Get Connected

SLIDE #1

Prayer

Welcome…

During the past several weeks it has become very clear to me… that even though man thinks that he is in control of his destiny… he is not.

For thousands of years…man has held on to the foolish presumption that everything that happens in this world is because of his ability and his effort.

-Pharaoh...Thought he was a god. –Hitler...thought he was a world leader -Professional Athlete’s...think they are the best

And sadly enough… it usually takes a major event to happen to us in our lives…for us to admit...Who the one is that is in control of our destiny.

It doesn’t matter if you are the President of the United States…the first lady…or Bill Gates who currently holds a net worth of 56 Billion dollars…

If you are not daily placing God first in your life…this I know...it is just a matter of time until God gets your attention.

When God created each of us…

He did it with the mindset that every living person...man and women alike... would have a relationship with Him.

Strange enough...as simple as it is to be connected to Him...many people still choose not to include Him in their lives.

You see the only way that… God can be connected to us…is by us First connecting to Him.

If you’re the person here today who is thinking….

Well Pastor...that’s the exact reason why I’m here... because I don’t even know who God is and what He wants from me…

Let me explain to you what God says about the importance of you being connected to Him.

Slide # 2

In the book of ...John 15:5-7...Jesus says....

5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in me—and I in him—bears much fruit, because apart from me you can accomplish nothing.

6 If anyone does not remain in me, he is thrown out like a branch, and dries up; and such branches are gathered up and thrown into the fire, and are burned up.

The exciting part for you today is this…Jesus goes on to say in verse 7

7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you want, and it will be done for you.

We all know what happens to a branch that is cut off from the tree.

-within a few days...wilt -within a few weeks...dries up

The most important thing in this life is that you... ”Connect to Him”.

The bible is very clear by explaining to us that when we are connected to God…whatever we ask of Him…He will hear…and answer us.

God wants us to connect to Him in prayer.

Personally it had been over 35 years since I was as sick as I was these last few weeks.

And I’m here to tell you…as a pastor…I love God…and I trust Him with my all my heart and my life but…

But like all people in this world...When life slips out of our control.... (not being able to get my breath)…

I couldn’t help but find myself asking Him for extra help…

You see...Knowing God has its advantages…the most important advantage is this. (re-read vs. 7)

God always places your best interests in front of His own.

He is not... -Greedy -selfish -prideful

Rather He is... –Loving -Kind -Compassionate

When God decides our time on this world is over…He promises all those who are connected to Him.

That when they die... they will spend eternity with Him forever in Heaven. (Comforting isn’t it…)

All I could think about during my sickness was…I hope He’s not done with me yet... because there are many people I need to share Jesus with.

More specifically…I personally need to share Jesus with all the people He has laid on my heart…from my past and the future.

I thank God that I am finally at a point in my life that I understand that without me sharing Jesus with them...

These people might just spend their eternities in a place that neither man nor woman should be... Hell.

Hell is eternal...The Bible describes it as -Fire and Brimstone -Darkness -A Lake of Fire

Satan was originally created as God’s most powerful Angelic being.

But he rebelled against God and convinced about 1/3 of the angels to join him. (The worldly always seek power and control)

As a result of this...God cast him out of heaven to earth.

If you’re new to the church today...or a seasoned member...

This knowing and serving Jesus thought...Must become a priority in your life.

It has to become a personal matter to each of you...

And the only way that will happen is by YOU connecting to Him!

VIDEO Work as Worship

Slide #3

One of the hardest things about knowing Jesus...is trying to figure out where you fit into His plan.