FirstThingsFirst

JR. Forasteros - September 7, 2014

Take a Risk

Branches

We live in a world that doesn't know how to disagree well. As a result, we form circles of people who largely agree with us, who see the world the way we do and reinforce our beliefs and ideas. Even in the Church, we tend to group with people like us. But according to Paul, we need people who are different from us. And our spirituality should connect us with people who aren't like us. If Church is one more place that affirms our divisions, we're doing it wrong.

From Series: "Branches"

No matter how much we enjoy the weekend worship experience, sooner or later, we stop growing. That's because we need more than great music and an engaging message. We need to connect with other people who are on the same journey as us. Learning we're not alone as we try to follow Jesus changes everything, and that's what Branches is all about. In a Branches group, you'll find people who've been where you are, who know the joys and pains of building relationships, work and figuring out your calling, raising a family, leaving a lasting legacy. They're people you can join with in figuring out exactly how the new life Jesus offers us changes our whole world. If that sounds too good to be true, it's not. Becoming part of a small group is the single best way to pursue a thriving, life-changing relationship with God. This is Branches. And big things happen in small groups.

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We ended 2012 in the Revelation, exploring how Jesus’ coming into our lives is the End of the World as we know it. But if Jesus’ coming is the End, it’s also a new beginning. Jesus’ death and resurrection reconnect us with God, open up a world that has been lost to us since Sin entered into the world. So to kick off 2013, we’re going to dive into Genesis 1-2. We’ll explore God’s original intentions for the world, and the implications for our new life in Jesus. After all, in the new year, it’s good to get the First Things First!

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