The Magic of small groups
I love small groups. Really... I do!
Acts 2:42 (NKJV)
And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.
The early church had a unique situation on their hands. "How do we handle the thousands who have come to Christ, and help them become full fledged followers of Jesus?" The answer was to teach them apostolic doctrine, worship together (the only context where they would be both breaking bread- communion- and praying together), and something called "fellowship."
We get the first two parts pretty easily. I mean, Baptists have Bible studies left and right! And worship? While we might disagree as to what form it should take, we all agree that we should do it.. regularly!
But FELLOWSHIP? Ask a dozen baptists, and you will get a dozen different answers. Most of those answers will include the word "food" in it!
The word fellowship comes from a word meaning, "common" or "together." In the New Testament it referred to believers sharing, at a very fundamental level what Christ was doing in their lives. In a nutshell, New Testament fellowship looks like this: Sharing the common bond of Christ + transparency + accountability = biblical fellowship.
Now, let me ask you a serious question. Where can these things take place? Where are people willing to be genuinely open, accountable, and serious about sharing what Jesus is doing in their life? To be open about struggles, and to receive guidance and support and prayer?
The answer? Small groups.
Now here is another question: Are you a member of one of our First Baptist small groups? A Sunday School class, or one of our Life University groups? If you want to experience the wonderful spiritual "magic" of small groups, you have to make an effort and get involved in one.
I promise you.. you won't be sorry!
Acts 2:42 (NKJV)
And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.
The early church had a unique situation on their hands. "How do we handle the thousands who have come to Christ, and help them become full fledged followers of Jesus?" The answer was to teach them apostolic doctrine, worship together (the only context where they would be both breaking bread- communion- and praying together), and something called "fellowship."
We get the first two parts pretty easily. I mean, Baptists have Bible studies left and right! And worship? While we might disagree as to what form it should take, we all agree that we should do it.. regularly!
But FELLOWSHIP? Ask a dozen baptists, and you will get a dozen different answers. Most of those answers will include the word "food" in it!
The word fellowship comes from a word meaning, "common" or "together." In the New Testament it referred to believers sharing, at a very fundamental level what Christ was doing in their lives. In a nutshell, New Testament fellowship looks like this: Sharing the common bond of Christ + transparency + accountability = biblical fellowship.
Now, let me ask you a serious question. Where can these things take place? Where are people willing to be genuinely open, accountable, and serious about sharing what Jesus is doing in their life? To be open about struggles, and to receive guidance and support and prayer?
The answer? Small groups.
Now here is another question: Are you a member of one of our First Baptist small groups? A Sunday School class, or one of our Life University groups? If you want to experience the wonderful spiritual "magic" of small groups, you have to make an effort and get involved in one.
I promise you.. you won't be sorry!
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