Dear Northside
We have had a wonderful first few months. It has been exciting as the people of God got together to celebrate.
But awe-inspiring times of celebration where lots of people gather to worship may lead us to ask: ‘Where do I fit in?’, ‘How can I make friends?’, ‘How can I contribute?’, ‘How can I grow in my faith?’, ‘How can I be more effective?’ or ‘What can I do?’.
We can find the answers in the Bible (Acts 2:42-47) where we see groups of Christians gathered in homes after Pentecost. They were led by ordinary people, men and women doing ordinary jobs. Similar groups exist today and are at the heart of church life. We call them ‘Community Life Groups’ or small groups or Bible study groups.
In Acts 2 we see a description of the church just after it had swelled to well over 3000 people in its very first day of existence! On the day of Pentecost, the disciples had experienced the love of God being poured into their hearts by the Holy Spirit. Now this love overflows in three directions.
1. Love for God
Teaching
They wanted to know what God was saying to them. This ‘teaching’ can now be found in the Bible. Through the Bible, God speaks to you and you get to know Jesus Christ better. Small groups are an ideal place to study the Bible together.
Prayer
Their prayer meetings were never dull. They were times of great excitement. Again, small groups are the ideal place to pray for one another, especially if you are going through a difficult time.
Food
They had a meal together and in the ‘breaking of bread’ they remembered Jesus’ presence and death for them.
Worship
They praised God together. Expect to meet God intimately through worship. This is the highest and most fulfilling calling that you can know. Your main purpose in life is ‘to glorify God and enjoy him forever’.
2. Love for one another
Small groups are places to love and be loved, to encourage and be encouraged. The atmosphere should be open, non-judgmental and honest enough to allow friendships to deepen.
These early Christians did not just feel love, they loved one another practically and actively on a daily basis.
There was a radical generosity of spirit which was entirely voluntary. Generosity takes many forms: giving financially to one another, sharing your possessions and making time for one another, offering hospitality and practical help.
Each person contributed their gifts: teaching, hospitality, giving or leading worship. The small group is the place where you discover where you fit in.
A small group should be, among other things, a place of laughter and enjoyment.
3. Love for the world
They went out into the world with wonders and miraculous signs. They were respected by everyone and ‘the Lord added to their number daily’.
This is the church at its most vibrant and attractive. It is vital to be an active participant in a church which encourages you in your faith and gives you an opportunity to serve God. You cannot do it on your own.
If you do not already belong to such a group, pray that God will guide you and then find out how to get connected to a group in your church.
God bless, Pastor Gary