Episode Summary

In this heartfelt and raw continuation of the "Bearing Fruit" series, Adrian and Luke dive deep into the intersection of faith, music, and identity in the Christian walk. They discuss the tension between secular collaborations and spiritual integrity, exploring whether partnering with secular artists enhances ministry or dilutes the message. Luke opens up about his own experiences in the music industry, sharing personal stories of struggle, growth, and how God has been reshaping his perspective on purpose and fruitfulness. Through transparent conversation, the duo challenges listeners to examine not only the music they create or consume but the spiritual foundation on which their lives are built. This episode will encourage believers to evaluate their walk, intentions, and the fruit they’re bearing in every area of life.

Key Episode Takeaways

The fruit of the Spirit isn’t manifested through talent or gifting alone—it's rooted in personal sanctification and spiritual discipline. Collaborating with secular artists can create confusion within the church when the lines between sacred and worldly are blurred. Success in ministry and music should not be defined by fame or influence but by spiritual fruit and faithfulness. True transformation and impact come when believers prioritize obedience and heart posture over platform and recognition. Every season—including hardship—is part of God’s plan to develop deeper roots and real fruit in our lives.

Call to Action

Take a moment this week to evaluate what kind of fruit you’re bearing in your life. Are your gifts being used in a way that glorifies God, or have you become more focused on outcomes than obedience?

Episode Summary

In this heartfelt and deeply reflective episode, Adrian and Luke dive into what it truly means to bear the fruit of the Spirit. Through personal experiences, biblical reflection, and honest conversations, they explore how love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control manifest—or fail to manifest—in the daily lives of believers. The hosts challenge listeners to examine whether they are genuinely living by the Spirit or merely performing for others. With references to Galatians 5 and Matthew 7, they confront the deceptive comfort of outward appearances and call for an authentic, internal transformation rooted in intimacy with God. Whether you're seasoned in your faith or just beginning the journey, this episode will provoke you to reflect, repent, and realign your life with the character of Christ.

Key Episode Takeaways

True spiritual fruit cannot exist without the Spirit; imitation or performance isn't enough. The fruit of the Spirit is singular and interconnected—each attribute flows from the others. Outward appearance or "church culture" can’t substitute for real transformation. God expects believers to grow and bear visible, tangible fruit—especially under pressure. A lack of spiritual fruit often reflects a deeper lack of intimacy and submission to God.

Resources & Links Mentioned

Scripture References:

Galatians 5:22–23

Matthew 7:16

2 Corinthians 12:9 ("My grace is sufficient for you…") Personal reflections and analogies around the fig tree, David and Solomon, and worship culture.

A tease for Part 2 of this conversation, focusing on deeper layers of spiritual fruit and integrity.

Take some time today to evaluate your life—what fruit are you bearing? Then, share this episode with someone who’s also on the journey of living a more Spirit-led life.

In this heartfelt and deeply personal episode of The Evening Podcast, host Adrian welcomes back his close friend and returning guest, Dr. Mike. Together, they open up about the transformative power of faith, intentional parenting, and the importance of authentic relationships. The conversation explores how their friendship has grown in a short period, the value of living out faith consistently both on and off camera, and the critical role of the Holy Spirit in everyday life. Dr. Mike also shares his journey of growing a faith-based chiropractic business, the transition of his wife to full-time motherhood, and how they navigate life's challenges with obedience and trust in God's plan. Listeners will find powerful lessons on maintaining congruency in life, the importance of stewarding health as a means to fulfill God’s purpose, and the joy that comes from living a life centered on faith and family.

We encourage you to reflect on whether the Holy Spirit is part of your “top six” influences and examine the congruency in your life.

Episode Summary

In this powerful and transparent conversation, Adrian and Luke tackle the vital topic of guarding your heart from both the obvious and subtle influences that seek to corrupt it. Rooted in Proverbs 4:23, the episode emphasizes how everything—decisions, speech, behavior—flows from the condition of the heart. From casual compromises to cultural distractions, Adrian and Luke explore how spiritual complacency and unchecked intentions can derail a believer’s walk with God. Through personal stories, scriptural insights, and heartfelt conviction, this episode serves as a wake-up call to take spiritual boundaries seriously, reevaluate your inputs, and rediscover reverence for God.

Key Episode Takeaways

Proverbs 4:23 reminds us: everything flows from the heart—nothing is neutral. Guarding your heart involves vigilance in relationships, media, and internal thoughts. Small compromises can become future strongholds when left unaddressed. God’s blessings aren’t transactional—they reflect His grace, not our performance. True conviction leads to repentance, not shame—God disciplines those He loves.

Key Resources & Links Mentioned

Proverbs 4:23 – “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Luke 6:45 – “For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.” Galatians 6 and references to John Mabry’s sermon on reverence and awe. Mention of Luke’s personal conviction story and the difference between joy and happiness.

Call to Action

Spend intentional time this week asking God to search your heart. Invite Him to reveal any area—big or small—that needs realignment with His will. Pray for the courage to let go of idols and distractions that make your heart toxic.

Episode Summary

In this heartfelt episode, Adrian dives deep into the complexities of friendship, especially the kind that reflects God’s heart. He explores the painful truth that not all friendships are life-giving and some may need to be let go—not out of arrogance or bitterness, but for the sake of spiritual and emotional health. Through real stories, biblical wisdom, and transparent dialogue, the conversation unpacks how true friendships require reciprocity, self-awareness, and discernment. The episode challenges listeners to examine their relationships, identify patterns of unreliability or imbalance, and ultimately protect their hearts by seeking friendships that reflect Christ’s love and truth. Listeners are also reminded of their role—not just in seeking better friends, but in becoming one themselves.

Key Episode Takeaways

Protecting your heart may require exiting friendships that don’t align with your purpose. Friendship isn’t just about loyalty—it's about depth, truth, and spiritual growth. Proverbs 18:24 and Galatians 6:2 frame the biblical foundation for friendship. True friendships include discomfort, sacrifice, and vulnerability. The enemy uses resentment and bitterness to distort how we view our friends.

Key Resources & Links Mentioned

Proverbs 18:24 – "One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." Galatians 6:2 – "Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." Future episode teaser: Guarding your heart and setting relational checkpoints.

Take time this week to pray about your current friendships. Ask God to reveal who’s meant to walk with you in this season—and who may be holding you back. Be brave enough to release what’s not aligned with your purpose.

In this deep and reflective episode, Adrian and Luke discuss the responsibilities and struggles of leadership—both in ministry and in life. They break down personal experiences of stepping into leadership roles despite feeling unqualified, navigating challenges, and learning what it truly means to lead like Christ. Using 1 Peter 5, they emphasize the importance of humility in leadership, the dangers of arrogance and entitlement, and the common mistakes leaders make when they forget to serve rather than control. They also explore how burnout, pride, and a lack of accountability can damage leaders and their relationships. This is a must-listen for anyone in a leadership role—whether in church, work, or family—who wants to lead well and finish strong. Key Episode Takeaways Leadership is about serving, not controlling – A true leader guides with humility and sets an example, rather than lording over others. Many leaders forget where they came from – When leaders lose touch with their past struggles, they struggle to empathize with those they lead. Accountability is critical – No leader should be above correction; having trusted people to give honest feedback is essential. Burnout is real and dangerous – Many leaders push too hard, never rest, and end up damaging their faith, families, and personal well-being. God doesn’t need you—He chooses to use you – A leader’s role isn’t about seeking applause or identity in leadership, but about surrendering to God. Scripture Reference: 1 Peter 5:2-3 – Be shepherds of God's flock, eager to serve, not lording over those entrusted to you. Matthew 23:11-12 – The greatest among you will be your servant. Mark 10:45 – For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve. Personal testimonies of stepping into leadership, struggles with pride, burnout, and learning to lead with humility. Call to Action If you're in any leadership position, ask yourself: Am I leading with humility? Do I have accountability? Am I seeking God first? Take time to rest, reflect, and realign your heart with God’s purpose for your leadership. Share your thoughts in the comments or on social media!

In this thought-provoking and challenging episode, Adrian and Luke unpack the question that many Christians never ask themselves: What have you done for me lately? This selfish-sounding phrase is not about entitlement—it's a wake-up call to how quickly we forget God’s goodness when things are going well. Drawing from Jeremiah 2, they explore how the Israelites repeatedly turned away from God despite His faithfulness, replacing Him with idols and forgetting all He had done. This conversation hits home, especially for believers who have experienced God’s blessings but then drift away, focusing more on success, money, relationships, or status than on the One who provided it all in the first place. If you’ve ever struggled with spiritual complacency, entitlement, or losing focus on God, this episode is for you. Key Episode Takeaways We easily forget God's past blessings – When things go well for too long, we start thinking we made it happen. Israel’s mistake is still happening today – They turned to idols after experiencing miracles, just like we chase success and self-reliance. Success and blessings can become idols – Money, career, relationships, and even ministry can take the place of God. God asks: What did I do to deserve this? – Like a loving Father, God wonders why we turn our backs on Him after all He’s done. It’s never too late to return to God – Repentance and realignment with Him are always possible. Scripture Reference: Jeremiah 2:5, 11 – God asks, What fault did your ancestors find in me that they strayed so far? Exodus 32 – The Israelites build a golden calf just 40 days after being rescued from Egypt. Matthew 6:33 – Seek first the kingdom of God, and all these things will be added to you. Personal testimonies of overcoming spiritual entitlement and remembering God’s faithfulness. Call to Action Take a moment today to evaluate your heart. Have you forgotten what God has done for you? Have you started putting blessings above the Blesser? Repent, realign, and seek Him first. Let us know in the comments or on social media how this episode spoke to you.

In this powerful and convicting episode, Adrian and Luke dive into the importance of cutting things off that lead us away from God. Using Matthew 5:30 as the foundation, they challenge listeners to self-examine their lives and identify the habits, relationships, and behaviors that need to be removed. While this passage is often associated with cutting off sin like lust and immorality, the conversation broadens to include toxic relationships, unhealthy habits, and even mindsets that keep us stuck in the past. The discussion gets real as Adrian shares personal struggles with anger, past violence, and the transformative power of God in helping him overcome old tendencies. Luke reflects on how cutting off toxic habits and past mindsets has shaped his marriage, faith, and personal growth. This episode is a wake-up call to anyone holding onto things that need to be pruned so they can walk fully in God’s purpose. Key Episode Takeaways Cutting off sin is not just about sexual immorality – It includes toxic relationships, unhealthy habits, and mindsets that hinder growth. Holding onto the past keeps you stuck – Growth requires letting go of old identities and embracing transformation. Many are afraid to let go of certain relationships and habits – Fear of isolation or discomfort keeps people from cutting off what God has already told them to release. What you consume matters – The music, TV shows, social media, and conversations you engage in can either draw you closer to God or pull you away. Spiritual growth requires self-examination – Are you allowing God to prune you, or are you resisting His work in your life? Scripture Reference: Matthew 5:30 – "If your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away..." John 15:2 – "Every branch that bears fruit He prunes so that it will bear more fruit." 2 Corinthians 5:17 – "If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" Personal Testimonies – How cutting off old habits, toxic relationships, and past identities led to transformation in both hosts’ lives. Call to Action What’s one thing you know you need to cut off in your life? Don’t ignore it—take action today. Pray, seek God, and trust that His pruning will lead to something greater. Share your thoughts in the comments or on social media!