The Bible is the eternal story of God creating and constructing an eternal _family_.
5 He predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will
Ephesians 1:5 ESV
10 For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering.
Hebrews 2:10 ESV
Family
• Planned for a _purpose_.
• Shared in God’s _glory_.
• Investment of God’s _plan_.
God gives us an open _invitation_ to become the family of God.
9 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.
2 Peter 3:9
13 For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
Romans 10:13
34 And calling the crowd to him with his disciples, he said to them, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.
Mark 8:34
QUESTION:
++What is the most important thing you have on planet earth?
What is Christian Fellowship?
Fellowship is _loving_ God’s family.
17 Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.
I Peter 2:17
Fellowship means “to participate in common causes; partnership”.
Church is not a building you go to. . . .
++Rather, church is a _family you belong to_!
15 If I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, a pillar and buttress of the truth.
16 Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness:
He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory. I Timothy 3:15-16
How can you love Go’s ‘family”?
1). Make a choice to belong to the “family”.
19 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God
Ephesians 2:19
We are created for community, fashioned for fellowship, and formed for family. None of us can fulfill God’s purpose by ourselves. While our relationship with Christ is personal, God never intends it to be private. Ric Warren
5 So we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.
Romans 12:5
2). Learn to share with the “family”.
44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common.
Acts 2:44
Authentic Christianity is a Christ centered community with a by product of being a shared-centered community.
Pastor Fine
Point of Contact:
++It takes time and opportunity to _develop_ fellowship/friendship.
• Life lessons
17 Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.
Proverbs 27:17
• Hospitality
9 Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.
I Peter 4:9
• Struggles
2 Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
Galatians 6:2
3). Do your part of the partnership in the “family”.
9 For we are God’s fellow workers. You are God’s field, God’s building.
I Corinthians 3:9
10 Love on another with brotherly affection. outdo one another in showing honor.
Romans 12:10
This is MY Church. . . . .
It is composed of people just like me.
It will be friendly if I am.
It will do great work if I work.
It will make generous gifts to many if I’m generous.
It will bring others into fellowship if I bring them.
Therefore, with God’s help, I will dedicate my self to the task of being all things I want my church to be.
Start today. . . . .
• Learn the names of others
• Notice the cares of others and respond
• Be approachable
• Take a risk- be transparent with class
• Invite the pastor out to eat.
++(Gary’s choice)