Embracing Connection: Unity in God and Community
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, church! Today is Vision Sunday, and I am thrilled to share what God has been revealing to me during our 21 days of prayer and fasting. The central theme that God has impressed upon my heart is "connection." We cannot achieve unity without being connected—to God, to each other, and to our purpose. Unity is the mission of the church, and it starts with our connection to Jesus. When we are connected to Him, we align with His will and bear much fruit. This connection is not just about attending church on Sundays; it’s about a deep, intentional relationship with God.
Our connection with each other is equally important. We need to move beyond superficial interactions and truly get to know one another. This means bearing each other's burdens and extending grace. Unity requires intentional effort and cannot happen by accident. We must actively seek to build trust and relationships within our church community.
Lastly, we need to be connected to our purpose. What has God called us to do? When we unite around a common purpose, we can achieve great things for the Kingdom of God. This church has a vision, and we are called to be a beacon of light in our community. We are planning to enhance our connections through various initiatives, including a weekly prayer night, revitalizing our men's and women's ministries, and expanding our facilities to accommodate more people.
Let’s commit to these three connections: to God, to each other, and to our purpose. Reflect on where you stand in these areas and seek to grow. God is calling us to be a unified, connected body that can bring His light to the world.
### Key Takeaways
1. Connection with God: Our relationship with God should be more than just a Sunday ritual. It should be a daily, intentional connection where we seek His presence and align with His will. This deep connection nourishes us and helps us bear fruit in our lives. Reflect on how often you go to God, not just in times of need, but to simply connect with Him. [32:06]
2. Connection with Each Other: Unity within the church requires intentional relationships. We must move beyond surface-level interactions and truly get to know one another. This involves bearing each other's burdens and extending grace. Unity doesn’t happen by accident; it requires intentional effort and trust built through shared experiences. [41:00]
3. Connection with Our Purpose: Understanding and pursuing our God-given purpose brings unity and strength to the church. When we unite around a common mission, we can achieve great things for the Kingdom. Reflect on what God has called you to do and how you can contribute to the church’s mission. [50:03]
4. Intentional Effort in Unity: Unity is not something we stumble upon; it requires deliberate actions and choices. We must seek to understand and connect with others, extending grace and building trust. This intentional effort transforms our relationships and strengthens the church community. [41:30]
5. Practical Steps for Connection: To foster unity, we need to create opportunities for connection. This includes initiatives like weekly prayer nights, revitalizing men's and women's ministries, and expanding our facilities. These steps help us build deeper relationships and align with our common purpose. [54:48]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[23:29] - Vision Sunday Introduction
[24:08] - Importance of Prayer and Fasting
[25:07] - Testimonies of Connection
[25:42] - The Word: Connection
[26:38] - Unity Through Connection
[27:28] - Practical Steps for Connection
[28:17] - Connection with God
[28:58] - Connection with Each Other
[29:44] - Connection with Our Purpose
[30:34] - Rooted in God
[32:06] - Nourished by Connection
[33:50] - Questions for Reflection
[34:26] - Personal Testimony of Connection
[36:42] - Divine Connections
[38:14] - Choosing Connection
[39:21] - Intentional Relationships
[41:00] - Bearing Each Other’s Burdens
[41:30] - Intentional Effort in Unity
[44:11] - Trust Through Experience
[45:54] - Connection with Intensa Church
[47:03] - Steps for Fostering Unity
[48:13] - Common Purpose
[50:03] - Serving Together
[51:32] - One Mind in Christ
[53:09] - Reflect and Connect
[54:48] - Initiatives for Connection
[57:40] - Invitation to Prayer Night
[59:19] - Church-wide Prayer Points
[01:00:45] - Men’s and Women’s Ministries
[01:02:18] - Expanding Our Facilities
[01:04:54] - Call to Action
[01:06:17] - Building Relationships
[01:07:41] - Being the Church
[01:09:02] - Closing Prayer
[01:10:22] - Invitation to Accept Christ
[01:12:40] - Final Blessing and Worship
[01:13:11] - Announcements and GoTrek
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. John 15:5 (NIV) - "I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."
2. Ephesians 4:3 (NIV) - "Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace."
3. Philippians 2:2 (NIV) - "Then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to John 15:5, what is the result of remaining in Jesus?
2. What does Ephesians 4:3 instruct believers to do to maintain unity?
3. In Philippians 2:2, what are the characteristics that Paul desires believers to have?
4. How did the pastor describe the importance of connection in achieving unity within the church? ([26:38])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it essential to have a deep, intentional relationship with God beyond just attending church on Sundays? ([28:17])
2. How does bearing each other's burdens and extending grace contribute to unity within the church? ([41:00])
3. What does it mean to be connected to our purpose, and how does this connection strengthen the church community? ([50:03])
4. How can intentional relationships with others transform and strengthen the church community? ([39:21])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current connection with God. How often do you seek His presence outside of Sunday services? What steps can you take to deepen this connection? ([28:17])
2. Think about your relationships within the church. Are there people you only know superficially? What can you do this week to build a deeper connection with someone in your church community? ([28:58])
3. Identify your God-given purpose. How can you align your actions and efforts with this purpose to contribute to the church’s mission? ([50:03])
4. Unity requires intentional effort. What specific actions can you take to foster unity within your family, church, or community? ([41:30])
5. The pastor mentioned the importance of practical steps for connection, such as weekly prayer nights and revitalizing ministries. How can you participate in or support these initiatives? ([54:48])
6. Reflect on a time when you extended grace to someone in your church. How did it impact your relationship and the unity of the church community? ([41:00])
7. Consider the pastor’s call to action for building relationships and being the church. What is one specific way you can contribute to this vision in the coming week? ([01:06:17])
Devotional
Day 1: Deep, Intentional Connection with God
Our relationship with God should be more than just a Sunday ritual. It should be a daily, intentional connection where we seek His presence and align with His will. This deep connection nourishes us and helps us bear fruit in our lives. Reflect on how often you go to God, not just in times of need, but to simply connect with Him. This connection is about cultivating a personal and intimate relationship with God, where you seek His guidance, wisdom, and love in every aspect of your life. It’s about making time for prayer, worship, and reading the Word, not out of obligation, but out of a genuine desire to know Him more.
When we are deeply connected to God, we align ourselves with His purposes and plans. This alignment brings peace, direction, and a sense of fulfillment that nothing else can provide. It’s important to remember that this connection is a two-way street; as we draw near to God, He draws near to us. Take time today to evaluate your relationship with God and consider ways you can deepen this connection. [32:06]
John 15:4-5 (ESV): "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing."
Reflection: How can you intentionally make time to connect with God daily, beyond your regular routines? What specific steps will you take to deepen your relationship with Him this week?
Day 2: Building Genuine Relationships within the Church
Unity within the church requires intentional relationships. We must move beyond surface-level interactions and truly get to know one another. This involves bearing each other's burdens and extending grace. Unity doesn’t happen by accident; it requires intentional effort and trust built through shared experiences. It’s about creating a community where people feel seen, heard, and valued. This means taking the time to listen to others, share in their joys and struggles, and offer support and encouragement.
Building genuine relationships within the church also means being vulnerable and open with one another. It’s about creating a safe space where people can be themselves without fear of judgment. This kind of community fosters trust and deepens our connections with one another. Reflect on how you can contribute to building a more connected and unified church community. [41:00]
Galatians 6:2 (ESV): "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."
Reflection: Think of someone in your church community you don’t know well. How can you reach out to them this week to build a deeper connection and offer support?
Day 3: Aligning with Our God-Given Purpose
Understanding and pursuing our God-given purpose brings unity and strength to the church. When we unite around a common mission, we can achieve great things for the Kingdom. Reflect on what God has called you to do and how you can contribute to the church’s mission. It’s about recognizing the unique gifts and talents God has given you and using them to serve others and advance His Kingdom. When we are aligned with our purpose, we find fulfillment and joy in our work for the Lord.
Being connected to our purpose also means being open to God’s leading and direction. It’s about being willing to step out in faith and take on new challenges and opportunities. Reflect on how you can align your life with God’s purpose and contribute to the mission of the church. [50:03]
Ephesians 2:10 (ESV): "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."
Reflection: What specific gifts and talents has God given you? How can you use them to serve your church and community this week?
Day 4: The Intentional Effort Required for Unity
Unity is not something we stumble upon; it requires deliberate actions and choices. We must seek to understand and connect with others, extending grace and building trust. This intentional effort transforms our relationships and strengthens the church community. It’s about being proactive in reaching out to others, resolving conflicts, and fostering a spirit of cooperation and collaboration. Unity requires us to put aside our differences and focus on our common goals and mission.
Reflect on the ways you can contribute to building unity within your church. Consider how you can be more intentional in your interactions with others and how you can extend grace and understanding in your relationships. [41:30]
Colossians 3:14 (ESV): "And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony."
Reflection: What specific actions can you take this week to build trust and unity within your church community? How can you extend grace and understanding to others?
Day 5: Practical Steps for Fostering Connection
To foster unity, we need to create opportunities for connection. This includes initiatives like weekly prayer nights, revitalizing men's and women's ministries, and expanding our facilities. These steps help us build deeper relationships and align with our common purpose. It’s about creating spaces and opportunities for people to come together, share their lives, and grow in their faith. These initiatives provide a platform for building community and fostering a sense of belonging.
Reflect on how you can participate in and support these initiatives. Consider how you can contribute to creating a more connected and unified church community. [54:48]
Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV): "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."
Reflection: How can you actively participate in the initiatives your church is implementing to foster connection? What specific steps will you take to support and engage in these efforts this week?
Quotes
1. "But you don't have to wait for 21 days of prayer. You can start today. Amen. Start praying to the Lord. Start talking to Him. Because all of us need accountability and consistency in the Word of God. Amen. We need that in our lives. We need to stay focused on it. We need brothers and sisters that will come alongside us and help us. Stay in the Word." [25:07] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "You have to focus on it. You have to make some decisions. I'm going to come right for your heart today. And I hope you're ready to receive something today. Because I believe this is the mission of the church, is to be connected in Christ with each other to do a mighty work for the Lord. I talk to many people in this room, and I know all of you want the revival. I know all of you want the power of God to fall. I know you want the Holy Spirit to move. But a big part of that happening is our connection to Jesus." [26:38] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Unity begins with our connection to God. Where are we rooted in Him? How well are you connected to who God is in your life? The root of the vine. Amen? And the truth is, is when you start getting more connected to God and rooted into Him, it starts aligning you with His will. So you can walk out what He's called you to do. Amen? It draws you closer to Him as you start to begin this connection with God." [30:34] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Unity requires intentional relationship with others. Oh, are you guys ready for this? It says, I want you to look at one word, intentional. Intentional relationship. Unity starts with God and our union with him, but it's strengthened and sustained by, with our relationship with one another. It speaks. It actually will transform you because someone will be allowed to speak into your life that you trust, that you believe that God has anointed them to do so. Amen?" [39:21] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Unity doesn't happen by accident. We don't fall into unity. Oh, there it is. I found it. It doesn't happen that way. It's done by intentional effort. Say that with me. Intentional effort. You have to choose to do it. You have to go after, you have to seek others to understand. You have to, I know this is a challenge for people. That's why we don't have everybody signed up to be a greeter at the front door. Because you might have to say hi to somebody. Oh my goodness." [41:00] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Unity flourishes when we pursue a common purpose. Unity will thrive in a common purpose. If we're all going in the same direction, trying to do the same thing. What is our church doing? What's our initiative? What are we focused on as a church? Where are we trying to go? How are we trying to serve? What are those things? Because understanding those things brings a common purpose where we can all come together and do work, right?" [48:13] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "The early church was unified on the mission of sharing the gospel. And the Bible says that they grew 2,000, 3,000 people a day like crazy because they were unified on a common interest that was in God's will. And people just came, gathered together, broke bread together. Amen. And when we come together and we do a common purpose together, serve together as the body of Christ, it brings us just, it empowers us." [50:03] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "We need accountability. We need consistency and we need to be each other's brothers and sisters. We need to quit saying all these things and start living them out. That's where the movement goes into the community and starts impacting people, right? Lord, send me. When you say, Lord, send me, are there certain expectations with that phrase? Are you really gonna let God send you?" [01:07:41] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "We need to increase our ability to hear from the Lord. He's speaking. We just got to clean out our ears. And I believe we do it by praying to the Lord. And so I'm personally inviting all you. And yes, I can see all of your faces to come and pray Tuesday night and just spend time with the Lord. Maybe you need to learn how to have consistent prayer. Maybe you need to learn how can I even pray effectively? What is it that I can pray about?" [56:07] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "Let's come together with our father. Let's come together. Let's come together with each other. Let's build some new relationships with each other so that when people walk in this place, they experience the love of God because it's already here inside of us, coming out of us in our relationships together. And when there's needs and there's challenges and there's sufferings, we can come together as a church and help solve some of those issues by being the church of God, because we're filled with the love of God." [01:06:17] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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