2. TEXT: John 15; Acts 2:41-47 Just as the physical family should help a child learn how to relate to others and have healthy relationships, so the spiritual family should do the same. The importance of this small group relationship is emphasized when:

3. I. Christ demonstrated how relationships should grow A. Christ begins by addressing His disciples as servants (John 15:15) 1. Servants do not know the plans of the master B. Christ continues by addressing His disciples as friends (John 15:15) 1. Friends know the plans, ideas and goals of one another C. Christ concludes His ministry by calling His disciples brethren (John 20:27) 1. Christian brethren develop the kind of love that Christ showed for us (John 13:34-35; 1 John 3:14)

4. II. Christ tells us that two things are required A. In order to “stir up love and good works” we must: 1. Get Together (Heb 10:24-25) 2. Exhort one another (Heb 10:24-25) B. The concept is to comfort, encourage, and strengthen one another C. The practical example of this is found in the early church

5. III. The early church focused on spiritual families that cared A. The early church met in spiritual families (small groups) so that they could: (Acts 2:41-47) 1. Study God’s Word (v42) 2. Fellowship together (v42) 3. Observe communion (v42) 4. Pray together (v42)

6. 5. Be “with one mind” with each other (vv46) 6. Share to meet the needs of each other (v44-45_ 7. Eat meals together (v46) 8. Praise God together (v47) 9. Share the Gospel with others (v47)

7. So, this is the pattern…do our families reflect this in love. Does our church reflect this same pattern as we grow together in love?