1. Your knowledge of the Bible will grow stronger in a radiant C.O.R.E. group.
Have you ever listened to a sermon or CD and thought to yourself, "But what about...?" or "I don't understand,". Wouldn't it be nice to be able to explore that thought right then and there? If you answered yes, then a C.O.R.E. group is perfect for you! Preaching and teaching is only one way communication. You are limited to listening. That type of communication is fine for spreading information but is not always effective for deepening true understanding and building real knowledge. In a C.O.R.E. group, you can ask questions, participate in a discussion of the text, and hear others share insights and illustrations of the truth you are trying to grasp. Often for relevancy, the Bible must be applied to your own personal life situations and that happens best in C.O.R.E. groups.
2. You will begin to really feel the love of Christ and better understand being a part of God's family.
One of the greatest benefits of a C.O.R.E. group environment is the close relationships and friendships that develop. For many of us, being a Christian is hard because we grow apart from some of our family and friends. In Matthew 12:47-49, Jesus pointed to His disciples and said "Here are my mother and my brothers." Jesus was explaining that His family was not only those of blood relation but those whom God had put in His life to really live with. Many C.O.R.E. group members will telephone each other during the week to share an urgent prayer request or an exciting answer. They start to create a support system and a family that is truly blessed. You really begin to discover that your needs and problems are not unique but that we're all in the same boat. It helps to know that others are facing the same difficulties, or have lived through them and learned spiritual principles in the process. C.O.R.E. groups provide excellent support in times of crisis, change, and stress. You'll have a sense of stability and security knowing there are people who really care for you and are committed to standing with you. Many people in our church could testify that they would not have made it through a difficult time if it hadn't been for the support of their Christian family.
Over fifty times in the New Testament the phrase "one another" is used to describe our relationship to other believers. We are instructed to love one another, encourage one another, pray for one another, accept one another, bear one another's burdens, and build up one another. The only way you can obey these commands is in a C.O.R.E. group! We really do need each other. We were developed for relationships. God never meant for you to go it alone in the Christian life.
3. Your prayer life will become stronger and more meaningful to you.
The fear of praying in a group is one of the greatest fears each and every one of us face. In a C.O.R.E. group of 6 to 12, you will learn to participate in prayer by just having a conversation together with God. No one is ever pressured to pray out loud. However, many members find that as you become more comfortable and really begin to feel the presence of God with you as you gather to learn His Word, you'll be able to pray short prayers and join in. The Bible holds many promises related to group prayer. We are excited for you to experience those promises as your confidence builds and you become a "Prayer Warrior" for God.
4. You will learn new ways to share Christ with friends, relatives and work associates.
We all have family and friends that "wouldn't be caught dead in a church". They have a preconceived notion of what all churches are about based on some past experience. Just the thought of that bad experience makes them defensive. But many of those same people may be open to an invitation to a casual Bible discussion in a home setting. There are so many people in the world today that are curious about the Bible. In a C.O.R.E. group, your unbelieving friend can ask questions and express honest doubts without feeling "put on the spot". When your friend sees the love and warmth and honesty of your group, it will make them more receptive to the Good News.
5. You will become a New Testament Christian!
The book of Acts is very clear about how God intends for His people to grow and have their needs met in the church. We will never be able to hire enough professional pastors to meet all the individual needs in our family. God never intended for it to be that way!
Consider these verses:
"They devoted themselves to the apostles teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Every day they continued to meet together... they broke bread in their homes and ate together... and the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved." Acts 2:42, 44, 46-47
"Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the Good News that Jesus is the Christ." Acts 5:42
"Greet also the church that meets at their house." Rom. 16:5
"Aquilla and Priscilla greet you warmly in the Lord and so does the church that meets at their house."
I Cor. 16: 19
"Give my greetings...to Nympha and the church in her house." Col. 4: 15
We are so excited about the incredible network of C.O.R.E. groups we're building within Radiant Church. The potential of these groups to reach out and share the love of Christ to our community and our world is endless. C.O.R.E. groups have so many more benefits than the ones listed above. No believer can afford to pass up a C.O.R.E. group experience. If you are not yet signed up to participate in a group, don't wait! Get signed up today by emailing coregroups@radiantchurch.com.