The purpose of this series is for each of us to move closer to God by moving closer in relationship with the people in our lives – our family, church, friends, neighbors, etc. Through PURPOSEFUL CONNECTIVITY, we will all experience greater freedom in our families – home, church, business, friends, etc. and therefore, be better for God and better for our families.

There can never be FREEDOM without TRUTH and oftentimes the TRUTH we need to gain the FREEDOM that we’re missing is found in relationship with other people. cp. John 8:31, 32

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1

Lasting FREEDOM comes in the context of transparent RELATIONSHIPS.

“Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble.” Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 NLT

Relationships are needed to overcome the critical hurts, pains, and wounds every person experiences in life. Many never heal from their wounds, they just learn to survive despite of it.

Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed… (James 5:16a KJV)

We’re not competing so stop comparing.

Oh, don’t worry; we wouldn’t dare say that we are as wonderful as these other men who tell you how important they are! But they are only comparing themselves with each other, using themselves as the standard of measurement. How ignorant! 2 Corinthians 10:12 NLT

No man, no woman should have to be left to encourage him/herself alone No man, no woman should have to be left to encourage him/herself alone. When it happens, it’s a failure to CONNECT.

So David and his men came to the city, and there it was, burned with fire; and their wives, their sons, and their daughters had been taken captive. Then David and the people who were with him lifted up their voices and wept, until they had no more power to weep. And David's two wives, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail the widow of Nabal the Carmelite, had been taken captive. Now David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and his daughters. But David strengthened himself in the LORD his God. (1 Samuel 30:3-6 NKJV)

Regardless to how much you may hurt, never abandon your RELATIONSHIPS. Commit to “KEEP” each other.

Now Cain talked with Abel his brother; and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother and killed him. Then the LORD said to Cain, "Where is Abel your brother?" He said, "I do not know. Am I my brother's keeper [personal protector, life guard or caregiver]?" (Genesis 4:8-9 NKJV)

Next CONNECT with a Small Group and Small Group Leader today. There are men’s groups, women’s groups, student groups, and marriage & family groups meeting every week for 13 weeks; January 29th – April 29th. Remember the Directory of Small Groups for this Semester can be found on our website at icsofl.com/groups. Steps