Connecting with God, Church, and Community
Summary
At the midpoint of the year, it’s a perfect time to pause and refocus on the direction of our lives—both personally and as a church community. Life has a way of distracting us from our spiritual priorities, but God calls us to continually realign ourselves with His mission. This mission isn’t unique to any one church; it’s the calling of every follower of Jesus, rooted in the Great Commandment—to love God and love our neighbor—and the Great Commission—to make disciples of all nations. At Awaken Life Church, we express this mission in three words: Connect, Grow, Mobilize. Today, the focus is on the first: Connect.
Connection begins with God. We are created for relationship, not religion. God’s desire is not for us to simply perform religious duties, but to know Him intimately. Jesus has already done the work to make this relationship possible; our part is to respond in love and spend time with Him, especially through His Word. The Bible is not just a historical or academic text, but a personal letter from God to us. As we fall in love with the Author, the words come alive, shaping our hearts and deepening our connection with Him.
But connection doesn’t stop with God—it extends to the church. When we come to Christ, we are not just saved from something, but saved into something: the family of God. The church is not a building or a service, but a living body, the bride of Christ, and every believer is a vital part of it. Commitment to a local church is essential; it’s where we are known, where we serve, and where we grow together. The health and beauty of the church matter deeply to Jesus, and so they must matter to us.
Connection also means reaching out to others—both within and beyond the church. Christianity is inherently relational. We are called to live life together, to encourage, challenge, and support one another. Isolation leads to spiritual dryness, but connection brings strength, hope, and joy. We are also called to shine the light of Christ in our communities, workplaces, and families, being present and intentional in our interactions.
Finally, connection is about embracing our purpose and mission. Every believer is an ambassador for Christ, entrusted with the message of reconciliation. Our daily lives, conversations, and acts of kindness are opportunities to point people to Jesus. Connection is not accidental; it requires intentionality, commitment, and the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit.
Key Takeaways
- True connection with God is about relationship, not religious performance. God desires intimacy with us, not just our actions. Spending time in His Word and prayer is not a duty, but a response to His love—a way to know the Author, not just the book. When we approach Scripture as a personal letter from a loving Father, it transforms our hearts and draws us closer to Him. [09:13]
- The church is not a building or an event, but a living family—the bride of Christ. Commitment to a local church is not optional for a believer; it is where we are known, where we serve, and where we grow. Criticizing the church is, in a sense, criticizing ourselves, for we are all part of the body. Our calling is to love, serve, and help prepare the church for Christ’s return, despite its imperfections. [20:33]
- Connection with others is essential for spiritual health and growth. Christianity is not a solo journey; we are created for community. Isolation breeds temptation and discouragement, but authentic relationships in small groups, ministry teams, and shared life bring encouragement, accountability, and joy. Even a few faithful friends in Christ can make all the difference. [28:29]
- Our mission extends beyond the church walls; we are called to be light in the world. Every believer is a missionary, not necessarily to distant lands, but to their own neighborhoods, workplaces, and families. Our daily interactions, words, and actions are opportunities to reflect Christ’s love and hope to those around us. Authenticity, not perfection, is what draws people to Jesus. [31:41]
- Connection is intentional, not accidental. We don’t drift into deep relationships with God or others; we choose them. Disconnection leads to spiritual dryness and makes it easier to stay distant, as distractions multiply. The enemy thrives on our isolation, but when we intentionally show up, serve, and open our lives, both we and the church are strengthened. [34:12]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:59] - The Need to Refocus Mid-Year
[02:14] - The Universal Mission of the Church
[03:27] - Awaken Life’s Mission: Connect, Grow, Mobilize
[04:45] - Introduction to “Connect”
[06:04] - Connecting with God: Relationship over Religion
[09:13] - Deepening Connection through God’s Word
[13:41] - The Importance of Knowing Scripture
[16:17] - Connecting to the Church: Family and Belonging
[18:10] - The Global Body of Christ
[19:55] - The Church as the Bride of Christ
[22:43] - Loving and Caring for the Church
[24:40] - The Importance of Commitment and Spiritual Home
[27:15] - The Power of Community and Shared Faith
[29:09] - Shining the Light Beyond the Church
[30:59] - Every Believer as Christ’s Ambassador
[33:36] - Connection is Intentional
[35:31] - Reflection Questions and Action Steps
[39:52] - Closing Prayer and Blessing
Study Guide
Awaken Life Church Small Group Bible Study Guide: “Connect”
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### Bible Reading
Matthew 22:37-39 (ESV)
> And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
Ephesians 2:19-22 (ESV)
> So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.
2 Corinthians 5:20 (ESV)
> Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.
---
### Observation Questions
1. According to Matthew 22:37-39, what two commandments does Jesus say are the greatest, and how do they relate to the idea of “connection”?
2. In Ephesians 2:19-22, what images does Paul use to describe the church, and what do these images tell us about our relationship with one another?
3. The sermon says, “We are not created to live without him. And from the garden of Eden and to the cross and all the way to the book of revelation, the whole story of scripture is about God reaching out to connect us with him.” What are some ways God has initiated connection with people throughout the Bible? [[07:21]]
4. The pastor said, “Every believer is a missionary. Maybe not to another country, but to your street, your job, your school, your gym, your family. You are God's representative wherever you go.” What does it mean to be an ambassador for Christ in everyday life? [[31:41]]
---
### Interpretation Questions
1. The sermon emphasizes that connection with God is about relationship, not religious performance. Why do you think it’s easy to slip into “doing” for God instead of “being” with God? [[08:35]]
2. Ephesians 2:19-22 describes believers as members of God’s household. How might this change the way someone thinks about their involvement in a local church? [[16:17]]
3. The pastor said, “When you criticize the church, you're actually criticizing yourself because you are the church.” What are the implications of this statement for how we talk about and treat the church? [[21:14]]
4. The sermon says, “Connection is intentional, not accidental. You don’t drift into deep connection. You choose it. You show up. You serve. You share. You open your life.” What are some barriers that keep people from making intentional connections, and how can they be overcome? [[34:12]]
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### Application Questions
1. The pastor challenged everyone to read the Bible not out of duty, but out of desire and relationship. What is your current approach to reading Scripture? Is there a specific way you could make your Bible reading more relational this week? [[09:13]]
2. Think about your connection to the church. Are you just attending, or are you truly known and involved? What is one step you could take to deepen your commitment to your church family this month? [[24:40]]
3. The sermon highlighted the importance of small groups and spiritual friendships. Do you have a few faithful friends in Christ who encourage and challenge you? If not, what could you do to build these relationships? [[28:29]]
4. The pastor said, “Every believer is a missionary… to your street, your job, your school, your gym, your family.” Who in your life needs the light of Jesus right now? What is one practical way you can be present and intentional with them this week? [[31:41]]
5. The message warned that “disconnection leads to spiritual dryness.” Have you noticed times when you felt spiritually dry or isolated? What specific changes could you make to reconnect with God or others? [[34:12]]
6. The sermon encouraged everyone to “show up, serve, and open your life.” Is there a ministry team, small group, or area of service you feel drawn to but haven’t joined yet? What’s holding you back, and what would it take to take the next step? [[34:12]]
7. The pastor suggested reaching out to someone outside the church this week—maybe a neighbor, coworker, or classmate. Who comes to mind, and what is one thing you could do to encourage or support them? [[29:43]]
---
Close in prayer, asking God to help each person connect more deeply with Him, with the church, and with others this week.
Devotional
Day 1: Connecting with God is about relationship, not religion.
God created us for relationship, not for empty rituals or religious routines. True connection with God is not measured by how much we do for Him, but by how deeply we know and love Him. Just as a marriage thrives on time spent together, our relationship with God grows as we spend time in His presence, listen to His voice, and open our hearts to Him. Jesus has already done the work to make this relationship possible; our part is to draw near, to know Him personally, and to love Him with all our heart, soul, and mind. [07:40]
Matthew 22:37-38 (ESV)
And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment.”
Reflection: When was the last time you set aside time just to be with God, not to ask for anything or check off a spiritual task, but simply to enjoy His presence and listen for His voice?
Day 2: The Bible is a personal love letter from God.
The Bible is not just a historical or academic book; it is God’s personal message to you, filled with His love, wisdom, and guidance. When you read Scripture as a letter from someone who loves you deeply, it comes alive and draws you closer to the Author. The more you read, the more you discover God’s heart and character, and the more you fall in love with Him. Let your time in the Word be motivated by desire for relationship, not by duty, and allow the Holy Spirit to speak to you through its pages. [13:03]
Psalm 119:105 (ESV)
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
Reflection: How can you approach your Bible reading this week as a conversation with God, listening for His personal message to you rather than just reading for information?
Day 3: The church is a spiritual family, not just a building.
When you come to Jesus, you are not just saved from something—you are saved into something: the family of God. The church is not a building or an event, but a living body and a household where every believer belongs, is known, and is loved. Being part of a church means committing to a spiritual home, serving, growing, and being accountable within a community. Jesus loves His church and calls us to love, honor, and care for it as His bride, despite its imperfections. [20:33]
Ephesians 2:19-22 (ESV)
So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.
Reflection: What is one step you can take this week to move from simply attending church to truly belonging and investing in your church family?
Day 4: We are called to connect with one another and our community.
Christianity is inherently relational; we are created for connection, not isolation. The early church devoted themselves to fellowship, sharing life, and supporting one another, and we are called to do the same. Small groups, shared meals, and acts of kindness are ways we build spiritual family and shine the light of Jesus in our communities. Our connection with others strengthens our faith and brings hope and encouragement, both inside and outside the church walls. [29:09]
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 is one person—inside or outside the church—you can intentionally reach out to this week to encourage, listen to, or pray for?
Day 5: Every believer is an ambassador for Christ with a unique mission.
God has entrusted the message of reconciliation to us, making us His ambassadors wherever we go. Our mission is not accidental but intentional; we are called to represent Jesus in our workplaces, schools, neighborhoods, and families. The Holy Spirit empowers us to live authentically, love deeply, and point others to Christ through our words and actions. Every moment is an opportunity to shine His light and fulfill the unique purpose God has for us in this season. [30:59]
2 Corinthians 5:20 (ESV)
Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.
Reflection: Where is God sending you this week, and what is one intentional step you can take to represent Jesus and share His love with someone in your sphere of influence?
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