Prayer is making requests of God from faith, seeking His glory and the greatest good. Growth in prayer begins by praying in the Spirit, which requires new birth in Christ and growing maturity through God’s Word. The Spirit gives God’s perspective, shaping our motives and desires so we ask rightly. We pray with confidence because Jesus opened the way to God’s throne of grace, where mercy and grace await us, not condemnation. Our confidence rests in Christ, not ourselves. Prayer must also be consistent, a daily priority like Daniel’s faithful example (Dan 6:10). Finally, we pray biblically, letting God’s Word guide our requests so they align with His will. As we abide in Christ and His Word, this makes prayers fruitful, God-centered, effective.

Getting the Basics Right calls believers to spiritual growth by mastering the fundamentals. The sermon highlights the priority of God’s Word as the foundation for a fruitful Christian life. Psalm 119 shows that Scripture purifies our hearts, brings joy, provides guidance, and gives practical wisdom for daily decisions. God’s Word helps us evaluate our lives, obey quickly and joyfully, and experience God’s goodness even through discipline. It equips us to live skillfully, avoid destructive paths, and grow in discernment. Like a lamp lighting our way, Scripture shows us how to live and helps us know God. When we read, meditate on, and obey God’s Word from a heart of love for Him, we will grow.

This sermon challenges believers to examine whether their faith is truly bearing fruit. Through the withered fig tree and the cleansing of the temple, Jesus confronts a faith that looks healthy on the outside but lacks real obedience and transformation. Leaves without fruit represent spiritual busyness, routine, or religious appearance without repentance or dependence on God. Jesus reminds us that worship, prayer, and obedience must come from sincere hearts, not convenience or comfort. The sermon calls believers to remove anything that hinders prayer, witness, or devotion to Christ. True fruitfulness grows as we abide in Jesus through Scripture, prayer, fellowship, and sharing our faith. Rather than settling for outward religion, believers are invited to pursue lives marked by genuine repentance, spiritual growth, and faithfulness that honors Christ daily.