Intersections: Slowing Down for Meaningful Connection & Deeper Communityনমুনা

Introduction

CONSIDER

Let’s envision together a busy intersection. What do you notice? Likely things like cars, crosswalks, and traffic signals. Intersections can also be symbolic - representing the places our lives connect and intertwine with others. These kinds of intersections represent something God, our Maker, is incredibly passionate about: The connection of people.

SCRIPTURE

We’re going to spend time in this study discovering what the Bible has to say about meaningful connections with one another. The New Testament is full of “one another” commands, most of them written by the apostle Paul, a man who had a life-changing encounter with Jesus. His life shows us how walking with Jesus leads us to others.

Paul’s encounter with Jesus led him into deep community with the people around him. He knew life as a Christ-follower wasn’t meant to be lived alone. It involved growing and going with the people around him.

In our fast-paced culture, we must fight the temptation of being too busy for others. If we don’t stop, we’ll miss the people God intends for us to know. Likewise, if we don’t go, we’ll miss the people God has set on our path for us to love!

In the days ahead, we’ll look at four monumental stop-and-go moments of Paul’s life that lead him into deep community. At each stop, Paul found a relationship he needed—the kinds of relationships we need, too!

CONNECT with GOD

Think of the people in your life. Who are some of the people God has intended for you to grow alongside? Are there people in your life that pour into you spiritually? Is there anyone you pour into?

If you don’t have these kinds of relationships in your life right now, ask God to use your time in this study to help you identify them! He’s big enough to intersect your life with the people you need and help you connect with them meaningfully.

In the days ahead, we're going to break down the key passage for this reading plan into smaller sections. But let’s start today by reading it all the way through.

Read Acts 9:1-31. Pay attention to any words or phrases that stand out to you. Highlight them or write them down in a journal.