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
1 Samuel 24:1-22 - David chose inconvenience and risk when he could have chosen an easier life. Jesus calls us to do the same—to “Go!” even when it costs us, because sometimes our inconvenience helps someone else find Life.
2 Samuel 24:18-25-After his second colossal failure, David refused to cheap out on his sacrifice. See how God used his obedience to end a plague and build the Temple.
1 Samuel 23:14-18-Using the life of David, we’re taking four weeks to look at four essential practices that Christians have devoted themselves to for two thousand years: Gather, Grow, Give and Go. These practices are what Jesus has always called his church to do. This week we’re talking about growing … together.
1 Samuel 17:32-Join as we begin a 4-week series exploring the Vision of St. Paul’s through the life of David. Discover four essential practices Jesus has called His church to for 2,000 years: Gather, Grow, Give, and Go. This week, we begin with Gather—why gathering together matters and what it means to be the church.
Colossians 4:2-9 - Prayer isn’t meant to be an afterthought—it’s an invitation to stay connected to God. Paul’s final words challenge us to pray with purpose, keep our eyes open for what God is doing, and look for opportunities to share Jesus. A great way to wrap up a letter—and launch us into the world God loves.
Colossians 3:18-4:1 -Paul closes his letter by showing how following Jesus transforms our everyday relationships—with spouses, children, parents, employees, and employers—and calls us to care for one another with kindness.
