Who Told You That | Week 2

Send us Fan Mail What if the verse you’ve always treated like a warm blanket is actually a wake-up call? We take a hard, hopeful look at James 4:8 and discover that “draw near to God” isn’t about vibes or goosebumps but about culture, movement, and surrender. We share a tangible generosity update—kitchens, dorms, and classrooms coming to life at a Kenyan orphanage, plus an adopted neighborhood school—and connect it to the deeper question underneath it all: what culture is shaping your heart? We unpack James 3–4 to contrast two competing cultures—heaven-down and hell-up—and show how the fruit of your life reveals the soil beneath it. Envy, selfish ambition, and constant conflict don’t just happen; they grow from a culture we’ve chosen, often by drift more than decision. You’ll hear why nearness requires agency (you move first), why drift is inevitable without intention, and how simple, honest rhythms—a guarded first 15 minutes with God, gathered worship, service that costs, and obedience that sticks—can reorient your days. Along the way, we demystify spiritual “signals” that aren’t biblical, revisit God’s own preferences for worship, and sit with a surprising truth: the Almighty yearns jealously for your nearness. Not a transactional meeting, but a life shared. We end with a clear pathway to reset—submit to God, resist the devil, cleanse your hands, purify your heart, humble yourself—and an invitation to choose a heaven-down culture in the places that matter most. If this challenged you or sparked a needed reset, share it with a friend, subscribe for more, and leave a review to help others find the show. What one step will you take today to paddle back to nearness? Thank you for listening to the Relate Community Church podcast! Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode. If today’s message spoke to you, share it with a friend or leave us a review to help spread the word. To learn more about Relate Community Church, visit us at www.relatecommunity.com. You are always welcome here, and remember—you are loved