Getting into Spiritual Shape – Joining a Small Group

One of the things that is essential for the life and development of a  believer is a small group.  What exactly is a small group you ask?  It is a group of people you meet with on a regular basis in order to study the Bible and pray together.  Small groups might be called different things in different churches.  Some churches have a Sunday School where small Bible study groups meet an hour or so before the Sunday morning worship service.  Other churches might have home cell groups where people meet in different people’s homes during the week.  Still others may meet on a Sunday evening at their church, or perhaps at the office one day a week over lunch.  Whenever your church has such a group meeting, you need be a part of one.

There are several reasons why a small group is important.  For one, it helps develop the fellowship of believers.  It is really hard to build true relationships just by sitting in a worship service.  In a group of ten or twelve, however, you can really get to know people and they can really get to know you.  You can open up your heart to them and they in turn can confide in you.

Second, in a small group environment, there is a heightened sense of accountability.  It is easy for our absences to go unnoticed in a large worship service.  In a smaller group, people know if we are not there.  Since absences are noticed sooner and more frequently, we are more likely to be contacted by people who care for us and want to know what is going on in our lives.

Third, prayer takes a whole new dynamic in a small group.  Since the fellowship is more intimate, we can really open up and share our concerns with each other.  We can pray with our classmates and for our classmates.  We can track how God is working through the prayers of His people by getting regular updates from those for whom we pray.

Fourth, we can interact during our Bible study.  Very rarely has anyone ever raised a hand to ask a question during a worship service.  It’s a little intimidating to do so, and it’s not really part of corporate worship, especially on Sunday mornings.   Asking and answering questions bring a whole new component to our study of the Word.

Fifth, small groups are a great opportunity to invite our unchurched friends.  Our neighbors and co-workers may be more open to attending a small group, be they a Sunday school class or a cell group, than they are a worship service.  Since they will have a great chance to meet and interact with people, there is a greater chance they will return for a second visit.

Sixth, small groups gives us an opportunity to use our gifts.  Classes need teachers, prayer leaders, outreach minded people, inreach minded people, fellowship planners, and more.  Our way to be involved in a small group is only limited by our imaginations.

For all of these reasons and more, let me encourage you to be part of a Sunday school class.  Join a cell group or home Bible study.  Get to know your classmates.  Invite your friends to come with you.  Use your gifts in that intimate environment.  You will get a lot out of it and you will give a lot to it.

Getting into Spiritual Shape – Being Active in a Local Church, Part 3

The last thought I want to share with you about being active in a local church emphasizes that word “active.”  It is important that we utilize the gifts and talents we have in the service of the Lord.  For most of us, we would never walk into a bank, pull a gun, and commit a robbery.  We think nothing, however, of robbing God of our service.  We usually think of “robbing God” in terms of finances.  The truth is, however, that we rob God whenever we are bad stewards.  Stewardship includes our gifts and our talents. 

We mentioned earlier that every church has its share of problems.  No church is perfect.  All of them have areas they need to improve.  The problem is there are too many people pointing out the shortcomings and not enough people willing to be part of a solution.  Instead of tearing your church down for its problems, get involved and help solve them.  Use your gifts and your talents in a way that makes a difference in someone’s life.  If you can teach, teach.  If you can lead, lead.  If you can serve, then serve.  If music is your thing, get invested in the worship team.  You are the only one that can limit what God can do through you.  Let Him work through your gifts and abilities.  Get up out of the pew and make a difference.

The Bible says, “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms” (1 Peter 4:10, NIV).  God has entrusted some wonderful things to us.  He has shaped our experiences and our personalty.  He has given us likes and talents and abilities.  He has blessed us with spiritual gifts.  All of these things make up who we are, and God desperately wants to use us in His service.  As you get into spiritual shape in this year, resolve to let God use you.

He Will Not Fail You

Not a great weekend for football.  The Dolphins’ magic run came crashing down with a thud with their loss to the Ravens.  They just didn’t play well and they were over-matched.  It was still a great year because I only thought they would win about six games.  I am hopeful the Buckeyes do better against Texas (but I am filled with fear and trepidation).

Despite the disappointment that comes with a Sunday loss, life is still good.  The reality of life is that it has its fair share of let-downs.  Our teams lose.  People let us down.  The ball doesn’t bounce our way.  Stress builds up.  The scoreboard shows us on the short end..  Hard Knocks – 37, Fulfillment – 17.

The Bible offers some words of encouragement to those serving the Lord.  In the book of 1 Chronicles, King David gives some uplifting words to the people working on the Temple.  He says to them, “Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Don’t be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. He will see to it that all the work related to the Temple of the Lord is finished correctly”(1 Chronicles 28:20, NLT).

When we serve the Lord, it is easy to become discouraged and want to give up.  It’s easy to allow all of the circumstances overwhelm us.  Remember, that God is with you.  He will continue to strengthen you to accomplish the task He has called you to.  As another Monday rolls around, enter the new week refreshed and confident.  Bumps and bruises are coming.  Difficulties lie ahead.  Storm clouds may be gathering, and some obnoxious people are lying in wait to try and steal your joy.  Don’t let any of it derail you.  God is still working in and through you.

Wait ’til Next Year

My nine year old son looked at my cellphone this morning and said, “maybe you ought to take that Chad Pennington picture off your screen now.” After explaining to him the importance of loyalty, I reminded him of the turnaround the Dolphins went through this year.  I hated to see their run end, but considering I only thought they would win six games, it’s been a pretty good year.  Frankly, for the first time since Don Shula retired, I am excited about the future for the Fins.