Let’s start with reading scriptures that talk about making connections. Read the following passages.
John 17:17 says, “ Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.
“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me, and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.” John 17:20-23
“The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.” Romans 8:16-17
Luke 8:19-21, ” Now Jesus’ mother and brothers came to see him, but they were not able to get near him because of the crowd. Someone told him, “Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to see you.” He replied, “My mother and brothers are those who hear God’s word and put it into practice.”
What are these passages saying? What do they teach us about connecting with God and others? What is the connection that binds believers together?
Keywords when studying the word is important. I have highlighted keywords that I thought helped zone in on connecting with God and other believers. As you can see, we do have a unique connection with God and others you don’t see in relationships that don’t have Jesus. Are our relationships perfect? NO!!! As Christians, heirs of God, though, we need to be striving to be united together for His purpose. What connects us is we believe in Christ Jesus as our savior. John states a supernatural connection to the relationship that has existed for all of Father and Son’s eternity.
God and Jesus have a relationship connect that we can’t quite grasp. We have a relationship with God since we enter into a family relationship with God the Father. Since we are God’s children, we are now connected with other Christians deeply and eternally. This is why Jesus said in Luke 8:19-21 that those who hear God’s words are his family. IF we are to be in a relationship with God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit, we also have to be in a relationship with other Believers that are also in His family.
How do you feel about other believers? Do you view them as a family? Do you make an effort to connect with them? How connected are we to be with our spiritual family? How can we be more connected to one another? Do you find it easy or hard to be connected with them? How do you want to solve this issue? What do you think of the topics we can be Christians, but I don’t have to go to church? Does this question even fit into today’s discussion?
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for loving us deeply. Thank you for making us a part of your family. I pray that we will love each other and connect. I pray that we will seek you out with where we need to connect with others in our lives.
In Jesus Name
Amen
