Eight Benefits of a Life Group, Part 3
“They devoted themselves to the apostles teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Every day they continued to meet together… they broke bread in their homes and ate together… and the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.”
Acts 2:42, 44, 46-47 (NIV)
“Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the Good News that Jesus is the Christ.”
Acts 5:42 (NIV)
When we do life together, we become more confident in sharing our faith and stretching in faith to explore the gifts God has given us to use in the body of Christ. As Christ followers, we are called to build up one another. We do that best in small group settings where faith is cultivated and grows. We’ve been exploring the benefits of a life group. Here are four other reasons why a life group will help you grow spiritually:
5. You will have a natural way to share Christ with others.
It may be that some of your friends who don't know the Lord wouldn't be caught dead in a church. They have some preconceived ideas about church, and just the thought of attending makes them defensive. But those same people may be open to an invitation to a casual Bible discussion in a home, coffee shop, or office setting. In a life group, your unbelieving friends can ask questions and express honest doubts without feeling "put on the spot.” When your friends see the love, warmth, and honesty of your group, it will make them more receptive to the Good News. The Bible says that God added to the early church daily those who were being saved. I can’t think of anything more exciting than to see your friends come to know the Savior you know. Life groups provide a safe and accepting environment for spiritual birth!
6. You will develop leadership skills you never knew you had!
The Bible teaches that every believer is given certain talents or "gifts" to benefit others in the family of God. Unfortunately, most Christians remain as Sunday morning spectators all their lives because large group meetings are primarily "sit and listen" situations. As you share and participate in a relaxed life group setting, you'll discover your confidence and self-esteem rising. This will help you at work, at church, and in every other relationship. You’ll move from just being a consumer to a contributor as God uses the unique gifts He’s given you to serve others.
7. You will deepen your understanding of worship.
Many believers mistakenly believe that worship can only happen on Sunday morning in a large group with a pastor teaching, and a choir singing, and an offering basket being passed. But the truth is that worship happens anytime we focus on God. Sometimes, that happens best in a life group where believers can pray or sing together. Many groups will set aside times to share communion together as they remember the sacrifice of Christ for us and the connection we have together in Him.
8. You will be a New Testament Christian!
The Book of Acts is very clear about how God intends for His people to grow and have their needs met in the church. We will never be able to hire enough professional pastors to meet all the individual needs in our church family. God never intended for it to be that way. Life groups provide the best environment for ministry to happen as we do life together.
If you want to experience spiritual growth exponentially in your life, then join us for our free Life Class with lunch this Sunday following our 11:30 am service. You can register now.
Another important part of your daily devotional is spending time with God in prayer. The Woodlands Church Prayer Board lists prayer requests submitted by our members and provides a way to send them some encouragement by using a button on the page to let them know that you prayed for them. Whether you use the Prayer Board, or pray from your heart, the goal is to build the habit of incorporating prayer into your quiet time.
Need prayer yourself? Let us know by submitting a prayer request on the Woodlands Church Prayer Board.