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God’s Family

Multitudes of American families have been fractured and forsaken. People are searching for roots, relationships, and a sense of family and fulfillment. Many have come to realize a need for community and connectedness. How can you have life-changing family ties?

Jesus Christ has given us the answer. “Upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18). The church has gotten a bad rap by some people. Some of the accusations may be justified, but most people are unaware of the necessity and benefits of the church. The church is referred to as the “body of Christ”. Believers in Christ are called “living stones” who makeup the temple of God where His presence dwells. (I Peter 2:1-10)

What vital family ties does the church supply? Consider briefly these ten benefits of the Family of God. (Ephesians 1:19-3:21)

First – We are FAMILY TOGETHER. “Now therefore you are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and of the household of God” (Ephesians 3:15).

People need family ties. The church is God’s family together. True family love and support one another regardless of faults. Family members have a common lineage. All of Christ’s church has a common Father and Lord. (Ephesians 4:4-6) Happy and healthy people need a sense of community and family. “No man is an island.” Real community and family comes through Jesus Christ.

Second – We are built on the same FOUNDATION TOGETHER. A house that is not built on a solid foundation is unstable and subject to storms. The church’s foundation is built on the teaching of the prophets, apostles, and Jesus Christ. Jesus is the chief cornerstone. (Ephesians 2:20) Any church or individual who builds their life upon any other foundation is false and faulty. The only way to build on this foundation is by faith in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 3:17) and obedience to the Word of God (Matthew 7:24-27).

Third – We are FITTED TOGETHER. To be stable and healthy we must have connectedness. A house not tied together in its framework or connected can be blown down and destroyed. “In whom all the building fitly framed together growth . . . In who you also are builded together” (Ephesians 2:21-22; 4:14-16). Most false doctrines and cults were started by those who were not connected or accountable to the body of Christ or to a church. Are you connected “Fitted together” with other believers in Christ?

Fourth – FELLOWSHIP TOGETHER. Fellowship with God through the indwelling Spirit of God and with other believers brings strength and growth. “Build together a habitation of God through the Spirit” (Ephesians 2:22). Worshiping God together “in spirit and truth” is vital, vivifying, and verifying to your soul. (Acts 2:42, John 4:24, and Isaiah 40:29-31.)

Fifth – We are FAVORED TOGETHER. Only by the gift of God’s grace do we become “fellow heirs and partakers” of the blessing of Christ. We don’t deserve God’s favor nor can we earn it. God showers His grace on those who put faith in the sacrificial death of Christ on the cross for their sins. Ephesians 3:6-7; 2:8-9; 4:7) Christ loved the church so much that He gave himself up for it. (Ephesians 5:25)

Sixth – FIGHTING TOGETHER is the duty of all of God’s family. I didn’t say fighting each other but fighting the enemy – the devil. (Ephesians 6:10-13) There is no “one man army”. We must all take our position and march in step and unity. (Ephesians 3:10)

Seventh – FEEDING TOGETHER on the Word of God is a blessing and a necessity. People come up with strange slants on the Word of God when they feed alone. Feeding together reveals any poisonous plants. Sheep who are isolated, weak, or sick are easily devoured by predators. We are to feed and nourish one another spiritually. (Ephesians 4:11-16; 5:18-21)

Eight – FRUITFUL TOGETHER. “May be able to comprehend with all saints the breadth . . . the love of Christ” (Ephesians 3:17-20; 5:18). Only as you interact and have relationships with others in God’s family can you grow in the fruitfulness of Christ. All the parts of a fruit tree must contribute to its fruit. Likewise all family members of the church contribute to make fruitful Christians. (Ephesians 4:16) The Holy Spirit produces the fruit of family ties.

Ninth – FINISH TOGETHER. A motto of the Marine Corps is “leave no one behind”. That pledge became a reality viewed on television when the Iraqi Prisoners of War were rescued. “Wherefore, I desire that you faint not at my tribulations for you which is your glory” (Ephesians 3:13). (II Timothy 4:7)

During a Special Olympics event one of the runners took a nasty fall. The crowd, cheering the athletes on, were surprised but touched when the rest of the runners stopped and went back to their fallen friend, picked her up, and walked arm and arm to the finish line. God’s family can help you finish.

Tenth – A FUTURE TOGETHER awaits God’s family – the church. A glorious forever in heaven together with all the family of God can be yours. (Ephesians 3:21 and Revelations 5:9.)

You can be a member of God’s family today. By faith receive Christ as Savior. “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the son’s of God, even to them that believe in his name” (John 1:12).

by: Cliff Sanders