THE CHURCH - BEING FAMILY
Readings: Ephesians 2 v 19,1 Timothy 3 v 1.5, Psalm 68 v 6
Do you know that we are members of God's family by birth and
by adoption. Oh, what a family and by adoption. Oh what a statement, "But
how?" when I was ministering at Bulawayo Main Street Methodist Church some
few years ago, I met an interesting character, a member of the church, Miss Fay
Letts of blessed memory. She told me a story that when she came to Zimbabwe,
then Rhodesia in the 1950s or so as a Lay Missionary, she was a lonely woman.
After attending a worship service especially the African
worship services and participating in Sunday School and other activities for
several months, Fay, the lonely woman's life indeed dramatically changed. She
was part of a new family, even so different in colour, language, cultural
practices and other mannerisms, but united by the saving power of Jesus Christ.
Many Christians my dear brothers and sisters, reached out to her, in fact, she
lived in a basement apartment owned by a fellow church member and Fay was
adopted as part of that family.
Fay's experience is an example of what Christ intends for
His Church to mean, to every person. When He calls people to salvation He also
calls them to become part of His family. David declares, "God makes a home
for the lonely." One thing he does this, is by adding His children to the
local church fellowship, and relatedness. Every one of us has become a member
of a human family whether by birth or by adoption and the same is true of our
entrance in to God's Family.
The Apostle John wrote about the miracle that occurs when a
person receives Jesus Christ by faith, - (1 John 1 v 12 - 13). Through this new
birth a person becomes a true child of God, part of His family. The term
"Adoption" is what the Apostle Paul prefers to describe this same
miracle in Gal. 4 v 4 - 5. Thus all believers become members of God's family
both by adoption and by a spiritual birth. The result of this work of grace is
that all Christians have the same Father and are related to one another as brothers
and sisters and Paul declares it in 2 Corinthians 6 v 18. God never intended that
any of His children should live in isolation.
Prayerful thought: Lord God, I am a joint heir with you, a
joint heir with thy son, I am a child of the Kingdom we are a family we are
one.
Day 18
THE CHURCH - FAMILY MEANS RELATIONSHIP
Readings: Acts 2 v 44 - 27, Romans 12 v 4 - 15
As we pray without ceasing let us realise that we are a
family. There is a Greek word "KOINONIA" which is usually translated
"FELLOWSHIP" means "that which is shared in common". So all
true believers, regardless of denominational labels, share one significant and
unique common bond, they, the Good News is the new birth, they have the same
Father, the same Saviour, the same Lord and same Holy Spirit living in them.
Christians are not only related to one another but also participate in the same
life changing experiences.
Acts describes Christians believing together, ministering
together, worshipping together and growing together - (Acts 2 v 44 - 47). In
the book of Romans 12 v 4 - 15 believers are encouraged to rejoice together and
-weep together, such togetherness in the family of God should overcome all
human barriers. We are no longer foreigners or aliens, but fellow citizens with
God's people and members of God's household - (Ephesians 2 v 9).
Family also means responsibility because everyone in the
family has chores to perform such as polishing everyone's shoes, washing
dishes, scrubbing the floors etc., similarly in the family of God is expected
to help meet the needs of the entire family. In the book of Romans 12 v 4 - 8,
Paul compares the members of God's church to the various human body parts. Our
various body parts are all different but necessary to one another, God gives
all believers unique abilities that are needed by the Church. Since we are very
interdependent, we have a God - given responsibility to minister to one
another.
Paul’s writings reveal many references to the "One
Another" ministries of Christians
=> Be devoted to one another in brotherly love.
=> Honour one another above yourselves (Rom. 12 v 10)
=> Encourage one another and build each other up - (Thess.
5 v 11)
=> Serve one another in love - (Gal. 5 v 13)
=> Be kind and compassionate to one another - (Eph. 4 v
32)
=> Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ -
(Eph. 5 v 21)
Each of these remind us of our responsibilities to care for
one another as members of the same family. My fellow believers, let us bear in
mind that God places us in His Family, not to seek what we can receive, but to
seek ways we can give by serving others.
Prayerful thought: Lord, make me a keen member of the family
in serving others.