Senior Pastor
September 2016
GREAT EXPECTATION #1: New Connections
The goal of "New Connections" is an urgent goal. The church that fails to make new connections will eventually die, so our goal is to make 10 New Connections during this 2016-2017 ministry year which starts September 1st. We will reach out and welcome 10 new families to the body of Christ. Isn't it exciting to know God is excited about relationship? Joy is contagious, and excitement is contagious. Let's go spread God's love.
Connections Are Central to The Great Commandment
Relationship is the evidence of love. We cannot love God without connecting with Him. We cannot love our neighbors without connecting with them. Love is embodied in relationship. If there is a place where God lives and dwells, it is in connections. "For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them." (Matthew 18:20)
Connections Are Compelled by Love
Do you remember the first time you truly connected with God? The air smelled different, the sun shined brighter and nature became more alive. Everywhere you looked, there was life and you wanted to share your love-connection with God with everyone. There are many who are hungry for such life-transforming encounters. Let's get connected to God, our first love. God connected with us because He loved us. God's love compels us to love others, "For the love of Christ compels us." (2 Corinthians 5:14) Will you reach out with God's love to one new person this year? Can you add that to your calendar?
Connection Is The Cost of Discipleship
Connection is not a choice: it is a command from Jesus. He said, "Go and make disciples." (Matthew 28:19) Can we make disciples without connections? Connections are when we communicate the heart of God to others. Connection is communication. We are communicating the good news of the kingdom of God when we connect with others. There is no other way to communicate the gospel of the kingdom of God without connection. Your identification as a disciple of Jesus is to love God and to love others. Your evidence as a disciple of Jesus is expressed in relationship. Love is expressed in relationship. "By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." (John 13:35)