A Moment With Pastor Fred
8/25/18
Thanks for praying for us while on vacation. We look forward to worshiping with you next Sunday. The NT contains 30 ‘one another’ commands – not options. Love one another, Jn 13:34; honor one another; Rom 12:10; be kind one to another,
Eph 4:32; submit to one another, Eph 5:21; encourage one another, 1 Thess 5:11 – and so on. Small groups provide a vehicle for us to implement those “one anothers.”
Our small group ministry is not about socializing. We’re not against socializing – it’s a wonderful gift but tragically many Christians have substituted it for authentic Christian fellowship.
NT fellowship is about relationships. It is through our union with Christ that we are related to others in the family of God. Its about growth and spiritual maturity. It’s about progressive sanctification.
We were never made to live the Christian life on our own. To say that we can do it alone without the benefit of fellowship is as inaccurate as saying a body is fully functional without ears or eyes. “It takes a church to raise a Christian.” Authentic fellowship is communication for the purpose of growing in Christ and helping others grow in him. Paul would agree, Rom 15:14, “I am convinced … that you are full of goodness, complete in knowledge and competent to instruct one another.” If you’re involved in a small group – remain committed. If not – check out the bulletin board and sign up. Restart is in 3 weeks.