Abiding in Christ can seem like a daunting challenge for people in the midst of real-life situations like school, work, family, etc. Jesus called us to follow him and experience union with Him. He also assured us his burden is light and there is rest for our souls. This unique – and seemingly impossible – invitation is not just for the professional minister or retiree with no kids at home. It is for everyone in every stage of life. How do we accept God’s invitation into deep spiritual realities while fulfilling our responsibilities to the people and world around us?

Caleb Schwenk joins Pastor Paul Backhaus and Eric Eidson for a discussion on what his journey in abiding with Christ has been like. As a father, husband, employee, volunteer, son, brother, friend, and entrepreneur in his 20s, Caleb's busy life is a reflection of the busyness we all experience in the modern environment. He gives us an authentic look inside his experience with the abiding presence of Christ in a real world setting.

Join us for PART 1 of this three part discussion!

Abiding in Christ and Christian Mysticism must be rooted in the presence of Holy Spirit. There is a mistaken perspective that the practices and disciplines of abiding/mysticism will lead us into the presence of Holy Spirit/Jesus/the Father. The reality is that those disciplines and practices are fruitless APART from the presence of Holy Spirit in our lives. The presence is the starting point and the path.

This is Part 3 of our discussion with Bob See about the critical role our relationship with Holy Spirit has on our walk with God.

Directional Questions:

• How do you see Holy Spirit engage in your journey of Christian spirituality?

• How does the language we use - “baptism of Holy Spirit,” “indwelling,” “filled,” etc. – impact our understanding of Holy Spirit?

• Where do the gifts and fruit of Holy Spirit fit into these practices of Christian Mysticism?

• Do we choose the indwelling of the Holy Spirit or just surrender to what is already done?

• What perspectives need to change regarding the indwelling and our journey with Holy Spirit?

• What is the role of spiritual disciplines in our relationship to Holy Spirit?

Abiding in Christ and Christian Mysticism must be rooted in the presence of Holy Spirit. There is a mistaken perspective that the practices and disciplines of abiding/mysticism will lead us into the presence of Holy Spirit/Jesus/the Father. The reality is that those disciplines and practices are fruitless APART from the presence of Holy Spirit in our lives. The presence is the starting point and the path.

This is Part 2 of our discussion with Bob See about the critical role our relationship with Holy Spirit has on our walk with God.

Directional Questions:

• How do you see Holy Spirit engage in your journey of Christian spirituality?

• How does the language we use - “baptism of Holy Spirit,” “indwelling,” “filled,” etc. – impact our understanding of Holy Spirit?

• Where do the gifts and fruit of Holy Spirit fit into these practices of Christian Mysticism?

• Do we choose the indwelling of the Holy Spirit or just surrender to what is already done?

• What perspectives need to change regarding the indwelling and our journey with Holy Spirit?

• What is the role of spiritual disciplines in our relationship to Holy Spirit?