Life anew. All of our sin and shame have been nailed to the cross. Through Jesus Christ, we get a new identity and a new life.
As true as this is, we can all attest to the reality that expressed beliefs and actions do not always match. In our current sermon series, “Habits,” Pastor Mark reflects on how our practices often define our lives.
Yet, solely emptying our lives of bad habits leads only to emptiness. In Matthew 12:42-45, Jesus taught that sweeping out what is harmful and remaining unfilled, leaves us vulnerable to adopting things worse than what was removed. Understanding this principle motivated Gordon Spencer to join a Life Group. “I was facing the thought of needing to fill up time [wisely] to remain a healthy Christian,” he said.
God designed us to feel most fulfilled when we practice specific habits, like regularly gathering together for the renewing of our minds; that is why we assemble each Sunday to worship and learn. Message Based Life Groups can help you go a step further through weekly meetings to discuss Sunday’s sermon. “Whenever you're in God's word daily, the Bible changes you by [teaching you how to] follow in the Lord Jesus Christ’s footsteps,” Gordon said.
“I've been challenged to reflect on my walk with Jesus and other believers in new ways, and have found it easier to allow the Holy Spirit to change me from the inside out,” said Bill Courtney, who attends a group that meets Wednesday evenings.
Being in the habit of getting together also provides an opportunity to build life-enriching bonds that can become part of a support system. Life Groups enable us to “develop a few closer relationships within the church,” said Kathy Cadigan, whose group meets over Zoom, allowing her to stay connected even when she winters in Florida.
“A Message-Based LG is good for anyone who wants to learn more about Biblical truths and history, and wants to pick up more personal application from the message,” Kathy Cadigan said.
Bill describes his Message-Based Life Group as “a caring [community] that tries to respect others, their differences, and focus on God. We can be changed for the better through interaction with other believers, sharing life with them.”
Even if you feel uncomfortable talking in groups, there is a place for you! “For some, and I am one, it takes time to develop the trust that allows one to speak in a group setting,” shared Bill, who believes openness will develop when we allow the Holy Spirit to transform our thoughts through reminding us “that each of us has fallen short, made mistakes, are all different, and yet loved and forgiven by the same God.”.
Unbelievers will also benefit from attending a Message-Based Life Group. If you or someone you know is checking out the church, weekly sermon discussions offer an open community where people have the freedom to express their thoughts and questions.
With a variety of days, times and locations, finding a group that works for you is a click away. Take a step, get involved, receive encouragement, be enriched. We hope to see you soon!