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Home Groups |
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WE NEED EACH OTHER! Let's be honest... Life is Hard! No matter what our age, background or faith, life offers us all a roller coaster ride of experiences. As Christians, life is full of joy and exciting growth but also times of pain and sorrow; such things are inevitable! Regardless of whether we may be feeling "up" or "down," our situations are nearly always improved when they are shared with others. Today, millions are finding that small groups are just the place for this to occur. Since the 70's, the church has been rediscovering one of God's timeless building blocks of spiritual and emotional vitality - small home groups. Jesus was a Master Strategist! He wanted people to discover God and experience His presence in their lives! His dilemma was how to reach the world with this message. Rather than embark on a torridly paced, globe trotting tour of evangelism, his plan involved pouring His life into twelve individuals; twelve disciples equipped with the vision that they would change the world. Observe those whom he chose. Were they the best and the brightest? The rich or most influential? HARDLY! His handpicked disciples included Matthew, a tax collector detested by his peers; Simon the Zealot, a man sworn to hate and oppose the ruling Romans; Peter, headstrong and bold but a bit of "loose cannon" and of course the brothers James & John, men who are known to have jockeyed for positions of power while in Jesus inner circle. Despite their significant flaws in character and integrity Jesus knew that one day these men were going to be transformed - changed completely! Fully aware of the differences between them, Jesus chose these twelve and promised that it would be their love for one another that would give evidence to the world of His presence in their lives (John 13:34,35). His presence in them (via the Holy Spirit) is what enabled them to unite in love and to carry on Jesus' mission. In the book of Acts, we observe Jesus turning His life's work over to them now that they were empowered by the Spirit. And the rest of the story is now history! But it began in a small group setting! I believe the world is waiting to observe Christian unity. Watching Christians engaged in meaningful discussions, involved in caring, exuding compassion, and evidencing Christian unity is a powerful witness to God's presence & grace! This kind of activity is characteristic of what occurs in small home groups! The world is hungry for the type of community (true friendship, intimacy) that the Bible claims to offer but will look elsewhere if the church fails to provide it. For many, the typical Sunday morning worship service simply does not offer them meaningful spiritual stimulation. In small groups, we can encourage and help one another discover God's Word in ways that are simply impossible when the whole church meets together. If you are seeking for something more than what you are presently experiencing, check us out and come to a small home group. I'm sure you will be glad you did! Interested? Contact Bill @ Hillside Community Church 604 - 856-6113 or send him an email.
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