Prepare your heart for this Sunday’s morning message by reading the below Family Discipleship Plan, Discussion Questions & Action Steps, Sermon Slides & Songs.
Family Study page Luke 5:1-11 John 15:5-8 Sept. 27, 2026
When Your Way Isn’t Working – Maybe you’ve found recently that you are getting more irritable with people. Or you’re feeling more overwhelmed and defeated by the challenges that life is throwing your way. Or you’re spending more time scanning social media than you are connecting with God in prayer. Suddenly aware that doing things your way isn’t working out the way you thought it would. If you are putting additional effort to make your life better, trying to find a full connection with your purpose, but are getting reduced results, and becoming worn out trying. It is a good indication that something important is out of sync. We have identified this experience as an awareness of a “failure to thrive.” Jesus shows us the solution in John 15:1-27. This Sermon series and corresponding study will help you find PURPOSE and CONTENTMENT through deep daily, ongoing connection in JESUS. So much of trusting and following Jesus seems backwards to what we think. To be great – be a servant. To save your life – you must lose it. To be filled with fruit – you must abide. The urge to focus on what we are producing and how to improve it, is shifted to an urge to connect to the vine. The story of Lazarus is a beautiful picture of the impact of a connected life. The Messiah calls you His friend!
Discussion Questions and Action Steps for you and your family
With your family or a group of friends, have people share about what “charts” they recall as a child that rewarded desired behavior. Who in their family was the best at excelling at the chart’s objectives? Read John 15:9-17; John 12:1-19. How do these stories reveal the desire of Jesus for us to pursue connection over production for God? What insight or phrase captured your attention? Why do you imagine that the Holy Spirit drew your attention there? What do you discover about God/Jesus? What do you discover about humans/yourself? What do you tend to put first – production for Jesus or connection with Him? If you are obsessed with production, what is holding you back from ABIDING in Him? Tell someone this week about how your way isn’t working and your deeper longing for connection with Jesus Christ!
No Longer Slaves - Zach Williams
I’m no longer a slave to fear. I am a child of God. I’m no longer a slave to fear. I am a child of God.
You unravel me, with a melody; You surround me with a song of deliverance, from my enemies until all my fears are gone;
From my mother’s womb You have chosen me Love has called my name; I’ve been born again, into a family Your blood flows through my veins.
I am surrounded by the arms of the father; I am surrounded by songs of deliverance! We've been liberated from our bondage; We’re the sons and the daughters, Let us sing our freedom!
You split the sea so I could walk right through; it my fears were drowned in perfect love; You rescued me and I will stand and sing: I am the child of God
“I am the True Vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit He takes away, And every branch that does bear fruit He prunes that it may bear more fruit.”
John 15:1-2
Abide - Aaron Williams
For my waking breath for my daily bread I depend on You, I depend on You; For the sun to rise for my sleep at night I depend on You, I depend on You; You're the way the truth and the life, You're the well that never runs dry; I'm the branch, and You are the vine, Draw me close and teach me to abide.
Where the Spirit leads as I'm following I depend on You, I depend on You; For the victories still in front of me I depend on You, I depend on You;
Be my strength my song in the night Be my all my treasure my prize, I am Yours; forever, Your mine, draw me close and teach me to abide
When I pass through death, as I enter rest, I depend on You, I depend on You; For eternal life to be raised with Christ, I depend on You, I depend on You. You're the way the truth and the life; You're the well that never runs dry. I'm the branch and You are the vine Draw me close and teach me to abide. I depend on You, Yes, I depend on You, I depend on You, I depend on You.
I Trust In God! - Maverick City
Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine, He’s been my “fourth man in the fire” time after time; Born of His Spirit Washed in His blood; And what He did for me on Calvary Is more than enough!
I trust in God, My Savior; The One who will never fail He will never fail!
Perfect submission All is at rest I know the Author of tomorrow Has ordered my steps; So this is my story and this is my song praising my risen King and Savior all the day long.
I sought the Lord and He heard and He answered; (3x) That’s why I trust Him! That’s why I trust Him!
“If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; And the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire and burned. As the Father has loved me, so have I love you. Abide in my love!”
John 15:6, 9
Turn Your Eyes - Natalie Grant
O soul are you weary and troubled, No light in the darkness you see; But just one look at the Savior Is life more abundant and free. So just look up, your help is on the way.
Turn, turn your eyes upon Jesus; Look full, look full, look full in His wonderful face; And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, When you turn, turn your eyes upon him.
His Word forever unfailing, His promise an anchor to hold; Here in the midst of your sorrow, His presence is healing your soul. So just look up, your help is on the way!
In the light of his glory and grace, There is freedom, healing filling this place. In the light of his glory and grace, There’s revival, it’s stirring, shaking this place. In the light of his glory and grace, Hear the chains hit the ground all over this place
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time He may exalt you. Casting all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you.”
1 Peter 5:6-7
WHEN YOUR WAY ISN’T WORKING September 27, 2026
Finding Purpose through Deep Connection with Jesus.
Week 4, The Way Of Connection!
Slide #2 Romans 8:38-39
Slide #3 John 12 :1-3
Slide #4 John 12:9-11, 17-19
Slide #5 “The challenge for most of us is that when our way isn’t working, we instinctively double down on production and make it (the fruit) happen out of our own effort and determination.”
Slide #6 Matthew 7:21-23
Slide #7 Rewire your soul for the Way Of Connection
- Live in God’s extravagant love. Matthew 22:37
- Practice Rest and Sabbath. Exodus 20:8
- Treasure the words of God. Psalm 1:2-3
- Pursue the presence and patterns of Jesus. Matthew 11:28-29








