42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 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, 47 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 – 47)
Theme: If not You, then Who?
Because of the pandemic, some of us are relying more heavily on small groups and technology for fellowship. As we close out our discussion on the Discipline of Fellowship, I want to make a plug for small groups. Small groups increase the potential for deeper relationships. Whether there is a pandemic or not, God wants us to stay connected, and His love provides a much stronger signal than any wifi network!
To illustrate some of the benefits of fellowship in small groups, I’ll share a personal story. I am currently considering post-retirement options and I want to be sure that my decisions are aligned with God’s mission. Over the last few weeks, I have had two important decisions to make that required advice. On both occasions I knew exactly who in my Men’s small group I could consult with and get sound advice. Knowing who to consult with was easy because our small group is an ideal place to get to know others and be known by others.
The Biblical precedent for fellowshipping in small groups is captured for me in our passage today.
Please read the passage above and answer the questions below.
Questions:
Why did the fellowship of the early believers contribute to such an effective witness?