Review

• Vision, Mission, Process
• 7 Essentials ….1 Abide, 2. Reach the Lost
• Every disciple Accepts Jesus, Abides with Him and the result is Connection and helping others get and stay connected

3^rd Essential— We Connect the unconnected –Its Jesus’ model for discipleship that leads to community

• In addition to -not graduating from abiding and sharing
• We see the community of believers as – big groups and small groups
• It is in response to the Apostles teachings

1. What Jesus taught the disciples was lived out in their teaching and lifestyles

• An abiding relationship points us towards relationship with others

Matthew 22:37–40 (NIV) ³⁷ Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’  ³⁸ This is the first and greatest commandment. ³⁹ And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’  ⁴⁰ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

1 John 1:5–7 (NIV) ⁵ This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. ⁶ If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. ⁷ But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.

Acts 2:42–47 (NIV) ⁴² They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. ⁴³ Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. ⁴⁴ All the believers were together and had everything in common. ⁴⁵ They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. ⁴⁶ Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, ⁴⁷ praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

1. The Apostles taught that relationship with others is the fruit of the Spirit in our lives – it reveals our maturity

Galatians 5:22-23(NIV) ²² But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, Galatians 5:23 (NIV)²³ gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

1 Peter 1:22 (NIV) ²² Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart.

1 Corinthians 13:1–4 (NIV) If I speak in the tongues  of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. ² If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. ³ If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast,  but do not have love, I gain nothing. ⁴ Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.

What happens in relationship?

1. In relationship with God and others (Discipleship) we learn the truth –to contend for “The Faith Once Delivered”

• Discovering Gods will via His Holy Spirit, His Word, and with His people

2 Thessalonians 2:15 (NIV) ¹⁵ So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter.

Jude 3 (NIV) ³ Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt compelled to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God’s holy people.

1. The Faith (relationship included) is how we survive and thrive as believers

Ecclesiastes 4:8–12 (NIV) ⁸ There was a man all alone; he had neither son nor brother. There was no end to his toil, yet his eyes were not content with his wealth. “For whom am I toiling,” he asked, “and why am I depriving myself of enjoyment?” This too is meaningless— a miserable business! ⁹ Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: ¹⁰ If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. ¹¹ Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? ¹² Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

Hebrews 3:12–13 (NIV) ¹² See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. ¹³ But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.

1. Relationship is hard work – fighting for relationship

Ephesians 4:1–6 (NIV) As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. ² Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. ³ Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. ⁴ There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; ⁵ one Lord, one faith, one baptism; ⁶ one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

Psalm 34:14 (NIV) ¹⁴ Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.

As disciples we make practical changes in our lives that reflect the teachings of Jesus

• So many are rock skipping through relationships
• We are seeking to be a community – which requires intentionality – time –choosing to limit your business
• At this time, we celebrate all of those who have lived out here My personal commitment –my family’s commitment –our staffs—this church’s
• We ask you to become disciples in practice – become consistent
• We invite you to join us

For Small Group Discussion

Opening Question: What was most impactful to you from the celebration of our 25 years as a church family?

Main Point: Every person is connected to Jesus, and connected to the congregation as a whole as they consistently worship together on the weekends, and they are connected in intentional relational environments for the purpose of becoming a disciple of Jesus.

Main Scripture: Ecclesiastes 4:7-12

Head Questions

• According to these verses, what is important and what is not?
• What has mattered most to you in the last 25 years?

Heart Questions

• Who has been there to pick you up during the hard times in your life?
• How has being connected to the church body benefited you (practically, spiritually, relationally, etc.)?

Hands Questions

• Who are you praying for to be connected to God and His church? How can you play a part in connecting them?
• How might God want to use your gifts and abilities in the next 25 years at Real Life Ministries?

Additional Scripture: Acts 2:42-47, Hebrews 10:24, Matt 6:19-21

Tips and Resources: Definition: Unconnected – An unconnected person is one who is not connected to Jesus or His body, the church. Maybe they have come to a ministry event (weekend services, community outreach) and by doing so they are making known that they are being drawn and are in need of Jesus and His body.

For more sermon resources, podcasts, and other tools go to:  https://realliferesources.org/current-series/