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1. You will understand
the Bible better in a small group.
If you¢¥ve ever listened to a Bible teacher or preacher and wanted
to stop that person and say, "But what about...?" or "I
don¢¥t understand," then a small group is for you! Preaching
and teaching is one way communication. You listen while the speaker
speaks. It¢¥s fine for imparting knowledge but not as effective
for personal application as a small group. In a small group setting,
you can ask questions, participate in a discussion of the text,
and hear others share insights and illustrations of the truth you
are trying to grasp. The Bible must be applied to your own personal
situations and that happens best in small groups.
Sometimes I¢¥ve had people tell me after a service, "Pastor
Rick, it would be helpful if I could sit down with some others and
discuss the implications of your message today. You said so much,
I need to digest it!" Many of our groups are using the Sunday
morning message outline as a Bible discussion guide.
2. You will begin to really feel
like part of God¢¥s family.
Most people who have been a part of a group say the greatest
benefit is the close relationships and friendships that develop.
They will frequently telephone each other during the week to share
an urgent prayer request or an exciting answer. You¢¥ll discover
that your needs and problems are not unique ~ we¢¥re all in the
same boat. It helps to know that others are facing the same dIfficulties,
or have lived through them and learned spiritual principles in the
process.
Over fifty times in the New Testament the phrase "one another"
is used to describe our relationship to other believers. We are
instructed to love one another, encourage one another, pray for
one another, accept one another, bear one another¢¥s burdens, and
build up one another. The only way you can obey these commands is
in a small group! We really do need each other. God never meant
for you to go it alone in the Christian life. If you¢¥re lonely,
the answer to your problem is to join a group.
3. Prayer will become more meaningful
to you.
Many people are hesitant to pray in front of others, especially
in a large church. In a small group of 6 to 12, you will learn to
participate in prayer by having a conversation together with God.
No one is pressured to pray, but as you become comfortable, you¢¥ll
be able to pray sentence prayers and join in. There are many promises
in the Bible related to group prayer. In praying together with a
few others, we are drawn together and we find answers to the needs
in our lives.
4. You will be able to handle
stress and pressure better.
Small groups provide excellent support in times of crisis, change,
and stress. You¢¥ll have a sense of stability and security knowing
there are people who really care for you and are committed to standing
with you.
When someone loses a job, or a family member has an extended illness,
or a mother needs a babysitter - these are practical needs that
will be naturally taken care of through your small group. Your group
will coordinate the sharing of hot meals to be brought in when your
family is in need. Many people in our church could testify that
they would not have made it through a difficult time if it hadn¢¥t
been for the support of their group. In addition, we have a number
of special support groups that deal with problems like alcoholism,
financial difficulty, abuse, and other needs.
5. You will have a natural way
to share Christ with friends, relatives, and at work.
It may be that some of your friends who don¢¥t I know the Lord
wouldn¢¥t be caught dead in a church. They have a preconceived idea
and just the thought makes them defensive. But those same people
may be open to an invitation to a casual Bible discussion in a home
or office setting. In a small group, your unbelieving friend can
ask questions and express honest doubts without feeling "put
on the spot". When your friend sees the love and warmth and
honesty of your group, it will make him more receptive to the Good
News.
6. You will develop leadership
skills you never knew you had!
The Bible teaches that every believer is given certain talents
or "gifts" to benefit others in the family of God. Unfortunately
most Christians remain as Sunday morning spectators all their lives
because large group meetings are primarily "sit and listen"
situations. As you share and participate in a relaxed small group
setting, you¢¥ll discover your confidence and self-esteem rising.
This will help you at work, at church, and in every other relationship.
7. You will deepen your understanding
of worship.
Many believers mistakenly believe that worship can only happen
on Sunday morning in a large group with a sermon, a choir, and an
offering plate! Worship happens anytime we focus on God. Sometimes
that happens best in a smaller group in praying or singing together.
At Saddleback, we are authorizing the Lay Pastor of each group to
serve the Lord¢¥s Supper whenever the group wants to have a communion
service.
8. You will be a New Testament
Christian!
The book of Acts is very clear about how God intends for His
people to grow and have their needs met in the church. We will never
be able to hire enough professional pastors to meet all the individual
needs in our family. God never intended for it to be that way!
Consider these verses:
"They devoted themselves to the apostles teaching and to
the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer. All the
believers were together and had everything in common. Every day
they continued to meet together... they broke bread in their homes
and ate together... and the Lord added to their number daily those
who were being saved." Acts 2:42, 44, 46-47
"Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house
they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the Good News that Jesus
is the Christ." Acts 5:42
"Greet also the church that meets at their house." Rom.
16:5
"Aquilla and Priscilla greet you warmly in the Lord and so
does the church that meets at their house."
I Cor. 16: 19
"Give my greetings...to Nympha and the church in her house."
Col. 4: 15
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