CONNECT

The Christian life is personal, but it was never meant to be private.

1.God’s words to us: Scripture.
2. Our words to God: prayer.

Romans 12:12 Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; be persistent in prayer.

“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name…” Praise. “Your kingdom come, your will be done…” Purpose. “Give us today our daily bread…” Provision. “Forgive us our debts…” Pardon. “Lead us not into temptation…” Protection.

Praise. Purpose. Provision. Pardon. Protection.

Ephesians 2:13-14 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility

Ephesians 2:18-22 For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. 19 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens,but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. 22 In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.

God didn’t just save you from something. He saved you into something.

Acts 2:42-47 And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe[d] came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

Love one another. Encourage one another. Serve one another. Forgive one another. Carry one another’s burdens. Confess to one another. Pray for one another. Build one another up. Be kind to one another. Bear with one another.

YOU CAN’T “ONE ANOTHER” BY YOURSELF

Hebrews 10:24-25 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

Don’t turn a legitimate difficulty into permanent permission for isolation.

“Have we met yet?”

proximity, timing, and energy

“I paid for this.”

Acts 20:28b  …care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.

Our calendar reveals our theology better than our words do.

You don’t join a group merely because you might need somebody someday. You join because somebody may need you.

Connection > Content

John 13:35: By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.