Growing Together (Connection)

Our discussion this week centers around the actions of the first group of Christians.  Acts 2:46 tells us they were devoted to one another both in large groups and small groups.  They met in the temple courts and listened to the proclamations of a Savior and risen Lord. However, their relationships did not stop at that point weekly.  The scripture tells us they were meeting house to house and learning the words of the apostles and they were taking communion. It would be wise if we were to follow the lead of the first century as we make our attempt to build community in Modesto.  We provide opportunities for God's people to assemble on Sunday's for a time of praise, worship, prayer and word.  We have a time for study and a time to participate as we grow in our faith. Fellowship, that is the time we spend together is a paramount in connection in God's Kingdom.

Two other scriptures shape our gatherings and connections in the Kingdom. In 2 Cor. 2:12, Paul mentions that we need to look for open doors for the message of Christ to walk through. The path of long term faith passes through the church, through the home and is founded in the cross.  The open doors of faith let us pray and praise God for Jesus' sacrifice, additionally in our smaller groups we can create places that are safe to share our everyday issues and provide us systems of accountability to one another and to what we believe.  This accountability is what Proverbs 27:17 is talking about. Iron sharpens iron means that one friend holds the other accountable to scripture and peels off the outer layer that has become damaged and restores the sharpened edge to its original condition.

The questions of connection in today's church are, "Do you want to grow or are you complacent in your current condition?"  The decision is for us to make.  It seems so simple yet the decision to fellowship is one of the hardest to make in our culture. We do not want to "not fit in" if we go to someone's house for small group.  What do we say if we do not want to come back after the test drive?  No one wants to have awkward moments at future assemblies.  Please understand there is an awkward component to practicing Christianity.  Learning to sacrifice and focus outward is never easy.  Be willing to be uncomfortable this week!