Choose to Connect
Pastor Rick Hancock
Part of Choices—August 2022 Message Series
August 29, 2022

Spiritual growth is best accomplished in

!

All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer. A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity—all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved. Acts 2:42–47 NLT

All the believers were united in heart and mind. And they felt that what they owned was not their own, so they shared everything they had. The apostles testified powerfully to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and God’s great blessing was upon them all. There were no needy people among them, because those who owned land or houses would sell them and bring the money to the apostles to give to those in need. Acts 4:32–35 NLT

God Provides My Church Family:

• To

me in life

And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. Acts 2:44 NLT

How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity. Psalm 133:1 NIV

• To

me

So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 NLT

But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. Hebrews 3:13 NIV

• To

me to serve

Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. Hebrews 10:24 NLT

And he called his twelve disciples together and began sending them out two by two, giving them authority to cast out evil spirits. Mark 6:7 NLT

• To

through the difficult seasons

He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. 2 Corinthians 1:4 NLT

By helping each other with your troubles, you truly obey the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2 NCV

• To

when necessary

There were no needy people among them, because those who owned land or houses would sell them and bring the money to the apostles to give to those in need. Acts 4:34–35 NLT

• To

from temptation and sin

Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts. 2 Timothy 2:22 NLT

God will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure. 1 Corinthians 10:13 NLT

• To

the wins in my life

And when she finds it, she will call in her friends and neighbors and say, “Rejoice with me because I have found my lost coin.” Luke 15:9 NLT

Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. Romans 12:15 NLT

Friendship doubles our

and divides our !

Emmanuel Group Ministries

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When we get together, I want to encourage you in your faith, but I also want to be encouraged by yours. Romans 1:12 NLT

Choice #4—I choose to

with my church family through group ministry opportunities.

Memory Verse

So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 NLT

Next Steps

I will sincerely pray about joining a Connection Group.
I will invite family and friends to join me in a group.
I choose to connect with my church family through service opportunities.

My Notes