Better Together

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.Acts 2:42–47  

 You can be inspired in a row but life-change happens in a circle.  

 WHY BEING TOGETHER MATTERS 

 1. God Designed Us for Spiritual Community

 It is not good for man to be alone.Genesis 2:18  

In a spiritual community: 

• God is at the center; relationships are rooted in Scripture, prayer, and shared faith. 

• People are known and cared for, joys are celebrated, burdens are carried together. 

• Growth is intentional: members help each other apply God’s Word and take next steps. 

• Mission is shared; the group reaches out and invites others into the life of Jesus. 

 2. The church is not the same without you 

14 Yes, the body has many different parts, not just one part. 15 If the foot says, “I am not a part of the body because I am not a hand,” that does not make it any less a part of the body. 16 And if the ear says, “I am not part of the body because I am not an eye,” would that make it any less a part of the body? 17 If the whole body were an eye, how would you hear? Or if your whole body were an ear, how would you smell anything? 

18 But our bodies have many parts, and God has put each part just where he wants it. 

1 Corinthians 12:14–18 

 3. Small Groups Grow People Faster

Illustration: A plant in a greenhouse grows faster because the environment is controlled for health. Small groups are spiritual greenhouses where faith grows faster because the environment is healthy. 

Proverbs 27:17 As iron sharpens iron,  so a friend sharpens a friend. 

Rick Warren says: “We are better together. If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” 

The Irresistible Church  

34 So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other.35 Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples. John 13:34–35

The Biblical Model for Small Groups 

And every day, in the Temple and from house to house, they continued to teach and preach this message: “Jesus is the Messiah.”Acts 5:42 

 Next Steps 

• Devote yourself to God  
• Join a small group  
• Start to Serve