Growing Together

As you know we finally finished our study of Galatians this week. So this means we are all experts on the epistle and can clearly articulate the gospel as boasting in Christ alone….right?! This was really our first full study together, as many of you came into the tail end of Knowing God. It was exciting to look into the Word of God together and grow in our understanding of grace.

I believe that one of the best ways for discipleship, growth and enjoyment of the covenant community takes place within the small group setting. As we work through topics and share our lives with another, we continually are presented with opportunities to grow in our knowledge of the Lord, of ourselves and of each other.

Our next study together will pick up where Galatians left off with the charge to take every opportunity to do good. “Ministries of Mercy” by Tim Keller is a call to biblical service in the name of Jesus Christ to our church and the world around us. I think it will be a wonderful opportunity for us to instill a heart for service to the widow, the orphan, the stranger and many more. You do not need to buy the book, unless you really want to.

In case you were wondering there is rhyme and reason to all this. There are 4 main areas of study that help us to grow in our Christian walk: Bible, ministry, Christian living and doctrine. There is no substitute for spending time in God’s Word and discovering the depth of truth found there. The outpouring of that truth is to be involved in ministry and service towards others; to be living a Christ-centered life; and finally to understand the rich doctrines of our faith that illuminate the Word. May we always be reminded of our purpose to be imitators of Christ, engaged in intimate/authentic relationships, showing compassion to those around us, and to “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.” (Philippians 2: 3)