Eight Reasons to Join a CONNECT Group (part four)

Today, we wrap up our look at Eight Reasons to Join a CONNECT Group. Here are the Reasons #7 & #8:

7. You will deepen your understanding of worship.
Many believers mistakenly believe that worship can only happen on Sunday morning in a large group with a sermon, a choir, and an offering plate! Worship happens any time we focus on God. Sometimes that happens best in a smaller group by praying or singing together. Perhaps the most special time in a CONNECT group setting is when the members come together to share in the bread and the cup of Communion. Group helps you to become a full-time worshipper of God.

I shared earlier this week about the group that breaks out in song during their study time. I also know that our culture is very uncomfortable with that and I don't want to communicate that every group should worship this way. However, there are many ways to respond to God and any that acknowledge Him for who He has revealed Himself to be in Scrpture is considered an act of worship. So, where does worship happen in your life? Might you worship "better" if you have others in your life who encourage you to do that? You were made to worship God.

8. You will be a New Testament Christian!
The book of Acts is very clear about how God intends for His people to grow and have their needs met in the church. The responsibility of meeting the needs of the members of the church belongs to the church, not the hired staff. That is God’s design for His people. The role of the pastor is to equip the church for the work of the ministry (Eph. 4:12).

Consider these verses:

“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. Every day they continued to meet together... they broke bread in their homes and ate together... and the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” Acts 2:42, 44, 46-47

“Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the Good News that Jesus is the Christ.” Acts 5:42

“Greet also the church that meets at their house.” Rom. 16:5

“Aquilla and Priscilla greet you warmly in the Lord and so does the church that meets at their house.” 1 Cor. 16: 19

“Give my greetings...to Nympha and the church in her house.” Col. 4: 15