BYM ONLINE DESK Blessing e magazine May 2019 | Page 13

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riverside for prayer in Philippi. Paul and his
companions knew this place of prayer and so they
went and spoke to the women gathered there. One
woman by name Lydia responded to the message
that she and the members of her household were
baptized (Acts 16:13-15). She took the team to her
house and later on, her house became a church.
Remember that there were no church buildings in
those days (Rom 16:5).
Small groups can be places for people to receive
special spiritual experiences. You never know who
will be touched by what and when. Lydia was the
first European convert and through her the gospel
travelled to another continent. Who knows what
they were praying for? They longed for God, and to
keep the flames alive, were gathering regularly and
praying. God honored their faith and not only
blessed them but blessed others through them. There
can be no better example of the dynamism of a small
group than this little flock through which the Good
News crossed the continents.
May 2019 | www.bymonline.org
Remember, the small group is not a substitute
for the local church. It should not be the motive of a
small group to expand into a church and draw
members from other churches. If the number
increases, split into two or three groups and gather
separately. However, the members of a small group
may come from various churches.
Sing a song, worship and meditate a scripture
portion briefly for 10 to 15 minutes. Each one can
take turns to share. Allot maximum time for prayer.
Pray for one subject each day. One day you can pray
for the country, another day for a Mission or
students' ministry, spiritual leaders, revival, world
evangelization, etc. You may also include personal
prayer requests.
The advantages of small groups Notice that the end result of all the four small
groups that we meditated was evangelisation. At
least once a week you should involve yourself in
neighbourhood evangelism. Don't be waiting for
invitation. Just go knocking at doors. We are not
doing God a big favour by serving Him. Rather, He
honours us by allowing us to serve Him.
As compared to large gatherings, small
groups have following distinctive advantages: The Bible records an incident in which the
Israelites went out to fight the Arameans:
1) Each one can have an intimate fellowship with the
other. “The Israelites camped opposite them like two small
flocks of goats, while the Arameans covered the
countryside” (1Ki 20:27). Yet the Israelites
overpowered the Arameans.
2) Oneness is much easier in small groups.
3) Individuals receive better attention and training in
small groups.
4)Both the shortcomings and gifts of individuals go
unnoticed in large groups.
5) Questions of seekers and growing believers go
unanswered in large groups.
How to start?
Wherever you may be, get in touch with one or
two Christians close by who can join with you for a
short time of Bible meditation and prayer daily. If
you are students, you can gather in a hostel room. If
you are housewives, you can get together after the
children go to School, in the afternoon. If you are
working in an office, you can profitably use your
lunch hour.
You may appear insignificant in your own
eyes especially when you see the teeming millions
around you held by the power of darkness.
But remember, it is the Father's good pleasure
to give the Kingdom to the little flock.
So fear not, little flock! Go ahead.
The Lord will accomplish great things through
you!
(Taken from the book “Showers of Blessing” by
Mr. A. Lionel)