A Journey for Your Whole Life
For too long, many of us have seen the Christian life as a "checkbox mentality" — a list of things to do. We've been invited to something more: not a program, but a person. This is the Way of Jesus.
1. APPRENTICE
Who are we called to be?
It's a call to move beyond the casual crowd and become a dedicated student of Jesus, learning to live in the Kingdom of God.
2. ABIDE
How are we meant to live?
This journey isn't powered by our effort, but by our connection. We learn to "abide" in Christ as our true source of life, joy, and fruit.
3. IMITATE
What is the result?
When we abide, we naturally begin to imitate. We learn to live out the whole "Way of Jesus"—his Mission, his Heart, and his Message.
Find Your Starting Point
When you hear the call to "be a witness" or "make disciples," how do you honestly feel? Your answer isn't for shame; it's a helpful "check engine light" to show you your next step.
"I feel... confused or uncommitted."
The 'cost' of discipleship feels too high, or I'm not sure what it really means to follow Jesus.
Start with APPRENTICE →"I feel... burnt out or disconnected."
I'm trying to do the right things, but I feel spiritually empty, tired, or stuck in a 'checkbox' faith.
Start with ABIDE →"I feel... ready, but stuck."
I feel connected to Jesus, but I don't know how to practically live out his mission in my daily life.
Start with IMITATE →Part 1: The Call of the Apprentice
This is where the journey begins. Jesus's call isn't just to "believe" in him, but to become his apprentice—a student dedicated to learning his 'Way' in the Kingdom of God. It's a call to 'count the cost' and move from the casual crowd to a committed follower.
Message 1: The Right Response
In a culture departing from the church, we discover that the core issue is a failure to become true apprentices. The "right response" is Peter's: a commitment to follow Jesus, even when his teachings are hard.
Message 2: The Invitation of Jesus
This message explores the high cost of Jesus's invitation. It's a radical, counter-cultural call to "count the cost" and surrender everything—comforts, expectations, and wealth—to die to ourselves and follow him.
Message 3: The Kingdom on Display
What are we apprenticing *in*? The "Kingdom of God," which is "God in action." We learn that Jesus's ministry was built on *teaching* the kingdom and *healing* to provide the evidence of its power. We are called to do the same.
Part 2: The Practice of Abiding
This is the engine of the journey. If apprenticeship is the call, abiding is the power. We're called to move from a "performance-based" faith of *doing* to a "relationship-based" faith of *being*. Apart from him, we can do nothing.
Message 4: The Necessity of Abiding
Using John 15, this message establishes that "abiding" (remaining in constant communion with Jesus) is non-negotiable. It's the only source of true fruitfulness and the method by which an apprentice is filled with Jesus's own *joy*.
Message 5: Tethered to the Timeless Truth
How do we abide? First, we remain in his *words*. This message contrasts the world's subjective "what's true for you" with the objective, timeless truth of Jesus. We must be "tethered" to the Scriptures as our authority.
Message 6: The Necessity of Obedience
The second practice of abiding is remaining in his *love*, which we do through *obedience*. This redefines obedience not as a "joyless burden," but as the *method* of aligning our lives with God, which leads to joy, the Holy Spirit, and deep communion.
Part 3: The Way of the Imitator
This is the result of the journey. When we are called as Apprentices and powered by Abiding, we naturally begin to Imitate our Master. We learn to see the world as he sees it and do what he does. This isn't just about our personal growth; it's about our public witness.
Message 7: Learning to be Led
Imitating Jesus means "learning to be led" by him. We discover that "discerning God's will" is not a mystery to solve, but a *Person to follow*. We learn to imitate Jesus by seeing how *he* was led by the Father, only saying and doing what the Father showed him.
Message 8: The Way of Jesus
"The Way of Jesus" is an integrated model. We must imitate his *whole* life, not just the parts we like. Using John 4, we learn to weave together his **Mission** (to seek the lost), his **Heart** (of compassion), and his **Message** (of truth).
Message 9: The Nourishment of the Harvest
The entire journey culminates in the Great Commission. We learn that a lack of mission is a "check engine light" for a breakdown in our abiding. The mission isn't a burden; Jesus reveals in John 4 that it's the very *nourishment* that feeds our souls and brings us joy.
Part 1: The Right Response
Apprentice, Abide, Imitate
The Big Idea
In a world where 40 million people have left the church, the "right response" is to realize that the core issue isn't just "belief," but that many have failed to become true *apprentices*. We're called to be like Peter: to follow Jesus even when his teachings are hard, because he alone has the words of eternal life.
Core Truths
- There are "warning sirens" (like mass departures from church) that signal a deep problem.
- God's response to the world's problems was to send Jesus as a Rabbi (Teacher).
- Jesus's solution was to make *apprentices* (disciples), not just casual believers.
- We must confront the "heresy" that we can accept Jesus as Savior but postpone obeying him as Lord.
- The call of the apprentice is to learn from Jesus how to live the life of the Kingdom.
Key Scripture(s)
John 1:29-51; John 6:60-69
Go Deeper
Reflect
In what ways have you been living more like a "cultural Christian" or part of the "crowd" rather than a fully committed "apprentice"?
Engage
This week, identify one "hard teaching" of Jesus you tend to avoid. Spend time in prayer asking him to help you understand and follow him in that specific area.
Part 2: The Invitation of Jesus
Apprentice, Abide, Imitate
The Big Idea
The invitation to be an apprentice is a radical, counter-cultural call to "count the cost." It requires a conscious, all-in decision to surrender *everything*—personal comforts, cultural expectations, family allegiances, and wealth—to die to ourselves, take up our cross, and follow him.
Core Truths
- Jesus makes a sharp distinction between the casual "crowd" and his committed "followers."
- The call to "deny yourself" is a call to die to your own will.
- Following Jesus must take priority over all other relationships, even family (Luke 14).
- We must "count the cost," like a builder or a king going to war, before we begin.
- We are often held back by our comforts (Luke 9) or our possessions (Rich Young Ruler).
Key Scripture(s)
Mark 8:34-37; Luke 14:25-35; Luke 9:57-62; Matthew 19:16-22
Go Deeper
Reflect
What is the one thing (a comfort, a relationship, a possession, or an ambition) that you are most afraid of surrendering to Jesus? What is the "cost" you are most hesitant to pay?
Engage
Take a practical step this week to "die to yourself." It could be giving up a comfort for a day, having a hard conversation you've been avoiding, or giving generously to someone in need.
Part 3: The Kingdom on Display
Apprentice, Abide, Imitate
The Big Idea
As apprentices, we are learning to live and operate in the "Kingdom of God," which is "God in action." Jesus's entire ministry was built on two pillars: *teaching* the good news of the kingdom and *healing* to provide the *evidence* of its power. We are called to participate in this same ministry.
Core Truths
- The central theme of Jesus's ministry was the "Kingdom of God" (or "Kingdom of Heaven").
- The Kingdom is not a place, but God's *will* being done—"God in action."
- Matthew's Gospel (ch. 4-9) shows Jesus's ministry model: Teaching/Preaching and Healing.
- The miracles (healing, casting out demons) were the *evidence* that authenticated his message.
- As apprentices, Jesus gives us his authority to participate in this same work of announcing and demonstrating the Kingdom.
Key Scripture(s)
Matthew 4:17, 4:23; Matthew 9:35; Matthew 10:1-8
Go Deeper
Reflect
When you think of "healing," do you only think of the physical? Where in your life (your family, your workplace, your own heart) is God calling you to bring his restorative, healing presence?
Engage
Be an "evidence provider" this week. Pray for one person who is sick or struggling, and then *do* something to demonstrate God's love for them (bring a meal, send an encouraging text, offer practical help).
Part 4: The Necessity of Abiding
Apprentice, Abide, Imitate
The Big Idea
The power for apprenticeship comes from *abiding*. This message contrasts a performance-based faith (*doing* for God) with a relationship-based faith (*being with* God). Using John 15, we learn that "abiding" in Jesus is the non-negotiable source of all fruitfulness and the only method for experiencing his overflowing *joy*.
Core Truths
- We are tempted to confuse "kingdom activity" (our checklist) for "life with the King" (our relationship).
- Jesus's core command is to "remain" or "abide" in him as a branch to a vine.
- "Apart from me, you can do nothing." (John 15:5)
- We often live "severed from the vine," trying to tape "Christian bumper stickers on a dead branch."
- The result of abiding isn't just *fruit*, but Jesus's own *joy* that overflows in us (John 15:11).
Key Scripture(s)
John 15:1-17
Go Deeper
Reflect
Be honest: Is your spiritual life characterized more by the "anxiety of performance" or the "joy of abiding"? Where are you "doing" in your own strength instead of "being" with Jesus?
Engage
"Win the first five." This week, before you check your phone or start your day, spend the first five minutes just *being*. Put on worship music, sit in silence, or read one verse. Just connect to the vine first.
Part 5: Tethered to the Timeless Truth
Apprentice, Abide, Imitate
The Big Idea
The first practical way to abide is to "remain in his *words*" (John 15:7). In a culture that promotes subjective feelings ("what's true for you"), we must be "tethered" to the objective, timeless *Truth* of Jesus as revealed in the Scriptures. The Truth is what sets us free.
Core Truths
- True discipleship is authenticated by remaining faithful to his *teachings* (John 8:31).
- Satan, the "father of lies," has always worked by questioning God's word ("Did God really say...?").
- The world's lies are that God's word is *subjective*, *restrictive*, or *archaic*.
- God's Word is the "scalpel" that exposes spiritual cancer and brings healing.
- We must have a filter for everything in our lives: "Does God's word have anything to say about this?"
Key Scripture(s)
John 15:7; John 8:31-32, 44-47; 2 Timothy 4:3-4
Go Deeper
Reflect
Where are you tempted to "itch your ears" or believe the world's lies over God's truth? Is there an area of your life (finances, relationships, identity) where you're resisting the authority of Scripture?
Engage
Go small, slow, and steady. Pick *one* verse from this sermon (like John 8:31-32) and meditate on it for the whole week. Write it on a notecard. Read it each morning. Let it saturate your heart.
Part 6: The Necessity of Obedience
Apprentice, Abide, Imitate
The Big Idea
The second practice of abiding is to "remain in his *love*" (John 15:9), which we do through *obedience* (v. 10). This redefines obedience not as a "joyless burden," but as the very *method* of aligning our lives with God, which is the source of flourishing and unlocks deeper communion with Him.
Core Truths
- Obedience is not a "funk killer"; it's aligning our lives with God's perfect, stable truth.
- To "remain in his love" is to obey his commands.
- This alignment (obedience) is what *keeps* us in the flow of his joy.
- Obedience also unlocks the presence of the *Holy Spirit* (John 14:15-17).
- Obedience leads to a deeper *revelation* of Christ (John 14:21).
- Obedience is how God and Jesus come to "make our *home*" with us (John 14:23).
Key Scripture(s)
John 15:9-11; John 14:15-24
Go Deeper
Reflect
How do you honestly view obedience? As a "joyless to-do list" or as a "secure attachment" to a life of flourishing? Where is your life "out of alignment" with God's truth right now?
Engage
Practice shifting your language from "should" to "could." Instead of "I *should* read my Bible," try "I *could* align my life with God's truth right now and experience his presence." Notice how it changes your motivation.
Part 7: Learning to be Led
Apprentice, Abide, Imitate
The Big Idea
The goal of abiding is to *imitate*. But how? We must "learn to be led." We discover that "discerning God's will" is not a mystery to solve, but a *Person to follow*. We imitate Jesus by learning to be led by the Father, just as Jesus only said and did what the Father showed him.
Core Truths
- We often *want* God to want *our* will.
- Discerning God's will is not about our thoughts or feelings; it's about following a Person.
- Jesus is the full and perfect *revelation* of the Father (John 1:18).
- Jesus's *message* was not his own, but the Father's (John 7:16).
- Jesus's *authority* was not his own, but the Father's (John 12:49).
- Jesus's *works* were not his own, but the Father *doing his work through him* (John 14:10).
- We imitate Jesus by speaking his words and doing his works, all from our abiding connection.
Key Scripture(s)
John 1:18; John 7:16-17; John 12:49-50; John 14:10-11, 24-26
Go Deeper
Reflect
When you have a big decision to make, what is your default process? Do you rely on your own thoughts, feelings, and "pro/con" lists, or do you start by connecting with Jesus and his Word?
Engage
Take a small, daily situation (driving, standing in line, a simple conversation) and ask: "Lord, what is your will in this *moment*?" Practice filtering even the small things through your apprenticeship.
Part 8: The Way of Jesus
Apprentice, Abide, Imitate
The Big Idea
To imitate Jesus, we must imitate his *whole* life, not just the parts we like. "The Way of Jesus" is an integrated model that weaves together his **Mission** (to seek the lost), his **Heart** (of compassion), and his **Message** (of truth). The story of the Woman at the Well is the perfect synthesis of all three.
Core Truths
- Isolating Jesus's Mission (without Heart) makes us a "bulldozer."
- Isolating his Heart (without Message) makes us a "social activist" with no good news.
- Isolating his Message (without Heart) makes us a "modern-day Pharisee."
- The story of the Woman at the Well (John 4) shows the model:
- **Mission:** Jesus *had to* go through Samaria (v. 4).
- **Heart:** He *saw her* and gently engaged her past (v. 18).
- **Message:** He spoke the *truth* about eternal life and himself (v. 26).
- We are called to live this integrated "Way": Move In (Mission), Lean In (Heart), Speak Life (Message).
Key Scripture(s)
John 4:1-42; Matthew 9:35-38
Go Deeper
Reflect
Which of the three components (Mission, Heart, Message) are you most comfortable with? Which one are you most likely to avoid or ignore in your daily life?
Engage
Identify your "Rehea" this week (from the sermon video)—one person in your life you can intentionally "sit at the table with." Practice the model: *Move In* (be present), *Lean In* (listen with compassion), and look for an opportunity to *Speak Life*.
Part 9: The Nourishment of the Harvest
Apprentice, Abide, Imitate
The Big Idea
The entire journey culminates in the Great Commission. We learn that a lack of desire for mission is a "check engine light" for a breakdown in our apprenticeship or abiding. Jesus reveals in John 4 that the mission isn't a *burden* we carry; it's the very *nourishment* that feeds our souls and brings us ultimate joy.
Core Truths
- The "checkbox mentality" is a cheap substitute for the "byproduct" of a life with Jesus.
- The Great Commission (Matt. 28) is not an *option* for apprentices; it's the *goal*.
- It's not possible to truly obey Jesus and *not* make disciples.
- A lack of missional desire is a diagnostic tool pointing to a breakdown in *Abiding* (burnt out) or *Apprenticeship* (misstep/rebellion).
- Jesus's "nourishment" came from *doing* the will of the Father (John 4:34).
- The mission isn't a burden; it's an invitation to experience the "joy of the harvest."
Key Scripture(s)
Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8; John 4:32-38
Go Deeper
Reflect
Use the "diagnostic tool." When you think of "making disciples," what is your gut reaction? What does this tell you about where your "breakdown" might be (Apprentice, Abide, or Imitate)?
Engage
"Open your eyes and look at the fields." This week, pray for God to show you *one* person in your "field" (work, neighborhood, family) who is "ripe for harvest." Your only job is to pray for them by name.