Habits of Grace

Is it possible to have a life that is joyful, fruitful and abundant with a soul that is at rest?

The answer is, "Yes!"

Over and over again in the Gospels, Jesus invites us to experience a full life with Him.

“Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit.”  John 15:5
“I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”  John 10:10b
“These things I have spoken to you...that your joy may be full.”  John 15:11
“Learn from me…and you will find rest for your souls.”  Matthew 11:29

The question is how. How can I have this kind of life?

For 7 weeks, we will explore the answer to that question. Spoiler alert: the answer is not possessions, entertainment or achievement. It is not even in things like family or self-actualization. We find life in God and rest for our souls when we orient our every day rhythms around the person, work and ways of Jesus. We do that by developing the same disciplines Jesus did; the same disciplines he calls us to in his Word; the same disciplines the church has cultivated for millenia; disciplines we are calling “Habits of Grace."

Habit #1: Bible Reading – January 10
Habit #2: Prayer – January 17
Habit #3: Fellowship – January 24
Habit #4: Service – January 31
Habit #5: Generosity – February 7
Habit #6: Worship – February 14
Habit #7: Rest – February 21

Sermon Review

• Week 1: Habit #1 Bible Reading – The main reason you should read your Bible is because it will bless you.
• Week 2: Habit #2 Prayer – Prayer is first caught then taught.
• Week 3: Habit #3 Fellowship – Fellowship is more than encouragement, friendship, and belonging. Fellowship is an antidote to apostasy.
• Week 4: Habit #4 Service – Jesus repeatedly boiled his life and mission down to one thing: serving. He contantly moved toward need, not away from it. As his disciples, we need to follow his example.
• Week 5: Habit #5 Generosity – Cheerful giving is a heart issue. It comes from a life of grace and proclaims faith in God.
• Week 6: Habit #6 Worship – In the midst of evil days, the most appropriate thing and the most radical thing we can do is worship God.
• Week 7: Habit #7 Rest – True rest requires trust in God’s provision, power, wisdom, and ways.

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Helpful Resources

• The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer - Our top recommended resource for how to apply the principles of this series to the realities of modern life. An engaging and compelling read.
   
• Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life by Donald Whitney - A classic “how-to” guide for the habits of grace.
   
• You Are What You Love: The Spiritual Power of Habit by James K. A. Smith - An exploration of how our habits shape our affections and actions.