We gather on baseball and football fields, around conference tables, and in classrooms and auditoriums. However necessary these gatherings are, they are centered around ACTIVITIES. We also gather as family. Family gathers because of RELATIONSHIP. The activity changes as the family grows, but what remains the same is the reason why they gather…relationship!
As a church we are also called to gather. What’s amazing is that as I read the Word I can’t help but to notice the resemblance between a family gathering and the church gathering. One example is the simple fact that we are called sons. (Romans 8:14). Also, when you read many of the accounts of how the apostles addressed the different churches it never sounded like a business agenda, rather the tone was more like a family meeting. One example that stands out to me is when Paul was making his appeal to the Corinthian church. (1 Corinthians 4:14–17 TPT)
I believe that the primary identity of the people of God is to be a family. Yet it seems many have lost the identity as a church family and traded it for a far more corporate definition based on activity. The truth is that relationships are broken if they are centered around activity when one disagrees or when that activity changes. However, relationships remain in tact when debatable issues arise when the correct foundation of a father son paradigm is its foundation.
THE CALL
It’s a call for us to live out our primary identity as children of God in the family of God. In this family, love binds us together. It is a family made of people from all nations, genders, and economic statuses who all display the image of their Father into the world.
“Every believer was faithfully devoted to following the teachings of the apostles. Their hearts were mutually linked to one another, sharing communion and coming together regularly for prayer.”
Acts 2:42 TPT
QUESTIONS:
1. How have you viewed church—as a product to be consumed or as a family?
2. How can creating a family atmosphere reinforce our identity in the gospel?
3. How do these answers change the way we choose or disciple leaders?
4. How does this change the way we think about caring for the least, lost, and hurting?
5. How does this change the way we think about reconciling relationships?
6. How does this change the way we think about the importance of faithfully gathering on Sundays and small groups?
