--PRE-SERVICE PRAYER--

Focus: Jesus, Contentment

Foundation Scripture: John 4:10-14 NKJV

Prayer Points:
1. Leadership
2. Linked UP Church Community
3. The vision: Connecting people to God, Family, Purpose, & Community
4. Sunday services & Connect 40: 40 Days of Faith Campaign

--MESSAGE--

Why Connect 40?

Introduction:
Linked UP Church exists to connect people to God, Family, Purpose, and Community. Colossians 3

Three categories of people who are at Linked UP Church.

Attendees | 1. People who attend.

Members | 2. People who are members but do not serve on a Dream Team or are in a Connect Group.

Connected Members | 3. People who are members and serve on a Dream Team or are in a Connect Group. These members are CONNECTED!

In just 40 days, a lot can happen! It may seem short, but the Bible tells us that during this time, God has used 40 days to work miracles, change people’s hearts, and help them become better in big ways.

Here are a few examples of how God has shown Himself powerful in just 40 days.

Genesis 7:12. Noah and his family were on the ark while God was remaking the earth via the rain and flood for 40 days.

Exodus 34:28. Moses spent 40 days on Mount Sinai where God released the Ten Commandments

Numbers 13:25. The ten spies spent 40 days in the Promised Land.

1 Samuel 17:16. Young David was challenged and transformed by Goliath's 40-day challenge.

Jonah 3:4. The city of Nineveh was changed by the teaching of the prophet Jonah about what the next 40 days had in store for them should they not repent.

Luke 4:2. Jesus was empowered for ministry by spending 40 days in the wilderness.

Acts 1:3. The disciples were transformed by spending 40 days with Jesus after the Resurrection

Our focus for 40 Days of Faith is twofold: first, to water the seeds of faith in your life, and second, to guide you toward spiritual growth.

Being part of a Connect Group helps us build dynamic relationships and provides 3 things:

1. A place to connect.
2. A place to protect.
3. A place to grow.

At Linked UP Church, we believe our church must grow LARGER and SMALLER at the same time.

We need each other. Connect Groups help us stay involved and they are the most effective way of maintaining a healthy and growing church.

A. Why Connect 40 Days of Faith?

1. You can’t please God without Faith.

Faith - (Pistis) assurance, to believe, truth, to trust.

Believe - (pisteuo) to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to a person or thing) to entrust one’s spiritual wellbeing to Christ.

2. You need Faith to access all His promises.

B. Abraham gives us seven keys to receiving the promises of God by faith.

1. “Against hope [Abraham] believed in hope.”

Hope - confident expectation, future.

2. “…according to that which was spoken.”

3. “…being not weak in faith.”

Does Jesus mean I can ask for just any and all “whatsoever's”? Of course not.

1 John 5:14 provides us a balanced context.

4. He didn’t let natural obstacles weaken his faith.

Don’t let visible, natural obstacles prevent you from believing God to answer your prayers.

5. He “staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief”

6. Abraham “was strong in faith… giving glory to God.”

The apostle Paul reaffirms and summarizes points 3, 4, and 5 above. Our role model Abraham was strong in faith. Not weak in faith. Not focusing on the natural obstacles, but rather on the power of God. Not staggering, wavering, or doubting. Instead, the patriarch, inspired by the promise of our faithful God, “was strong in faith.” That’s the lesson for us. Be strong in faith, not passive, not neutral, but strong.

7. “….and being fully persuaded that what [God] had promised he was able also to perform.”

Conclusion:

Practice these seven keys.

Despite little hope, believe God.
1. Even though there may seem to be little natural hope, believe God.

Count on God’s Word.
2. If God has spoken, you can count on God’s Word to work.

3. Refuse to be "weak in faith.”

Overcome natural obstacles.
4. Don’t let natural obstacles weaken your faith.


Have faith, don't doubt God's promises.
5. Don’t "stagger at the promise of God through unbelief.”

Be like Abraham, strong in faith, glorifying God.
6. Like the patriarch Abraham, be strong in faith, giving glory to God.

Believe unwaveringly in God's promises.
7. Believe without wavering that God is able to do what He promised.