Gather

Acts 2:40-47 (NLT) Then Peter continued preaching for a long time, strongly urging all his listeners, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation!” 41 Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day—about 3,000 in all. 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.

All the believers devoted themselves to…

• discipleship 

• fellowship 

• prayer

• service

• worship

Acts 2:46 (NLT) 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

• Temple

• Homes

1.  It prioritizes the process over information

2.  It keeps us moving in the same direction 

3.  It is how Jesus did it

Mark 4:10 (NLT) Later, when Jesus was alone with the twelve disciples and with the others who were gathered around, they asked Him what the parables meant.

1.  To help people become better disciples

Matthew 28:19-20 (NLT) Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you.  And be sure of this:  I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Small groups give us the ability to…

• ask questions

• glean from people’s wisdom & experience

• be vulnerable as we share our struggles

• openly wrestle with biblical truths

• receive prayer & encouragement

• be accountable 

2.  To help foster biblical community

Genesis 2:18 (NKJV) And the Lord God said, “It is not good that man should be alone.”

3.  To release and empower others for ministry 

Ephesians 4:11-12 (NLT) Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church:  the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. 12 Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do His work and build up the church, the body of Christ.  <—Skip down to…

Ephesians 4:16 (NLT) He makes the whole body fit together perfectly.  As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.  <—In light of these words…

4.  To care for one another better

Proverbs 27:23 (NIV) Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds.