Why Christians Drift Away from God And How to Find Their Way Back | Interview with John Murtha
How do you continue growing in your faith and avoid spiritual complacency?
In this episode of Renewing You, Jeffrey Paul sits down with longtime missionary, mentor, and friend John Murtha for a powerful conversation about Christian transformation and spiritual growth. Together, they explore why many believers experience spiritual plateaus, how to stay connected to Christ, and what it means to live a fruitful and impactful Christian life.
Drawing from decades of ministry experience, John shares personal stories of transformation, discipleship, missions, and the importance of abiding in Christ through every season of life.
You’ll discover:
• Why salvation is only the beginning of transformation
• How spiritual growth requires intentional pursuit and daily surrender
• The danger of complacency in the Christian life
• Why Christian community and the local church are essential for growth
• The difference between being a convert and becoming a disciple
• How God’s Word and prayer keep believers spiritually grounded
• Why abiding in Christ is the foundation for a fruitful life
• The role of the Holy Spirit in guiding and empowering believers
• How God uses ordinary people to impact lives for eternity
• Why every believer has a unique purpose and calling
Whether you’re a new believer, a mature Christian, or someone who feels spiritually stuck, this conversation offers practical encouragement to help you continue growing, bearing fruit, and living a life that glorifies God.
📖 Key Scriptures:
• John 15:7-8 – Abide in Me and bear much fruit
• John 10:10 – Life abundantly through Christ
• Galatians 2:20 – Christ lives in me
• Mark 5 – The transformation of the demoniac
• Acts 2:38 – Repentance, baptism, and receiving the Holy Spirit
• 1 Peter 5 – The importance of standing firm in faith
• Matthew 11:28-30 – Taking Christ’s yoke upon us
• Zechariah 4:6 – Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit
• Psalm 46:10 – Be still and know that I am God
• Psalm 27 – Dwelling in the presence of the Lord
• Psalm 119:89 – God’s Word stands forever
💬 Reflection Questions: Have you experienced a spiritual plateau in your walk with God? What practices help you stay connected to Christ? How has Christian community helped strengthen your faith? What area of your life is God currently transforming? What would it look like for you to abide more deeply in Christ this week?
🙏 Prayer: Lord, thank You for saving us, transforming us, and continuing Your work in our lives each day. Help us never become complacent in our faith. Draw us deeper into Your presence and teach us to abide in You. Strengthen us through Your Word, Your Spirit, and Your people. Let our lives bear fruit that brings glory to You and points others to Christ. Continue transforming us from the inside out. In Jesus’ name, Amen.