Brad Pitt benefits from AA

This story with a happy ending came to light recently and reminds us of the power of small groups. So, I will pass it along. We wish Jesus Christ had been in the center of the meetings as the true hope in this life and in the next. Perhaps He was. Here are a few remarks by the famous actor:

Brad called AA an “amazing thing,” noting, “I just thought it was just incredible men sharing their experiences, their foibles, their missteps, their wants, their aches, and a lot of humor with it. I thought it was a really special experience."

Pitt admitted he was inspired by the openness of the other men sharing their experiences.

When asked if he was nervous about being vulnerable during the meetings as a public figure, Pitt said he'd been assured that the things he said would remain private but he also admitted that it was important for him at the time to take responsibility for the things he'd done wrong.

The scriptures teach us to confess our faults to one another. And here we are reminded that there is something very special about being in a group of co-equals without a paid "leader" feeling the need to steer the conversation or exercise control.

Interestingly, Jesus nor the apostles did not place upper or lower limits on the size of a Christian meeting.

There were no churches, believe it or not, to be planted but rather the gospel seed was to be planted - then the saints simply met as the church. Every Christian was to be welcome wherever other Christians were, many or few.

If elders were "appointed" in the churches, the churches already existed. There were no "core groups" waiting around to become churches. This fact is significant. Nothing in Scripture about churches being "established" , "formed" , "birthed" , "organized" , "planted". Nor awaiting for something or somebody to arrive in order to "go live".

These are all terms and concepts favoring needless institutionalism.

Teaching and prophesying are encouraged of each of us, regardless of the situation, be it in real meetings, on the phone, or on the internet. So we should sharpen our swords, so to speak, and be ready to bring Christ humbly into any dialogue.

Discouragement and loss, right now, are on every hand. And yes, we are still our brother's keeper.

Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. Colossians 3:16.