“CONNECTING WITH GOD”

Pastor Mark Johnson

06/27/2010

INTRO: Our mission: “Equipping you to connect with God, love others, and transform your world”

In this message, we’re going to focus on Connecting With God. How’s your God connection?

I. THE CALL TO BEAR MUCH FRUIT THAT REMAINS.

A. Jesus appointed us to bear fruit that remains (Jn. 15:16).

     1. Paul preached this same thing (Rom. 7:4).

B. Jesus is committed to our fruit bearing (Jn. 15:1-2, 5, 8).

     1. We are chastened in order to yield fruit (Heb. 12:11).

C. Branches that don’t bear fruit get cut down and thrown

     into the fire (Jn. 15:2a; Matt. 3:10; 7:19).

II. THE MEANS TO THAT CALL – CONNECTING WITH GOD.

A. Connecting with God (abiding in Christ) is the only way

     we can bear fruit (Jn. 15:5, 7; Gal. 2:20; Acts 17:28a).

     1. Without connecting with God, we won’t be very

          effective at loving others and transforming our world.

     2. Only transformed people can transform their world.

B. How much can we really love God (and grow) if we’re not

     consistently connecting with Him?

III. THE WAY TO CONNECT WITH GOD.

A. When? An appointed time (Acts 3:1) and all the time

     (1Thess. 5:17).

B. Attitude/Mindset/Focus: Sense His abiding presence,

     Love & worship Him, yield, trust, listen.

C. How?

     1. Worship (sense His presence and voice, love Him).

     2. Petition – pray for yourself and others.

     3. Listen.

     4. Seek to sense God connection throughout your day.

     5. Interactive Bible Reading (expect God to speak to you).

          a. What does it say?

          b. What did it mean to its intended audience?

          c. What is its meaning for this generation?

          d. How does it apply to me?

          e. Pray the Scriptures, believe, confess, obey.