Being Aware of Our Connection With God (Connections #1)

Connections 1 | Being Aware of Our Connection with God | July 28, 2024

Dr. Larry Baucom kicks off our new series, Connections, with a look at how a growing awareness of God’s presence can profoundly change our perspective and lead us to a more joy-filled life!

The series is inspired by St. Paul’s letter to the Church in Philippi and opens with this installment unfolding with two main points and several poignant insights centered on Philippians 2:1-4.

Point 1: There are many benefits from being aware of our connection with God.

Paul begins the passage by describing what the Pastor calls “the benefits package” included with our connection to God; the divine presence that lives in us, dwells with us, and is our source of being. He says the result of waking up to this connection has immediate and enduring benefits! But knowing God is more than knowing about God. The revelation of God’s continual presence leads to an intimate and personal knowledge; a growing awareness with your waking breath, the day’s work, increasing trust, and a desire to know God more! Dr Baucom says that while the benefits package we get from our jobs can be practically helpful, the package we receive from our awakening is transformational. Paul lists the potential benefits as encouragement, comfort, community with God and others, tenderness, and compassion.

Point 2: The next level of spiritual growth involves unity.

Paul wrote, “…make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of others.”

Pastor Larry tells us that there is a peace that comes with the realization that it’s not all about me but is all about God and I don’t always have to win. When you win then I win! We increasingly let go of self-centered living and wake up to the joy of connection with God and others. We no longer have to face life on our own. We become part of a team that loves and cares for each other! All of this becomes ours when we open our hearts to these connections!