The Family of God
Sin broke the family of God. And the plan of redemption was established to restore this family. Paul addresses those who have responded to God’s call in their lives in the following way: “Now, Therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the Household of God” (Eph. 2:19). When we become a believer in Jesus we become a member of God’s household, we become a member of His family.
Most people think of the church in a larger sense, the corporate or congregational aspects. We do not tend to think of the church
in the term of the smaller family group. But the early Church was just that small groups held in the family home. These types of enduring relationships cannot happen in the larger congregational setting. Sadly most Christians seek out churches in larger settings. Healthy family members know each other; in loving caring family the members are there to encourage one another with words and action. The family of God is to function the same way.
Supporting Scripture; (1 Thess. 2:8), (Rom. 1:11)
Personal Reflection and Discussion
- What was God’s plan for the church?
- What kind of church do most people look for?
Prayer Activities
- Call your Partner and discuss this devotional.
- Contact the people on your prayer list and let them know you are still praying for them.
- Pray with then and ask for the following;
- For God to bring you this type of fellowship.
- For God to strengthen your fellowship with other Christians.
- For the individuals on your pray list.
- That we continue to seek the Holy Spirit
- For today use the following Bible verse in your prayer (Ps. 34:19)
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Got to ask why people look for large churches? I remember liking large churches, but now I really don’t care so much about the size I go to the church God leads me, but guess I do favor smaller ones. I like the more intimate groups found in a smaller setting. I remember wanting a big church so that I wouldn’t be pressured to take part or lead out. I had a choice of getting loss in the crowd and popping out whenever I wanted. It really was all about me. At the end of it all…. I didn’t really want the church to change me. A smaller church doesn’t easily give you that option. People see you and get to know you… the influence starts, the intermingling gets on it’s way, and soon enough… you’re one.
Exactly Amalia. I’ve heard many times people say, ” If you just want to go to church and do nothing else go to a big church. They’ll never know you are there. Ours could be some bigger but we do feel like family since we know everyone. I was a pew warmer only for so many years though even in the small church. God decided to change that and I am so very thankful.
Again, I love the Abilene church and the people in it. It is always a blessing when the church grows and God truly blesses a church that goes out and finds more souls for His kingdom. But I must admit it is nice to have the smaller churches we have here in Alaska, most are 40 people or less.