Sometimes we know we want to grow deeper in Christ, but we are not sure where to begin. Are you struggling more with: • Abiding consistently in Christ • Knowing your identity • Renewing your mind • Depending on the Holy Spirit • Breaking free from striving • Surrender and spiritual maturity • Understanding your purpose? That is exactly why I created The Abiding Life Assessment. It is not a test, and there is no “perfect” score. It is a simple Christ-centered reflection designed to help you recognize where you are spiritually, uncover the area that may need the most attention, and choose a clear next step for growth. After you complete it, come back and share just this: “My primary growth area right now is __________, and I want to grow by __________.” You do not have to share your score. The goal is not comparison. The goal is clarity, intentional growth, and transformation. Take The Abiding Life Assessment located in the Classroom, then come back and tell us what God is helping you see.

Listen to this week’s lesson, “Stop Hiding: Learning to Draw Near in Your Time of Need.” Then share: What stood out to you—and what sometimes makes you hesitate to pray? You can start with: “This week, I want to come to God even when I feel ______.” Share only what feels comfortable. Let’s encourage one another as we begin.

Welcome to The Abiding Life Community — a Christ-centered space for believers who desire more than information. This is a place to grow, be transformed, renew your mind, strengthen your identity in Christ, and learn what it means to truly abide in Jesus. You do not have to arrive here with everything figured out. You may be spiritually hungry, tired of striving, unsure of who you are in Christ, longing for a deeper relationship with God, or simply ready for your next season of spiritual growth. Wherever you are in your journey, you are welcome here. In this community, we will explore biblical truth together, ask honest questions, encourage one another, celebrate growth, and make room for the Holy Spirit to bring real transformation into our everyday lives. This is not a place for performance or pretending. It is a place for growth, grace, truth, reflection, and meaningful conversation. To get started, introduce yourself below and answer these three questions: 1. What brought you to The Abiding Life Community? 2. What area of your spiritual life are you most ready to grow in? 3. If you could experience one meaningful transformation in this season, what would it be? I’m excited to hear your story, learn what God is doing in your life, and walk alongside you as we grow together. Stop striving. Start abiding. Let transformation begin.

Finish this sentence as honestly as you can: “I know I’m starting to strive spiritually when I __________.” Maybe you: - feel guilty when you rest - think you should be doing more - compare your walk with someone else’s - avoid God when you feel like you’ve failed - serve while feeling empty inside - feel pressure to “get it right” Now ask yourself one deeper question: What am I believing in that moment? Sometimes the greatest revelation is not about what we are doing—it is discovering the belief underneath it. Your turn: share one sentence below. I know I’m striving when __________, and I think underneath it I’m believing __________. No long explanation needed. Let’s bring the hidden pressure into the light and replace it with truth.