“CONNECTING WITH GOD”

Sunday, July 25, 2010

INTRO: Our mission: “Connecting with God, Loving others, and Transforming our 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).

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

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).

     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

     (Heb. 13:5), love & worship Him, yield, trust, listen.

C. How?

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

     2. Petition – pray for yourself and others (Matt. 6:11).

     *You can have different focuses on different days!

     3. Listen (and obey!) (Jn. 10:27).

     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? Is there a change I need

               to make in my thinking or actions? What is God

               saying to me?

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

CONCLUSION: How’s your God connection?