The Freedom Beyond Self-Improvement

How to Build Healthy Spiritual Habits

In this episode, we're exploring spiritual formation—the lifelong process of being transformed into the image of Christ. We'll talk about why spiritual disciplines matter, how they shape us over time, and practical ways to cultivate God's presence in the middle of everyday life. Whether you're new to spiritual disciplines or looking for fresh ways to connect with God, this episode will help you discover simple rhythms that draw you closer to Jesus. * What spiritual formation is and why it matters * The connection between spiritual disciplines and becoming more like Christ * Why spiritual practices are not a checklist but an invitation * Practical ways to incorporate spiritual rhythms into everyday life * How small, consistent habits can help us finish well in our faith * Spiritual Disciplines Handbook [https://www.amazon.com/Spiritual-Disciplines-Handbook-Practices-Transform/dp/0830846050] — Adele Calhoun * Celebration of Discipline [https://www.amazon.com/Celebration-Discipline-path-Spiritual-Growth/dp/0060628391] — Richard Foster * Sacred Pathways [https://a.co/d/07DZQzjx]— Gary Thomas * Practicing the Way [https://a.co/d/07cinvob] — John Mark Comer What is one spiritual rhythm you can intentionally add to your daily routine this week to create more space for God's presence? 📩 Subscribe to the Kingdom Come newsletter [https://carrecoyphillips.substack.com/] 🎙️ Follow the podcast for weekly episodes 📱 Follow along on Instagram: @kingdom_co_ [https://www.instagram.com/kingdom_co_/] In This Episode, We'll Examine:Resources Mentioned:Reflection Question:Stay Connected:

What Beliefs Are Worth Fighting Over?

Why do Christians—who all love Jesus—disagree about so many things? How do we know which doctrines are worth debating, dividing over, or simply discussing? STAY CONNECTED: 📖 Read Along on Substack Weekly writings that accompany each episode: 👉 https://substack.com/@carrephillips [https://substack.com/@carrephillips] 📱 Follow on Instagram Teaching clips, Scripture reflections, and episode highlights: 👉   / kingdom_co_   [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbHVvcHlyMUN4d2JkYmU5Q0lpMlg5Y0RqbUdGQXxBQ3Jtc0tsUVc2bXNTYktzQVpHeC1PWTNnZVB1UFB6UEZEZkpsbkVjS3pqQURISVQwVEN6cHp5MFU1QzFteHNQdlVWcDlHbmxKRlA0OGJKVzl5Z1dHTnVPWjUzMjFpbEZkWWRsNEg5UVQ5NTRKWG1qSm4tNl9wYw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fkingdom_co_%2F&v=004_50XKKMA] 🎙️ Subscribe to Kingdom Come New episodes released every Monday. IN THIS EPISODE, WE'LL EXAMINE: * Why not every theological doctrine carries the same weight * The seminary concept of "theological triage" and how it can transform the way you approach difficult topics * Which beliefs are essential to Christianity and which allow room for faithful disagreement * How to navigate theological differences without sacrificing either truth or unity * Why understanding doctrinal importance can help you avoid both unnecessary division and theological indifference * How to hold strong convictions with humility and grace * What it looks like to keep the gospel at the center of every theological conversation ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: https://albertmohler.com/2005/07/12/a-call-for-theological-triage-and-christian-maturity [https://albertmohler.com/2005/07/12/a-call-for-theological-triage-and-christian-maturity] https://a.co/d/0iagiP04 [https://a.co/d/0iagiP04]

What Seminary Taught Me About Following Jesus

This episode kicks off a short summer series where I'll be sharing some of the most impactful truths, tools, and perspectives I gained during my seminary education—and how they can help you know God more deeply and engage His Word more faithfully. STAY CONNECTED: 📖 Read Along on Substack Weekly writings that accompany each episode: 👉 https://substack.com/@carrephillips [https://substack.com/@carrephillips] 📱 Follow on Instagram Teaching clips, Scripture reflections, and episode highlights: 👉 https://www.instagram.com/kingdom_co_/ [https://www.instagram.com/kingdom_co_/] 🎙️ Subscribe to Kingdom Come New episodes released every Monday. IN THIS EPISODE, WE'LL EXAMINE: * Why I decided to pursue seminary and what I hoped to gain from the experience * Common misconceptions Christians have about seminary education * The difference between knowing information about God and truly knowing God * How seminary challenged, strengthened, and deepened my faith * Why theology matters for every believer—not just pastors and scholars * The purpose behind this summer series and what you can expect in the weeks ahead * How studying Scripture more deeply can lead to greater worship, confidence, and spiritual formation SUMMER SERIES PREVIEW: Over the coming weeks, we'll explore some of the most important lessons I learned in seminary, including: * How to study the Bible with greater confidence * Which theological issues are worth dividing over—and which aren't * How to navigate differences between denominations * The relationship between Scripture, theology, and spiritual formation * Common mistakes Christians make when interpreting the Bible * Why biblical literacy matters more than ever today If you've ever wondered whether seminary-level learning has anything to offer the average Christian, this series is for you.

What Happens When We Die?

What happens when we die?Do believers immediately go to heaven?What happens to our bodies?And if we’re already with Jesus after death, then why does Scripture place so much emphasis on resurrection?In this final episode of the Holy Spirit series, we explore the Christian hope of life after death and the role of the Holy Spirit in our future glorification. Scripture paints a picture that is both immediate and unfinished: immediate comfort and presence with Christ after death, while also pointing us toward the future resurrection and restoration of all things.Together, we examine what theologians call the “intermediate state,” why heaven is not the final destination for believers, and how the Holy Spirit—described in Scripture as the “Spirit of Glory”—serves as both God’s present indwelling presence and the guarantee of our future resurrection.This episode ultimately reminds us that the Christian hope is not simply escaping death or going to heaven someday. The Christian hope is resurrection, restoration, and the renewal of all creation through Jesus Christ.MORE INFORMATION ON HEAVEN:https://amzn.to/4fGPZ8k [https://amzn.to/4fGPZ8k] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=52gLAY-7k7c [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=52gLAY-7k7c]STAY CONNECTED:📖 Weekly writings on Substack:https://substack.com/@carrephillips📱 Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/kingdom_co_/IN THIS EPISODE, WE’LL EXAMINE:* What Scripture teaches about what happens immediately after death* Why believers are immediately in the presence of Christ after death* What theologians mean by the “intermediate state”* Why heaven is not the final destination in the biblical story* The future resurrection and glorification of believers* The role of the Holy Spirit as the “Spirit of Glory”* How the Holy Spirit guarantees our future inheritance and resurrection* Why the Christian hope is ultimately the restoration of all things* What the promise of resurrection means for how we live todaySCRIPTURE DISCUSSED:* 2 Corinthians 5:8* Philippians 1:23* Luke 23:43* 1 Peter 4:14* Philippians 3:20–21* 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18* Ephesians 1:13–14

The Freedom Beyond Self-Improvement

From the very beginning, humanity has wrestled with the desire to live under its own rule. We want autonomy. We want to decide what’s good for us. We want to build our own kingdoms. But in Galatians 5, Paul reminds us that self-rule never truly leads to freedom. It leads to striving, dissatisfaction, comparison, and bondage.In this episode of Kingdom Come, we explore what Paul really means by the “fruit of the Spirit” and why spiritual transformation is not about managing your behavior or following a list of rules. The fruit of the Spirit is not self-improvement—it is the result of walking closely with God and being transformed by His presence over time.STAY CONNECTED:📖 Read along on SubstackWeekly writings that accompany each episode:👉https://substack.com/@carrephillips [https://substack.com/@carrephillips]📱 Follow on InstagramTeaching clips, Scripture reflections, and episode highlights:👉https://www.instagram.com/kingdom_co_/ [https://www.instagram.com/kingdom_co_/]IN THIS EPISODE, WE’LL EXAMINE:* Why humanity has always struggled with self-rule and autonomy* The context behind Galatians 5 and the early church in Galatia* What Paul means when he says, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free”* Why self-made kingdoms never satisfy us* The contrast between the works of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit* How spiritual fruit is cultivated over time through intimacy with God* Why the Christian life is not about earning God’s approval* What it practically looks like to walk in step with the Holy SpiritSCRIPTURE DISCUSSED:* Genesis 1–3* Galatians 5:1* Galatians 5:13* Galatians 5:16–26