Read: Acts 2:42-47; Romans 1:8-13; 1 Thessalonians 5:25; Romans 12:9-13.
As I mentioned last post each of us has a role to play. Here are more areas each of us need to contribute to the family of God. Sharing our time, talent and treasure and prayer.
Time - Each of us has time. We use that time to work or go to school. We use that time for TV, the Internet, to hang out with friends. We use our time to do many things. One area we need to share our time is with church family. We need to spend time volunteering, discipling, helping, and hanging with church family. It is important to give your time to your church family.
Talent - God has given each of us a talent for one purpose. To contribute it to the church family. You have talents that you can share with the church family. When each person shares their talent the church family grows in health and number. What are your talents? Share them with the church family and watch God grow the church family and your life.
Treasure - Finances, money! We each have it in different measures. Some have tons, some have little. Each of us should share with the church family out of the measure they have. It is so important to give your finances to God and to His family because it shows that your heart is for him and his family. The tithe, offerings and blessing others are ways to share your treasure with the family of Christ. Give and it will be given to you even more. Share your treasure and God will bless you with more.
Prayer - Pray! Pray for your church family, pray for your pastors and leaders. Pray for others! This keeps you focused on the needs of others and not yourself. Remember there is no room for selfishness in this family, only those willing to serve. Prayer eliminates arguments and grudges. Pray for everyone, people you like and don't like, friends and enemies. Pray for your church family!
Each of us has a part to play. It's time for you to begin playing yours. Share your time, talent and treasure and pray! Don't wait, start now.
Prayer: Father I am going to share my time, talent, and treasure with my church family and I will pray. Use me to grow the family of Christ.
Showing posts with label Church Family. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Church Family. Show all posts
8/25/08
Your role in the family part 1
Read: Galatians 6:10; Matthew 20:25-28; Proverbs 17:17; John 13:35.
The moment we choose Christ we become part of a church family. There are huge benefits of being a part of the family. Leadership, guidance, destiny, identity, DNA and much more. The joy of having a spiritual father and mother, brothers and sister and on and on. Each person has a part to play and role. Here are a few roles that each must fulfill: Do good, serve, love and friendship.
Do good - In everything you do, with every word do good, especially to those who are in the family of Christ. Many families are built around selfishness. The attitude of what can you do for me is the attitude of most people. In the family of God our attitude needs to be what can I do for you? In every possible way we should do good for and to each other and not harm. Every time you have an opportunity, do good!
Serve - Jesus addressed this one. He told us that it's natural to lord over people. If we are older or have achieved more we feel we have earned the right to be served and honored by people "under" us. It's natural to flaunt our authority, yet Jesus commands us to serve. Instead of fighting over who's in charge and who should be listened to, we should serve one another, listen to each other and submit to one another. This means treating our younger siblings and those "under" us with respect and serving them. It's crazy, I know, but in this family we serve each other.
Love - The church family is built on the foundation of love. Love endures, it keeps no record of wrong and it covers sin. In this family we are quick to forgive and love all even if we don't like them. There is no room for grudges, gossip and hate, but love and forgiveness. It is your duty to love others and help them. Read 1 Corinthians 13 for a greater understanding of the love we should have for each other.
Friendship - As a part of the family of God we have a role of friendship to play. We have a duty to be friends to others in the family. Friends are loyal and trustworthy. Friends help us through difficult times. You need to make friends and be friends with people in the family of God. My best friends are those who are in God's family. They encourage me and help me through things and I return the favor.
Each of us has a role to play in the family and this is only the beginning. If each of us will play our part the family of Christ will be irresistible to those who are outside. People will know that Jesus is who He said He is when we each play our part in the family.
Prayer: Father please help me understand my role in the family and help me to fulfill it!
The moment we choose Christ we become part of a church family. There are huge benefits of being a part of the family. Leadership, guidance, destiny, identity, DNA and much more. The joy of having a spiritual father and mother, brothers and sister and on and on. Each person has a part to play and role. Here are a few roles that each must fulfill: Do good, serve, love and friendship.
Do good - In everything you do, with every word do good, especially to those who are in the family of Christ. Many families are built around selfishness. The attitude of what can you do for me is the attitude of most people. In the family of God our attitude needs to be what can I do for you? In every possible way we should do good for and to each other and not harm. Every time you have an opportunity, do good!
Serve - Jesus addressed this one. He told us that it's natural to lord over people. If we are older or have achieved more we feel we have earned the right to be served and honored by people "under" us. It's natural to flaunt our authority, yet Jesus commands us to serve. Instead of fighting over who's in charge and who should be listened to, we should serve one another, listen to each other and submit to one another. This means treating our younger siblings and those "under" us with respect and serving them. It's crazy, I know, but in this family we serve each other.
Love - The church family is built on the foundation of love. Love endures, it keeps no record of wrong and it covers sin. In this family we are quick to forgive and love all even if we don't like them. There is no room for grudges, gossip and hate, but love and forgiveness. It is your duty to love others and help them. Read 1 Corinthians 13 for a greater understanding of the love we should have for each other.
Friendship - As a part of the family of God we have a role of friendship to play. We have a duty to be friends to others in the family. Friends are loyal and trustworthy. Friends help us through difficult times. You need to make friends and be friends with people in the family of God. My best friends are those who are in God's family. They encourage me and help me through things and I return the favor.
Each of us has a role to play in the family and this is only the beginning. If each of us will play our part the family of Christ will be irresistible to those who are outside. People will know that Jesus is who He said He is when we each play our part in the family.
Prayer: Father please help me understand my role in the family and help me to fulfill it!
8/23/08
Spiritual Mothers
Read: 1 Timothy 5:1-2; 2 Timothy 1:3-7; Proverbs 6:20-23; 1 Thessalonians 2:7
Spiritual Mothers! Everyone of us needs one, just as you need a spiritual father you need a mother. Proverbs tells us to tie our mothers teaching around our neck as a constant reminder to us. Spiritual mothers pass on genuine faith and godly character. They also draw out our destiny and bring encouragement. I know in my life my natural mother has been my spiritual mother as well. The above four things have been huge in my development as a man of God. Let's take a look at each using Timothy and Jesus as our examples.
Genuine Faith – 2 Timothy 1:5 says the genuine faith that is in you which was first in your grandma and your mom. Timothy had genuine faith because it was passed from his grandma to his mom and then to him. Spiritual mom's are instrumental in passing on genuine faith. I know that my mom constantly spoke faith and still does into my life. When my faith is weak I call her and she always knows what to say and pray to stir up my faith. Spiritual mothers will pass on genuine faith.
Godly Character – 1 Timothy 4:12 says be an example of Godly character. Timothy had Godly Character, he had integrity, he was pure, had faith, loved others, conducted himself as he ought to. Spiritual mothers teach Godly character by modeling it in their life. Mom's typically spend more time with children instructing them and showing them what is right. Being around a spiritual mother, receiving the teaching and instruction will fill you with Godly character. Godly character is so important to becoming and maintaining who God calls you to be. Another way to explain this would be DNA. Natural mothers pass on DNA, Spiritual mothers pass on Spiritual DNA, faith and character.
Destiny - It is the job of a Spiritual father to give destiny and identity, but the job of a spiritual mother to draw it out of them. Jesus' mom drew the destiny out of Jesus at the Wedding of Cana. Jesus thought it wasn't his time yet to begin ministry, to step out and fulfill the destiny he had, but his mom had another idea. She was right and Jesus began to perform miracles. Spiritual mothers draw the destiny out of you. They nudge you when it's time to be who God has called you and comfort you when you are afraid.
Encouragement - Mothers encourage. They always know what to say when you need it. Their smiles, words and hugs are HUGE to keeping you going when things get tough. Spiritual mother will encourage you and comfort you when you need it.
Spiritual mothers are so important to your life in Christ. Surround yourself with older ladies that can be mothers to you, can pass on faith, character, draw out destiny and encourage you. If your natural mother is a woman of God let her be your spiritual mother, if not God has a spiritual mother for you.
Prayer: God please place spiritual mothers in my life to nurture me and encourage me. Let me receive the faith and character that they pass on!
Spiritual Mothers! Everyone of us needs one, just as you need a spiritual father you need a mother. Proverbs tells us to tie our mothers teaching around our neck as a constant reminder to us. Spiritual mothers pass on genuine faith and godly character. They also draw out our destiny and bring encouragement. I know in my life my natural mother has been my spiritual mother as well. The above four things have been huge in my development as a man of God. Let's take a look at each using Timothy and Jesus as our examples.
Genuine Faith – 2 Timothy 1:5 says the genuine faith that is in you which was first in your grandma and your mom. Timothy had genuine faith because it was passed from his grandma to his mom and then to him. Spiritual mom's are instrumental in passing on genuine faith. I know that my mom constantly spoke faith and still does into my life. When my faith is weak I call her and she always knows what to say and pray to stir up my faith. Spiritual mothers will pass on genuine faith.
Godly Character – 1 Timothy 4:12 says be an example of Godly character. Timothy had Godly Character, he had integrity, he was pure, had faith, loved others, conducted himself as he ought to. Spiritual mothers teach Godly character by modeling it in their life. Mom's typically spend more time with children instructing them and showing them what is right. Being around a spiritual mother, receiving the teaching and instruction will fill you with Godly character. Godly character is so important to becoming and maintaining who God calls you to be. Another way to explain this would be DNA. Natural mothers pass on DNA, Spiritual mothers pass on Spiritual DNA, faith and character.
Destiny - It is the job of a Spiritual father to give destiny and identity, but the job of a spiritual mother to draw it out of them. Jesus' mom drew the destiny out of Jesus at the Wedding of Cana. Jesus thought it wasn't his time yet to begin ministry, to step out and fulfill the destiny he had, but his mom had another idea. She was right and Jesus began to perform miracles. Spiritual mothers draw the destiny out of you. They nudge you when it's time to be who God has called you and comfort you when you are afraid.
Encouragement - Mothers encourage. They always know what to say when you need it. Their smiles, words and hugs are HUGE to keeping you going when things get tough. Spiritual mother will encourage you and comfort you when you need it.
Spiritual mothers are so important to your life in Christ. Surround yourself with older ladies that can be mothers to you, can pass on faith, character, draw out destiny and encourage you. If your natural mother is a woman of God let her be your spiritual mother, if not God has a spiritual mother for you.
Prayer: God please place spiritual mothers in my life to nurture me and encourage me. Let me receive the faith and character that they pass on!
8/21/08
Spiritual Fathers
Read: 1 Timothy 5:1-2; 1 Timothy 1:1-2; Proverbs 6:20-23; Ephesians 6:1-4.
1 Corinthians 4:14-16 The Message Bible
14-16I'm not writing all this as a neighborhood scold just to make you feel rotten. I'm writing as a father to you, my children. I love you and want you to grow up well, not spoiled. There are a lot of people around who can't wait to tell you what you've done wrong, but there aren't many fathers willing to take the time and effort to help you grow up. It was as Jesus helped me proclaim God's Message to you that I became your father. I'm not, you know, asking you to do anything I'm not already doing myself.
Fathers. Everyone of us needs a spiritual father and often many spiritual fathers in our lives. Paul tells us in Ephesians 6 that they provide discipline and instruction from the Lord. Proverbs tells us that the correction, instruction and counsel will guide us, be a light for us and it is the way to life. Fathers bring us life, light, counsel and guidance. 1 Corinthians tells us that they help us mature or grow up!
You need a spiritual father in your life. A person with wisdom to help you through all of life's difficulties. A person you respect and honor and can receive correction and direction from. Spiritual fathers provide four things: Destiny/identity, Protection, Spiritual Food and Authority.
Destiny - In the Jewish culture your father told you what you would one day be and do. Fathers held the destiny of their children. Today's culture it is the same. Spiritual fathers will unlock and help you see the destiny in your life. Destiny and identity go hand in hand. If you have a destiny you have an identity and vice versa. We have an identity crisis in the youth of America because of a lack of fathers. A spiritual father will provide destiny and identity for your life. They will tell you, then show you who you are (identity) and position you to hear God on what you should do (destiny).
Protection - Fathers also provide protection. Protection from others, protection from yourself and protection from anything harmful. A spiritual father will be a covering of protection for your life. Showing you things, areas in yourself and others that are harmful. Listen to them! If they tell you a relationship is harmful, listen! They know what they are talking about. My natural father protected me from others, myself and anything that could harm me, the same is true with spiritual fathers.
Spiritual Food - In today's society both fathers and mothers provide for the home. According to the Word Fathers have a mandate from God to provide. This doesn't mean a mother cannot it's just Fathers are required to provide food and nourishment for their families. A spiritual father is someone who can feed you spiritually for a time and then teach you to feed yourself. They can guide you and show you what to read and how to pray and once you have it down release you to feed yourself. They help you grow strong in your faith and in Christ.
Authority - Authority is the difference between someone who gets set free and someone who stays in bondage. We all have power, but we need the authority to exercise the power. In order to have authority in your life you must first be under authority. You have to be submitted, or willing to listen to and follow someone else. You need a spiritual father in your life that you are willing to listen to and follow. One you honor and are under. One who can come at anytime and say you need to change this and you will change it. This creates authority in your life and that is the way to tapping into the power that God has for you!
You need a spiritual father in your life. How do you find one? Well start with your own father. If your dad is a man of God who can provide these things then there you go! You will still have a pastor that you need to submit to as a spiritual father, but your natural dad if they are a man of God will be the best spiritual father you can have.
If you don't have the joy of having a natural father like that then God has a spiritual father for you. Pastors, Elders, leaders and older men who are men of God will be that spiritual father for you. Submit yourself to them and they will provide that which you need.
Prayer: Please place spiritual fathers in my life to speak destiny and purpose into my life. I choose to submit myself to them and receive what I need from them even I don't always like what I hear. Help them to mature me and grow me into the person I am called to be!
1 Corinthians 4:14-16 The Message Bible
14-16I'm not writing all this as a neighborhood scold just to make you feel rotten. I'm writing as a father to you, my children. I love you and want you to grow up well, not spoiled. There are a lot of people around who can't wait to tell you what you've done wrong, but there aren't many fathers willing to take the time and effort to help you grow up. It was as Jesus helped me proclaim God's Message to you that I became your father. I'm not, you know, asking you to do anything I'm not already doing myself.
Fathers. Everyone of us needs a spiritual father and often many spiritual fathers in our lives. Paul tells us in Ephesians 6 that they provide discipline and instruction from the Lord. Proverbs tells us that the correction, instruction and counsel will guide us, be a light for us and it is the way to life. Fathers bring us life, light, counsel and guidance. 1 Corinthians tells us that they help us mature or grow up!
You need a spiritual father in your life. A person with wisdom to help you through all of life's difficulties. A person you respect and honor and can receive correction and direction from. Spiritual fathers provide four things: Destiny/identity, Protection, Spiritual Food and Authority.
Destiny - In the Jewish culture your father told you what you would one day be and do. Fathers held the destiny of their children. Today's culture it is the same. Spiritual fathers will unlock and help you see the destiny in your life. Destiny and identity go hand in hand. If you have a destiny you have an identity and vice versa. We have an identity crisis in the youth of America because of a lack of fathers. A spiritual father will provide destiny and identity for your life. They will tell you, then show you who you are (identity) and position you to hear God on what you should do (destiny).
Protection - Fathers also provide protection. Protection from others, protection from yourself and protection from anything harmful. A spiritual father will be a covering of protection for your life. Showing you things, areas in yourself and others that are harmful. Listen to them! If they tell you a relationship is harmful, listen! They know what they are talking about. My natural father protected me from others, myself and anything that could harm me, the same is true with spiritual fathers.
Spiritual Food - In today's society both fathers and mothers provide for the home. According to the Word Fathers have a mandate from God to provide. This doesn't mean a mother cannot it's just Fathers are required to provide food and nourishment for their families. A spiritual father is someone who can feed you spiritually for a time and then teach you to feed yourself. They can guide you and show you what to read and how to pray and once you have it down release you to feed yourself. They help you grow strong in your faith and in Christ.
Authority - Authority is the difference between someone who gets set free and someone who stays in bondage. We all have power, but we need the authority to exercise the power. In order to have authority in your life you must first be under authority. You have to be submitted, or willing to listen to and follow someone else. You need a spiritual father in your life that you are willing to listen to and follow. One you honor and are under. One who can come at anytime and say you need to change this and you will change it. This creates authority in your life and that is the way to tapping into the power that God has for you!
You need a spiritual father in your life. How do you find one? Well start with your own father. If your dad is a man of God who can provide these things then there you go! You will still have a pastor that you need to submit to as a spiritual father, but your natural dad if they are a man of God will be the best spiritual father you can have.
If you don't have the joy of having a natural father like that then God has a spiritual father for you. Pastors, Elders, leaders and older men who are men of God will be that spiritual father for you. Submit yourself to them and they will provide that which you need.
Prayer: Please place spiritual fathers in my life to speak destiny and purpose into my life. I choose to submit myself to them and receive what I need from them even I don't always like what I hear. Help them to mature me and grow me into the person I am called to be!
Brothers and Sisters
Read: Hebrews 10:24-25; 1 Timothy 5:1-2; Romans 16:1-2; James 2:15-17; Philemon 1:1-7; Romans 14:21.
The moment you receive Christ into your life, you become a part of the family of God. This means that those guys sitting next to you in church are your brothers in Christ and the those ladies are your sisters. Just like in a natural family there is a proper way to treat your brothers and sisters.
Your brothers and sisters should be treated with respect and with all purity. We should encourage them, treat them purely, help them out in time of need, and love them.
Encourage them - "...but encourage one another..." Hebrews 10:25 It can be rough out there. Work, school, family life, all of it can drag us down. We need to make sure we encourage one another. Encouragement is often the difference between someone who quits and someone who pushes through to victory. Encourage each other!
Purity - "...treat younger women with all purity as you would your sister..." 1 Timothy 5:2 "It's better not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything else if it might cause another believer to stumble." Romans 14:21 When you are checking that member of the opposite sex out remember they are your brother or sister and don't treat them any differently until you are married. Would you talk about, look at and think about your sibling that way? If you are knock it off. Treat them with purity. Also, ladies and few men, be careful with how you dress. Everyone be careful how you talk to one another. If you dress and talk in a way to get people to like you or look at you, you are causing them to stumble. It's time to be pure in how we treat each other.
Help them - "Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing... So you see, faith by itself isn't enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless." James 2:15, 17
"...help her in whatever she needs..." Romans 16:2 If you know someone can't afford something and they need it and you have the ability, provide it. Give out of your abundance. Help others get to events, get clothes, food and such. Help each other financially, in prayer and support. We are a family!
Love them - "Your love has given me much joy and comfort, my brother..." Philemon 1:7 Love each other. Give your life to one another. Don't be rude and short with each other, but be patient. Love each other it will bring joy and comfort to those who need it. In fact if we love one another others will know that we are Christ followers. Even if you don't like them you still need to love them. Let love be your guide in your conduct.
We are brothers and sisters and some of you out there don't like your natural brothers and sisters. That trend is now changing in your life. Love, give, serve, encourage, and pray for your brothers and sisters in Christ. You need it and they need it.
Prayer: Help me to relate to my brothers and sisters and treat them with respect.
The moment you receive Christ into your life, you become a part of the family of God. This means that those guys sitting next to you in church are your brothers in Christ and the those ladies are your sisters. Just like in a natural family there is a proper way to treat your brothers and sisters.
Your brothers and sisters should be treated with respect and with all purity. We should encourage them, treat them purely, help them out in time of need, and love them.
Encourage them - "...but encourage one another..." Hebrews 10:25 It can be rough out there. Work, school, family life, all of it can drag us down. We need to make sure we encourage one another. Encouragement is often the difference between someone who quits and someone who pushes through to victory. Encourage each other!
Purity - "...treat younger women with all purity as you would your sister..." 1 Timothy 5:2 "It's better not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything else if it might cause another believer to stumble." Romans 14:21 When you are checking that member of the opposite sex out remember they are your brother or sister and don't treat them any differently until you are married. Would you talk about, look at and think about your sibling that way? If you are knock it off. Treat them with purity. Also, ladies and few men, be careful with how you dress. Everyone be careful how you talk to one another. If you dress and talk in a way to get people to like you or look at you, you are causing them to stumble. It's time to be pure in how we treat each other.
Help them - "Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing... So you see, faith by itself isn't enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless." James 2:15, 17
"...help her in whatever she needs..." Romans 16:2 If you know someone can't afford something and they need it and you have the ability, provide it. Give out of your abundance. Help others get to events, get clothes, food and such. Help each other financially, in prayer and support. We are a family!
Love them - "Your love has given me much joy and comfort, my brother..." Philemon 1:7 Love each other. Give your life to one another. Don't be rude and short with each other, but be patient. Love each other it will bring joy and comfort to those who need it. In fact if we love one another others will know that we are Christ followers. Even if you don't like them you still need to love them. Let love be your guide in your conduct.
We are brothers and sisters and some of you out there don't like your natural brothers and sisters. That trend is now changing in your life. Love, give, serve, encourage, and pray for your brothers and sisters in Christ. You need it and they need it.
Prayer: Help me to relate to my brothers and sisters and treat them with respect.
8/19/08
The Purpose of the Family
Read: Ephesians 3:15-20; 1 Corinthians 12:18-27
What is the purpose of the family of Christ? It is to be the representation of God in your life. The church family is there to encourage you, direct you and correct you. The family is called to be the voice of God, the representation of God in your life and should show you the love of God.
1 Corinthians 12 talks about the body and how each part is important. The same is true about the family. Each member of the family is important. Spiritual fathers, mothers, brothers and sisters are needed in our life. Here is a breakdown of the purpose of the family of Christ.
Encouragement - Nothing gets me fired up to continue in God's purpose for my life like encouragement and it is from Spiritual fathers, mothers, brothers and sisters. Encouragement is fuel for your fire when life stinks. You need it in your life. That is why you should surround your self with church family. People who are not a part of the family of Christ cannot encourage you like those who are a part. Surround yourself with these people!
Direction - I've heard of many people who went to others who did not know Christ for direction in their life and it ends in disaster. The church family has the things of God in mind and can often see God working in your life when you cannot. You need a pastor, father, mother in your life to give you direction. They can help you with life's difficult decisions. I don't know where I would be without the direction of my pastor... lost for sure! Direction will keep you on the right path, heading towards your destiny!
Correction - Most people want encouragement and direction, but think when they are corrected people have gone to far. It's because of correction some people leave the church. They think, "what right do they have to say that to me?" Well when you are a part of a family there are times where correction is needed. In fact I have grown more from correction than from direction or encouragement. Correction is not a mean thing but rather a sign of love. In fact Hebrews 12:6 says that God disciplines the ones He loves. Correction/discipline is a sign of love. You need people in your life who will correct you and who you can receive correction from.
The Church family is so important to your growth spiritually. You need it in your life. Encouragement, Direction and Correction!
Prayer: Father help me to yield to the purpose of the family of Christ in my life. Help me to surround myself with people who will encourage, direct and correct me. I open myself up to receive encouragement, direction and correction. I'm not going to go about it alone.
What is the purpose of the family of Christ? It is to be the representation of God in your life. The church family is there to encourage you, direct you and correct you. The family is called to be the voice of God, the representation of God in your life and should show you the love of God.
1 Corinthians 12 talks about the body and how each part is important. The same is true about the family. Each member of the family is important. Spiritual fathers, mothers, brothers and sisters are needed in our life. Here is a breakdown of the purpose of the family of Christ.
Encouragement - Nothing gets me fired up to continue in God's purpose for my life like encouragement and it is from Spiritual fathers, mothers, brothers and sisters. Encouragement is fuel for your fire when life stinks. You need it in your life. That is why you should surround your self with church family. People who are not a part of the family of Christ cannot encourage you like those who are a part. Surround yourself with these people!
Direction - I've heard of many people who went to others who did not know Christ for direction in their life and it ends in disaster. The church family has the things of God in mind and can often see God working in your life when you cannot. You need a pastor, father, mother in your life to give you direction. They can help you with life's difficult decisions. I don't know where I would be without the direction of my pastor... lost for sure! Direction will keep you on the right path, heading towards your destiny!
Correction - Most people want encouragement and direction, but think when they are corrected people have gone to far. It's because of correction some people leave the church. They think, "what right do they have to say that to me?" Well when you are a part of a family there are times where correction is needed. In fact I have grown more from correction than from direction or encouragement. Correction is not a mean thing but rather a sign of love. In fact Hebrews 12:6 says that God disciplines the ones He loves. Correction/discipline is a sign of love. You need people in your life who will correct you and who you can receive correction from.
The Church family is so important to your growth spiritually. You need it in your life. Encouragement, Direction and Correction!
Prayer: Father help me to yield to the purpose of the family of Christ in my life. Help me to surround myself with people who will encourage, direct and correct me. I open myself up to receive encouragement, direction and correction. I'm not going to go about it alone.
8/18/08
The Family of Christ
Read: Proverbs 18:1; Acts 2:42-47; Matthew 12:47-50.
"Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?" Then he pointed to his disciples and said, "Look, these are my mother and brothers Anyone who does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother." Matthew 12:48-50 NLT
In the above scripture Jesus begins to set us up for a new revelation of people who follow him. When we enter the kingdom of God by asking Jesus into our life we receive salvation, hope a new life and one more thing among everything else. We are now a part of the family of Christ. In the book of Ephesians we see the church represented in a variety of ways. The church is a body, it's an army and it's a bride. One of the most important functions of the church is that it is a family. We have been adopted (Ephesians 1:5) by God into his family and are now his sons and daughters.
There are so many benefits and responsibilities that come with being a part of a family. Each and everyone of us has a role and responsibilities to take care of as members of the family of Christ. There are no free loaders in this family. There are no 29-year-old-single-people-with-no-job living-in-their-momma's-basement in this family. Each person is very important and has a role.
Many people have come from a broken home. It is not common anymore for people to have a proper understanding of how a family should act and function. They don't know what a true father does, acts like and how they love. They don't understand what a true mother should do and how they act and love. They are in the dark when it comes to being a true brother or sister. They need a lesson in what it means to be a part of a family. This week will be dedicated to shaping your view of how a family should act and interact. It'll show you the relationships you need in your life and role you play.
If you have a warped understanding of family I want you to read 1 Corinthians 13. This chapter is about love and the foundation of your Church Family is love and a desire to serve one another. Also read Philippians 2:3. God has a family for you a Father, mother, brothers and sisters that are a part of his family.
Prayer: Father help me to understand the family of Christ. Take any fear or previous bad experiences I've had and give me a proper outlook on your family.
"Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?" Then he pointed to his disciples and said, "Look, these are my mother and brothers Anyone who does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother." Matthew 12:48-50 NLT
In the above scripture Jesus begins to set us up for a new revelation of people who follow him. When we enter the kingdom of God by asking Jesus into our life we receive salvation, hope a new life and one more thing among everything else. We are now a part of the family of Christ. In the book of Ephesians we see the church represented in a variety of ways. The church is a body, it's an army and it's a bride. One of the most important functions of the church is that it is a family. We have been adopted (Ephesians 1:5) by God into his family and are now his sons and daughters.
There are so many benefits and responsibilities that come with being a part of a family. Each and everyone of us has a role and responsibilities to take care of as members of the family of Christ. There are no free loaders in this family. There are no 29-year-old-single-people-with-no-job living-in-their-momma's-basement in this family. Each person is very important and has a role.
Many people have come from a broken home. It is not common anymore for people to have a proper understanding of how a family should act and function. They don't know what a true father does, acts like and how they love. They don't understand what a true mother should do and how they act and love. They are in the dark when it comes to being a true brother or sister. They need a lesson in what it means to be a part of a family. This week will be dedicated to shaping your view of how a family should act and interact. It'll show you the relationships you need in your life and role you play.
If you have a warped understanding of family I want you to read 1 Corinthians 13. This chapter is about love and the foundation of your Church Family is love and a desire to serve one another. Also read Philippians 2:3. God has a family for you a Father, mother, brothers and sisters that are a part of his family.
Prayer: Father help me to understand the family of Christ. Take any fear or previous bad experiences I've had and give me a proper outlook on your family.
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