Practicing the Way: building a rule of life
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This episode of the St Giles' West Bridgford Podcast concludes a series on discipleship as apprentices of Jesus, drawing from John Mark Homer's book *Practicing the Way*. The speaker reflects on the balance between grace—Jesus having done everything for us—and the ongoing, challenging call to surrender and grow in holiness. She shares a personal moment of regret where she oversimplified discipleship as 'easy,' realizing instead that following Jesus demands a lifelong, intentional commitment. The central metaphor of a 'rule of life' is introduced as a trellis—a supportive structure enabling spiritual growth, not a rigid set of rules. The speaker emphasizes that this rule of life is personal and season-specific, built around nine transformative practices: Sabbath, solitude, prayer, community, scripture, fasting, generosity, service, and witness. She encourages listeners to identify which practices are most needed in their current season, offering practical, small steps like five minutes of silence or re-engaging with Scripture. The sermon culminates in a powerful vision of what the church can become: a community of rest, peace, communion, love, holiness, contentment, justice, and hospitality in contrast to the chaotic, distracted, and individualistic culture around them.
Discipleship is not easy—it’s a lifelong process of deepening surrender to Jesus, not just receiving grace.
A 'rule of life' is not a list of rules but a personal, flexible trellis that supports spiritual growth and fruitfulness.
Choose one or two of the nine core practices (e.g., prayer, scripture, community) to intentionally cultivate in your current season.
The church is called to be a counter-cultural community—of peace in anxiety, holiness in indulgence, justice in division.
God is fully committed to transforming us into the image of Christ, but we do this in community, not alone.
The Call to Be an Apprentice of Jesus
The series concludes with a recap of the three aims of discipleship: being with Jesus, becoming like him, and doing what he did. The speaker reflects on the ongoing nature of apprenticeship beyond the series.
The Danger of Oversimplifying Grace
“Jesus has done it all, and therefore, it demands everything of me as we give ourselves to Jesus.”
Discipleship as Lifelong Surrender
Drawing from Colossians 3, the speaker explains that discipleship is a daily choice to set our minds on heavenly things and put on new spiritual garments—compassion, kindness, patience, and love.
The Trellis Metaphor: A Rule of Life
“A trellis enables the vine to grow and be fruitful. Without a trellis, a vine can produce fruit but it's way less, way less fruitful and much more vulnerable.”
Building Your Personal Trellis
“What might God want to say to me? I'm going to give five minutes of silence each day.”
“We can become a community of rest in a culture of hurry and exhaustion. We can become a community of peace and quiet in a culture of anxiety and noise.”
“Jesus has done it all, and therefore, it demands everything of me as we give ourselves to Jesus.”
“The church is called to be a counter-cultural community—of peace in anxiety, holiness in indulgence, justice in division.”
Host
Joanna
person
Colossians
book
Trellis
other
St Giles' West Bridgford
organization
Vine
other
Community
other
Scripture
other
Service
other
Witness
other
India
place
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