Deepening Our Connection: God, Relationships, and Vulnerability

 

Summary

In today's gathering, we explored the profound theme of divine connection and its transformative power in our lives. We began by acknowledging the rich history and vibrant community of Compass City Church, emphasizing the importance of being part of a church family that nurtures relationships and spiritual growth. As we delved into the scriptures, we focused on Exodus 33, where God promises Moses His presence and rest, highlighting the foundational relationship between us and God that influences all other relationships in our lives.

We live in a time where the need to disconnect from the chaos of life is more pressing than ever. Yet, true connection, especially with God, is the antidote to the loneliness epidemic that plagues our society. This connection is not just about knowing God but being known by Him, which fuels and rejuvenates our lives. We discussed the scientific affirmation of the Bible's teachings, noting that genuine connection can heal loneliness and improve our physical and mental health.

Through the story of Moses, we learned that divine connection is dynamic and moves with the changes in life. Just as Moses sought God's presence and glory, we too must seek to entwine our hearts with God, allowing His presence to guide us through life's storms. This entwining, much like the roots of a tree strengthened by wind, deepens our relationship with God, especially during challenging times.

We also explored the concept of grace, understanding that our relationship with God is not based on our works but on His unmerited favor. Vulnerability in our relationships, both with God and others, is crucial for genuine connection. By opening our lives to God and embracing His grace, we find our true selves and experience the fullness of life.

Finally, we reflected on the imagery of being hidden in Christ, our rock, which allows us to experience God's goodness and love. This divine protection and connection enable us to live a life of purpose and fulfillment, rooted in the assurance of God's unwavering presence and love.

Key Takeaways:

1. Divine Connection as Life's Foundation: Our relationship with God is the cornerstone of all other relationships. It provides the rest and presence we need to navigate life's changes and challenges. This connection is dynamic, moving with us through life's seasons. [50:49]

2. The Antidote to Loneliness: Genuine connection, especially with God, is essential for healing loneliness and improving our well-being. This connection fuels and rejuvenates us, offering a sense of belonging and purpose. [45:37]

3. Grace Over Works: Our relationship with God is based on grace, not our performance. Embracing this grace allows us to find our true selves and experience the fullness of life, free from judgment and striving. [55:32]

4. Vulnerability in Relationships: Being open and vulnerable in our relationships, both with God and others, fosters genuine connection. This openness allows us to receive support and strengthens our bonds, leading to deeper, more meaningful relationships. [57:20]

5. Hidden in Christ, Revealed in Love: Being hidden in Christ allows us to experience God's goodness and love without fear of judgment. This divine protection and connection empower us to live a life of purpose, rooted in the assurance of God's unwavering presence. [01:02:53]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[40:30] - Introduction to Relationship Rehabs
[42:11] - The Need for Disconnection
[44:16] - Connection as Life's Fuel
[45:37] - The Loneliness Epidemic
[48:04] - The Power of Connection
[50:49] - Divine Connection Moves with Life
[51:49] - Entwining Our Hearts with God
[53:46] - Storms Strengthen Our Roots
[55:32] - Finding Grace and Finding Yourself
[57:20] - Vulnerability in Relationships
[59:05] - Seeking God's Glory
[01:00:13] - God's Goodness Revealed
[01:01:20] - Hidden in Christ, Revealed in Love
[01:04:10] - Invitation to Connect with God

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Exodus 33:14
- 2 Corinthians 3:18
- John 15:4-5

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Observation Questions:

1. In Exodus 33:14, what promise does God make to Moses, and how does this promise relate to the theme of divine connection? [40:30]

2. How does the imagery of a mirror in 2 Corinthians 3:18 help us understand our transformation in God's presence? [42:11]

3. According to John 15:4-5, what is the consequence of being disconnected from God, and how does this relate to the sermon’s message about connection as life’s fuel? [48:04]

4. What scientific findings were mentioned in the sermon that support the idea of connection being essential for our well-being? [45:37]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the promise of God's presence and rest in Exodus 33:14 serve as a foundation for all other relationships in our lives? [50:49]

2. In what ways does the concept of being "hidden in Christ" as mentioned in the sermon provide a sense of security and purpose? [01:02:53]

3. How does the sermon illustrate the dynamic nature of divine connection, especially during life's storms? [53:46]

4. What role does vulnerability play in fostering genuine connections, both with God and others, according to the sermon? [57:20]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you felt disconnected from God. What steps can you take this week to seek His presence and rest, as promised in Exodus 33:14? [50:49]

2. The sermon mentioned the importance of entwining our hearts with God. What practical actions can you take to deepen your connection with God during challenging times? [51:49]

3. Consider the idea of grace over works. How can you embrace God's grace in your daily life, freeing yourself from the pressure of performance? [55:32]

4. Think about your current relationships. How can you practice vulnerability to strengthen these connections, as suggested in the sermon? [57:20]

5. The sermon highlighted the loneliness epidemic. What specific steps can you take to foster genuine connections in your community to combat loneliness? [45:37]

6. How can you remind yourself of being "hidden in Christ" when facing judgment or fear? What does this mean for your identity and purpose? [01:02:53]

7. Identify one area in your life where you need to trust God's goodness and protection. How can you actively seek His guidance and support in this area? [01:01:20]

Devotional

Day 1: Divine Connection as the Cornerstone of Relationships
Our relationship with God is the foundation upon which all other relationships are built. This divine connection provides the rest and presence we need to navigate life's changes and challenges. It is dynamic, moving with us through life's seasons, much like the story of Moses in Exodus 33, where God promises His presence and rest. By entwining our hearts with God, we allow His presence to guide us through life's storms, deepening our relationship with Him, especially during challenging times. [50:49]

"For thus said the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel, 'In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.' But you were unwilling." (Isaiah 30:15, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you prioritize your relationship with God today to ensure it remains the cornerstone of your life?


Day 2: Genuine Connection as the Antidote to Loneliness
In a world plagued by loneliness, genuine connection, especially with God, is essential for healing and improving our well-being. This connection fuels and rejuvenates us, offering a sense of belonging and purpose. Scientific affirmations of the Bible's teachings highlight that true connection can heal loneliness and improve our physical and mental health. By being known by God, we find the antidote to the chaos and isolation of modern life. [45:37]

"God sets the lonely in families; he leads out the prisoners with singing; but the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land." (Psalm 68:6, ESV)

Reflection: How can you cultivate a deeper connection with God today to combat feelings of loneliness in your life?


Day 3: Embracing Grace Over Works
Our relationship with God is based on grace, not our performance. Embracing this grace allows us to find our true selves and experience the fullness of life, free from judgment and striving. Understanding that our worth is not tied to our works but to God's unmerited favor is liberating. This grace invites us to be vulnerable and open, both with God and others, fostering genuine connection and support. [55:32]

"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you are striving for approval? How can you embrace God's grace in that area today?


Day 4: Vulnerability as a Pathway to Genuine Connection
Being open and vulnerable in our relationships, both with God and others, fosters genuine connection. This openness allows us to receive support and strengthens our bonds, leading to deeper, more meaningful relationships. By embracing vulnerability, we allow God's grace to work in our lives, transforming our relationships and helping us to find our true selves. [57:20]

"Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working." (James 5:16, ESV)

Reflection: Who is someone you can be vulnerable with today, and how might this openness deepen your relationship with them?


Day 5: Hidden in Christ, Revealed in Love
Being hidden in Christ allows us to experience God's goodness and love without fear of judgment. This divine protection and connection empower us to live a life of purpose, rooted in the assurance of God's unwavering presence. By being hidden in Christ, we are revealed in love, experiencing the fullness of life and the assurance of His goodness. [01:02:53]

"For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory." (Colossians 3:3-4, ESV)

Reflection: How can you rest in the assurance of being hidden in Christ today, allowing His love to guide your actions and decisions?

Quotes


The reality is, is we talk about connection all the time. You know, we're talking like tap that sticker in front of you. Like, how do we connect quicker? How do we connect faster? And I'm grateful for all these tools. Like, I love the time in history in which we live. I love the fact that, I have a mobile device and I can track my kids every waking moment. And I know where they are. I know if they're walking, if they're driving, if they're riding a bike, because Life360 tells me. And I'm able to, I'm able to stalk them at all times. Problem is, they can stalk me too. [00:42:47] (29 seconds)


Because relationships are not just about knowing people, really knowing somebody. It's about being known. It's about connection. You see, connection is the real purpose of life. And not only is the purpose, it's the fuel of life. Our connection with God is the fuel for everything that we do, for the mission that we're on. And not only that, but we actually know that connection heals and restores. It not only fuels us, but it actually rejuvenates you. And I want to look at this story in Exodus 33. [00:44:27] (33 seconds)


Loneliness and weak social connections are associated with a reduction in lifespan similar to that caused by smoking 15 cigarettes a day, and even greater than that associated with obesity. Loneliness is also associated with greater risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia, depression, are you getting depressed right now, and anxiety. At work, loneliness reduces task performance, limits creativity, and impairs other aspects of executive function, such as reasoning and decision-making. [00:45:37] (35 seconds)


The Harvard psychologist says this, And the Bible has been telling us this since the beginning of time. As Pastor Brian mentioned, John 15 verses 4 and 5, Jesus said this, He said, You must remain in life union with me, for I remain in you life union with you. For as a branch severed from the vine will not bear fruit, a branch disconnected will not bear fruit. So your life will be fruitless unless you live your life intimately joined to mine. [00:48:19] (46 seconds)


The first observation we see here about divine connection is that connection moves with life. Let me, let me tell you what I'm talking about. I once heard recently that life is like a dance and the moment you learn the song, the song changes. Life is changing all the time. The only constant in life is change. We can bet on one thing. And one thing only, that things will not be the same tomorrow. [00:50:04] (26 seconds)


And so in life, we build our relationships, whether your relationships with humans or your relationship with God, we get comfortable, we find a way to connect. And the reality is life has a way of changing, which causes us to go, am I still connected? Hey, are we good? God, are, are we good? This doesn't feel like the way it used to feel. I used to feel close to you. And this is what God's promise back to Moses was, was my presence will not just be with you. But we'll go with you. [00:51:00] (29 seconds)


But those who entwine their hearts with Yahweh will experience divine strength. Kind of like Pastor. Master Brian's biceps. They will be divinely strong. They will rise up on soaring wings and fly like eagles, run their race without growing weary, and will walk through life without giving up. Let me give you this picture of what entwining looks like, being, being, being interconnected. [00:52:19] (26 seconds)


Have you been through the wind and the waves of life? And maybe as a result, you feel like your heart is actually more disconnected from God than it's ever been. Did you know that God uses these winds and waves to actually connect your heart closer to him? I have found, and I don't know why this is the way God does it, but I have found that actually through the harder seasons in life is when I actually draw closer to God than in the future. [00:53:59] (27 seconds)


Finding grace, that word grace means unmerited favor. In other words, you were found that you were given relationship, relationship with God, apart from your works, apart from your performance. I'll tell you what, your relationship with God, this is something that I pray passionately for you, that you will have a revelation and you will find grace. [00:56:17] (23 seconds)


One of the secret keys to life relationship is grace for yourself and grace for others. And when you do that, you end up finding a connection and finding yourself. It is in that place where you find yourself. Jesus said, hey, if you want to find yourself, this is in Luke 12, you must actually lose yourself. So don't go on a mission to try to find yourself. [00:58:44] (24 seconds)


You might feel like you've been hidden behind a rock, not realizing that that rock is actually there for your protection. You know, one of the names of God is he is our strong tower. He is our rock of refuge. He is the one that protects us. God, in his graciousness, in his goodness, said, I want to pass all my goodness before you, and I'm going to hide you behind the rock. This is actually a picture. [01:01:23] (26 seconds)


Thousands of years before Jesus would come, he would hide you behind the rock. He would hide you behind the rock. In our historical time, it was a prophecy about Jesus, that Jesus, our rock, we would hide behind him so that the goodness of God could pass before us. You might be sitting here going, all I see when I see the face of God is a sad face. All I see when I see the face of God is an angry face. All I see when I see the face of God is a judgmental face. [01:02:08] (27 seconds)


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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
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