1. Personal Devotion--Private Prayer and the Word
Daily devotion is imperative for a productive connection to God. There's no minimum or maximum time limit; this is simply your personal time with God and His Word. Daily devotion to God, gives God an opportunity to speak into your life and direct your steps.
2. Prayer--Corporate/Public Prayer
A staple of a true Christian walk is prayer. The weekly Church Prayer Meeting, held on Tuesday nights is our opportunity to come together and seek God's vision and direction not only for our own lives, but for the upcoming events, activities, and services of the entire church. For more information about Church Prayer, contact Pastor and Sister Manzano, or if you are in need of the church to pray for a specific need, you may submit it online or contact our church office.
3. The Word
The Psalmist David wrote, "Thy Word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against thee." This connect point is two fold...
(1) Daily Bible reading should be a part of your daily devotion plan. A wide variety of reading plans are available and whatever plan you choose, the most important thing is connecting to the Word daily.
(2) In addition, we want everyone at The Connect Point to regularly attend Sunday School. There are classes for children, youth, and adults which impart the Word of God in ways that help us understand its application to daily life. Counteracting society's influence requires more just attendance at and participation in worship services; it requires knowing and studying the Word. Get connected to the Word each week through Sunday School!
4. Fasting
There are a multitude of scriptures regarding fasting. In Joel the commandment of the Lord was, " . . . turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting . . " Jesus instructed the disciples, saying, "This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting . . ." Jesus himself fasted forty days. So it is that we follow the practice of fasting. Fasting can take many forms. You can fast a particular favorite food for a specific amount of time. You can fast one meal or three meals. You can fast a day, where you eat only one late afternoon/evening meal per day. There are specific kinds of fasts for specific needs. Search the scriptures. Make fasting a regular part of your service to God.
5. Family
Monday night is Family Night at The Connect Point. No events or activities are placed on our church calendar for Monday evenings in order to allow our church family to set aside this one evening for special time together with their families. As a church, we are committed to building strong Christian families. We believe our community, our state, and our nation can be strengthened as Christian homes are strengthened. Make sure your family has Family Night!
6. Worship
The thread of worship winds its way from Genesis to Revelation. We hear Abraham saying, "I and the lad will go yonder and worship". We find John in Revelation commanding simply, "Worship God." We rejoice in the Psalms as David the worshiper cries, "O come let us worship . . ." In Hebrews the command is clear, " . . . let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works, Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together . . . so much the more as ye see the day approaching." The day of His coming is nearer than ever before. In worship we can ready ourselves by the strength and power found only in His presence.
7. Evangelism--Give Me Five!
Luke recorded the singular mission of Jesus Christ: "The Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost." We read in John 4 that the woman at the well in Samaria actually led her city to Jesus Christ. Revelation tells us we overcome by the word of our testimony. "Give Me Five" refers to five people with whom you will connect until they are brought to Christ. The list of five is made up of three "new" people (those who have never been brought to Christ through salvation) and two people who are "Missing in Action" (those who used to attend this church but no longer attend church). We must reach the lost--both those who have never known Him and those who are MIA, for "He is not willing that any should perish!"
8. Discipleship
There were those who followed Jesus from a distance, much like we "follow the news" today. There were those who followed Him a little more closely--found among the masses here and there as they gathered. Then there were the twelve-the men who followed Him closely . . . His disciples. There was then--and there is now--a price to be paid for discipleship. His call to discipleship requires a full-life commitment. It goes beyond church membership and attendance at Sunday services: "Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?"
9. Personal Involvement
The Connect Point, The Pentecostals of the Antelope Valley, provide multiple opportunities for ministry. While there are specific requirements for certain levels of involvement, there is always something you can do to become involved in a PAV Ministry. From Ushers to Sunday School teachers, Prayer Warriors to Community Outreach, there is a place for you to give of yourself. Ministry opportunities are available in the following areas: Children's Ministry, Christian Education, Discipling, Guest Relations, Home Bible Studies, Hospitality, Information Services, Music, Prayer, Specialized Ministries, Technical, Youth . . . You have a God-given ability He wants you to share with others. We'll help you find your place!
10. Fellowship
As we study the book of Acts, we find that they "continued steadfastly" in the Apostles' Doctrine, fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer. We cannot neglect the value of fellowship with likeminded believers. John wrote, ". . . If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin." Invite someone to your house for dinner! Or, make plans to meet someone at a local restaurant and share a "dutch treat" meal. Go for a walk with a friend or two. Create opportunities in your life for fellowship!
In our fast-paced society, getting and staying connected to God, our church, our friends and family requires effort and a well-designed plan. We hope you'll allow these points to serve as a guide to leading an overcoming life. Are YOU connected?
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