In Genesis, the book of beginnings, we learn that God created us to live in community, not alone.
Then the Lord God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone” Genesis 2:18
The mission of First Baptist Church is to make and mature disciples who worship God, grow spiritually, and share the Gospel and their spiritual gifts. These are not solo acts, we worship, grow, and share in community with others.
So what’s missing? Building deeper relationships where we can encourage, correct, and build up each other.
In the Gospel of John, Jesus said people will know you are My disciples by your love for one another. How can we love one another if we don’t spend time building relationships? It is like our past messages on loving your neighbors. You have to know them first.
Gather, Grow, and Go. Here is what we hope to accomplish in our Growth Groups.
Gather in homes. More comfortable. Food, Fellowship.
And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. Acts 2:42
And every day, n the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching that the Christ is Jesus. Acts 5:42
Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Romans 12:15
Grow in relationships, with care & accountability
Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. 2 Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. 3 For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. Galatians 6:1-3
Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 Encourage and build up
Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. 9 Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. 1 Peter 4: 8-9 Love & Hospitality
Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, Ephesians 4:15 Speak the Truth in Love. Grow up in Him
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. 35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-35 New Commandment is to Love one another
Go – serve together. Meet in your neighborhood where people may want to join you.
Serve in the church.
Serve your neighborhood or community in the name of Jesus Christ.
I would encourage you to sign up for one of the groups today. If you are nervous about going alone bring a friend. If you are already attending one of the Pilgrim’s weekly Bible studies, that’s great, keep it up! But for those of you who are not connected with others in between our Sunday worship services, come out, join a group, and grow with us.