Better Together

Better Together
by Denise Koontz

Scripture Focus

Mark 3:13-19 (NLT)
Acts 2:46-47
Matthew 18:19-20

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Devotional

From the very beginning of His ministry, Jesus modeled community.

In Mark 3:13-19, Jesus formed a small group — the Twelve. He did not choose to minister alone. He chose relationship. And even within the twelve, He invested more closely in Peter, James, and John. They were with Him on the Mount of Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-2). They were near Him in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36-37).

Jesus intentionally invested deeply in a few.

The early church followed that same pattern. In Acts 2:46-47, believers gathered in the temple for worship — and they met in homes. They broke bread together. They shared meals. They took communion. They lived life side by side.

Large gatherings inspire.
Small gatherings transform.

God never intended for believers to live out their faith alone. Christianity is not just believing — it is belonging.

In small groups:
•Relationships are formed (Romans 12:9-10).
•Faith is sharpened (Proverbs 27:17).
•The Word is applied daily (Colossians 3:12-17).
•Prayer carries authority (Matthew 18:19-20).

Isolation weakens faith, but connection strengthens it.

Small groups are where:
•Burdens are shared
•Victories are celebrated
•Strongholds are broken
•Growth becomes personal
•Ministry multiplies

You can attend church and still feel lonely — but you cannot stay unknown in a healthy small group.

What one believer cannot carry alone, a small group can carry together.

At Destiny City, we have seen this personally. Life groups that have met faithfully for years. People who arrive early and stay late. Meals shared. Birthday celebrations. Prayers lifted. Tears shed. Joy multiplied.

Relationships built in circles become priceless.

And if you don’t see a group that fits you — start one. Jesus said where two or three are gathered in His name, He is there. Leaders are ready to help you. The Lord may even give you a fresh vision for something new.

The church grows stronger when we move from rows into circles.

Better together is not a slogan — it is God’s design.

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Application

This week:
1.Pray about where you need deeper connection.
2.Step into one of the connect opportunities at Destiny City:
•Sunday School (Sundays 9:30 AM)
•Monday Prayer Group
•Wednesday Night Services
•Iron Men
•Man Church
•Feastables (Ladies, twice monthly)
•Home Connect Groups
•Bible Study Groups
•Celebrate Recovery
•Worship Team
•PTSD Support Group
3.If none feel like a fit, ask God if you are meant to start one.

Don’t just attend church — connect.

Step out of the row and into a circle.

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Prayer

Father,
Thank You for designing us for community. Forgive us for the times we try to walk alone. Give us courage to step into deeper connection. Help us build relationships that honor You, strengthen one another, and ignite passion for Jesus. Let Destiny City be a church where no one stands alone. Lead us into circles where we grow, serve, and experience Your power together.

In Jesus’ name,
Amen.