301 N Loop 250 W, Midland, TX 79703

Part 3: You Were Made For Connection

COMMUNITY: BUILDING CONNECTIONS

PART 3

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Spiritual growth happens in the context of relationships.  

Genesis 1:26-2:3


1.  EVERY HUMAN BEING IS MADE IN THE IMAGE OF A RELATIONAL GOD. 

   

“Then God said, ‘Let Us make human beings in Our image, to be like Us.  They will reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, the livestock, all the wild animals on the earth, and the small animals that scurry along the ground.’  So God created human beings in His own image.  In the image of God He created them; male and female He created them.” Genesis 1:26-27 (NLT)

2.  CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY IS NOT OPTIONAL.

 

“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:24-25 (NIV)

“Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good… As it is, there are many parts, but one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, ‘I don’t need you!’ And the head cannot say to the feet, ‘I don’t need you!’”  1 Corinthians 12:7, 20-21 (NIV)

3.  TAKE STEPS TO MAKE SURE YOU HAVE CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY:

  • Some difficulties are too heavy to bear alone.

“Help carry one another's burdens, and in this way you will obey the law of Christ. If you think you are something when you really are nothing, you are only deceiving yourself. You should each judge your own conduct. If it is good, then you can be proud of what you yourself have done, without having to compare it with what someone else has done.” Galatians 6:2-4 (GNT)

  • Some temptations are so strong that we need help.  

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” Ephesians 6:10-11 (NIV)

  • Some decisions are too difficult to figure out alone. 

“Plans go wrong for lack of advice; many advisers bring success.” Proverbs 15:22 (NLT)

“Fools think their own way is right; but the wise listen to others.” Proverbs 12:15 (NLT)

 

MY NEXT STEP TODAY IS:

  • __________________________________

This Week’s Reading Plan and Blog/Podcast:

  • YouVersion® Bible App Reading Plan:
    “A Church Purposed For Others” (4 Days)

  • Blog and Podcast:
    “God’s Design for Christian Community” 

Community Building ConnDr. John Gerlach