Episode #19
I Never Knew You
Welcome back to Altar’d Reality ! Today, the girls tackle some of the most sobering words spoken by Jesus: "I never knew you." We dive into the difference between a religious resume and a genuine relationship, explore the danger of "duct-taped fruit," and learn how to stand firm in the armor of God... not as a costume, but as a life clothed in Christ himself. In this episode, we cover: Relationship Over Resume: We unpack Matthew 7, where people present Jesus with a list of miracles and prophecies only to be rejected. The problem wasn't their lack of activity; it was the lack of relationship. We discuss how proximity to Christian culture is not the same as intimacy with Jesus. Taped-on Fruit vs. Rooted Life: Using Jesus’ warning about wolves in sheep’s clothing, we discuss how you recognize a tree by its fruit. We share the powerful illustration of "duct-taping" good fruit onto a dead tree. It might look convincing from a distance, but there is no life flowing from the root. The Storm and the Foundation: We look at the two builders... one on rock and one on sand. The storm doesn't create the foundation; it merely reveals it. A foundation of performance will always crumble, while a foundation of relationship holds fast. Returning to the Vine: For the tender hearted believer who worries they are "fake," we look at John 15. Abiding in Jesus doesn't mean perfection; it means constant returning. We discuss how a "dead heart does not ache" the very fact that you long for Jesus is evidence of life. The Armor of God as a Person: We shift to Ephesians 6, noting that the armor isn't a religious ritual but a picture of being "clothed in Christ." We look at the historical context of Paul writing this while chained to a Roman soldier in Ephesus, a city obsessed with magic and incantations. Spiritual Warfare Reframed: True spiritual warfare isn't yelling into the darkness or finding a "Christian spell"; it is standing in the light and character of Jesus. Our Challenge to You This week, don't present Jesus with a resume. Come to Him empty-handed and receive His mercy. Practice "abiding" by returning to the Vine every time you feel dry, anxious, or distracted. Resources & Links Scripture References: Matthew 7:15-27, John 15:1-5, Ephesians 6:10-20, Isaiah 61:10, and Psalm 42:5. Living Free Nation Podcast: Their website and the specific episode on the Armor Of God. Logos Bible Software: An incredible study tool with AI features to help you dig deeper. Use our link to sign up for Logos. You get a 30 day free trial and $10 off your purchase. If you sign up we get a credit to our account so we can purchase more resources. Grab your favorite cool beverage and join us as we remind ourselves that, in the end, it is Jesus over everything, always !
