Andy Hazelet – September 17th, 2017

Big Idea: Attending church, without connecting into it, misses the point.

Big Question: Why should I connect in the church?

Main Scripture: Acts 2:42-47

1. Connection produces Reinforcement. “All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer.” (NLT)

Searching

Separated

Serious

Attend church regularly.

Join a Group.

Personal study.

1. Connection Produces Responsibility. 44And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. 45They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. 46They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity. (NLT)

Our generosity should be natural, planned, common, voluntary, and joyful.

Understanding requires proximity.

1. Connection produces Revival. 47all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved. (NLT)

John 17:20-23 – “I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me. “I have given them the glory you gave me, so they may be one as we are one. I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me.” (NLT)