Small Group Bible Study (Part 2)

(Read Small Group Bible Study, Part 1 First)

Small Group Bible Study - What Does The Bible Say?
The "Small Group Bible Study" format is definitely supported by scripture. In the second chapter of Acts, we read:

They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer… All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved (Acts 2: 42, 44-47).

In these passages, we see evidence that nearly every purpose God intends for us as believers can be met within the circle of a small group.

Will we ever be hurt or disappointed by another small group member? Most certainly we will, at some point, discover that other believers are not perfect. And neither are you! That's why we all need Jesus. Becoming a member of a small group Bible study is a great opportunity to learn to love and forgive.

Small Group Bible Study - I Get It, But My Dreams Are Bigger. I Want to Reach the World!
You may be surprised to learn that many-in fact, most-large churches started with a small group Bible study. Calvary Chapel, even the one in your home town, began with one man, his wife and a few neighbors gathering in a home for a small group Bible study. Saddleback Church, home of The Purpose Driven Life, began in the same way.

Before Jesus ascended, He left us with one final commandment. It's the one we know as the Great Commission, and you'll find it in Matthew 28 (note that He gave it to His disciples who were gathered together):

Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age" (Matthew 28:16-20).

If you are a Christian today, He has commanded you to preach His gospel message to every corner of the earth! You may be able to do that on your own, but don't you think your reach will be greater if you join a body of other like-minded believers in accomplishing this goal? At Pentecost, His Spirit fell on each one individually, as it has fallen on you if you are a believer now. In order for the full force of His fire to spread throughout the world, it takes one flame igniting another, and another, and another. It starts with you, one person, in a small group, reaching out to meet the needs of your part of the world. The Bible says:

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:24).

Small Group Bible Study - I'm Sold! Where Can I Find One?
Your local church should be equipped to connect you with a small group Bible study that's right for you. If not, why not consider starting one of your own? Are you a mom who needs to connect with other moms? Put an ad in your church bulletin or on a website you have access to. Are you a business professional? Maybe there are other believers in your workplace who are also looking for fellowship. Beginning with a common interest is always a great place to start. However you do it, make sure you are connected in a small group somewhere. You'll never regret it!

Keep Connecting Now!