A Caring Church
Sunday October 10, 2021
Notes
For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.”
1 Thessalonians 5:14 NKJV
Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all.
Galatians 6:1–2 NKJV
Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. 2 Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
FAMILY
Mark 10:29–30 NKJV
So Jesus answered and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My sake and the gospel’s, 30 who shall not receive a hundredfold now in this time—houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions—and in the age to come, eternal life.
“Spread love everywhere you go, first of all in your own house. Give love to your children, to your wife or husband your next door neighbor. let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. be the living expression of God’s kindness; kindness in your face kindness, in your eyes kindness, in your smile, kindness, in your warm greeting. “
– Mother Teresa
FELLOWSHIP
Most people who have been a part of a group say the greatest benefit is the close relationships and friendships that develop.
The Devil Knows This, what is his goal to separate.
Matthew 18:20 NKJV
Barna Group study
One of the greatest self-perception changes over the past decade is in how Americans see themselves in relation to others. Ten years ago, slightly over one out of 10 Americans self- identified as lonely. Today, that number has doubled, one in Five Americans suffer from persistent loneliness. This epidemic has hit us to such a degree that our generation has been named, ‘the age of loneliness,’ despite advances in technology.
But while loneliness among Americans has risen, the desire to find one’s place among a few good friends has likewise increased—from 31% a decade ago to 37% today.
God never meant for you to go it alone in the Christian life. If you’re lonely, the answer to your problem is to join a group.
SUPPORT
You will be able to handle stress and pressure better.
Small groups provide excellent support in times of crisis, change, & stress. You’ll have a sense of stability and security knowing there are people who really care for you and are committed to standing with you.
Hebrews 10:24-25
Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is
drawing near.” –
This is What The Early Church did.
Acts 2:42-47
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the
fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.”
1. Bible study.
“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching…” Acts 2:42
2. Fellowship.
“… and to the fellowship … they ate together with glad and sincere hearts…” Acts 2:42, 46
3. Communion.
“… and to the breaking of bread …” Acts 2:42
4. Prayer.
“… and to prayer…” Acts 2:42
5. Support.
“… they gave to anyone as he had need …”
Acts 2:45
6. Praise.
“… praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people.” Acts 2:47
7. Outreach.
“And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” Acts 2:47
John 17:21–23 NKJV
that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. 22 And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: 23 I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.
A place to Multiply and Make Disciples.
Lifegroups are the perfect entry point for new visitors who may be intimidated by the idea of attending a church service.
MINISTRY
Matthew 25:35–40 NKJV
for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; 36 I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’
37 “Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? 38 When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? 39 Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ 40 And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’
OUTREACH
2 Corinthians 4:7 Amp
However, we possess this precious treasure the divine Light of the Gospel in frail, human vessels of earth, that the grandeur and exceeding greatness of the power may be shown to be from God and not from ourselves.