Drawing from John 15:1-9, Luke 6:39-40 and John Mark Comer’s *Practicing the Way*, this preach explores the deep spiritual truth that transformation doesn’t come through striving harder, but through *abiding deeper* in Christ.Spiritual formation is intentional, not accidental. Jesus calls us not just to do things *for* Him, but to be *with* Him. Abiding in Christ is the foundation of becoming like Christ. Practices like prayer, silence, Sabbath, and community aren’t burdens—they’re lifelines.Whether you're single, married, working, retired in school, or simply navigating modern life, you’ll be encouraged to slow down, be present, and abide in the love of Jesus.Where is your life abiding today? In Christ—or in distraction, hurry, and self-sufficiency?

On Sunday, we explored what it truly means to follow Jesus—not just in belief but in practice. His call to “Come, follow me” (Matt. 4:19) is an invitation to a lifelong apprenticeship.

From Mark 8:34–37 and John Mark Comer’s Practicing the Way, we learned that discipleship means denying ourselves, taking up our cross, and centering our lives around 3 goals:

1.⁠ ⁠Be with Jesus

2.⁠ ⁠Become like Jesus

3.⁠ ⁠Do what Jesus did

This requires reordering our lives through practices like prayer, Sabbath, Scripture, and community. This isn’t about guilt—but about accepting the gracious invitation to grow together in faith and formation.