Connect Points
In our fast-paced, demanding society, getting connected and staying connected to God, church, family and friends requires deliberate effort and a well-designed plan to keep priorities in the proper order. At Life Connections we hope you will allow these points to serve as your personal guide on your journey to leading an overcoming life. Are YOU ready to get connected? Start slowly and grow in God and in your church family!
1. Personal Devotion--Private Prayer and the Word
Daily devotion is imperative for a productive connection to God. There's no minimum or maximum time limit set; this is simply your personal time alone with God and His Word. The Apostle Paul's instruction to the Thessalonians was "Pray without ceasing." Daily devotion--connection to God--gives God an opportunity to speak into your life and direct your steps.
2. Prayer--Corporate/Public Prayer
Life Connections has daily prayer commitments along with weekly prayer each Sunday morning at 9:15 a.m. We also have corporate prayer the first Sunday evening of each month along with monthly prayer meetings for both our men and women. Most ministry groups also have specific times of prayer.
3. The Word
The Psalmist David wrote, "Thy Word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against thee." This connect point is two fold.
(1) Daily Bible reading should be a part of your daily devotion plan. Have a plan, read the Psalms or Proverbs, buy a One Year Bible; whatever plan you choose, the important matter is connecting to the Word daily.
(2) In addition, we want everyone at the LC to regularly attend our Wednesday Evening Christian Education Class. The Class is designed to help provide a firm foundation by providing a forum for teaching and discussion of Biblical principles. Counteracting society's influence on our thinking requires more than attendance to and participation in worship services; it requires knowing and studying the Word, and allowing the Word to take root in our hearts. Get connected to the Word each week through Christian Education!
4. Fasting
There are a multitude of scriptures regarding fasting. In Joel the commandment of the Lord was, " . . . turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting . . " Jesus instructed the disciples, saying, "This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting . . ." Jesus himself fasted forty days. So it is that we, as 21st century apostolics, follow the practice of fasting. Fasting can take many forms. You can fast a particular favorite food for a specific amount of time. You can fast one meal or three meals. You can fast a day, where you eat only one late afternoon/evening meal per day. There are specific kinds of fasts for specific needs. Search the scriptures. Make fasting a regular part of your service to God.
5. Family
Monday night is Family Night at Life Connections. No events or activities are placed on our church calendar for Monday evenings in order to allow our church family to set aside this one evening for special time together with their families. As a church, we are committed to building strong Christian families. We believe our community, our state, and our nation can be strengthened as Christian homes are strengthened. Make sure your family has Family Night!
6. Worship
The thread of worship winds its way from Genesis to Revelation. We hear Abraham saying, "I and the lad will go yonder and worship" (Genesis 22) . We find John in Revelation commanding simply, "Worship God." We rejoice in the Psalms as David the worshiper cries, "O come let us worship . . ." In Hebrews the command is clear, " . . . let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works, Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together . . . so much the more as ye see the day approaching." The day of His coming is nearer than ever before. In worship we can ready ourselves by the strength and power found only in His presence.
7. Evangelism--Give Me Five!
Luke recorded the singular mission of Jesus Christ: "The Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost." We read in John 4 that the woman at the well in Samaria actually led her city to Jesus Christ. Revelation tells us we overcome by the word of our testimony. "Give Me Five" refers to five people with whom you will connect until they are brought to Christ. The list of five is made up of three "new" people (those who have never been brought to Christ through salvation) and two people who are "Missing in Action" (those who used to attend this church but no longer attend church). We must reach the lost--both those who have never known Him and those who are MIA, for "He is not willing that any should perish!"
8. Discipleship
There were those who followed Jesus from a distance, much like we "follow the news" today. There were those who followed Him a little more closely--found among the masses here and there as they gathered. Then there were the twelve-the men who followed Him closely . . . His disciples. There was then--and there is now--a price to be paid for discipleship. His call to discipleship requires a full-life commitment. It goes beyond church membership and attendance at Sunday services: "Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?"
9. Personal Involvement
Life Connections provide multiple opportunities for ministry. While there are specific requirements for certain levels of involvement, there is always something you can do to become involved in LC Ministry. From Sunday School teachers, Community Care to Family Enrichment, there is a place for you to give of yourself. Ministry opportunities are available in the following areas: Children's Ministry, Christian Education, Community Care, Guest Relations, Home Bible Studies, Hospitality, Information Services, Music, Prayer, Singles, Specialized Ministries, Technical, Youth . . . You have a God-given ability He wants you to share with others. We'll help you find your place!
10. Fellowship
As we study the book of Acts, we find that they "continued steadfastly" in the Apostles' Doctrine, fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer. We cannot neglect the value of fellowship with likeminded believers. John wrote, ". . . If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin." Invite someone to your house for dinner! Or, make plans to meet someone at a local restaurant and share a "dutch treat" meal. Go for a walk with a friend or two. Create opportunities in your life for fellowship!