Small Group Reflections

Today I’d like to share some notes from the Tuesday night small group. In our gathering, the men and women meet in separate buildings for their discussions. I serve as the ‘leader’ for the men, though I consider it more of a facilitator role. I make copious notes while also encouraging group discussion.

We are still in the Training Union book (similar to a Sunday School book, published by Lifeway), which I previously used for teaching on Sunday nights. I’m still learning to adapt the material for a mixed small group, as opposed to teaching a broader age range.

Last Tuesday night, we had seven in attendance. I quickly realized my notes were ‘preaching to the choir,’ prompting me to adjust on the fly.

In hindsight, I see now that these notes were inspired by God with this blog and podcast in mind. Let’s see where they lead, shall we? Buckle up - things might get real!

The Jerusalem Mission Field

We are finishing up discussing the mission fields of the church. We’ve covered everything in this verse except Jerusalem -

Acts 1:8 NIRV - But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you. Then you will tell people about me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria. And you will even tell other people about me from one end of the earth to the other.

Jerusalem was the hub of Jewish culture, home to the Temple, which once served as the center of worship. However, the Temple is no longer part of worship now that Jesus has become the One True Sacrifice. At first glance, you might think it would have been easy for those who followed God from the time of the Patriarchs to accept this new covenant. But Jesus upended the established religious order, replacing the Law with Grace - and, as we know, people have always been resistant to change.

A Sobering Conversation

I do want to share some things that were said last night. The opening anecdote from the writer talks about meeting a gentleman on a plane. They started talking and had several things in common - married, same number of kids, same age, etc. The difference, though, was a major one. The writer asked the other about church attendance and the other guy said that he “got enough church at a young age.”

Wow. This is a strong statement, and maybe a shocking one. How often do we see this in our own circles - people who once seemed deeply committed but have drifted away How many of them just got enough God to do them for life? Maybe they make a conscious decision that they are good to go to get into Heaven and don’t need to serve, but if that’s the case then Jesus is no longer Lord of their life! He can’t be Lord of all, except when it’s time to go serve.

This is an example of the mission field of Jerusalem. Someone who has been to church; been to the temple; probably heard the Gospel, but rejected it for the long haul. Does this person need to hear the Gospel now? YES! Never miss the chance to influence someone like this just because they’ve made a decision.

If you need just a bit more encouragement, think about a time you were in and out of church, or just going through the motions. Did someone influence you? Did someone pray for you and you decided one day to get serious about serving God? What if those people had written you off as well…

Practical Concerns in Ministry

That was supposed to be about what was said last night - sorry. I got a little sidetracked. We talked about people that have joined the church in the past but now don’t come at all; or just come for Sunday Morning Sermon; or come more than half the time, but don’t get involved. One of the guys mentioned that we had talked about a New Converts class, but we never got that going. We discussed some strategies and agreed that it was a huge concern.

The Call to Reach Jerusalem

Getting to my notes, I will share this in such a way that it will hopefully be edifying to you and your local church, wherever that may be.

The writer says, “the Jerusalem mission field is the surrounding community where you live, work, shop, play, and go to school.” Sounds easy, right? We are around these people all the time! They see us out and about; they see us going to church; they see us at the store. They also see us when we fail and when we fall.

So how do we become the best witness we can be? It requires living every day in the will of God. It requires following Him in ALL things! Can you think of people who proclaim Jesus but don’t live it? They say He is Lord, but you don’t see the fruits of the Spirit in their lives. Worse yet, does this describe you?

If it does, take this opportunity right now to stop and ask God for help. It might require what Baptists like to call a rededication. Personally, I believe we should live in a constant state of rededicating ourselves to Him.

And lest you think this is my idea, take a look at these passages. First, Jesus spoke to the disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane before His arrest:

Matthew 26:41 NIRV - “Watch and pray. Then you won’t fall into sin when you are tempted. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.”

Paul also writes about this ongoing struggle:

Romans 7:18-19 NIRV - I know there is nothing good in my desires controlled by sin. I want to do what is good, but I can’t. I don’t do the good things I want to do. I keep on doing the evil things I don’t want to do.

Left to our own devices, we will quickly fall. Make it a spiritual habit to examine yourself daily and ensure you are letting the Holy Spirit lead in every encounter.

Encounters in Everyday Life

Continuing, the writer says, “our daily and weekly routines regularly bring us into contact with people who don’t know Jesus. Whether anonymous faces, casual acquaintances, or established relationships, people in our Jerusalem need to hear the spiritual truth we possess.”

This is a very true statement, unless you live in a bubble or only deal with sanctified brethren. As above, we need to be aware of our actions and attitudes, as they will be a witness as well. Remember - we are a constant witness. The question is, is it for Jesus? Or ourselves?

So, I would dare say that most of us are around people every day that need to hear the Gospel. Even if we are around other Christians all day, we should be encouraging them. Actually, there are needs all around us, and we should be mindful of them and willing to let the Holy Spirit work through us in whatever way God sees fit.

Reviving the Spirit of Visitation

The rest of my notes are specifically designed to incorporate a visitation plan for the church. We had done something like this several years ago with great success, but it was something that we stopped after a while. A couple of years ago we talked about starting back, but talk and some basic planning was all we did. I think it’s time to do it again, but this was not well accepted with my group.

So I prayed and asked God why He prompted me write so much about it. To be blunt, He impressed upon me that there was a reason and that I should bring it to YOU, the reader or listener to this. Perhaps it is to encourage you to start something in your local church, or maybe just an encouragement for you to do some visitation on your own. Either way, I trust Him in whatever He leads me to do.

Answering Two Critical Questions

For today, I’ll share one more thing. The writer asks two very pointed questions -

Who in our community does not know Jesus?What will be required to share the gospel to the lost people in our Jerusalem and to involve them in a local fellowship of believers where they can grow, serve, and reach out to others?

As for the who, start at home. Neighbors, people in the community where you live, people in the community of the church. ASK! Work on being brave and being open about your beliefs.

You’ve heard to avoid politics and religion in polite company, right? WRONG! That’s the world talking. There is a proper way to do this. First, you have to make sure that politics (or your political party or affiliation) is not your god. If your goal is to bring someone to your side of the aisle, then you are not witnessing for Jesus.

Second, make sure your political views are informed by a Biblical worldview. Do you agree with abortion being okay? Then you’re not following Thou Shalt Not Kill. Do you agree it is wrong? If so, why? Because you don’t like the idea of children being killed? Or because it is wrong to do such a thing?

Hopefully it’s the latter, and don’t be afraid to say why! People don’t have to agree with you, but love them enough to tell them the truth. You don’t have to be ‘in someone’s face’ about something, but don’t shy away from expressing the love of God and why He says something is wrong.

Remember, people that disagree with you will have their own reasons. As long as you are not attacking them, calling them names, etc., then all you are doing is presenting an opposing view. Someone who does not see Jesus as Savior already has an opposing view to you, so you know going into the conversation that you are going to be unable to support their core beliefs.

Equipping the Saints

As for the second question, what is required, does your church need to start a visitation program? A jail ministry? Something else? Yes, we as individuals should be a daily witness for Jesus, but it’s a fact that there are people that work much better with structure; in a group.

You must also recognize that some people need a refresher. I’ve heard pastors say, “if you are really saved, then you should be able to tell someone else how to be saved.” While I agree with this as a precept, there are best practices when it comes to witnessing. I see nothing wrong with having a group get together and share or even practice techniques.

As you’ve heard me say before, if I were in charge of something like this, I would use the Way of the Master series from Living Waters ministry. Their outline is to share why someone needs Jesus before they are presented with the Truth of the Gospel. You don’t need me to rehash it, but if you’d like specifics, please let me know and I can make a post and episode on that topic.

A Closing Prayer

We will pick up there next time, but first, I’d love to pray with you. I encourage you to personalize this prayer with your own words and use it as a way to rededicate yourself to being a witness every day.

Dear God,

May we always be mindful of the witness we present, and show the same grace to others that You have shown to us. If there are those who need encouragement to step out in faith and witness, I pray that You give them strength. Give me the words to encourage them, not hinder them.

I praise You, Lord, both publicly and privately.

In Jesus’ name, amen.

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