Connected in Christ: Embracing Community and Purpose

Summary

Connection is at the heart of the Christian life. God’s Spirit is present among us, offering wisdom, power, and guidance, but we must choose to abide in Him and say “yes” to His invitation. This connection is not just vertical—between us and God—but also horizontal, binding us to one another and to our shared purpose. The early church in Acts 2 models this beautifully: after the Spirit’s arrival, the believers responded not with isolated faith, but by forming a vibrant, committed community. They repented, were baptized, and devoted themselves to teaching, fellowship, meals, and prayer. Their lives were marked by a deep sense of awe, generosity, and mission, and as a result, God added to their number daily.

True repentance is more than regret; it is a decisive turning away from sin and a turning toward God. This is the foundation of connection with Him. Baptism is not just a one-time event but the beginning of a lifelong journey of being shaped by Christ’s love and purpose. Living in the awareness of the Holy Spirit’s presence changes everything—our choices, our relationships, and our sense of mission. Just as a championship team thrives on chemistry and connection, so too does the body of Christ. Disconnected disciples miss out on purpose, but connected disciples change the world.

Community is not optional; it is God’s design for our growth and maturity. We are called to share our lives, struggles, and joys with one another, to serve together, and to remind each other of God’s faithfulness. Spiritual maturity flourishes in the soil of relationships—through organic friendships, intentional gatherings, and shared service. Our connection to purpose is equally vital. We are not just called to be connected to God and each other, but to live on mission, seeking out those who do not yet know Christ and inviting them into this life of connection.

The invitation is clear: stay connected to God through repentance, prayer, and Scripture; stay connected to each other through authentic relationships and community; and stay connected to your purpose by living missionally. The Holy Spirit is present and moving—will you plug in, connect, and let your life be transformed?

Key Takeaways

- The Holy Spirit’s presence is not a distant theological concept but a daily reality that transforms how we live, think, and relate. Living consciously aware of His nearness compels us to make different choices, pursue deeper relationships, and embrace our God-given purpose with courage and humility. [38:13]

- Repentance is not merely feeling sorry for our sins; it is a radical reorientation of our lives toward God. True repentance means turning away from old patterns and fully embracing God’s truth, allowing Him to reshape our identity and direction. This is the gateway to authentic connection with God. [40:02]

- Community is essential to spiritual growth. God’s design is that we would not walk alone, but share our stories, struggles, and victories with others. Spiritual maturity is cultivated in the context of relationships—through fellowship, shared meals, service, and prayer—where we remind each other of God’s faithfulness and love. [46:46]

- Our connection to purpose is inseparable from our connection to God and each other. The early church was marked by a sense of awe and urgency, living out their mission together and seeing God add to their number daily. Living on mission is not an optional add-on, but the natural outflow of a connected life. [53:16]

- Intentionality is required to maintain these connections. Whether it’s daily repentance, joining a life group, reaching out to someone over coffee, or identifying and praying for your “one,” these practical steps keep us plugged into God, community, and purpose. Disconnected disciples miss out on God’s best, but connected disciples become agents of transformation in the world. [56:31]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[25:19] - Opening Prayer and the Presence of the Spirit
[28:04] - Basketball, Teams, and the Power of Connection
[32:28] - Setting the Scene: Acts 2 and the Early Church
[33:52] - The Arrival of the Holy Spirit
[35:36] - Peter’s Challenge: What Should We Do?
[37:17] - Repentance and Turning to God
[38:56] - Living Aware of the Holy Spirit
[41:13] - Baptism: A New Identity and Commitment
[43:02] - Plugging Into the Power Source
[45:03] - Community: Added to the Church, Not Alone
[46:46] - The Necessity of Fellowship and Shared Life
[49:18] - Practical Ways to Build Community
[52:47] - Connection to Purpose: Living as Fishers of Men
[56:31] - Three Next Steps: God, Community, Purpose
[59:42] - Communion: Reflecting on Connection and Commitment

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Staying Connected—God, Community, Purpose

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### Bible Reading

- Acts 2:37-47
(Peter’s call to repentance, baptism, and the birth of the early church community)
- John 12:26-27
(“Anyone who wants to serve me must follow me… this is the very reason I came.”)
- Genesis 2:18
(“It is not good for man to be alone.”)

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### Observation Questions

1. In Acts 2:37-41, what was the crowd’s response to Peter’s message, and what specific actions did Peter call them to take?
[[37:17]]
2. According to Acts 2:42-47, what were some of the daily practices and priorities of the early church community?
[[46:16]]
3. In John 12:26-27, what does Jesus say about following Him and living with purpose?
[[54:19]]
4. The sermon mentioned Genesis 2:18, “It is not good for man to be alone.” How did the early church model this truth in their relationships?
[[46:46]]

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### Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think Peter emphasized both repentance and baptism as the starting point for connection with God? How does this go beyond just feeling sorry for sin?
[[40:02]]
2. The early church “devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, meals, and prayer.” What does this reveal about the kind of community God desires for His people?
[[46:16]]
3. The sermon compared the church to a championship team that thrives on connection and chemistry. What are some ways that “disconnected disciples miss out on purpose,” while “connected disciples change the world”?
[[55:57]]
4. Jesus said, “Anyone who wants to serve me must follow me… this is the very reason I came.” How does living on mission relate to our connection with God and others?
[[54:19]]

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### Application Questions

1. The sermon said, “Living consciously aware of the Holy Spirit’s nearness compels us to make different choices.” What is one area of your life where you need to be more aware of the Spirit’s presence this week? How could that change your actions or attitude?
[[38:13]]
2. Repentance was described as a “radical reorientation” and not just regret. Is there a specific pattern or habit you need to turn away from right now? What would it look like to turn fully toward God in that area?
[[40:02]]
3. The early church shared meals, prayed, and served together. Who are the people you are “doing life” with right now? Is there someone you need to invite into deeper community, or a group you need to reconnect with?
[[46:46]]
4. The sermon challenged us to “remind each other of God’s faithfulness.” Who in your life needs encouragement or a reminder of God’s love? How can you reach out to them this week—maybe with a text, a meal, or a prayer?
[[49:43]]
5. “Our connection to purpose is inseparable from our connection to God and each other.” Who is your “one”—someone who doesn’t yet know Christ? What is one practical step you can take this week to build a relationship or share your faith with them?
[[58:25]]
6. The sermon gave practical next steps: daily repentance, joining a life group, reaching out over coffee, or praying for your “one.” Which of these is your next step? What’s holding you back, and how can the group support you?
[[56:31]]
7. Communion was described as a time to reflect on connection—with God, with others, and with your purpose. As you think about your own journey, which of these three areas needs the most attention right now? What’s one thing you can do this week to strengthen that connection?
[[01:00:16]]

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Close in prayer, asking God to help each person stay connected to Him, to community, and to their purpose this week.

Devotional

Day 1: The Holy Spirit Empowers and Connects Us
The Holy Spirit is not just a distant theological concept but the very presence of God available to every believer, offering wisdom, power, and guidance for daily living. When we choose to abide in the Spirit, we are given access to God’s good plans and are empowered to live righteously and with purpose. This connection is not automatic; it requires intentionality to “plug in” and remain aware of the Spirit’s presence, which transforms our choices, relationships, and sense of mission. Living in conscious connection with the Holy Spirit changes everything about how we walk with God and with others. [25:19]

1 Corinthians 2:12-13 (ESV)
Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God. And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual.

Reflection: What is one practical way you can intentionally “plug in” to the Holy Spirit’s presence today, inviting His wisdom and power into a specific area of your life?


Day 2: Repentance and Turning to God Brings New Life
True repentance is more than feeling regret for past actions; it is a decisive turning away from sin and a turning toward God, embracing His truth and purpose for your life. This act of repentance removes the barriers that keep us from the life God desires for us and marks the beginning of a new journey—one defined by a new identity and a commitment to live according to God’s wisdom. Baptism symbolizes this transformation, but living a life of repentance is a daily commitment to walk in the newness Christ offers. [40:16]

Acts 2:37-38 (ESV)
Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”

Reflection: Is there an area of your life where you need to make a decisive turn away from sin and toward God today? What would that look like in your actions or attitudes?


Day 3: Discipleship Is Lived Out in Community
God’s design for spiritual growth is rooted in community, not isolation. The early church modeled a life where believers devoted themselves to learning, fellowship, sharing meals, and prayer together, recognizing that spiritual maturity and love cannot flourish alone. Relationships formed in the context of serving, sharing, and supporting one another are essential for encouragement, accountability, and growth. Being connected to others in the body of Christ is not optional—it is vital for living out the call of discipleship. [46:16]

Acts 2:42 (ESV)
And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.

Reflection: Who are you intentionally walking with in your discipleship journey, and how can you deepen those connections this week—perhaps by sharing a meal, praying together, or opening up about your walk with God?


Day 4: Connection to Purpose Fuels Mission
A disciple’s life is marked by a deep sense of purpose and mission, fueled by awe at what God is doing and a desire to see others come to know Him. The early believers were not content with personal faith alone; their connection to God and each other overflowed into meeting needs, serving, and sharing the gospel so that others could be added to the community. Living on mission means embracing the responsibility to invest in others, to live generously, and to be intentional about reaching those who do not yet know Christ. [53:26]

Acts 2:46-47 (ESV)
And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

Reflection: Who is one person in your life who does not yet know Jesus, and what is one intentional step you can take this week to build a relationship or share God’s love with them?


Day 5: Staying Connected Requires Daily Commitment
Connection with God, with others, and with our purpose is not a one-time event but a daily decision. Just as a device must be plugged in to remain charged, so must we continually seek God through repentance, prayer, Scripture, and intentional relationships. Evaluating our spiritual “slippage” and recommitting to these connections keeps our faith vibrant and our mission clear. Communion and other spiritual practices are opportunities to reflect on our connection and renew our commitment to live as baptized disciples—shaped, known, and sent by Jesus. [56:31]

Philippians 2:1-2 (ESV)
So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.

Reflection: As you reflect on your connection with God, others, and your purpose, what is one area where you sense “spiritual slippage,” and what step can you take today to renew that connection?

Quotes