Connected to Grow
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Introduction
What is a Christian? A Christian is someone who has responded to God’s grace with saving faith—a faith that believes and trusts in God through His Son Jesus Christ.
As a Christian, faith, belief, and trust translates into a God-given desire to serve God and others with love. The desire also strives to know God more and to be all that He wants me to be—for His glory.
This way of life incorporates the idea of growth and maturity.
Growth and maturity cannot be accomplished well alone. We need one another.
The Apostle Paul wrote:
11 Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.
We are to encourage one another and build one another up—this is effective discipleship (learning to become like Christ).
Thesis
Today I want to show you that one of the most effective ways to grow in our relationship with Jesus Christ is for us to grow TOGETHER with other believers.
We find this principle fully embraced by the early church.
In the Book of Acts, immediately after the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and after Peter’s sermon, thousands become followers of Jesus Christ.
There were no church buildings—no large auditoriums available for them to meet.
There were to places that Christians met: the Temple in Jerusalem AND their homes.
Meeting in homes became a practical place—and it was in their homes that Christians began to grow and flourish.
When people met in their homes, what did they do that contributed to their growth in Christ?
42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.
Biblical Intake
Biblical Intake
16 Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.
When a group of people earnestly and faithfully studied the Scripture—as they observed and interpreted God’s Word—they also together learned to apply its principles that facilitated genuine transformation.
Together, studying the Scripture guards against wrong interpretation and application. We hold one another accountable to the teachings of Christ.
Fellowship with Others
Fellowship with Others
24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works,
25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
Communion and Meals
Communion and Meals
Notes
Prayer
Prayer
19 Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven.
20 For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”
Transition Point
What were the results of this kind of small group activity?
Christians became glad and generous.
Christians became glad and generous.
Participating in a healthy small group promotes joy and happiness.
Christians Praised God.
Christians Praised God.
Participating in a healthy small group encourages genuine worship.
Christians enjoyed favor with non-Christians.
Christians enjoyed favor with non-Christians.
Participating in a healthy small group opens the doors to our community.
The Church grew.
The Church grew.
Participating in a healthy small group advances the kingdom through evangelism and outreach.
Conclusion
Scripture and the early church makes a powerful case for the believer to belong and engage in a small group.
We are not created to be alone. We need one another.
I want to invite you to seriously consider the opportunity to be a part of a small group in this church.