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Deepen your Connections

This Sunday is part 2 of GBCK's Faith, Connection, Life series, a series about our vision, mission and values. At GBCK we are all about developing our faith, deepening our connections, and devoting our lives to God's mission.

Here's a preview of part 2:

Title: Deepen your connections
Main Passage: “Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart.” (1 Peter 1:22)
Main Thought: We are created for relationships

• God created us in his image.  Bearing his image means we are created for relationships.

• Sin has broken our design for authentic relationships evidenced in an increasingly narcissistic culture.

• The Gospel restores us to our original design and intention: Love God, love others.

• Three ways the Gospel restores us:
1. Movement: from inward to outward, “Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers…”  The gospel doesn't drive us toward ourselves; rather, the progression of "obeying the truth" is to love your brothers.

2. Measure: from shallow to deep, "love one another deeply..."  'Deeply' is a measurement word.  Two thoughts about loving deeply: a) to go deep with anything takes time.  The difference between a six inch hole and a six foot hole is time. You 'take time' spontaneously and intentionally; both are needed. b) 'deep love' is limitless, unconditional love.  I put so many limits and conditions on my love.  To love deeply I need the love of Christ, not my insufficient love.

3. Motivation: from purpose-driven to Gospel-driven, "...from the heart."  Deepening connections is not about getting rid of loneliness, or getting something out of someone.  It's not about robotic obedience to scripture or a church's vision statement.  Connection and relationship is a heart response to the incredible work of the gospel and the grace and mercy extended to us by the Father through Christ.