Connecting in Real Relationships

Continuing my reading of David Putman's (@davidputman on twitter) book, Breaking the Discipleship Code. This morning I'm reading about the value of connecting and providing a place where people can connect - those who are searching and those who have already become and started the discipleship process.





In one paragraph David writes. . .

"As I've said over and over again, to love God and love people is to live and love like Jesus. That's the point of the gospel. It's not about what we consume, or what we learn, or how much knowledge we have. It's not about how spiritually involved we are or how closely we follow a moral code of conduct. Living and loving like Jesus is about loving God and loving people and belonging in healthy relationships with both."

I'm not sure you caught what he was saying. But having classrooms or homes full of people who are checking off the next Bible study is not what the gospel is about. It's about people. . .people connecting with God and with each other. It's not about what book of the Bible we're going to study next, or our knowledge of apologetics, or our understanding of the end times or prophecy. It's not about how eloquently we can proclaim the Word of God. We can have the greatest knowledge of the Bible and die lonely. Sorry guys. And to be honest, I've been that guy.

But somewhere along the way, and I don't know where or when, I realized it's about people. It's a lesson that I've had a hard time learning, but you will never convince me other ways now. The gospel is about connecting with people. It's about reaching out and building relationships. . .sometimes with people we don't like or whose lifestyle we don't agree with. Peter protected himself from the Gentiles, until God told him to go to Cornelius' house - a Roman Centurian. He went, entered his home and befriended a Gentile. In doing so the gospel was intentionally spread to the Gentiles (see Acts 10). I told God this morning that I'm very thankful He sent Peter to Cornelius. I'm a gentile and now I get to participate in the blessing so of forgiveness.

We also have to realize that some of the loneliest people in your church are sitting in your Bible study class or small group. We assume that because they're there, they are connected to others. That couldn't be farther from the truth. Don't be fooled by participation, for some it's just a facade.

Greater Greshamites - that sounds funny to me, like we should be in the Old Testament or something - some of you have had long relationships with people in our church. But our worship and ABFs are filled with people longing to connect with another human being in authentic relationsihps with people they can trust. They are searching for someone to invite them to a cup of coffee, a game night, to dinner, or just someone to listen. Don't assume that because they are in an ABF that they are connected to another believer. Lets provide safe places for peoople to connect wtih God and with others. Let's help those who are searching find the truth in Jesus Christ through our willingness to walk through this process with them. Don't take the gospel for granted.

Remember it's about connecting to God and to others.
Mike