Abide is an eight-week journey into a deeper, more intentional life with God. In John 15, Jesus invites us: “Abide in Me.” Not a surface-level faith. Not an occasional check-in. But a life that remains—steady, connected, and rooted. This series will help you slow down, stay close to Jesus, and live with depth, direction, and delight in God.
To help you stay engaged throughout the series, a companion Abide booklet will guide you with scriptures, practices, reflection prompts, and tools designed to help you slow down and stay connected daily.
Sermon Videos
Resources
Download the Booklet
To help you stay engaged throughout the series, a companion Abide booklet will guide you with scriptures, practices, reflection prompts, and tools designed to help you slow down and stay connected daily.
How to Study the Bible
How to Study the Bible
Foundations Class Video
YouVersion Bible App
Free on iOS and Android
Offers many translations, audio Bible, topical plans, and daily reminders
How to use it:
- Pick a Bible reading plan
- Turn on reminders
- Highlight verses and add notes
- Share verses with friends for accountability
Blue Letter Bible
Powerful for studying original language, context, and cross-references
How to do a word study:
- Choose a word (faith, abide, grace, truth, shepherd).
- Search it in Blue Letter Bible.
- Select a verse that uses it.
- Open the Interlinear tool to view the original Greek or Hebrew.
- Read definitions, usage, and additional passages.
- Journal the insights.
Four Ways to Read the Bible
Systematic reading
Reading from Genesis to Revelation.
Goal: see the whole story of Scripture.
Book-by-book study
Choose one book (John, Romans, Psalms) and dive deep.
Word studies
Trace a theme through the whole Bible (grace, faith, Spirit, fruit).
Meditative reading
Sit with one passage.
Ask God to speak.
Great places to start: John 15, Psalm 23, Romans 8.
S.O.A.P Method
A four-step, structured approach to study the Bible
S — Scripture
Write the verse or passage that stands out.
O — Observation
What is happening? What does this reveal about God?
A — Application
What should I do with this truth?
P — Prayer
Ask God to help you respond.
Example:
S — “Apart from me you can do nothing.” – John 15:5
O — Jesus is the source of all fruit.
A — Begin the day with connection, not productivity.
P — “Lord, help me remain in you today.”
The 3×5 Desire Exercise
A discipline that reveals how God shapes your heart over time.
How it Works:
1. Take a 3×5 card.
2. Write today’s date.
3. Write any real desire—big or small.
4. Do not filter the desire.
5. File it away.
Monthly Review
Label each card as:
Kept,
Released,
Changed,
or Fulfilled.
Questions to Ask
Did God redirect this from ego to service?
Did comfort shift into calling?
Did image shift into fruitfulness?
The Desire Test
Before asking God for a desire, ask:
1. Does this glorify God? (see John 15:8)
2. Would this bear lasting fruit?
3. Can I pray the Daniel 3 prayer: “Even if not, I will trust you”?
From Striving to Thriving
How to Move From Striving to Thriving – A Biblical Pathway
| Striving Looks Like: | Thriving Looks Like: |
|---|---|
| Trying to earn God’s approval | Rooted identity |
| Living under pressure, not grace | Joy in obedience |
| Burnout | Sustainable rhythms of rest |
| Comparison | Peace and clarity |
| Anxiety | Spirit-led decisions |
| Self-reliance | Serving from overflow |
| Fear and control | Deep connection with God |
How to Move From Striving to Thriving – A Biblical Pathway
Receive your identity in Christ • Ephesians 1-2
You are chosen, adopted, forgiven, & loved.
Rest in Christ’s finished work • Hebrews 4
Striving ends when you trust what Christ has already done.
Remain connected daily • John 15
Fruit flows naturally from abiding.
Renew your mind • Romans 12:2
Replace lies with truth.
Release control • Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust God with outcomes.
Respond in obedience • James 1:22
Obedience unlocks transformation.
How to Confirm God’s Voice
Use this four-part filter:
1. Scripture
God never contradicts His Word.
Ask: Does this align with scripture?
2. Church
Wise believers help confirm God’s leading.
Ask: Is this confirmed by godly community and spiritual authority?
3. Circumstances
God opens and closes doors.
Ask: Are circumstances aligning with this direction?
4. Peace
The Spirit’s leading will require faith but be accompanied by peace.
Ask: Am I experiencing God’s peace as I step forward?
Abide Daily Rhythm
Slow Down
Be still for 1-2 minutes. Say, “Here I am, Lord.”
Read
Use a reading plan or SOAP.
Reflect
What is God teaching me about Himself?
What is God shaping in me?
What is He correcting or encouraging?
Respond
Pray honestly.
Ask for your assignment for the day.
Remain
Throughout the day, whisper breath prayers:
“Jesus, lead me.”
“Holy Spirit, speak.”
“I choose to stay connected.”
Abide Community Practices
Confession
Bring sin & struggle into the light. James 5:16
Accountability
Walk with one or two trusted believers.
Encouragement
Share verses, testimonies, and prayers.
Coporate Worship
We abide personally, but not privately. Community strengthens connection.
Spiritual Growth Checklist
Weekly Questions
• Did I slow down and meet with God?
• Did I read and reflect on Scripture?
• Did I bring my desires to God honestly?
• Am I forgiving quickly?
• Have I confessed anything weighing on me?
• Did I obey the assignment God gave me?
Growth indicators
You’re growing if you see:
✓ More peace
✓ More clarity
✓ More joy
✓ Less striving
✓ Less fear
✓ More forgiveness
✓ Quicker obedience
✓ Hunger for Scripture
✓ Compassion for others
✓ Fruit of the Spirit increasing
Bible Reading Plans
5 Days to Start in God’s Word
5 Days to Start in God’s Word helps you slow down, read Scripture with confidence, and hear God through His Word. Walking through John 15, you’ll learn what it means to stay connected to Jesus, grow spiritually, love others, and live with purpose. Each day includes reflection and a simple SOAP practice to help you apply what you’re reading.
An Effective and Enjoyable Prayer Life
This 5-day devotional will help you develop a prayer life that feels real, refreshing, and consistent. Through Scripture, challenges, and reflection, you’ll learn to surrender, slow down, speak honestly to God, seek His purpose, and build a rhythm of prayer that strengthens your walk with Jesus.
