Be a Full-Court Follower
Connection Points
Dr. Cole Phillips
April 13, 2025

And instead of worshiping the glorious, ever-living God, they worshiped idols made to look like mere people and birds and animals and reptiles. Romans 1:23

FALSE IDOLS

No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money. Matthew 6:24

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 2 Corinthians 4:16

The next day the great crowd that had come for the festival heard that Jesus was on His way to Jerusalem. John 12:12

They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, “Hosanna!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Blessed is the king of Israel!” John 12:13

Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, as it is written: “Do not be afraid, Daughter Zion; see, your king is coming, seated on a donkey’s colt.” John 12:14-15

At first his disciples did not understand all this. Only after Jesus was glorified did they realize that these things had been written about Him and that these things had been done to Him. John 12:16

Now the crowd that was with him when he called Lazarus from the tomb and raised him from the dead continued to spread the word. Many people, because they had heard that he had performed this sign, went out to meet him. John 12:17-18

So the Pharisees said to one another, “See, this is getting us nowhere. Look how the whole world has gone after him!” John 12:19

This Week’s Power Verse:

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. Deuteronomy 6:5

HOW DO I WORSHIP WITH ALL I’VE GOT?

1) Worship God with all my Heart.

2) Worship God with all my Mind.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Philippians 4:8

3) Worship God with all my strength.

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Ministry Highlights

  • Easter at The Connection Church

Easter will be here before we know it! Resurrection Sunday is such an exciting time of the year. We invite you and your family to join us in celebrating the amazing power of our risen King, Jesus. Join us for Connection Easter, starting with Good Friday in the Park, and choose from one of our many Easter services on Saturday and Sunday. If you’d like to learn more about Easter CLICK HERE.

  • Kidz Faith

Kidz Faith is a FREE fun and interactive class for children 1st - 5th grade and their parents to help them understand how to grow in their faith. Parents will also receive tools and resources to help their kids grow as Christ-followers. Kidz Faith happens Sunday, April 27, 2025 in Buda & San Marcos. Lunch & childcare is provided. RSVP or get more info HERE!

  • Connect One

If you regularly attend The Connection Church and haven’t taken the step to officially become a member, we want to invite you to our Connect One event on Sunday, May 4th, at 5:30pm at the Buda Campus. We’ll provide dinner and childcare so you can have a relaxing evening with us as you hear from our lead Pastors, Cole, and Pam Phillips. We can’t wait to see you there and welcome you to the TCC family! RSVP Here!

CONNECTION GROUP GUIDE

Open Up:
- What’s something you’re a big fan of (sports team, hobby, etc.)? How do you show your enthusiasm for it?

Key Takeaways:
1. We are wired for worship, but often direct it towards the wrong things.
2. Common modern-day idols include money, fame, appearance, and technology.
3. Jesus wants full-on followers, not fickle fans.
4. True worship involves loving God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength.

Questions to Discuss:

  1. Which of the false idols do you find most challenging in your own life? Why?

  2. Read John 12:12-19. How were people’s expectations of Jesus different from His true purpose? In what ways do people misunderstand Jesus today?

  3. Pastor Cole said, “The reason to come to Jesus is because of who He is, not because of what He will do for you.” How does this challenge or affirm your view of following Christ?

  4. Discuss the difference between being a “fickle fan” and a “full-court follower” of Jesus. What does each look like in everyday life?

  5. How can we make sure our worship is directed towards the real Jesus rather than our own idea of who we want Him to be?

  6. We need to be worshipping God with our whole heart, mind, and strength. Which of these areas do you find most challenging? Most natural?

Practical Applications:

  1. Idol Inventory: Take some time this week to honestly assess what might be competing with God for your devotion. Write down steps to realign your priorities.

  2. Mind Renewal: Choose one day this week to intentionally apply Philippians 4:8, filtering your media consumption and thought patterns.

  3. Strength in Service: Identify one way you can use your physical abilities to serve God and others this week, putting worship into action. If you’re not serving on a ministry team, sign up!

  4. Heart Check: Set a daily reminder to pause and ask, “Is my heart fully engaged in following Jesus today?”

Closing Prayer:
Lord, help us to be full-court followers, not fickle fans. May our worship be genuine, directed towards You as You truly are. Give us the courage to examine our hearts, renew our minds, and use our strength to glorify You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.