1) You need a small group to maintain closeness. Alcholics Anonymous is a very successful program helping alcoholics stop drinking and to live sober. Their founder, Bill Wilson, got the small group idea from a minister, Sam Shoemaker, who got it from the Bible. The smallness of the group allows people to share their victories and failures in a personal setting which helps them to "bear one another's burdens." That closeness builds confidence and gives them a place where they can belong.
2) You need a small group to serve others. A circus contortionist was practicing his act when his left foot locked on his right shoulder. Being stuck and in pain he cried out for the other performer to help him. They thought it was a part of the act at first but in a few minutes they realized he was in trouble and rescued him. Chris Baltrop, circus producer, told AP reporters "It's good to have a small group of friends around to untangle you. A group where you can serve and be served."
3) You need a small group to help form a spiritual foundation. Do you ever wonder why Jesus picked 12 Apostles? He knew that the best way to teach about the coming Kingdom of God was using real life experiences.
4) It's not healthy for a Christian to be alone. Hebrews 10:24 says it's a bad 'habit' for us not to assemble with other Christians.
On March 10, 1974 Lt. Hiroo Onada was the last World War II Japanese Soldier to surrender. Onada was left on a small island and instructed to hold his position and not to surrender even if 'Japan surrendered'. All efforts over the years had failed. He killed 30 nationals who tried to get him to surrender and the government spent a half-million dollars trying to capture him. Finally on March 10, 1974 he surrendered to former superior commander who read the WWII Peace Treaty to him and offered full pardon if he would stop fighting. Onada was 22 when he was left on the island and an old looking 52 when he surrendered. In an interview with Newsweek he said, 'nothing pleasant' heppened in the 29 years he spent in the jungle.
We challenge you to commit to a Christian small group. It will help keep your actions and attitude serving the Lord.
Ladies Groups
Tuesday 10:00am
Marie Hall
912-826-5964
Meets at
RFCC campus
Tuesday 7:00pm
Summer break...will resume in the Fall.
Men's Group
Friday 8:00am
Ray Parker
912-687-2573
Meets at Johnson on 4th St, Rincon
Divorce Recovery Group
Monday 7:00pm
Call church office for more info (826-2224)
Room 201
RFCC Campus
Shining Stars Disability for Christ
Thursdays 4:30pm in the Fellowship Hall
Call Kaye Hunt at 912 826-4117 for more information.
