Matthew
24:12 Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold
1. God Created Us From Community
Genesis
1:26 Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” 27 So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.
We were created in the image of community
2. God Created Us For Community
3. Outside of Community = Not Good
Genesis
2:18 “It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him.”
4. Satan Hates Community
1 Peter 5:8 your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.
Community requires continued intentionality
#5 I Am Called To Connect To The Church
Acts
2:42 All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer. 43 A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. 44 And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. 45 They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. 46 They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity— 47 all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.
God was adding new people, not to a system but to a family.
46 They worshiped together at the Temple each day = BIG GROUP
46 met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity= SMALL GROUPS
#1. Groups connect us to the “one anothers”.
The primary activity of the church in the new testament was one-anothering with one another.
#2. Groups Enlarge Our View Of God
#3. Groups help us heal and be healed
James
5:16 Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed.
#4. Small Groups Create Big Impact
#5. Groups bring out the best in us
Hebrews
10:24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.