Lie # 8 - Separated

Lies of the enemy:
1. You are alone and you should stay that way.
2. No one wants you around.
3. You shouldn't be such a bother to other people.
4. People wish you weren't here.
5. You should go someplace else.

Your true identity: CONNECTED

And you are connected in two realms...

CONNECTED TO GOD:

John 15:5 - I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.

Jesus' picture of our connectedness to him views us as branches fed by him and fused together with him. His connectedness to us is what allows us to show others him and be the people we want to be.

Galatians 3:26 - For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus.

Assuming you had a healthy relationship with your parents or you are now a parent of your own, you understand the connection between a child and his/her parents. If you are a parent, you understand the unconditional love that you feel for your child and a connection to that child that cannot be explained. As children of God, he feels that same connectedness to us that never changes on his end and he is always longing for that connectedness with us.

Galatians 2:20 - I have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.

I don't know a way to be more connected to Christ than to have him living in you.

CONNECTED TO THE BODY OF CHRIST - OTHER CHRISTIANS:

1 Corinthians 12:27 - All of you together are Christ's body, and each of you is a part of it.

If you read this chapter more fully, it goes on to talk about how we are not all the same part of Christ's body b/c we all have different talents and gifts. However, a body only functions well when all members are present and connected. It works the same with a body of Christians. Your brothers and sisters in Christ can provide encouragement and help to you and also give you an opportunity to return the favor.. to challenge and encourage one another. If you're not in a place where you can have a congregational church family, keep in mind that all Christians are your brothers and sisters and you can reach out via phone, e-mail, Skype, etc. In my own opinion, this connectedness is only second to that of your connection with Christ. Who better to support your and spur you along than others who are striving for the same connectedness with Christ?

Ephesians 2:19 - You are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household.

God has made us citizens in his eternal world and called us members of his household. What greater connectedness could we ask for?

You are NOT alone or disconnected. Through Christ you are more connected than you can ever imagine!