C3 Church Live Blog: Connect Four

Speaker: PJ Preston

PJ opened the message with a 1981 Connect Four commercial.

Connect Four is not a game you can play by yourself. The same thing is true in real life. You cannot do it alone.

A famous poet once said, "No man is an island."

In today's message, we're going to look at four biblical truths.

Garden of Eden Group

In the beginning, God created the Earth. After each day, God said, "That's good"

Genesis 2:18 (ESV)

It's not good that man is alone. All was good except for that one point. When we are connected, it pleases God. 

God puts Adam to sleep and took a rib and made Eve. It's important to note that Adam was with God first and then God connected him with others. 

Quick plug, having animals is GREAT, but it's important to connect with HUMANS. 

In the Garden, you have God, Adam, and Eve. That is a connection. 

Sometimes, we think we are better by ourselves. One of the biggest lies the Devil wants you to believe is that you don't need anybody. Maybe someone is in here today that feels that way, but we need each other. Without each other the Body of Christ is not whole. 

"Please, please, please get connected." pleads PJ (in his best James Brown voice).

Adullam Group

 Adullam is Hebrew for refuge or a safe place.

David was working for Saul as his musician. David played the harp so much that King Saul started to hate David. Then came the day that Saul wanted to kill David, so he ran and ended up in the cave of Adullam.

1 Samuel 22:1-2 (ESV)

When I am connected it helps me overcome any issues that I may be facing. 

We all face issues, but don't allow any of those issues to hinder you from being connected. The Devil wants you to think you are the only one dealing with that issue. As a result, you go and hide and deal with this thing along. 

PJ needs people in his life that have scars and are willing to share their stories. We need people who are not afraid to share and help others overcome their issues. We need to be connected with people who can help.

Galilee Group

Jesus, at 30 years old, he begins his ministry. He gets baptized and goes into the wilderness for 40 days. Subsequently, he then chooses his apostles. 

Luke 6:12-16 (ESV)

We have to have enough to pour into people in our groups. Jesus knew that one of the apostles was a traitor. 

When I am connected it allows people to pour into me.

If you don't have anyone pouring into your spiritual tank, than you will soon run empty and you will start pushing in your own strength. We need someone to pour into us.

Jesus said, "Let's do life together!"

The apostles watched Jesus heal people and do a bunch of other miracles. All the time, he was pouring vision and wisdom into them. 

Jesus took a wishy washy man and made him into a rock (Peter). Jesus sees something in us, a vision. 

Acts Group

Jesus takes time to pour into his disciples. He then dies on the cross and rises from the dead. Before he ascends into heaven, he meets with his people. Soon after, the disciples began receiving persecution. 

Acts 12:1-5 (ESV)

When I am connected, it allows the people in my life to know me and pray for me.

Peter wasn't worried about dying. The Spirit of the Lord came into the prison and woke Peter. They escaped the prison and visited a family. The family wasn't ready for the answer to their prayers. 

Sometimes we aren't ready for answers to our own prayers. 

Sometimes we don't want to be a burden on others, but it's important to be connected so people can pray for us. When God's people pray AMAZING things happen. 

Please, please, please get connected. We WIN when we are CONNECTED. If you want to win in this game called life, please get connected.

Do You Need A Fresh Start?

If you need hope or help. God wants you to know that he loves you. Jesus died and rose from the grave. If you would like to know Jesus as your savior then pray this prayer.

Dear God, I realize I've sinned and I need you. Thank you for dying on the cross and rising from the grave. Come in to my heart and save me. Thank you for giving me eternal and abundant life. Help me to live for you, for the rest of my life. In Jesus' name. Amen.

To share your story, want more information about next steps, or just in need of prayer, please contact Pastor Matt Fry.