The Small Group

Good Morning,


Hebrews 10:24 (NIV)
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.
1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV)
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

"...spur one another on toward love and good deeds,"..."...encourage one another and build each other up..."

These seem like such simple and obvious ideas, don't they? It sure appears that these concepts are something that should go without saying. I mean, don't we all agree that each of us needs a boost from time to time? I think we all know that when we are personally encouraged then we go on to do even more than we've been doing, don't we? If these simple facts are true, and we know they are, then why do we need to be reminded of them from time to time?

Simple fact is that much too often we forget to "spur one another on" and we simply don't remember that we need to "encourage one another" even though we know fully well that WE, each of us as individuals, really needs this kind of thing to go on with our lives and to be more effective and productive in doing God's work.

These two verse...along with many others, I'm sure...are one of the main reasons for folks to get involved and firmly grounded in a Small Group, Home Group, or whatever other "name" we might give it. This, the small gathering of like minded Christians, is where true, long lasting, and meaningful relationships are discovered and lived out. The gathering in people's homes are where real and significant encouragement can, and will, take place. These are the places where small groups of people can lift one another up and spur one another on...to do what's necessary in God's Kingdom.

Yes, it is possible...just possible, mind you...that we can be encouraged and spurred on and built up in the larger gathering that we attend over the weekend. And, yes, I agree that the gathering together for worship is marvelous...and necessary. But, we don't really connect in our worship services, especially when they involve a large number of people. We really can't get close associations with others when there are hundreds of people all around and with all the hustle and bustle that is involved in congregational worship. Although, for me, it's wonderful to be together with that large number of like minded people to praise and worship God, I must admit. But, again this is for me here, I find it very hard to truly get a connection with people at these services. And, I don't think I'm alone in this...am I?

This is the reason that I feel so deeply about people getting not just involved with, but truly committed to, the Small Groups that are available in most of our congregations. And, HEY!!, if your local church doesn't have a Small Group program, go ahead and start one! It's as simple as inviting a few people over to your house for coffee to share what you and they are feeling about Spiritual matters. Then offer prayer. Maybe worship? And become close to people; have a true loving relationship with people.

If we aren't closely tied together in small groups of friends, how in the world can we be obedient...REALLY obedient...to living out what God has set down for us to do in these two Scripture verses?

Point this morning is that if you aren't attending a small group, you need to be. If your local church doesn't have a small group program, start one. However we need to do it, we do truly need to obey what we read today.


Love, peace, and blessings,

David