Growing Our Church Family Part 2Sample

CONSIDER THE POSSIBILITIES!

Being devoted to circles, and not just Sunday morning rows is not just another good thing to do. Being devoted to life with other believers is God’s plan for spiritual transformation in us, in other believers, and even in those still outside the church.

In Acts 4 we read another great example of the wonderful things that happen when we are devoted to sharing life and seeking God together. Peter and John had just experienced their first taste of persecution. They were held overnight, questioned, and threatened for preaching in the name of Jesus. When they were released, what do you suppose they did? They went to their circle. They told their friends what happened and then they all prayed together. The result? “The place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.”

This week we have read how the first believers lived together. They shared life together. They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching. They prayed together. They sought the presence of God together. And what happened? The benefits of gathering in circles and not just in rows are inspiring! In Acts 2 we read that “awe came upon every soul and many wonders and signs were being done”. There was a lot of praising God, they had favor in their community, “and the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved”! Who wouldn’t want to be part of that kind of movement by God?!

What if this kind of movement of God is closer than you think? What if there is more life change? What if there is more impact that you are to have on other people? What if you are to experience the presence of God in a deeper way than you already are? Devote yourself to circles and see what God will do!

Ask Yourself:

-What have I seen God do through Christians sharing life together?

-What am I hoping and praying that God will do in and through my circle?

Pause to Pray for the Church: Oh God, I know you have a vision and a plan for me and my circle that’s greater than anything I could imagine. Give us a hunger and a passion to pursue your plan with all our hearts. Work through us for the strengthening of other believers, for the reaching of the lost, and all for your praise and glory! Amen

Take a Next Step into Christian community: Discuss with your “circle”: How do you think God might want to use us as a group?

Find more resources at www.whoisgrace.com/READ.