Abiding in Christ

Definitions

Abiding: activities and practices that give the Lord access to our hearts.

Gardner: God the Father

Branches: the people/communities

The Vine: Jesus

Fruit: Perspectives, attitudes, actions produced by the Vine within each branch

Pruning: experiences that enhance strengths or expose areas in which growth is needed

Questions for discussion: 

-What practices have helped you experience closeness with God?

-So many people are comfortable with the "letter of the law" approach to faith because it is measurable. Why do you think it is easier to follow rules than to cultivate a transformed heart?

-In what ways has your life with the Lord become disconnected from love? What do you do as a discipline that is not actually connected to heart transformation?

-Share a time in which you experienced the love of Christ through another believer. How did that impact your faith?

-Is there someone in your life who is difficult to love the way Jesus commands? What does it look like to take a step toward loving them this way?

-If abiding in Jesus is both the means and the end, what would change for you?