What can be more joyful than getting together around God’s word and building each other up? We have the opportunity to do just that with our summer community groups! Next Wednesday we will have the opportunity to come together in smaller groups and treasure God’s word and His people.

Over the past few weeks we’ve communicated about what groups will look like, as well as the rationale behind them. In this final post leading up to the start of our groups, we’d like to commend three eager postures we hope you’ll have as you enter in.

Eagerness to Bless

Blessed is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavens in Christ (Eph. 1:3).

We have an abundance of riches in Christ Jesus. The ways you can bless your group are countless. Whether spiritual or physical, God has blessed you in ways that can spill over to others for their good and God’s glory. Avail yourself to seeing other people’s spiritual or physical needs. Don’t underestimate the ways God will use you to bless others in your group – whether in word or deed.

Eagerness to Encourage One Another

For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. Therefore, encourage one another and build each other up as you are already doing (1 Thess. 5:9-11).

Every week we encounter our share of disappointments and discouragement. That’s life as a sinner amongst other sinners in a fallen world. We need encouragement. This doesn’t mean getting an inspiring pep talk. Instead it means inspiring one another to look to God as our ultimate good. We remind one another that the Christian life is not easy, and that’s why we can’t rely on our own strength. We remind one another that we do not live without hope. We remind one another that our good Father cares about us. Encouragement is a tool we can use to push back the darkness that threatens our joy and and to carry on in faithfulness. 

Eagerness to Rest and Rejoice

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your graciousness be known to everyone. The Lord is near (Phil. 4:4-5).

Our hope is to provide a restful space to come, breathe, be known, and be loved. A space where you do not have to pretend. A space where you can be ministered to through God’s word and people. We hope that you’ll experience the good medicine of both tears and laughter. Most importantly, we hope that you can rejoice! Rejoice in the good news of the gospel! Rejoice for others progress in the Christian life! Rejoice in repentance and faith! Rejoice in God’s goodness! 

What to Bring

As we seek to enter in ready and prepared, here’s a list of some practical items you can bring each week to help you engage well: 

– Bible

– Notebook/journal

– Camping chair (for the times you might meet outside)

– If you would like to bring a dish or beverage talk with your host

We hope that the display of these three postures will create a close community that shines bright with gospel living.