1. You will understand the Bible better in a life group. If you've ever listened to a Bible teacher or preacher and wanted to stop that person and say, "But what about...?" or "I don't understand!" then a life group is for you! Preaching and teaching is one way communication. You listen while the speaker speaks. One way communication is fine for imparting knowledge but is not as effective as a life group for personal application. In a life group setting, you can ask questions, participate in a discussion of the text, and hear others share insights and illustrations of the truth you are trying to grasp. The Bible must be applied to your own personal situations and that happens best in small groups.

It's not unusual for people to say, "It would really help if I could sit down and talk with some others and discuss the Sunday message. I get part of it but some of it I just need help understanding how to apply it to my life." Life groups allow you to do that.

2. You will begin to really feel like part of God's family. Most people who have been a part of a group say the greatest benefit is the close relationships and friendships that develop. They will frequently telephone each other during the week to share an urgent prayer request or an exciting answer. You'll discover that your needs and problems are not unique we're all in the same boat. It helps to know that others are facing the same difficulties, or have lived through them and learned spiritual principles in the process.

Over fifty times in the New Testament the phrase "one another" is used to describe our relationship to other believers. We are instructed to love one another, encourage one another, pray for one another, accept one another, bear one another's burdens, and build up one another. The only way you can obey these commands is in a small group! We really do need each other. God never meant for you to go it alone in the Christian life. If you're lonely, the answer to your problem is to join a group.

3. Prayer will become more meaningful to you. Many people are hesitant to pray in front of others, especially in a large church. In a life group of 6 to 12, you will learn to participate in prayer by having a conversation together with God. No one is pressured to pray, but as you become comfortable, you'll be able to pray sentence prayers and join in. There are many promises in the Bible related to group prayer. In praying together with a few others, we are drawn together and we find answers to the needs in our lives.

4. You will be able to handle stress and pressure better. Life groups provide excellent support in times of crisis, change, and stress. You'll have a sense of stability and security knowing there are people who really care for you and are committed to standing with you. When someone loses a job, or a family member has an extended illness, or a mother needs a babysitter - these are practical needs that will be naturally taken care of through your small group. Many people in our church could testify that they would not have made it through a difficult time if it hadn't been for the support of their group.

5. You will have a natural way to share Christ with friends, relatives, and work associates. It may be that some of your friends who don't know the Lord wouldn't be caught dead in a church. They have some preconceived ideas about church and just the thought makes them defensive. But those same people may be open to an invitation to a casual Bible discussion in a home or office setting. In a life group, your unbelieving friend can ask questions and express honest doubts without feeling "put on the spot". When your friend sees the love and warmth and honesty of your group, it will make him more receptive to the Good News.

6. You will develop leadership skills you never knew you had! The Bible teaches that every believer is given certain talents or "gifts" to benefit others in the family of God. Unfortunately, most Christians remain as Sunday morning spectators all their lives because large group meetings are primarily "sit and listen" situations. As you share and participate in a relaxed small group setting, you'll discover your confidence and self-esteem rising. This will help you at work, at church, and in every other relationship.

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 pastor teaching, and a choir singing, and an offering basket being passed. But the truth is that worship happens anytime we focus on God. Sometimes that happens best in a smaller group where believers can pray or sing together.

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. We will never be able to hire enough professional pastors to meet all the individual needs in our church family. God never intended for it to be that way.

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." Romans 16:5

We are excited about the incredible potential of the network of life groups we're building at Church of the Redeemer. Life groups have these eight benefits that no one can afford to pass up. If you're not participating in a Life Group, why not join one this week?