TWELVE: Goodbook 04-16-13

Goodbook messages arrive every Tuesday and Friday with a Scripture reading and ideas for how to apply the reading in our lives. We are reading through the book of Acts. For additional Scripture reading, you can follow the Advanced Track.

Reading: Acts 19:7

There were about 12 men in all.

Application:

Twelve is a significant number in the Bible.  The nation of Israel was divided into twelve tribes, which formed from the 12/13 sons of Jacob.  The movement of Christianity started with the twelve disciples Jesus chose.  And now the church in Ephesus begins with 12 men.

12 is not a big number.  It is kind of small.  Most experts on small group say that a group ceases to be small after there is more than 12 people in it.  12 is a small number, and yet throughout the bible, God uses small groups to make a big impact in the world.  I think Margaret Mead got at the heart of this reality when she said, "“Never doubt that a small group of committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."

Our world is a broken place.  It seems like evil and violence are all around.  Good may seem like the minority.  But that doesn't mean that hope is lost.  A small group of committed people can make a big difference when they are following God's lead.

One thing we challenge the small groups of our church to do is serve together - to find a way they can help in the church or in the community.  The goal is to help groups realize the collective power and potential they have as a group.  It has been fun to hear stories of how these small groups have made a big difference - setting up for special outreach events, serving at homeless shelters, packing food to feed the hungry.  Small group by small group, we are changing the world.

It does not take a large group to have a large impact in the world for God.  You and your faith friends can start a revolution.  You and your small group can reach and transform the world.  Don't believe it's possible?  I'm sure Jesus' disciples did not think it was possible either.  But in faith they followed Jesus and reached beyond their own group to serve the needs of others - physically and spiritually.  We can all do that.

1) Join or start a small group with your church
2) Prayerfully discern how God can use your small group to make a difference
3) Find ways to serve together in the church and in the world

Share your comments and application ideas…