Romans 12:1-2  At Hope, our vision is to: Transform lives by the power of the Holy Spirit, Grow individuals deeper in their walk with God, and Reach our community with the love of God. I believe 2024 will be a big year, and 2 things will be vital for us and you this year, and they both center around the word CONNECTION. Connection 1. To God John 15:1-5  After accepting Christ and being forgiven, he or she receives the gift of eternal life, which centers on a personal relationship with Christ and includes the power of the Holy Spirit to sustain and develop that relationship. Just as the branch has life only as long as the vine’s life flows into it, believers have true life only as long as Christ’s life flows into them through an active and vital relationship with him. The conditions which keep us connected to Christ include:  spending time reading and studying God’s Word so that his truth gets into our minds and hearts and continually serves as a guide for our actions  maintaining a positive habit of prayer, which involves listening to Jesus and drawing strength from him  obeying his commands, which demonstrates a true love for Christ and includes loving each other  keeping our lives spiritually clean by remaining in God’s Word, resisting temptation, and following the Holy Spirit’s direction What is your plan to accomplish this deeper connection with God? Reading plan, small group, podcasts… You will not grow deeper in your walk with God without a plan of attack for connection! 2. To His Body Hebrews 10:25   The day of Christ’s return for his faithful followers is approaching. We will increasingly face difficulties, opposition, persecution, and spiritual deception as it does. Coming together regularly with other believers for worship, Christian companionship, and Biblical instruction will provide the necessary encouragement to help us hold firmly to faith in Christ. It is the plan and expectation of Christ that believers grow in community with each other as we grow deeper in our relationship with him. How does the Bible describe the church: The church is presented as God’s people (1Co 1:2; 10:32; 1Pe 2:4–10). The church is made up of people who are “called out” (Gk ekkaleö) of the world and into God’s kingdom. (2Co 6:16–18) The church is the temple of God and of the Holy Spirit (1Co 3:16,  2Co 6:14–7:1; Eph 2:11–22; 1Pe 2:4–10) The church is the body of Christ (1Co 6:15–16; 10:16–17; 12:12–27) The church is the bride of Christ (2Co 11:2; Eph 5:22–27; Rev 19:7–9) The church is a spiritual fellowship (Gk koinönia)—a group of believers who share a common relationship in their love and worship of God, as well as a common interest and purpose (2Co 13:14; Php 2:1) The church is a spiritual ministry. It serves through various gifts (Gk charismata) granted by the Holy Spirit (Ro 12:6; 1Co 1:7; 12:4–11, 28–31; Eph 4:11). The church is an army involved in spiritual conflict. It does not fight with earthly weapons but with spiritual weapons and armor (Eph 6:10–17. The church is “the pillar and foundation of the truth” (1Ti 3:15) The church is a people with a future hope. This hope is focused on Christ’s return for his people (Jn 14:3, 1Ti 6:14; 2Ti 4:8; Tit 2:13; Heb 9:28). The church is both invisible and visible. (Rev 2:11, 17, 26) The church is built on the solid rock of bold confession and proclamation (Mt 16:16–18) Much has been written in the word of God about the need for the church, so for you to sit at home and say I can have church at home is a very shallow, short-sided statement. God’s plan for your growth is to be connected to him and His body, the church. The church sets us straight and challenges us to improve our walk with God. Let’s face it, many opt out of church because they do not want to face accountability. What are our transformational moments? What is your plan to connect with God this year? Do you need to deepen your connection here at Hope? Do you want to grow this year?