode as we continue the series, Made for These Days!

Made for these Days: Steward Our Days

In this episode of the Real Life Overtime Podcast, the guys delve into the new series, "Made for These Days," which explores how we, as followers of Jesus, are called to live faithfully in the time and place God has placed us. With recent political events and heightened cultural tensions, this discussion emphasizes that our purpose remains rooted in Christ and His mission, regardless of the outcomes around us. The team discusses what it means to be stewards of the days we're given, specifically during divisive times, and how we can faithfully live out our role as kingdom-minded disciples.

Key Topics Discussed

1. Stewardship of Our Testimony, Finances, and Relationships
   The episode opens with the reminder that we are Christ’s masterpieces, called to manage what God has given us—including our testimony, finances, health, and hearts—in ways that reflect His love and truth. In this particular season, it’s crucial to evaluate how our lives represent the gospel in our community, workplace, and especially with friends and family who may have differing views.
2. Navigating Political Divides with Kingdom Focus
   As election results unfold, the team addresses how believers should interact with people of differing political opinions. The hosts warn against idolizing any political leader or party and instead challenge listeners to engage in conversations that are respectful and rooted in Christ’s teachings. They remind listeners that while we are called to participate in society, our ultimate allegiance is to Jesus, not political outcomes.
3. Building a Christ-Centered Nation vs. Cultural Conformity
   They explore the importance of keeping God’s truth at the center of our identity and ambitions for the country. They emphasize that true greatness for a nation begins with individual and collective faithfulness to biblical principles—values that include family integrity, respect for life, and dedication to compassionate service.
4. The Role of the Church in Shaping a Community
   Real Life Ministries’ commitment to community impact is highlighted, celebrating the many individuals who volunteer, lead small groups, and give generously. The church’s role in impacting local and global communities is reinforced by practical actions, such as Operation Christmas Child, which reflects the heart of the gospel through generosity and service.
5. Avoiding Distractions and Staying Mission-Focused
   In closing, the hosts encourage listeners to remain steadfast in their mission, even as cultural and political issues shift. They reference Hebrews 12, urging believers to “throw off everything that entangles” and to keep their focus on Jesus as they engage with the world. The Great Commission remains unchanged, calling the church to lead with love, unity, and the light of Christ.

Discussion Questions

1. What does it mean to be a faithful steward of the time, resources, and testimony God has given you in today’s cultural climate?
2. How can we engage in respectful, Christ-centered conversations with people who have different political views, especially within our families and church communities?
3. In what ways does focusing on Jesus help us avoid the pitfalls of political or cultural idolization?
4. How does your life in the community reflect the principles of God’s kingdom? Are there ways you could be more intentional about sharing His love and truth with others?
5. How can we, as a church, support each other in our collective mission to live out the Great Commission in the middle of societal challenges?

Next Steps

• Pray for Wisdom and Maturity: This week, spend time in prayer, asking God to help you navigate challenging conversations with grace and humility.
• Focus on Kingdom Impact: Look for opportunities to serve others in your community, especially those in need, as a way to demonstrate God’s love.
• Engage in Small Group Discussions: Share and discuss the content of this series with your small group, focusing on practical applications for living as a disciple today.
• Prepare for Next Week: Reflect on how you manage your financial resources as we prepare for next week’s discussion on stewardship of finances.

This episode reminds us that while we may live in uncertain times, we are firmly planted in God’s unchanging mission. Our calling as disciples of Jesus does not shift with politics or culture; we are here to be the light in the world, making a difference in our communities with grace, truth, and love. Join us next week as we continue this journey, exploring how to steward our finances in alignment with God’s purposes.

One: Maturity in Christ

In this closing episode of the “One” series, our teaching team reflects on what spiritual maturity looks like for individuals and the church community. They unpack the essence of growing in faith as part of the body of Christ, explaining how personal spiritual growth directly impacts the health and unity of the larger church. Throughout the discussion, they touch on the traits of mature disciples, the importance of deep relationships within the church, and the ripple effect of a committed, unified community. They also address why intentional, relational discipleship is vital for grounding future generations in faith.

Key Themes & Discussion Points
1. Marks of Spiritual Maturity

Love for Others: Genuine love for others, inspired by Christ’s love, is a foundational marker of spiritual maturity. Referencing 1 John 4, the speakers emphasize that love should reflect God's character and influence relationships within the church community.

o Hatred for Sin and True Repentance: Maturing believers actively turn from sin, developing a deeper understanding of repentance not just as turning away but as genuinely detesting sin.

o Hunger for God’s Word: In an age of widespread information, the team highlights the importance of pursuing God’s truth personally, rather than relying solely on commentaries or surface-level teachings.

2. "Then and Now" Analogy
o Reflecting on the journey from spiritual infancy to maturity, the team draws on the "then and now" analogy often seen on social media. Spiritual growth should be as noticeable as physical change over time, demonstrated in stronger, wiser relationships and a visible shift in character and wisdom.

3. The Challenge of Humility and Accountability
o Spiritual growth involves embracing feedback and not taking correction as a personal attack. Maturity means valuing correction, viewing it as a part of aligning oneself with Christ's image, as mentioned in 2 Corinthians.

4. Corporate Unity Depends on Individual Growth
o For the church to thrive, every believer must pursue personal growth. Without individual spiritual maturity, unity within the body of Christ suffers, impacting the church’s ability to represent God accurately to the world.

5. Relational Ropes and Resilience
o They talk about “relational ropes” as the strong connections within a church community that hold members together, especially during times of trial. True discipleship and maturity are marked by these close relationships, built through regular service, accountability, and life together in Christ.

6. Parenting in Faith: Creating Lasting Spiritual Roots
o The episode discusses the alarming trend of young people leaving the church, often because they were never fully integrated into the body of Christ. Parents are encouraged to be active, visible participants in the church so their children can experience a faith community deeply and authentically.

7. Serving as a Pathway to Growth
o Serving in the church isn’t limited to corporate, scheduled events. Every believer is called to meet needs in their everyday environment—whether by helping a neighbor or offering support to a struggling member. By taking on small acts of service, the church fulfills its mission to embody Christ in the world.

8. Building Resilient Families and Marriages
o The podcast underscores the role of strong marriages and families in a healthy church. Relational maturity, especially within marriage, is foundational and serves as a model for the next generation.

Reflection Questions
• In what ways have you seen spiritual growth in your own life? What are the visible “then and now” markers?
• How do you personally resist or embrace feedback that challenges you to grow in maturity?
• What are some “relational ropes” that keep you anchored in your faith community? How do these relationships support your spiritual growth?
• As a parent or role model, how can you help the younger generation build a deeper connection to the church community?
• Where is God calling you to serve within or beyond the walls of the church? How can you use your gifts to support others in faith?

Action Steps for Group Leaders
• Encourage Self-Reflection: Ask group members to identify areas in their lives where they’ve grown spiritually. Have them share stories that highlight these changes, providing an opportunity for encouragement and celebration.
• Create Accountability: Foster a culture of open feedback within the group. Encourage members to receive correction as a loving call to growth, helping to deepen trust and humility in your discussions.
• Foster Deep Connections: Build relational “ropes” by scheduling regular meet-ups outside of regular group times—meals, activities, or service projects that strengthen community bonds.
• Serve Together: Identify needs within the church or community that your group could meet together. Serving collectively not only strengthens relationships but also models a life of service to younger believers.

Final Encouragement
The journey of spiritual maturity is one of daily, intentional decisions that deepen our relationship with God and others. As disciples, we are called to be united in love, firmly rooted in truth, and resilient together. Let’s encourage each other to "grow up" in faith, actively contributing to a church community that supports, serves, and uplifts each other for the glory of God. Remember, our individual growth impacts the whole body, and together, we become a living testament of Christ’s love to the world.
 
Thank you for investing in your spiritual growth and in the lives of others! We look forward to starting our new series, "Made for These Days," next week.