Kingdom Corner Podcast

Be With Jesus

Reading Room Series — Practicing the Way

Episode Summary

In this Kingdom Corner Reading Room episode, Matt continues exploring Practicing the Way by John Mark Comer, focusing on the foundational goal of apprenticeship to Jesus: to be with Him.

Before we become like Jesus or do what He did, we must first learn the sacred art of abiding in His presence. Drawing from Scripture, Christian history, and the wisdom of saints like Brother Lawrence, this episode explores how believers can cultivate a life that remains rooted in Christ throughout the ordinary moments of daily life.

Following Jesus is not merely a program or a list of spiritual techniques. It is a progression of relationship—beginning with learning to live moment by moment in the presence of God through the Holy Spirit.

Key Scriptures

1. John 1:39 — “Come and see.”
2. Luke 10:39 — Mary sitting at the feet of Jesus.
3. Mark 3:14 — Jesus appointed the twelve that they might be with Him.
4. John 15:4 — “Abide in Me, and I in you.”
5. Galatians 5:22–23 — The fruit of the Spirit.
6. 1 Corinthians 6:19 — Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit.

Core Themes from the Episode

1. The First Goal of Apprenticeship

Jesus called His disciples first to be with Him.

Before ministry

Before miracles

Before preaching

The starting line of discipleship is presence.

Christian formation begins by cultivating an awareness of Christ’s presence in everyday life.

2. The Progression of Spiritual Formation

Following Jesus unfolds in a natural progression:

1. Be With Jesus
2. Become Like Jesus
3. Do What Jesus Did

Transformation begins not with striving but with abiding.

3. The Role of the Holy Spirit

Jesus promised His followers another Helper.

The Greek words help illuminate the meaning:

1. Allos – another of the same kind
2. Parakletos – helper, advocate, intercessor

Through the Holy Spirit, believers can experience the real presence of Jesus today.

To be with the Spirit

is to be with Jesus

and to be with the Father.

4. Abiding: Making Your Home in God

In John 15, Jesus uses the word “abide” (meno) repeatedly.

It means:

1. remain
2. dwell
3. stay
4. make your home in

Jesus’ invitation is simple but profound:

“Make your home in Me.”

5. We Are All Abiding Somewhere

Everyone lives from a source.

We all have an emotional home we return to.

Examples today might include:

1. Social media
2. Entertainment
3. Pleasure
4. Escapism

But disciples of Jesus choose to root their lives in the presence of God.

And whatever we root ourselves in will shape who we become.

6. Living in Two Places at Once

Abiding is not reserved for monks or monasteries.

It happens in ordinary life.

You can be:

Eating breakfast

Driving to work

Cooking dinner

Answering emails

And still be with Jesus.

7. The Practice of the Presence of God

The 17th-century monk Brother Lawrence described this life as:

“Practicing the presence of God.”

He learned to remain aware of God while performing the simplest tasks, even washing dishes in the monastery kitchen.

At first it required effort.

But with persistence and practice, the presence of God became his constant companion.

Powerful Quote from the Episode

“This is the single most extraordinary opportunity in the universe: to let your body become God's home.”

Reflection Questions

1. What does it mean for you personally to be with Jesus throughout your day?
2. Where does your mind naturally go in quiet moments?
3. What might it look like to make your home in God’s presence?
4. How could you begin practicing the presence of God in everyday activities?

Next Episode

Next week in the Reading Room series:

“Turning God Into a Habit.”

We will continue exploring how spiritual practices help us cultivate a life that remains rooted in Christ.

Tuesday Series Reminder

On Tuesdays, the Kingdom Corner Podcast continues the historical series:

Kingdom People in the Pages of History

Exploring courage, faith, and conviction through historical figures.

Current theme:

Bringing Clarity in an Age of Confusion

Current virtue series:

Courage Under Fire — Faith, Honor, and the Cost of Duty

About the Host

Matt Geib is a Bible teacher, pastor, and host of the Kingdom Corner Podcast, where he explores Scripture, history, and spiritual formation to help believers live out the Kingdom culture on earth as it is in heaven.

Learn more about Matt’s devotional book:

Searching for Significance: A Devotional Journey Through Ecclesiastes

Visit:

https://significanceacademy.com