January 18, 2026
The Starting Point
Every goal in life develops a system, then becomes a habit. But what happens when our habits no longer serve us well? The enemy wants you to believe change is impossible, but connection with Jesus is where transformation begins.
Romans 12:2 (NLT) – “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.”
INFORMATION: God’s Design for Connection
The Key Word: ABIDE (Meno)
Meno (Greek) = to remain, to stay, to dwell, to continue in
Following Jesus isn’t about trying harder to be better. It’s about staying connected to the source of life Himself.
John 15:4-5 (NLT) – “Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me.”
Understanding Sin
Hamartano (Greek) = to miss the mark (like an archer whose arrow doesn’t hit the target)
Sin isn’t just bad behavior—it’s anything that causes you to miss the mark of intimate connection with Jesus. When you’re disconnected from the Vine, everything suffers.
Sin breaks Personal Connection → Personal Connection = Revival
The Progression of Personal Revival
When you stay connected to Jesus:
- Your mind is transformed – Romans 12:2
- Chains break off you – Psalm 107:14
- Dead passion comes alive again – Psalm 51:12
- Old patterns lose their power – 2 Corinthians 5:17
- You can’t stop talking about what God is doing – Jeremiah 20:9
INSPIRATION: The Invitation – Jesus Wants YOU
Matthew 11:28-30 (MSG) – “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace.”
The invitation isn’t “clean up and then come.”
The invitation is “come and watch Me clean you up.”
MOTIVATION: Breaking Through Common Obstacles
Obstacle #1: “I Don’t Have Time”
Truth: Jesus isn’t asking you to add more to your schedule. He wants to walk through your day WITH you—morning commute, lunch break, everyday moments.
Research shows: 4+ days of 10 minutes in Scripture per week leads to:
- 30% decrease in loneliness
- 32% decrease in anger issues
- 40% decrease in bitterness
- 57% decrease in alcoholism
- 61% decrease in pornography use
- 228% increase in sharing faith
- 231% increase in discipling others
Psalm 46:10 – “Be still, and know that I am God”
Obstacle #2: “I’ve Failed Too Many Times”
Truth: Every time you come back to Jesus after falling, you’re demonstrating faith, not failure. Your mind is being transformed—present tense, ongoing action—as you remain connected to Him.
Proverbs 24:16 (NLT) – “The godly may trip seven times, but they will get up again.”
TRANSFORMATION: Living as a Sent One
Key #1: Transform Your Mind
Romans 12:2 – Let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think
Key #2: Strip Off the Weight
Hebrews 12:1 – Let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up
Your Three Action Steps
1. THIS WEEK: Daily Connection
Take 5-10 minutes every morning this week—before you check your phone—and sit with Jesus.
- Read John 15:1-17 slowly
- Mark your calendar, set a reminder
2. DAILY/WEEKLY: Ask Jesus
Write down what He speaks to your heart:
- “What do You want to show me today?”
- Keep a simple journal of His responses
3. THIS MONTH: Join Community
Don’t walk this journey alone. Connect in a small group visit www.tc.church/groups to learn more or visit us at the Welcome Center.
Remember This
You can’t manufacture personal connection through willpower or religious activity.
Connection happens when you realize Jesus is always inviting you to identify old habits that no longer serve His plans and inviting you into deeper connection—which always results in better habits.
John 15:5 (NLT) – “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.”
Following Jesus, Sent On A Mission
The Community