Connecting To Community Part One Series

Series; Vital Connections

Connecting to Community

Introduction-

Hebrews 10:25- (NIV)

“Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”

(KJV) Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is;

but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.”

This morning I would like to talk about vital connections in our life.

Connections being defined as things that are important to us.

Our families, our church and most important our relationship with God.

We live in a society that does not encourage connection. In fact, society encourages separation and isolation to freely do, say, act, and think anyway you want.

I want you to understand that there are 2 important connections that you must make in your life.

Most important, your relationship and connection with the Lord.

The second is your church family and your church. By design if these relationships are in right perspective, other relationships in your life will be in place.

We are coming out of a long winter (say Amen)

Isolation because of weather.

We are forced to slow down because of conditions beyond our control.

Why do most people look forward to spring?

Because it is a fresh start. A time to get out of routine and do something different. Spring is a time of new life!

I am going to stretch you a little bit this morning.

Relationship with the Lord is offered to each and every one of us, but it doesn’t come easy for us.

The church designed by God, blessed by Jesus is complicated because there is our idea of church and God’s idea of church.

We struggle to do things God’s way.

Our idea of Church

A place where good people come to hear a message from their pastor.

When all is said and done, we want to feel good and be happy until the next time we come in.

we expect someone (not us) to maintain, teach, support, and encourage us.

We expect a card when we don’t show up and a happy face when we do show up.

God’s idea of church-

Place of Redemption – A place where sinners can come and find that relationship with God that they are searching for.

Place of Discipleship- People from all walks of life at different levels of relationship with God can come a learn the things of God and allow God to change what is needed in their life.

Place of Commitment- A place where the people of God commit to the Lord and each other.

Place of Service- The Lord teaches, equips believers for service. We must realize that everyone of us plays a part in the kingdom of God.

Redemption, Discipleship, commitment, Service.

To most church is a building.

A place you come, but if you are really going to connect with the Lord, the church becomes an extension of our relationship with the Lord.

To most a relationship with the Lord is distant. It is purposefully kept at a distant as to not interrupt lifestyle or cause change.

So how do we have connection with God and Church?

What is expected after the connection?

(Show fingers together)

Connections are made between two connectors. If the two connectors aren’t tight, the connection is not tight.

One connector is the power source and one connector is the conduit connector that carries the power source for a special task.

So let’s start with our relationship with Christ

If the connection is to work;

Jesus is the power source and we are the conduit that He works through.

We are the redeemed and He is the redeemer. He don’t need saving, we do.

The power of God is supplied and is not stored. Meaning that we cannot survive on our own strength or power.

We must work on and maintain our connection or relationship with God.

Jesus desires a relationship

Rev. 3:20- “Behold I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.”

Jesus makes provision for a relationship

Romans 6:23- “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

1 John 1:8- “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.”

James 4:7- “Summit yourselves, then, to God, resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double minded.”

John 3:16-

“For God so love the world that he gave his only Son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life.”