This week our Community Life Director, Casey Mock, shared how life groups are critical to our growth as we walk with the Lord. We believe our inheritance is a sense of belonging and growth, no matter your past experiences surrounding community, and life group is where that happens. It is in community that we go deep in the Word of God running after the fullness of God what He has for us. Several friends joined Casey in sharing about various City Central life groups and their experiences.
One guest to the stage shared that through Life Groups she has found friends who pray for her and her family, check in when things are hard, and take care of her when she’s sick or in need. These are people who have shared their homes, stories and life’s up and down. She implored us to join a life group even if we feel our spare time is limited. You will find your people, so prioritize it!
Community in Scripture
Acts 2:42, 46
“And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.”
“And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking read in their homes, they received their food with and generous hearts.”
Hebrews 10:24-25
“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day draw near.”
Casey shared God’s heart is for us to grow deep roots and to bear good fruit!
Psalm 1:1-3
“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of the sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on His law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all he does, he prospers.”
How do we grow deep in the Lord and bear good fruit? By putting the Law of the Lord, the Word of God, before us. 1 Peter 5:8 states that the enemy is prowling around like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour. We don’t want to taken out by the enemy or led by things of this world, but rather we want to be deeply rooted in the Word of God and bear the fruit of being living by His Law.
Joshua 1:8-9
“This book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will male your wat prosperous, and then you will have good success. Have is not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened and do not be dismayed, for the Lord you God is with you wherever you go.
Deut. 6:4-8
“And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk the way, and when you lay down, and when you rise. you shall bind them as a sign in your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes.”
In life groups, we process the Word of God together and learn to be doers of the Word throughout the week. It is not enough to just come on Sunday and hear a sermon; rather in community we engage with the Word and allow it to change our hearts.
Several life group leaders shared about their group. Spanning from the Port Orchard and Waller to right here in central Tacoma, these groups share a meal and do life together. There is something for everyone here! Young people have a place, busy families have a place, those way out on the Peninsula have a place!
And if you don’t see a life group that fits your stage of life or the area you live in? That’s ok, start one! There is a need for more life groups and more leaders.
Discussion Questions
- What has your experience with Life Group been in the past? What are the ways it has impacted your life?
- Do you have an experience of church hurt that needs to be healed through living in healthy community? Share how your current Life Group can support you.
- Read Psalm 1:1-3 again and discuss how Life Group has affected the fruit you are seeing in your personal life. Share the fruit you would like to see in this next season and how your Life Group can help you.
Application Questions
- Is The Lord calling you to start a Life Group? If so, connect with Casey Mock this week.