It is not simply to be taken for granted that the Christian has the privilege of living among other Christians. Jesus Christ lived in the midst of his enemies. At the end all his disciples deserted him. On the Cross he was utterly alone, surrounded by evil doers and mockers. For this cause he had […]
There is celebration in the forgiveness
“’Confession begins in sorrow,’ writes Richard Foster, ‘but it ends in joy. There is celebration in the forgiveness of sins because it results in a genuinely changed life.’ Not only will you receive God’s grace as you confess sin, but the whole group will be provoked.” (Greg Somerville in C.J. Mahaney Ed., Why Small Groups?, […]
Hunger to know God
The single greatest contribution you can make to a group is your own passionate pursuit of God. This is true for two reasons. As you diligently study God’s Word, pray, worship, confess sin, witness to non-Christians, and cultivate the various expressions of a healthy Christian faith, your zeal will influence the entire group. Your passion […]
Take Advantage of Ready-Made Opportunities
“I prepare for my small group with two things in mind: first, what issue in my life is God bringing to my attention—a sin or temptation, a trial, an opportunity or decision, confusion over some issue. I come ready and willing to open my life and receive input on this issue. As a practical matter, […]
HOUSE RULES FOR GOD’S FAMILY
Be at peace with each other (Mk 9:50) Love one another (Jn 13:34) Be joined to one another (Ro 12:5) Be devoted to one another (Ro 12:10 Honor one another (Ro 12:10) Rejoice with one another (Ro 12:15) Weep with one another (Ro 12:15) Live in harmony with one another (Ro 12:16) Accept one another […]
The Essence of Fellowship
“‘Walking in the light’—obeying God’s word and confessing our sins when we disobey—should result in fellowship. In short, fellowship with others begins with an honest, open, obedient relationship with God rooted in the truth of his Word. How we share that relationship with others—how we wrestle with understanding truth and struggle to apply it to […]
deepest possible level
What is fellowship as defined in the New Testament? Just this: participating together in the life and truth made possible by the Holy Spirit through our union with Christ. Fellowship is sharing something in common on the deepest possible level of human relationship—our experience of God himself. (John Loftness in C.J. Mahaney Ed., Why Small […]
Fellowship
And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. (Act 2:42) So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, (Phi 2:1) …and I pray that the sharing of your faith may become […]
We Participate
This is why we are committed to small groups [Parish Bible Studies]. By his grace, together we are being changed into the image of Jesus Christ through progressive sanctification. Together we are experiencing mutual care, genuine fellowship, a gospel centered focus and the ministry of the Holy Spirit. We no longer just see—we observe and […]