The Parable of the Four Life Groups: A Lost Passage

The Parable of the Four Life Groups
  
"As Jesus was walking near the shore, a large crowd gathered around him, asking Him many questions about the Kingdom God.  ² He found a large rock and sat upon it, while the crowd gathered around Him.  Many of the people there were Life Groups Leaders, so He taught them using a parable, saying: "The Kingdom of Gos is like a Life Group.  ³ One group has members that are apathetic and lifeless.  The group meets each week, but very little growth is achieved.  ⁴ They don't read God's Word, communicate with one another or invite anyone to join them.  They watch a short video, and many times end there meeting before the time has come to commence. 

⁵ Another group meet each week as well, study the Word of God, but really have no community.  They discuss the lesson and engage in formalities only.  ⁶ Trust of one another does not exist, and mutual compassion is superficial and transparent at best.  ⁷ Although they invite people to visit their community, very few return because relationships are never built.    

⁸ A third Life Group joins together each week and fully rejoice in the presence of one another.  Fellowship is of utmost priority and relationships are close and meaningful.  ⁹ They "love one another", but forget the love of their Father in Heaven.  Their Bibles collect dust and their DVD players remain cold.  Many come and go, enjoy strong community, but eventually leave because they seek something more.

¹⁰ Still a forth Life Group meets each week, joining together with anticipation, excitement and an eagerness to fulfill the expectations of the leader.  ¹¹ They rejoice in each others presence and enjoy healthy community, breaking bread each time them meet.  ¹² They study the Word of God, discuss uplifting videos, and encourage one another as they learn and grow together.  They join together in prayer and continue offering supplications for one another during the week.  ¹³ They join together on the Sabbath, worshiping God and thanking Him for the blessing of relationships and community.  ¹⁴ They invite everyone they know, anticipating new communities being born and worry not that their group will become too large.  Whoever has ears, let him hear."

¹⁵ Jesus' disciples came to Him and asked, "Rabbi, why do you speak to the Life Group Leaders in parables?  Explain to us the meaning of these four Life Groups."

"¹⁶ Listen then to what the parable of the Life Groups means:  The first group represents people that have lost their passion for God and community.  ¹⁷ They join together with other brothers and sisters only out of obligation and have become angry and frustrated with life and the culture around them.  ¹⁸ The second group is like people who have a hunger for God's word, but have lost sight of what community really is.  They don't realize that God's Word and Godly relationships are inseparable.  ¹⁹ They read His Words, but don't understand the meaning.  The third group is like people that value community and relationships, but have forgotten that God is the one who grants healthy community.  ²⁰ Their relationships have become superficial, as they are deceived by their empty friendships.  They rejoice in community, but not in the One who brought them together.  But the forth group are like those who see the world holistically.  ²¹ God stands at the center of all they do, as each relationship, blessing, hardship and activity revolves around the creator of all.  ²² They love the Lord our God and each other as themselves.  There is no compartmentalization to their lives because they see that all is one, joined together by God's Spirit.  They abide in me, and I in them.  Wherever has ears, let him hear."