Family of God

When you think of the word “family” what thoughts come into your mind?   Is it a memory of your mother holding you close after waking you from a scary childhood dream or your father tossing a ball with you in the front yard?  Maybe you were blessed with other siblings and you remember the fun of romping about in exuberant games together, then sharing cookies that Mom baked. The idea of family evokes thoughts of belonging, comfort, care, love, companionship, and so much more.

 In fact, the family structure has existed in every society, in every generation, so it is not surprising that we see God actually set up the family model in the garden of Eden when he created Adam and Eve.  (Genesis 1-2)

 Moving forward to the time of Jesus and his church, we see the family structure expanded as the relationship Jesus established for his followers.  When we become Christians by obeying the gospel, we are added to the “family of God”. This relationship is a “blood” connection similar to the biological family you were born into.  We are also born into the family of God when we are immersed into Christ, Jesus calls us his family, and we become brothers and sisters.

 “And he answered them, “Who are my mother and my brothers?” And looking about at those who sat around him, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! For whoever does the will of God, he is my brother and sister and mother.” ‭‭Mark‬ ‭3:33-35‬ ‭

 The church, God’s family on earth, is a place to belong and share in the common goals, experiences and challenges of living a life pleasing to God.  It is a place to “find your place” and thrive. Life is filled with blessings as well as challenges that can overwhelm you, however, being able to share these with a loving family makes all the difference in the world.

 “so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.” ‭‭Romans‬ ‭12:5‬ ‭

 We welcome you to join us here at Linder Road anytime, and especially on September 15th for our annual Friends Day.  We are excited for you to find your place to “connect with Jesus” and his family and just like any other family, we are made up of many unique members, tall, short, young, old, male, female, married, single…

 “So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God…In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.”  ‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭2:19, 22‬ ‭