At the point that you became a Christian your life was never intended to be lived in isolation. When you accepted Jesus as your Savior you became a part of the family of God. Like the “Verizon” commercial you have a network that is world-wide consisting of Christians of all races, and cultures.
It is a contradiction to accept Jesus Christ as your Savior and want nothing to do with God’s people. God expects us to love other Christians just as much as He does. John 3:14 says, “We know that we have passed from death to life because we love our brothers. The one who does not love remains in death.” A sure sign of one’s salvation is their love for fellow Christians.
In the church you are part of a large family known as the congregation. In the life of the body there are things you will do as a large group such as, worship, have fellowship, and do ministry projects. However, you are also are part of a smaller group within the congregation. In fact, the congregation is made up of many small groups. Each small group is a micro version of the larger body.
Every person who joins the body and is not already a part of a small group is automatically assigned to one. This is vital to you. Henry Blackaby states the importance of participating in a small group this way, “God has called us to join the family gathering and enjoy the benefits of that relationship. There are things God does in, for, and through His family that He does nowhere else! We, therefore, are not living life alone. Just as biological families must interact and spend significant time together, so our spiritual family must walk together in love. In God’s family we will grow in wisdom and maturity as we benefit from those who have walked with God for many years. |
