Dive Deep: Scripture + Community

The Importance of Community in Spiritual Growth

The main message delved into the idea that Christian growth is rarely accomplished in isolation. Drawing an analogy from her time as a student at MIT, Abigail reminded the congregation that, like complex problem sets designed to be tackled in groups, scripture often reveals its richest insights when approached together. Just as late-night study sessions built both understanding and deep friendships, so too does communal Bible study forge both knowledge and connection.

Why Love the Word of God?

Abigail challenged everyone to ask themselves: Do we love the Word of God? She drew from passages like Deuteronomy and Psalm 1, emphasizing the biblical call to meditate on scripture “day and night.” For those who feel distant from this kind of love, Abigail encouraged honest prayer and persistent engagement. The Holy Spirit, she reminded, enables a growing desire and deeper appreciation for God’s word over time.

For visitors or skeptics, Abigail extended a warm invitation to participate in the church's Alpha group—an open, judgment-free space to explore questions about faith, the Bible, and Jesus.

Wrestling With Difficult Passages—Together

Scripture can be confusing, even for familiar passages. Seemingly simple verses like John 3:16 contain layers of meaning, while some stories challenge our understanding of God and humanity. Abigail affirmed that no Christian, no matter how mature, ever “finishes” learning from the Bible. Its depth ensures that every encounter remains fresh, especially when shared in community.

She illustrated this with a recent community group study of Luke 15 (The Good Samaritan), where collaborative discussion brought out new perspectives and applications—signs, she suggested, that God designed scripture to be studied together.

Two Essentials: The Holy Spirit and Community

To truly understand scripture, we need both the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the collaboration of community. Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would “teach you all things” and “remind you of everything I have said to you” (John 14). When a group gathers to share what the Spirit has highlighted for each, the collective insight deepens understanding for everyone. This is why Hilltop encourages not just private devotion, but group study as a practice.

Practicing Inductive Study: Exodus 29

The sermon included a hands-on moment, as congregants studied an often-overlooked passage: Exodus 29, describing the ordination and consecration of priests. Using a modified inductive study method (starting with the text and asking, “What does it actually say?”), the group examined repeated words (“ordination,” “atonement,” “consecration,” “sacred,” “offering”), asked honest questions, and explored how terms like “sacred” and “holy” differ.

Abigail highlighted rich group insights: for example, the nuanced difference between “sacred” (set apart for a religious purpose) and “holy” (set apart by God), as well as the sequence required for God’s presence to dwell among His people—offerings, atonement, then consecration.

God’s Plan: From Law to Grace

Looking at the broader biblical story, Abigail traced a pattern: in the Old Testament, offerings and atonement were needed before God could dwell among His people. The New Testament, now under Jesus’ sacrifice, shows that His offering once and for all makes believers a place where God dwells by the Holy Spirit. Our sin required atonement; Christ’s sacrifice answers that need, so we might confidently approach God.

The Call: Spur One Another On

Hebrews 10:19–25 was read as a modern application. By Jesus’ blood, we have the confidence to “draw near to God.” And the passage concludes: “Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together… but encouraging one another.”

The message was clear: the journey of faith is communal. The pattern of atonement, access to God, and encouragement repeats—offering spiritual growth, but always in the context of others. Community groups, then, aren’t a sideline activity; they’re where much of the “real” transformation happens, as tables and living rooms become holy ground.

Join the Journey

As fall approaches, we urge everyone to make the leap and join a group if not already part of one. Sunday gatherings are only “half” the experience; the deeper work unfolds as believers wrestle with scripture and life together.