Thanks for investing your time and energy in Swim Lessons. We hope you find the discussions helpful as you seek to navigate our frenetic, exhausting, and screen-saturated world. Jesus offers peace and rest, and a pathway to flourish in the midst of it all.
Below you’ll find the discussion starters connected to each Lesson, as well as the suggested resources that can help you find deeper connection with Jesus and advice on living a gospel-formed life.
Lesson 0: A Gospel Foundation
The GodTools app includes several versions of a four-point gospel outline that has been transformational for millions. Explore the app yourself or talk through one of outlines with a friend to deepen your understanding of this foundational message.
Lesson 1: From Anxiety to Grace-Inspired Peace
Starting the Discussion Videos
The Common Rule Book Trailer
The Identity You’re Looking For (Pastor Tim Keller message excerpt)
Additional Resources
Sermon: Releasing Anxiety, by Pastor Ben Stuart
Book: Gentle and Lowly: The Heart of Christ for Sinners and Sufferers, by Dane Ortlund
Book: Pressure Points: A Guide to Navigating Student Stress, by Shelby Abbott
Lesson 2: From Digitally Distracted to a Focused Faith
Starting the Discussion Videos
“Fitless Humans,” from Disney/Pixar’s Wall-E
Practical Application Suggestions
Practical Help for Bible Reading, by Pastor Ben Stuart
Scripture Before Phone habit, by Justin Whitmel Earley
Digital Limits habit, by Justin Whitmel Earley
Twelve Step Digital Detox, from an article by Tony Reinke
Additional Resources
Video: How to Stop Looking at Your Phone, by Tim Casteel
Book: How to Break Up with Your Phone, by Catherine Price
Lesson 3: From Exhaustion to Intentional Rest
Starting the Discussion Video
“Down in New Orleans,” from Disney’s The Princess and the Frog
Additional Resources
Podcast: The Next Right Thing, episode 40: “Keep Your Rest,” by Emily P. Freeman
Book: The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry, by John Mark Comer
Book: Keep a Quiet Heart, by Elisabeth Elliot
Book: The Rest of God, by Mark Buchanan
Lesson 4: From Self-Absorbed to Others-Focused
Starting the Discussion Videos
“Man Park,” from SNL
“What Charity Does to Your Brain,” by The Big Think
Additional Resources
Book: The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness: The True Path to Christian Joy, by Tim Keller
Book: What’s Best Next, by Matt Perman
Book: Encouragement: The Key to Caring, by Larry Crabb and Dan Allender
Podcast: The Art of Manliness, episode 406: “Why You Need to Embrace Small Talk,” with Debra Fine
Podcast: Self-Care: Exposed and Explained by Brian Seay
Lesson 5: From Endless Choices to Embracing Limits
Starting the Discussion Videos
“Tea Scene,” from Universal Pictures’ Scott Pilgrim vs. The World
“Every Rory Gilmore Pro/Con List,” from Gilmore Girls
Additional Resources
Article: “The Problem of Your Choices,” by Barry Cooper, from Desiring God
Article: “Help! I’m Afraid I Made the Wrong Decision,” by Aimee Joseph, from The Gospel Coalition
Article: “Freedom From…Freedom To,” by Brett and Kate McKay, from The Art of Manliness
Book: The Next Right Thing, by Emily P. Freeman
Book: A Spacious Life: Trading Hustle and Hurry for the Goodness of Limits, by Ashley Hales
Book: The Paradox of Choice: Why More Is Less, by Barry Schwartz
Lesson 6: From Chaotic Busyness to Purposeful Productivity
Starting the Discussion Video
“Do It Now,” from the Art of Manliness
Additional Resources
Article: “Productivity is Really About Good Works,” by Matt Perman, from What’s Best Next
Book: Do More Better: A Practical Guide to Productivity, by Tim Challies
Book: What’s Best Next: How the Gospel Transforms the Way You Get Things Done, by Matt Perman
Book: What Are You Going to Do with Your Life?, by J.D. Greear
