Dear Friends,

I want to take this opportunity to let you know about the difference that can be made in your life as a result of getting “connected” at Oak Park. You see, one of the most important things that we can do as believers in Jesus Christ is to get together with other fellow believers for bible study, encouragement, mutual challenge, and just plain fun.

Satan uses isolation to get us dependent on self. We get in our own little world, begin to focus on our own little problems, and pretty soon we find ourselves struggling with temptation. We fill our minds with less than perfect music, television shows, raunchy Internet sites, or even addictions. The bible says that we need to encourage one another in love. Consider Hebrews 10:24-25, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another- and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”

It is no mistake that God has created us to be social creatures. We need one another for friendship, encouragement, fulfillment, accountability, and unconditional acceptance. We can be the hands and feet of the Holy Spirit in this world, to become vessels of God’s grace and joy. Larry Crabb wrote in his book “Connected,” that many of the psychological problems that people face like depression and stress related anxiety or loneliness (to name just a few,) can be effectively dealt with by just having the opportunity to talk with others who love them unconditionally. 

Do you see the implications of that notion on the local church? We have the perfect opportunity to meet with others and build friendships that will be lasting and fulfilling. What a wonderful idea! Amen? I implore you, as Paul the Apostle might say :-) to get connected or plugged into a small group. Whatever age you are, no matter what cycle of life you are in, there is a place for you to fit in. Your presence makes it worthwhile to others, those that lead the group and most important God Himself.

In I Peter 4:10, the Apostle encourages us to use our special gift to serve others. “each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.” You can become a minister of the grace of God by just being you! Wow hey! God’s good! So please, consider getting involved in our one-another group ministry through your presence and service to others in the body. You will experience the fulfillment and satisfaction that can only come through serving God in a special way, and small groups is one of those ways.

Sold Out,
Pastor Vince

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