Do you ever imagine yourself wanting just a little more? Wish you could do just more of anything good? We live in a generation where more is better. Do you ever think about how to be more heavenly minded? Asking myself, that question drew me to write this short testimony. Reflecting on my early days as a Christian, it had never occurred to me to think about this idea of doing more to be heavenly minded. 1 Thessalonians 4:10 … But we urge you, brethren, to excel still more. We strive to get more food, more time, more money, but do we strive to be more heavenly minded?
The biggest component of my life has ultimately been my progression of sanctification and yearning to learn more in my core group experience. The Foundry came up with the concept of core groups since the beginning of the ministry. However, it was not until September 2005 at a Foundry retreat in San Diego, where core groups were re-defined to have a much deeper meaning in the ministry.
In my early days, I remember when I first became part of a core group; it was made up of a bigger assembly. At that time, the groups were about 15 people, still separated by women and men. I would meet up at Rajeev Chitamoor’s place, where we would reflect on our week and studied a lesson with our bibles based on Sunday’s sermon at Grace Community Church. I stuck around for a short time. Then I left thinking it was not helpful and there was this fear of accountability within me. Walking away from this group was a mistake I would later realize over time. One year goes by - having gone back into the world foolishly thinking I had no need for this kind of “bible study”. I was also thinking I could live a normal life without “getting involved”.
Then, while trying to create my own heaven on earth, the world failed me again, where my greatest hopes and champagne wishes were nothing but foolish ideas. I lost complete hope. I had nowhere to turn to. Having failed, where could I go to build trust again and seek genuine encouragement? I found other bible study groups, which you should know there are many throughout Los Angeles alone, but they lacked the teachings of Jesus Christ as God. I would later return to the Foundry core group, where I was embraced with open arms. However, it took me a while to love back. Returning was not easy for me because it meant I had to openly confess my sins, deal with my past, confront suppressed feelings, and open up to people I felt I knew very little about. Nevertheless, God is good and by His grace I overcame all of my worries. He was faithful to my prayers as I sought out guidance, hope and wisdom. I soon discovered that real biblical fellowship comes from the love of God for the love of God. 2 Thessalonians 3:5 May the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the steadfastness of Christ.
Amazingly, two generous men, Byron DeChellis and Daniel Holdeman, who are now my best friends, continued to embrace me and share their struggles for encouragement and prayer. Ashamed, I neglected them and core group in the beginning, but they still welcomed me back into their hearts. They established true love for the Lord and unconditional love for me. With compassion, they demonstrated their love through their teachings of the Word of God and guiding me through biblical repentance, understanding, application, and loving reproach. Ecclesiastes 7:5 It is better to listen to the rebuke of a wise man than for one to listen to the song of fools.
As you may have already guessed, I did not grow up in a Christian home. I saw myself as a professing Catholic, having made up my own righteous way of living. With His Grace, I realized, I cannot abide by the law, on one hand and make up my own rules on the other.
I have much to be thankful for when I see Jesus Christ our Lord and savior face to face. I am reminded when I come to church Sunday mornings that He orchestrates everything so that specific people would come into my life to encourage and build His church. He brings His people together for His glory. Fundamentally, bringing people together to strive for holiness is what defines the fellowship of core group.
We build one another for His glory. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 Therefore encourage one another and build up one another … It is with these core group men in my life, who speak in truth, love and biblical wisdom that I can write to you and say, “Today, I have been encouraged and live in peace for the Lord our God, Jesus Christ.” Looking back in my life I have been transformed compared to my days as a nonbeliever. Core groups are for each one of us to be loved, encouraged and be rich in His word. Ephesians 6:23 Peace be to the [brother] and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. As a core group member, I come to meet with them because they need me as much as I need them. We pray for one another and we confess our sins to one another just as scripture tells us to over and over again. Our Lord is glorified by our way of living and I could not have ever made it this far, without my brothers in Christ.
If you understand what it means to grow spiritually, building your life separated from the world that can never keep its promises - then you must understand the purpose of core group. Just as it is important for a newborn baby to grow with pure milk from its mother, it is just as important for a Christian to grow with reading the Word of God and living daily with fellowship of the church. In my opinion, if you want more out of life, you will never be satisfied for what the world has to offer. On the other hand, if you seek the Word of God, the Gospel and its precious words, then you will truly be satisfied and be more heavenly minded.
- Erick Garcia
Neat to see how you’ve changed. Thanks for sharing!