Why Life Group?? Part 3 - Service

Over the last 2 studies we have looked at the ways in which Life Groups seek to meet the needs of their members. As Christians, however, we are called not only to be recipients of God's love, but to share it in turn with others. Being a part of a Life Group is a great way to do this as a part of a team. This service can be directed in four general directions: each other; the church; the community; and the world. Let's look at each of these in turn.

Each other
We have already started to look at this, under the heading of pastoral care, from Acts 2:42-47. Specifically we looked at some of the ways in which Life Groups can meet needs for teaching, fellowship, worship and prayer. One thing we didn't consider there, but which is raised in the same passage, is the area of material needs.

Read again from Acts 2:42-47

• What do vv. 44-45 tell us about the way the believers dealt with material needs?
  
• Do you think that this means that we should give up our own possessions to live communally? Why? Why not? If not, what principles can we learn from their example?
  
• How, and to what extent, will you enact those principles in your Life Group? Be specific.

The church
Life Groups occur in the context of a larger community - id - which itself is a part of an entity larger again - St John's. As we have just read, the early church gave to anyone as he had need (v. 45).

• What are some of the needs you are aware of in id? In the church?
  
• What will your Life Group do to meet those needs? Try and be specific. What are you willing to commit to? Some suggestions might be: joining the cleaning/mowing roster; praying for/assisting with a particular event, such as the church weekend away in April, or the id ski trip; running a BBQ at G7... and I'm sure you can think of many, many more.

The community
One of the most important obligations we have as Christians is towards "all the lost and lonely people / Searching for the hope that's tucked away in you and me" (Casting Crowns, Does Anybody Hear Her?). There can be no more important need than that of knowing Jesus as Saviour and Lord. And yet the old saying is surely true: people don't care how much you know, until they know how much you care.

Jesus knew this. Wherever he went, he not only preached, but he healed the sick, cast out demons, showed compassion to the poor and needy.

Our community today is no different - there are still people in need, sick, lonely or poor. And whilst God might not be calling us to minister to them in the same miraculous ways that Jesus did (he just might, too!), still we are expected to do what we can. Jesus says, "'Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'" (Matt 25:40).

• What are some of the needs you know of in the Sutherland community?
  
• What will your Life Group do to meet those needs? Try and be specific. Here are some examples: commit to donating blood at least twice this year; help with the Sutherland to Surf fun run; assist with the John Franklin Christmas Lunch... again, I'm sure you can think of many more!

The world
As in our community, so in the world! Jesus gives us a picture of this: "'You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.'" (Acts 1:8b). If he were to speak those words to us today they might go something like this, "You will be my witnesses in Sydney, in all Australia and New Zealand, and to the ends of the earth."

• What are some of the areas of the world that are in need?
  
• What can you do to help? Try and be specific. Here are some examples: sponsor a child through World Vision (or other); buy a "really useful gift"; or choose a missionary that you can pray for/correspond with throughout the year.

Whatever you do need not be a massive thing. Some people keep waiting and waiting, trying to decide what the most effective thing for them to contribute to is. I don't believe God looks at it that way - he wants us to do something about poverty, injustice, disease today. Don't bother looking for the best option - choose one and do that!

To change the world,
It starts with one step.
However small,
First step is hardest of all.

- Dave Matthews Band, You Might Die Trying

Some prayer suggestions

• Look back over the list of ways your Life Group can share God's love. Pray that God will help you to translate them from good intentions into actions that will change the world!