Getting Ready For The Week | Daily Rhythms - Groups Week 2

In last week’s message, Pastor Marcus explored Acts 2:42-47, illustrating how the early church lived in profound unity. For them, "church" wasn't merely an event to attend; it was the people of God gathering, sharing all things in common. While our lives today differ significantly from those who lived two thousand years ago, we share a fundamental commonality: our belief in Jesus Christ and His claims. This shared belief should compel us to be just as committed to the same principles as those early followers of Jesus. It wasn't easy for them then, and it isn't easy for us today—but Jesus never promised ease. In fact, He declared, "In this world YOU WILL have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world" (John 16:33 NIV, emphasis added). John continues by recounting Jesus’ prayers for Himself, His disciples, and His future followers, knowing troubles lay ahead for all. He has also prepared those around you—the people, community, friends, and fellow followers of Christ—to bear witness to His faithfulness in both good times and hard times. He has prepared His Church to support one another. So, how are you actively contributing to community for others? Not just receiving the blessings of community, but actively investing in and supporting others?

For this season of our Daily Rhythms, we've been delving into Spiritual Temperaments and developing a Rule of Life to nurture and deepen our relationship with Jesus and His Spiritual Practices. A few weeks ago, we unpacked the analogy of building a house to explain the similar process of creating a Rule of Life. For the full blog post guiding you through this process, please refer to our resources for the week. For now, we'll revisit this analogy and focus on the blueprint of your home and the vital role that community plays in our relationship with Jesus.

When constructing your home, it would appear very peculiar without windows, doors, or gathering spaces. Similarly, your relationship with God seems strange if you don't allow His light to transform you (windows), or if you exclude others by not inviting them into your space to experience God’s hospitality and the warmth of friendship (doors to invite, space to gather). It's crucial to have your personal time with God and allow Him to transform you. However, your transformation isn’t solely for you. It's meant to be shared with others by inviting them into your life to speak God’s truth and love into it. This dynamic also works in reverse, where others allow you to speak God’s truth and love into their lives. This is the essence of groups and community with Jesus’ followers.