Breakout: Connect – Exploration of the Theme
The very heart of the Bible is God’s connection with his people.
God created a world with which to have a relationship and his love is freely given to the world he made. Indeed humankind being made “in the image” of God shows the intimate connection that we have with the creator. Jesus’ action on the cross, taking the punishment for the sins of the world, shows the depth of His connection with his people and his unfaltering desire for his people to come to him.
“Come near to God and he will come near to you” James 4:8
Throughout the Bible we see people who are not connecting with God. Nevertheless, the message is consistent: God’s love is constant. The parable of the prodigal son reminds us of those times when we may feel far away or turn our backs on our Father, but when we turn back we realize that God’s connection with us never ceases or falters – it is us that needs to reconnect with Him. Real connection is a two-way process. Being in close connection with God allows us to hear his call and live out our lives in the way that He desires.
“I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door I will come in…” Rev 3: 20
An essential element of Christian faith is about connecting with the world in which we live. Our challenge is to go out to all the nations. As Christians we should spread the love of God in our local communities and beyond. The Methodist church has a long history of connecting with the community and its issues. Our young people, in their journey of faith, need to be encouraged and supported to connect to their communities and to concerns affecting the wider world.
Connecting with God, the world and each other in fellowship, are integral to our Christian faith and Methodist traditions. Breakout aims to challenge, inspire and support people in their journey to connect.