November 16, 2025
Practicing The Way How Fruit Grows
Jesus describes himself as the vine whose source and power produce fruit in the branches. When we remain in Jesus the way a branch does in a vine, he grows the fruit of true life in us.
A Rule of Life is a set of practices that help us remain in Jesus. These practices include prayer, solitude, Scripture, sabbath, community, fasting, service, witness, and generosity.
Songs for this week: Spotify
Questions:
John 15:5-17
- What are some of the “false vines” - things that we turn to for meaning, identity, and power - most visible in our culture today? What kind of fruit do these vines produce in our lives?
- What kind of fruit does Jesus produce in our lives? Can you tell a story of someone who has been an example of that for you?
- What practices have you tried? How have you experienced them creating space for you to be with Jesus?
- What ones are unfamiliar to you? How might they help you remain in Jesus?
- What practices would you like to include in your Rule of Life? (It may help to look at an example of a Rule of Life or look at the Rule of Life Builder at www.practicingtheway.org/ruleoflifebuilder.)
- Who would you like to involve in the process of designing your Rule of Life?
This Week's Practice: Rule of Life
Last Week's Practice:
Confession
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Recent Sermons
Colossians 3:5-11-Paul points to two areas that reveal who we are at the deepest level: sex and speech. The path to health and freedom isn’t harsh rules or self-focus, but staying close to Jesus, knowing him and growing in him. Christianity isn’t harsh rules; it’s a vibrant friendship.
Colossians 2:20-3:4 - Religious baggage can pull us in all kinds of directions—from expecting God to fit our preferences to trying to earn His approval. Paul’s message to the Colossians was simple: stop guessing what God wants and get back to the core of Christianity—Jesus.
Colossians 2:13-19 - Humans have a problem that we can’t save ourselves from—not through secular programs or religious systems. The good news of Jesus is that on the cross, Jesus dealt with it all. In him we are alive, forgiven, and free!
Colossians 2:8-12 - Paul warns the Colossian church not to trade the freedom found in Christ for religion or spiritual experiences. Jesus is more than enough.
Colossians 2:1-7-The way forward for the first Christians wasn't always easy. False teachers brought confusion and deception, prompting Paul to point believers back to the truth. Just as the best way to spot a counterfeit is to know the genuine article, the best way to recognize false teaching is to know Jesus.
Colossians 1:24-29-Suffering is one of life's hardest realities. We might expect that following Jesus would mean less pain, but Jesus himself suffered and made it clear that his followers would too. The good news is that our suffering is never lost on God and is never in vain.
