Growth in Christ doesn’t happen by intention alone.It happens by formation.

In Part Two of this Side X Side podcast, we go deeper into the sacred work of spiritual formation; the slow, faithful shaping of our lives through habits that align with who we say we are in Christ.

This episode builds on the foundation of Part One and presses into the question many of us avoid:If someone followed us around for a week, would our habits reveal that we belong to Jesus?

Drawing from Scripture, neuroscience, history, and modern insights from Atomic Habits and other formation-focused thinkers, we explore why evolving our behaviors is not optional for disciples, it’s essential.

In this episode, we explore:

- Why identity in Christ must lead to embodied practice

- How habits quietly shape our loves, desires, and discernment

- What the brain reveals about formation and how God uses repetition for transformation

- Why spiritual stagnation often looks like unexamined routines

- How faithful habits make Christ visible in ordinary life

We look closely at biblical discipleship, from Jesus’ patient formation of the Twelve to the early church’s devotion to prayer, generosity, and shared life.

We also wrestle honestly with modern obstacles; distraction, exhaustion, and the myth of instant change.

This is a pastoral invitation, not a performance metric.

A call to evolve, not to strive and a reminder that grace does not excuse formation, it empowers it.

If you’re longing for a faith that feels grounded, resilient, and real…

If you’re tired of starting over instead of growing deeper…

If you want your life to quietly testify to Christ without having to say a word…

This episode is for you.

Formation is slow.

Faithfulness is often unseen.

But the fruit is undeniable.

What if following Jesus isn’t just about what we believe—but about who we are becoming? In Part One of the Side X Side Podcast, we explore the faithful habits of an evolving and committed Christian. Drawing from Scripture, neuroscience, modern psychology, and insights from Atomic Habits by James Clear, this episode invites listeners to consider how daily practices shape our identity in Christ.

Faith doesn’t grow by accident. Holiness doesn’t happen overnight. And discipleship is rarely dramatic—but it is deeply transformative.

In this episode, we talk about:

Why habits reveal identity, not just discipline

How our brains are shaped by repetition—and how God works through that design

The connection between spiritual formation and everyday practices

Why Christian growth requires intention, not just inspiration

How Scripture calls us to live a faith that is visible, embodied, and formed over time

This is an honest, pastoral conversation for anyone who feels the tension between believing the right things and living them out faithfully in a distracted, fast-paced world.

If you’ve ever wondered:

Why change feels so slowWhy faith can feel disconnected from daily life

Or how to live a Christianity that actually shapes your habits

This episode is for you.

You don’t have to be perfect.Y

ou don’t have to have it all figured out.

You just have to keep walking—side-by-side.

Key Scriptures Referenced:

2 Peter 3:18

Romans 12:2

Luke 6:45

Galatians 5:22–23

James 1:22

Hebrews 5:14

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Christian podcastSpiritual formationFaith and habitsChristian discipleshipAtomic Habits and faithHabits and identityFollowing Jesus todayChristian growthNeuroscience and faithBiblical discipleshipModern ChristianityFaith in daily lifeSide-by-Side podcast

Christmas can be beautiful—but it can also be painfully hard.For many, this season magnifies grief, loss, heartbreak, anxiety, and unanswered prayers. In this episode of the Side X Side Podcast, we create space for those who are hurting while gently guiding listeners toward the hope, peace, joy, and love of Christ that Advent promises.This episode is a long-form, reflective Advent meditation rooted deeply in Scripture and honest faith. Together, we explore how God meets us not after the storm, but in the middle of it—how Christ speaks peace while the waves are still crashing, and how God’s light shines through the cracks of our brokenness.You’ll hear:Scripture-based reflections on hope, peace, joy, and loveA powerful meditation on Jesus calming the storm before the disciples reached safetyGentle, compassionate language for those grieving during ChristmasModern illustrations and historical context that bring Advent to lifeA guided, step-by-step healing prayer activityPractical spiritual practices for tending wounds and moving toward hopeEncouragement for Christians who feel weary, numb, or spiritually exhaustedThis episode does not rush healing.It does not minimize pain.It does not promise easy answers.Instead, it reminds us that God’s peace does not wait for everything to be fixed—it is present now, steady and faithful, shining through the broken places.If you are experiencing grief, loss, depression, anxiety, or heartbreak this Christmas…If you are holding faith in one hand and pain in the other…If you are longing for Christ to meet you where you are…This episode is for you.Take a breath.Christ is with you in the middle.