Imagine a life where peace, purpose and fellowship with God are not fleeting ideals but daily realities. What if the abundant life that Jesus spoke of is not only possible but promised—if we are willing to walk in the footsteps of Jesus? In this introductory message to our new series, "Practicing the Way," we'll explore the essence of spiritual formation, a journey that transforms us from the inside out. John Mark Comer reminds us, "If you want to experience the life of Jesus, you have to adopt the lifestyle of Jesus." But what does that mean for us today? Spiritual formation is more than just a religious practice; it’s a process of becoming like Jesus in our thoughts, habits, and character. It’s essential because it shapes who we are and how we live in the world. We will reveal why spiritual formation in the way of Jesus is critical to true life change and how it's not a passive process but an intentional pursuit. We’ll uncover practical steps you can take to be formed by Jesus, guiding you toward a life marked by love, joy, and deep, abiding peace. Join us as we lay the foundation for a journey that will not just change your life—but transform it from the inside out.

• Foundations of Formation

• Brokenness to Blessing

• Family Faith Formation 

• The Chorus of Community

• The Principles of Practices

• They Rhythms of Rest

• A Life of Love

“If you want to experience the life of Jesus, you have to adopt the lifestyle of Jesus” –John Mark Comer

We are all being formed:

• Family background and history
• Friends 
• Cultural setting
• Education 
• Life experiences 
• Digital Media
• Work experiences 
• Various inputs in our lives

Are you intentionally being formed in the way of Jesus?

“Every action you take is a vote for the type of person you wish to become.” –James Clear, Atomic Habits

“Your habits shape your identity, and your identity shapes your habits.” –James Clear, Atomic Habits

John 1:12 – But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. 

Formation: Thoughts -> Feelings -> Choices -> Actions -> Habits -> Character -> Identity

Hebrews 5:12 – You have been believers so long now that you ought to be teaching others. Instead, you need someone to teach you again the basic things about God’s word. You are like babies who need milk and cannot eat solid food.

2 Timothy 3:5 – They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. 

What is your spiritual condition?

• Two steps forward and one step back
• Lukewarm 
• Unable to hear the voice of God
• Battling addictions 
• Not experiencing the abundant life
• Far from God’s presence and love

“Spiritual formation for the Christian basically refers to the Spirit-driven process of forming the inner world of the human self in such a way that it becomes like the inner being of Christ himself.” –Dallas Willard

Matthew 6:33 – Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.

Character of the people in the Kingdom

• Humble
• Forgiving
• Self-sacrificing
• Prayerful
• Love for enemies
• Going the extra mile
• Loving purity
• People of peace

Hebrews 12:2 – Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Luke 9:23 – Then he said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me.”

Philippians 3:12-14 – But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.

Luke 14:28 – But don’t begin until you count the cost. For who would begin construction of a building without first calculating the cost to see if there is enough money to finish it?

“The general human failing is to want what is right and important, but at the same time not to commit to the kind of life that will produce the action we know to be right and the condition we want to enjoy. This is the feature of human character that explains why the road to hell is paved with good intentions. We intend what is right, but we avoid the life that would make it a reality.” –Dallas Willard

Acts 2:42 –  All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer.

1 Timothy 4:7 – Train yourself to be godly. 

John 14:23 – Jesus replied, “All who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will come and make our home with each of them.”

Galatians 5:22-23 – But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.