Connection begins with reaching

Connecting Christ to Where You Live…I love that phrase. I think we can all agree that it is so important for the Christian to fulfill this calling. This is the type of reputation we must all work toward building within the community. God calls each of us to spread His message of salvation to all possible connections. Each step the church takes should keep this mission in mind. But how does this happen? What can we do to connect Christ to where we live?

As we move forward together as the body of Christ, we can look at His example. We have covered these things more deeply on the Sundays in October. Consider how you can reach in each direction to make connection, for we are all carriers of Christ’s love regardless and amidst our unique circumstances.

Reach Up

One thing that defines the believer is our WORSHIP of the Lord God, Creator of all. He is the sustainer of the believer (2 Peter 1:3-4). We respond to His grace and look to Him for guidance and know that He equips the believer to follow Him (Romans 12:1-2, Hebrews 13:20-21). How do you Reach Up?

Reach Down

God desires that we share with others what He has done, the lessons learned in our discipleship journey, and educate those desiring to follow Him (Galatians 6:6, Matthew 28:19-20, Acts 18:24-26, 1 Corinthians 2:6-16, Hebrews 6:1-2). Within the church, this is commonly referred to as DISCIPLESHIP. We help people learn how to follow Jesus through humble instruction. In what ways are you Reaching Down?

Reach Across

Developing Christian RELATIONSHIPS and SERVING are keys to a healthy and thriving church. Establishing and nurturing those relationships provide the needed encouragement to daily follow the Lord (John 12:34-35, Romans 12:10, 2 Corinthians 13:11, Hebrews 10:23-25). Reaching Across is evidence that God is present and is a sign of a healthy body (1 John 4:7-11, John 13:35, Romans 12:3-8, 1 Corinthians 12:12-27). How do you Reach Across?

Reach Out

The gospel is not meant to be kept as a secret. God has commissioned His followers to spread the good news to our communities and beyond! (Matthew 28:19-20, Acts 1:8) God calls us to EVANGELIZE and share the message of the gospel. There are many opportunities to partner with missions both within our church and outside. How are you Reaching Out into the community with God’s love?

I want to encourage you to be thinking about these things as you come participate in worship, serve, teach, and go about your day. Our lives must reflect God’s awesome work in our lives. If our mission is to connect Christ to where we live, reaching becomes the way we make connections. Consider how you can grow in these areas.