The scriptures of the Christian faith speak of a life qualitatively different from that which we see portrayed on videos, movie screens, and the pages of magazines. The Scriptures proclaim that we can experience the ""life of God"" here and now. Most of us long for such a life, but have discovered that experiencing this life of God is not simply a matter of following seven specific steps or nine important principles. In this book, Rev. Douglas J. Early reminds us that the way to the fullness of life that God offers us has little to do with our own striving and far more to do with receiving what is already at hand. Using wisdom found in 1 John, Abide In Me serves as a guide to experiencing a life of joy, purpose, and love. Readers are invited to explore the breadth and depth of the life that comes from abiding in the presence of Christ and attending to the Spirit of Christ abiding in each of us. For anyone wanting more in life but tired of working hard and getting nowhere, this book offers hope for experiencing the life of God in Christ, here and now. ""Doug Early writes to transform, rather than inform. He wants his readers to be transformed through their relationship with Christ. Using 1 John as his text and weaving in a wide variety of illustration and quotes, he helps us see how to be fully alive in Christ. I heartily recommend this book."" --Denny Rydberg, President Emeritus, Young Life ""Doug Early's love for the New Testament letter 1 John--and the God described there--shines in his vivid stories and helpful analysis of key themes. I appreciate his emphasis on the person, Jesus, who lies behind so many of the words and ideas in the letter. Early is so right that hope is a person."" --Lynne M. Baab, author of The Power of Listening and Sabbath Keeping Doug Early is an ordained pastor in the PC(USA) and has served the same congregation for nearly twenty years. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Washington and his Master of Divinity from Regent College in Vancouver, B.C. In addition to writing sermons, Doug posts regularly on his blog, Hints & Guesses. He lives with his family in a leafy neighborhood of Seattle.