When we start a small group in our church, it is typically made up of two couples. That is not a requirement, just the dynamic as it happens here. One of the keys to a discipling relationship is time. We must spend time getting to know one another, understanding each other, and building a sense of trust within the group to open up about the journey. Individuals feel safe sharing their innermost feelings when trust is had within the group. Bonds are forged as we realize the impact of being brothers and sisters with Jesus. Our behaviors and thoughts naturally change to support and encourage us in all parts of our life. The path of discipleship often brings radical change to a person living by the rules of this world. As people wrestle with ridding themselves of earthly ways and sin, there is much to process.

The Book of Genesis in the Bible details the world’s creation and the fall of man. When God created the world, sin was not part of His original design. He made everything for man to rule over and subdue (Gen 1). However, through man’s disobedience of God’s instruction, sin entered the world and has been part of our lives ever since (Rom 5:12). Sin has many harsh and lasting effects on our relationship with God. The greatest of these is separation from Him (Gen 3:8). God longs for a close personal relationship with His creation, but He cannot condone sin, which creates a barrier between Him and us. Before sin entered the world, there was no fear or shame; man walked freely with the Lord. Sin also forever changed our interactions with each other and our world. The entry of sin into the world causes us to accuse others (Gen 3:12-13), brings pain to childbearing, and causes conflicts between husbands and wives (Gen 3:16). Sin also created difficulty for man to harvest the land (Gen 3:17-19). Ultimately sin brought death into our lives (Gen 3:19). God is merciful, however, and even though man disobeyed Him, He created a pathway to redemption.

Restoration of our sinful hearts begins with accepting Jesus Christ as our Savior and pledging to live by His teaching and example. The Bible says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come” (2 Cor 5:17). By grace alone, God restores fellowship between Himself and us. This is the beginning of a change in our lives. God sends His Spirit to live within us, teach and guide us to be more like Jesus (Jn 14:26). The redemptive message of the Gospel helps us reject sin and desire to emulate Jesus’s righteousness. When we hear the gospel from believers and share it with others, we grow in our walk and encourage others to live for Christ.

I hope these reflections are blessing your journey with Christ. Feel free to reach out with questions or comments.

Pastor Michael

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