How Do I... Series
John 15:1-12 | Chris Meade | October, 19 2025
In John 15, Jesus calls Himself the True Vine—the only source of real spiritual life and growth. Just as branches can only bear fruit when connected to the vine, we can only live fruitful, lasting lives when we remain in dependent connection with Jesus. Spiritual growth isn’t about doing more or checking boxes; it begins with trusting, loving, and staying connected to Christ. God, the Gardener, lovingly “prunes” our lives—not to punish us but to help us grow. Remaining in Jesus means letting His Word and His love shape us daily, obeying not to earn His love but to enjoy it. When we stay connected to Him, His life flows through us, producing fruit that brings glory to God and joy to our hearts.DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
1. Where did the Holy Spirit speak or challenge you through God’s Word? Were there any “ah-ah” moments?
2. Action vs. Connection: The message described how many people approach spiritual growth through checklists—doing more instead of deepening connection.
o How do you personally tend to measure your growth—by what you do for Jesus, or by how connected you are to Him? How are these different?
o Jesus models a relationship that starts with trust and flows into love, connection, and action. How might this order change the way you approach your relationship with God—or the spiritual disciplines in your life that you pursue?
3. Read John 15:1-4 -- Pruning Seasons: The sermon taught that God “prunes” us not to punish but to grow us.
o Looking back, can you identify a season where God “lifted” or “pruned” you for greater fruitfulness? How did you see His hand in it afterward?
o How can keeping this perspective help when you experience another season of pruning?
o How can it help you walk another through these seasons?
4. Read John 15:5-12 -- Dependent Connection Jesus said, “Apart from me, you can do nothing.”
o What are some ways you can practically remain connected to the Vine—through Scripture, prayer, worship, or community—this week? What are the challenges?
o Jesus calls us to “remain in His love” through obedience—not to earn His love but to enjoy it. What practices or rhythms help you stay aware of and connected to God’s love in daily life?
o Like the prodigal son, we can sometimes drift or disconnect spiritually. Where might you need to “reconnect” with Jesus today? What might that first step look like for you?
How Do I… Series
Various | Wyatt Duncan | October 12, 2025
When we enter into Jesus, we enter into mission. God has not just given us a message to believe, but a message to share. We have this one life to live…how will we use it to build into the Kingdom of God? What a great responsibility to grow in “How do I share the gospel?”
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
1. Where did the Holy Spirit speak or challenge you through God’s Word? Were there any “ah-ah” moments?
2. When it comes to sharing our faith: Have you ever heard someone ask this? Have you ever asked this of yourself? People can live in doubt and fear of their salvation and what will truly happen when they die.
o What are some reasons that believers don’t share our faith?
o What might be holding me back from speaking about Christ to others who don’t know Him? Fear? Uncertainty? Busy? Not a priority? Explain.
3. Read Acts 8:26-40: Philip, led by the Holy Spirit—started a conversation with the Ethiopian eunuch which led to the Ethiopian coming to faith and being baptized.
o Have you ever prayed for God to open opportunities to share your faith? Has God ever opened doors and clearly led you to share the Gospel with someone? What was that like?
o How can you grow in being open and sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit and to take advantage of opportunities He opens up?
o What did Wyatt share are the four ingredients of “gospel soup”? How does this help in preparing to share the your faith and the gospel with someone?
4. Read Colossians 4:2-6; 1 Peter 3:15-17; 1 Cor 3:6-9: God calls us to plan and be prepared for not just WHAT we can say and share—but also HOW we should share it. God does the rest.
o We are called to be ready to share Jesus when the opportunity comes. Have you ever created a 2 minute testimony? Can you clearly share what the gospel is? Take time to share it with someone you know and trust—and ask them to give you feedback.
o What comfort and relief comes from the truth that God is the one who ultimately does the work and changes lives? How does this become a greater motivator to know that you don’t have to save people—just be obedient?