The Connection Church

As Jesus hung on the cross, He was not silent. He still had things He needed to say, and those final words are significant. The Gospel writers record seven final words and phrases that Jesus said as He was dying on the cross. This Sunday, we will look at the first of the magnificent seven last words Jesus cries out from the cross. We will examine why these words were significant then and how they are relevant now. You won’t want to miss any of this five-part Easter sermon series that explores the Last Words Of Christ!

For the last two weeks in our current sermon series, we asked “What to Do with Jesus?” and we were encouraged as the Scriptures revealed that Jesus is The Object of Our Faith and The Example of Our Faith. We often think of faith as just trusting God, but it is much more than that. This Sunday, we will look at four aspects of faith derived from the fact that Jesus is “the author and finisher of our faith.” These four aspects of faith will show us that Jesus truly is The Developer of Our Faith.

The question is, “What to Do with Jesus?” Last week in the first of a three-part series, we were encouraged as the Scriptures revealed that Jesus is The Object of Our Faith. There are many examples in the Bible of faith, great and small, but 1 Peter 2:21 begins to unveil the ultimate example to us: “For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps.” Join us this Sunday as we dig deeper into the foundational verse of this sermon series, Hebrews 12:2, “looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith,” as we establish that Jesus is The Example of Our Faith.

There is a question the world has been pondering for centuries. The answer to this question can bring life or death. The right answer leads a person into total restoration in the image of God. The wrong answer can lead a person into a faithless, life-long battle with their identity. The question is, “What To Do With Jesus?” This Sunday, be encouraged as we begin answering this critical question by examining what the Scriptures reveal to us.

Clear communication is necessary for any relationship to be successful and grow. Distortion occurs when a person misunderstands what was said. And distortion causes frustration in both individuals who are trying to get through to each other. This is why we must make sure that we are always reliable in our communication. Proverbs 13:17 says, “An unreliable messenger stumbles into trouble, but a reliable messenger brings healing.” This Sunday, we will talk about three facets of communication that are absolutely necessary to be clear and reliable in what we say, as we share part two of What Are You Communicating?

Most people want to have good and meaningful relationships, but how do we achieve the connections that we desire to have? There are many things to which one could point to have successful relationships, but few are more vital than communication. Ed Cole once said, “Communication is the basis of life.” In other words, communication is extremely important! So now the question becomes, What Are You Communicating?

There are many in our culture who believe that close relationships with others are unnecessary. However, for the believer, relationships are not only important but vital to our faith. Jesus commanded us to love others multiple times throughout the Gospels. The Apostle Peter even said that we should have fervent love for one another above all things. This means that we should not shy away from relationships because of personality differences or fear. As Christians, we must overcome our personal hangups and reach out to those around us. Because Great Relationships Begin with You!

In John 13:34-35, Christ says, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” In order to obey this commandment, we cannot take relationships lightly. Relationships rooted in love don’t just happen; they require effort. We have to do more than just reach out to others. We have to share our lives with others as well. Love is something we do, not just something we say.

What will birth, maintain, and manifest the will of God for your life? What must be done before anything is accomplished in the Kingdom of God? What must accompany the Word of God to have success in your life and walk with God? You guessed it: Prayer! That’s why it is written in the Scriptures to “pray without ceasing.” Discover the honor and privilege it is to be a royal priesthood in God’s house and experience the inexplicably powerful presence of the Lord!

Years ago, a plastic surgeon who observed the average healing times of his patients, came up with the “21-Day” hypothesis. He coined a term and wrote a book that posited the theory that 21 days is what it takes to build a new habit, break an old habit or create a new lifestyle. Millions believed it. But it’s just not true! Some habits will take months to become a part of your life. It takes effort, discipline, conviction, and perseverance for you to Be Vigilant.