Connect

I hope you were in church this weekend to hear Ben speak on the importance of being connected in a small group or class with others. This truth resonates in our souls, we are created to exist in community with others. We instinctively crave connections with others. Without community we suffer physically, mentally, and spiritually. Over the weekend I read The Prodigal God, by Timothy Keller. In it he writes:

Christians commonly say they want a relationship with Jesus; they want to “get to know Jesus better.” You will never be able to do that by yourself. You must be deeply involved in the church, in Christian community, with strong relationships of love and accountability. Only if you are a part of a community of believers seeking to resemble, serve, and love Jesus will you ever get to know him and grow into his likeness.

I think this is an excellent summary of what we know to be true. As group leaders you are making it possible for others to get to know Jesus and to grow in his likeness.

I had two interesting conversations this weekend with “mature” Christians. Two men, both who love and serve the Lord, and neither one of them are currently plugged into a group. What surprised me is that I assumed they were both in groups, they have been in the past and know that’s where growth and real life transformation takes place. The lesson for me was simple. Be proactive, ask and invite, encourage everyone to be in a group, especially the ones we think already are.

Thanks for your time and effort to make this semester’s Group Life launch successful.

Enlist

Rev 19:14
The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean.

I've come to realize, that although I have never registered to serve in our nations military, I am enlisted in the army. The armies of heaven... When we choose to follow Christ with our lives we become part of his heavenly army. Substitute your name for the word armies.

(Your name here) of heaven was following him, riding on a white horse and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. As a Christ follower we are in his army. Our uniform is the finest linen, of the brightest white. A battle has been fought on our behalf and we have been made clean and bright.

I've never been in the military but I do understand marching orders.
You will be my witnesses.
Go and make disciples.
Take care of widows and orphans and do not become corrupted by the world.

The you is plural, it includes all followers of Christ. We have our orders, time to march.