Sermon Central
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Benefits Of Belonging To A Home Group Series
Contributed by Brett Crosson on May 10, 2019 (message contributor)
Summary: There are some great benefits of being part of a home group. I hope these inspire you to join one.
THE BENEFITS OF BEING INVOLVED IN A CELL GROUP
Acts 5:42 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.
Christianity was never intended to be a solo ride. It finds its most fulfilling and wonderful expression when people live, act and work in community - as friends, and as brothers and sisters
Psalms 133:1 says How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!
My purpose today is to challenge you to get involved in a cell group. I know that many of you may have hesitations and I understand that. So in going to give you
FOUR COMPELLING REASONS TO JOIN A CELL GROUP TODAY!
1. The Friendship Factor
a) In a Cell Group, you meet people that become lifelong friends
b) You find out that you are not alone . In your struggles. You have support.
There The Body of Christ really becomes a family, like it is supposed to be.
c) You also expose yourself to a diversity of people that ordinarily you would not have a relationship with. You get to experience the wonder of diversity in the Body of Christ - this is a good thing!
d) From a leadership perspective and church growth perspective, people in a church might choose quite readily to walk away from a program run at the church, but they will be reluctant to walk away from a relationship.
2. The Challenge Factor: the bible says that iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.
a) In a Cell group with accountable relationships we are challenged by those who love us to move on toward what God has for us
b) If this brings fear into your heart, be at peace
c) It’s hard to be complacent when you have a group of people continually encouraging you. Story of young man and coal...
Hebrews 10:24-25 And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, (25) not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
3. The Health Factor
a) Being involved in consistent, growing relationships that are based on Christ, generally improve our health in every way, Spirit, soul and body.
b) in cells, We pray for each other every week
James 5:16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.
James 5:14-15 Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. (15) And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven.
4. The Outreach Factor
a) Most of the ministry of the church is done through the Cell Groups
(1) who takes care of New Believers
(2) who does the Discipleship
(3) usually people involved in cells take responsibility for Ushering
(5) When we do outreaches in particular areas, the cell is our unit of organisation
(6) The church can be mobilised very quickly and effectively this way
(7) Since service is such an important part of our Christian experience, people love this
Mark 10:45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
OBSTACLES TO JOINING A CELL GROUP
Fear. But to overcome a) remember that God has not given you a Spirit of Fear. B) Be willing to take a risk c) remember the benefits discussed.
Procrastination. But Why put off something today that is worthwhile? If you do, the odds of you ever actually doing it greatly decrease. Just give a Cell A try for 3 weeks - you won’t be sorry.
Scheduling. We have a Cell Groups currently operating on Wednesdays and Thursdays. There's even a ladies cell run on a Tuesday night.
Childcare. We still have to look at how we can more effectively deal with this, but one of the ways is to offer your home to have a cell in.
What are you waiting for? Take the Cell Challenge today. Meet some people ask some questions - and visit a Cell this week.
Our Vision with regards Cells
Establish expanding networks of small groups in the church that will:
Equip Gods people to do his work, and build up the church...so that the whole body is healthy and growing a full of love. EPH 4:12, 16 NLT
Most scholars agree that the early house churches emphasised the following elements:
