Read John 10: 7-10; John 15:1-5; John 17:1-3; 1 John 5:11-12. What stands out to you in regards to these passages?  

On Sunday, Phil mentioned the movie "City Slickers." And in the movie, Curly tells Mitch, who is going through a mid-life crisis, that the secret of life is "one thing," and that we all have to figure out for ourselves what the "one thing" is.  For Christ-followers the "one thing" is abiding in Jesus.  What are some "one things" that we often tend to substitute for Jesus?  What drives us to do so? 

Since most of us don't set Jesus aside on purpose, how can we order our lives in such a way as to avoid "slipping away" from abiding in Him?  (Hint:  Think about the "Practices in Abiding" series we just wrapped up!)

Dallas Willard said, "There is no problem in human life that apprenticeship to Jesus [discipleship] cannot solve."  Do you agree?  Why, or why not?

Phil said that Jesus' way of doing life was not a way to avoid life's problems but to find a way of life that leads us to expect something beyond our problems.  Discuss this together.

When Jesus says, "Abide in Me as I abide in you," this command means that we need to intentionally put our own will aside, or rather use our will to receive from God, let Him have greater sway in our hearts and lives, in fact, surrender our wills to Him.  Does this seem like a contradiction to you?  How do you understand this? 

What is the role of any of the practices in learning to abide in Christ, in learning to surrender our wills to Jesus, just as He surrendered His to the Father?

Phil encouraged us on Sunday to "keep going."  If you're wondering where to start, here are some helpful next steps.

• Revisit all the practices, reflection questions, and practical steps here.

• Check out the "Rule of Life Builder" from Practicing the Way here.

• Come to the Community dinner and Q&A Wednesday, July 30th at 6pm in the Grace sanctuary. 

• Get connected to a LifeGroup.  Learn more here.

• Prayerfully ask, "what step or movement toward Jesus is He inviting me into?"  

• Keep going.