In this special message, Mark is joined by guest preacher, Kyle Bender. They explore the communal and relational nature of soul care.

John 15:9-17

www.thevineaustin.org/soulcare

REFLECTION QUESTIONS:

1. What has stayed with you from the sermon- as encouragement, challenging or confusing?

2. What has been your most significant experience of friendship or community? What were the elements at work in those relationships?

3. Read John 15:9-17. What do you notice about Jesus' ministry and purpose? How is Jesus speaking about soul care here and what are his instructions?

4. Mark shared about the trend people are calling "Friendship Recession." What has contributed to the trend away from significant friendship in our society? And what has contributed to it in your own life?

5. Mutuality is an essential element in spiritual friendship. What sets spiritual friendship aside from relationships of shallow connection?

6. Conclude by considering Jesus' desire to establish friendship with his followers. How does the idea of friendship with Jesus inform your perspective of life with God?