Welcome to Radiate Church Online!

Today is a day to celebrate the risen Savior, Jesus, and to remember that our faith is not meant to be quiet or stagnant, but alive and growing. No matter how we feel—tired, dreary, or heavy-hearted—we are invited to come before God, seek Him, and ask for wisdom. James reminds us that when we lack understanding, God gives generously to those who ask. This is not just about getting through hard times, but about drawing closer to God and allowing Him to shape us through every season.

Spiritual growth is not optional; it is the expectation for every follower of Jesus. If our faith, prayer, and love for others look the same as when we first believed, we are missing out on the fullness God intends. We are living in a time ripe for spiritual revival, but lazy faith will not allow us to participate in what God is doing. Instead, we are called to an active, growing faith—one that is yoked to Jesus, moving where He moves, submitting our will to His, and partnering with Him to make a difference.

Being yoked to Jesus means more than attending church; it means becoming the church. Jesus calls us to three things: commit to the ways of the kingdom, reach people, and build the church. This commitment is not based on feelings but on obedience. The Holy Spirit empowers us to live out these commands, guiding us into truth, developing the fruit of the Spirit in us, and equipping us with gifts to serve others. Our gifts are not for ourselves but for the benefit of others and the building up of the body of Christ.

The local church is God’s chosen vehicle for discipleship, community, and impact. Each of us is needed—not just to fill a seat, but to use our God-given gifts to serve, love, and build. The Holy Spirit is our helper, making it possible to live out this calling. The challenge is clear: don’t sit on the sidelines. Get involved, let God use you, and be part of the victories He wants to bring in the lives of others. The world needs what God has placed inside you, and now is the time to step forward in faith, commitment, and service.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Spiritual Growth Requires Active Participation God never intended for us to remain the same after coming to faith. True spiritual growth is marked by movement, deeper trust, and greater obedience. If our faith looks unchanged from when we first believed, we are missing the journey God has for us. Growth is not passive; it demands intentional pursuit and engagement with God’s Word and Spirit. [40:42]
• 2. Being Yoked to Jesus Means Submission and Partnership To be yoked with Jesus is to align our direction, will, and purpose with His. Spiritual maturity is not about having all the answers or being right, but about willingly submitting to Jesus’ leadership. Where He goes, we go—even when it means surrendering our preferences or comfort. This partnership is the foundation for a life that truly makes a difference. [46:20]
• 3. The Holy Spirit Empowers Us to Live Out Our Calling God has not only called and gifted us, but also empowered us through the Holy Spirit. The Spirit leads us into truth, develops Christlike character, and equips us to serve. Relying on our own strength leads to burnout and frustration, but leaning on the Spirit brings life, direction, and the ability to fulfill God’s purposes. [54:41]
• 4. Fruit of the Spirit Is Evidence of Our Root in Christ The fruit we bear—love, joy, peace, patience, and more—is not for our own benefit, but for others to experience God through us. The quality of our fruit reveals the depth of our relationship with Christ. Growth in these areas is a lifelong process, requiring honest self-examination and a willingness to let God develop us, even in uncomfortable ways. [62:28]
• 5. Every Believer Is Needed to Build the Church The church is not built by a few, but by the active participation of every believer using their unique gifts. Lazy Christianity sits on the sidelines, but mature faith steps up to serve, love, and disciple others. The world and the church need what God has placed in you—now is the time to get involved and let God use you to make an eternal impact. [70:52]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [13:46] - Celebrating a Risen Savior
• [16:39] - Entering Into Worship Despite Circumstances
• [17:25] - Ministry Moment: Seeking God Together
• [18:09] - Joy in Trials and Asking God for Wisdom
• [19:38] - God’s Generosity in Giving Wisdom
• [20:39] - The Power of Prayer and Stepping Out
• [35:11] - Gratitude for the Church Family
• [38:11] - Vision for the Florence Campus
• [40:00] - Secrets to Spiritual Growth
• [43:37] - The Invitation to Be Yoked with Jesus
• [46:20] - Submission and Spiritual Maturity
• [48:59] - Three Core Commitments of a Disciple
• [54:41] - The Holy Spirit: Our Empowerer
• [61:37] - Fruit of the Spirit and Loving Others
• [66:10] - Building the Church Together
• [72:18] - A Story of Impact and Legacy
• [75:00] - Taking Your Next Step
• [76:21] - Prayer of Commitment and Sending Out

Bible Reading

Matthew 11:28-30 (NASB) — > “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

James 1:2-5 (NASB) — > Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.

Galatians 5:22-23 (NASB) — > But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

Observation Questions

1. In Matthew 11:28-30, what does Jesus promise to those who are weary and burdened? What does He invite them to do?
2. According to James 1:2-5, what should our attitude be when we face trials, and what does James say God will give to those who ask? ([18:09])
3. In Galatians 5:22-23, what are the specific qualities listed as the fruit of the Spirit?
4. The sermon described being “yoked” to Jesus. What does this image mean, and how did the pastor explain it? ([45:06])

Interpretation Questions

1. What does it mean to “take Jesus’ yoke” upon ourselves? How is this different from just attending church or being religious? ([44:46])
2. The pastor said that spiritual growth is not optional for followers of Jesus. Why do you think God expects us to keep growing, and what might it look like if we don’t? ([40:42])
3. According to the sermon, how does the Holy Spirit help us live out our calling and use our gifts? ([54:41])
4. The fruit of the Spirit is described as evidence of our root in Christ. What does it reveal about our relationship with God if certain “fruits” are missing or weak? ([01:02:28])

Application Questions

1. The pastor challenged us not to have a “lazy faith” that sits on the sidelines. In what area of your faith do you feel you’ve been passive or stagnant? What is one step you could take this week to become more active? ([42:11])
2. Think about the image of being “yoked” to Jesus. Is there an area of your life where you are resisting His direction or leadership? What would it look like to submit your will to His in that area? ([46:20])
3. James says that if we lack wisdom, we should ask God, who gives generously. Is there a situation in your life right now where you need God’s wisdom? How can you intentionally seek Him for it this week? ([19:38])
4. The fruit of the Spirit is not for us, but for others to experience God through us. Choose one aspect of the fruit of the Spirit that you struggle with. What is a specific way you can practice it in your relationships this week? ([01:02:28])
5. The sermon emphasized that every believer is needed to build the church. What is one gift, talent, or resource you have that you could use to serve others in the church or community? ([01:10:52])
6. The Holy Spirit empowers us to live out our calling. Are you relying on your own strength, or are you asking the Holy Spirit for help? What would it look like to depend more on the Spirit in your daily life? ([54:41])
7. The pastor encouraged honest self-examination about our spiritual growth. Take a moment to rate yourself (1-5) on each fruit of the Spirit. Which one is lowest? What is one thing you can do this month to let God grow you in that area? ([01:04:28])