*I used a Connect the dot illustration to better complete the theme and thought process of this message.

When it comes to decision making, sometimes we are not left with good options either way.  The immediate results of your decision are not always a win-lose situation, sometimes it is a lose-lose situation.  However we also know that God always provides for those who love Him.  I didn’t say that He always provides a way out, but He does provide.  Whether it is the strength to endure, the wisdom to overcome, or an escape route out, God always has a plan and a purpose.  He never promised us life would be easy, but He did promise that He would be there every step of the way; or for the message theme every dot to dot.  I want us to discover that by connecting with God and making spiritually mature decisions, we will draw that much closer to successful Christian living.  Having an authentic genuine Spirit filled life is the key to an abundant, joyful, and prosperous journey through this thing we call life.  The decision will make the difference.

How to Connect with God by Connecting the Dots (Deciding how to live):             Hebrews 2

• Take Heed to what you have heard and been taught – vs. 1
  • Every decision has a consequence – vs. 2
• Guard your Salvation – vs. 3-4
  • Protect your testimony
  • Submit yourself to the Savior
  • Remove all objects of idolatry (things that hinder you from serving God)

*(In verses 5-9 followed by 10-16 you can read about Jesus’ superiority in spite of His humanity.  – His humanity enabled Him to sanctify the lost, Bring us unto Glory, and Disarm Satan and deliver us from death.  That is a complete message in itself.)

• Glorify your Savior – “especially in times of suffering” – vs.10-14
  • Declare His Name – Be Not Ashamed
  • Praise Him
  • Trust in Him

When you Connect the Dots and connect with God;

• God Will: – vs.15-18
  • Release you from fear and bondage
  • Make propitiation (atonement/sacrifice) for your sin
  • Provide aid (assistance) in times of trouble, trial, and temptation.

So what about you? Have you connected the dots? Are you connecting with God? Are you trusting in Jesus Christ as your LORD and Savior.

 “He (Christ) Himself likewise shared in the same (humanity), that through death (cross) He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is the devil.  Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation (sacrifice) for the sins of man. But Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for EVERYONE!”                   – Hebrews 2:14b,17,9