Celebrating 25 Years of Spiritual Family and Faithfulness

Devotional

Day 1: Jesus Personally Builds His Church

Jesus takes the church personally—He started it, He owns it, and He is deeply invested in its growth and endurance. The church is not a human invention or a social club, but the very work of Christ Himself, who declared that nothing—not even the gates of hell—can overcome what He is building. When you join a spiritual family, you are stepping into something that Jesus Himself is passionate about, and you are participating in His ongoing work in the world. If you struggle with the idea of church, remember that it is Jesus’ idea, and He invites you to be a part of what He loves. [05:20]

Matthew 16:18 (ESV)
“And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”

Reflection: What would it look like for you to embrace the church as something Jesus Himself is building, rather than just a place you attend or an organization you critique?

Day 2: The Church Is People, Not a Place

The true church is not a building or a location, but the people who gather in Jesus’ name—those who are called out to love, serve, and reach others. God’s presence is not confined to a structure; He dwells within His people, and together we become His living temple. This means that church can happen anywhere, and that every believer is essential to the life and mission of the church. You are not just attending a service; you are part of a living, breathing family that exists to bring hope and healing to those who have not yet walked through the doors. [07:00]

Acts 7:48 (ESV)
“Yet the Most High does not dwell in houses made by hands, as the prophet says.”

Reflection: How can you shift your mindset this week from “going to church” to “being the church” wherever you are, and who around you needs to experience God’s love through you?

Day 3: You Can’t Love Jesus Without Loving His People

Loving Jesus means loving His people—the church—because they are inseparable in His heart. Just as you cannot claim to be close to someone while rejecting their family, you cannot truly love Jesus while distancing yourself from His body, the church. Jesus gave Himself up for the church, and He calls us to care for, serve, and love one another as a reflection of our love for Him. Even when church life is messy or imperfect, choosing to love and invest in God’s people is a vital part of following Christ. [08:20]

Ephesians 5:25-27 (ESV)
“Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.”

Reflection: Is there someone in your church family you’ve struggled to love? What is one step you can take this week to show Christ’s love to them, even if it’s difficult?

Day 4: You Are Needed, Known, and Nurtured in Spiritual Family

Every member of the spiritual family is needed, known, and nurtured—there are no unnecessary parts in the body of Christ. God has given you unique gifts and abilities that are essential to the health and mission of the church, and you will never be fully satisfied until you are living out your purpose in community. Being part of a spiritual family means being seen, supported, and challenged to grow; it’s where you are missed when you’re absent and celebrated when you thrive. Don’t settle for anonymity—step into deeper connection and let yourself be known and loved. [14:52]

1 Corinthians 12:18-20 (ESV)
“But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. If all were a single member, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, yet one body.”

Reflection: What is one way you can use your gifts to serve your spiritual family this week, or take a step to be more known and connected?

Day 5: Commit to Spiritual Family and Experience God’s Care

Committing to a spiritual family means showing up, belonging, doing life together, and serving others—not just for your own benefit, but to make a difference in the lives of those around you. When you dedicate yourself to a church family, you experience God’s care in tangible ways—through support in crisis, encouragement in growth, and opportunities to serve. The most fulfilled people are those who give themselves away for others, and the most powerful spiritual families are built on commitment, not convenience. Take the step from being a spectator to being an owner in your church family. [23:24]

Psalm 122:1 (ESV)
“I was glad when they said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the Lord!’”

Reflection: What is one commitment you can make today—whether it’s joining a group, serving, or simply showing up more consistently—to move from being on the sidelines to being fully invested in your spiritual family?

Sermon Summary

Today is a celebration of God’s faithfulness over 25 years, not just in the passing of time, but in the countless lives transformed through the power of spiritual family. The heart of this community is not found in a building or a program, but in the people—imperfect, yet united by grace, hope, and the love of Jesus. Spiritual family is God’s idea, established by Jesus Himself, who takes the church personally and promises that nothing can overcome it. This family is not about perfection, but about belonging, support, and growth together.

Being part of a spiritual family means moving beyond being a spectator. It’s about stepping off the sidelines and into the life and mission of the church. Every person is needed, every person is known, and every person is nurtured. The gifts and talents God has placed in each of us are meant to be discovered and used within the context of community. True fulfillment comes not from living for ourselves, but from serving others and making a difference together.

Spiritual family is also about being known and cared for. In a world where it’s easy to be anonymous, God calls us into relationships where we are seen, loved, and supported—especially in life’s hardest moments. The stories shared today are a testament to the power of spiritual family: people showing up in times of loss, celebrating milestones, and walking through every season together. This is what it means to belong, to be sons and daughters of the house.

The invitation is clear: attend and participate, become a member, commit to small groups, and dedicate yourself to serving others. Spiritual family is not just a benefit to be enjoyed, but a commitment to be embraced. It’s in this context that we grow, find purpose, and experience the fullness of what God intends for us. And for those who have yet to take the step of faith, the door is open to not only join a spiritual family, but to enter into relationship with Jesus—the One who makes it all possible.

Key Takeaways

1. Spiritual family is God’s design for our growth and resilience. Jesus Himself established the church, taking it personally and promising its endurance against all opposition. To reject spiritual family is to miss out on a foundational part of following Christ, as He and His people are inseparable. Our connection to spiritual family is not optional, but essential for thriving in faith. [05:20]
2. The church is not a building, but a people on mission. We exist not for ourselves, but for those who have yet to encounter the hope and love of Jesus. Our calling is to be a community that welcomes the hurting, the broken, and the marginalized, extending grace rather than judgment. This outward focus keeps us aligned with the heart of Christ. [07:00]
3. You cannot truly love Jesus without loving His people. Just as you cannot be close to someone while rejecting their family, you cannot claim intimacy with Christ while distancing yourself from His church. Loving Jesus means loving those He loves, even when it’s messy or inconvenient. Our devotion to Him is measured by our commitment to His body. [08:20]
4. Spiritual family is where we are needed, known, and nurtured. Every person has a unique role and set of gifts that are vital to the health of the body. True belonging comes from being present, participating, and allowing ourselves to be seen and supported. Growth happens in the context of relationships where we sharpen and encourage one another. [14:52]
5. The benefits of spiritual family require commitment, not just attendance. Many desire the support and connection of community without the investment of time and vulnerability. To experience the fullness of spiritual family, we must move from anonymity to ownership—attending regularly, joining small groups, serving others, and making this house our home. Fulfillment is found not in self-focus, but in giving ourselves away for the sake of others. [23:24]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:48] - Confidence in Chaos: The Power of Spiritual Family
[03:04] - No Perfect Church, Only Real Family
[05:20] - Jesus Takes the Church Personally
[07:00] - The Church: People, Not Place
[08:20] - Loving Jesus Means Loving His Church
[10:05] - We Can’t Be the Church Alone
[12:25] - Every Part is Needed in the Family
[13:48] - Being Known: The Importance of Showing Up
[14:52] - Growth and Nurture in Spiritual Family
[16:19] - Our Spiritual Family Journey
[18:39] - Spiritual Family in Times of Loss
[20:23] - Belonging: Sons and Daughters of the House
[21:12] - How to Build Spiritual Family: The ABCs
[23:24] - Dedicate Yourself to Serving Others
[24:48] - Invitation to Relationship with Jesus
[25:42] - Closing and Praise

Bible Study Guide

**Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Power and Purpose of Spiritual Family**

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### Bible Reading

**Matthew 16:18 (ESV)**
> “And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”

**Acts 7:48-49 (ESV)**
> “Yet the Most High does not dwell in houses made by hands, as the prophet says, ‘Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. What kind of house will you build for me, says the Lord, or what is the place of my rest?’”

**1 Corinthians 3:16 (ESV)**
> “Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?”

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### Observation Questions

According to Matthew 16:18, who is responsible for building the church, and what promise does Jesus make about its endurance?
In Acts 7:48-49, what does Stephen say about where God dwells? How does this challenge the idea of church as just a building?
Based on 1 Corinthians 3:16, where does God’s Spirit live, and what does that say about the identity of the church?
The sermon says, “The church is not a building, but a people on mission. We exist not for ourselves, but for those who have yet to encounter the hope and love of Jesus.” What examples did the pastor give of the church being a spiritual family rather than just a place? [[07:00]]

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### Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Jesus takes the church so personally, calling it “my church” in Matthew 16:18? What does this mean for how we should view spiritual family? [[05:20]]
The sermon says, “You cannot truly love Jesus without loving His people.” Why is our relationship with other believers so closely tied to our relationship with Christ? [[08:20]]
The pastor shared stories of people being cared for in times of loss and celebration. What does this reveal about the role of spiritual family in a believer’s life? [[18:39]]
The message emphasized that “every person is needed, every person is known, and every person is nurtured.” Why is it important for each member to be active and present in the spiritual family? [[14:52]]

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### Application Questions

The sermon challenges us to move from being spectators to participants in the life of the church. In what ways have you been “on the sidelines,” and what is one step you could take to get more involved? [[03:04]]
The pastor said, “You can’t be known if you don’t come around.” Are there barriers (like busyness, fear, or past hurt) that keep you from being known in your church family? What would it look like to take a risk and let yourself be known? [[13:48]]
Think about the gifts and talents God has given you. Are you using them to serve others in your church community? If not, what is one way you could start? [[12:25]]
The message talked about the importance of small groups for support and growth. If you’re not in a small group, what’s holding you back? If you are, how can you be more intentional about building relationships there? [[21:12]]
The pastor shared how spiritual family showed up in times of loss and need. Can you recall a time when someone in the church supported you, or when you supported someone else? How did that experience shape your view of spiritual family? [[18:39]]
The sermon said, “Many desire the support and connection of community without the investment of time and vulnerability.” What is one area where you need to move from “anonymity to ownership” in your church life? [[23:24]]
For those who haven’t yet taken a step of faith or joined a spiritual family, what questions or fears do you have? What would help you take that next step toward belonging? [[24:48]]

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**Closing Thought:**
Spiritual family is God’s idea, and it’s where we find belonging, purpose, and support. Let’s encourage each other to step in, be known, and make a difference together.

Sermon Clips

It's time for you to go from the bench to the batter's box, everybody. It's time for you to get in the game, and it's time for you to join this spiritual family on the journey that it's on to see lives transformed across North Alabama for generations to come. [00:04:26] (15 seconds) #StepUpJoinTheJourney

You can't be known if you don't come around. You can't be known. If you're 1 .6 times a month, just going to check in every once in a while. Just going to, you know, but we've got travel ball, and then the other weekends we're not doing travel ball. We just really don't feel like going to church. Well, come on. Every once in a while. Part of the family is known. They're known. [00:14:33] (23 seconds) #ShowUpBeKnown

Small groups just launched the last couple of weeks, by the way. This is the perfect time to get in a group and to get known and loved and pastored and let somebody know your name. Small groups, it's the place where everybody knows your name. It's just like, go. Get in a group. [00:15:20] (16 seconds) #GetKnownInSmallGroups

Every part of the family gets nurtured. What do you mean by that? Every part of the family grows. We're always sharpening each other. Iron sharpens iron. And to say it another way, every part of the family develops. And God loves you just the way you are. You need to know that. If you're new to church, you're new to church life, God loves you just the way you are, but he does not want you to stay the way you are. He has something for you. There's more for you in growth. [00:15:42] (27 seconds) #FamilyGrowthJourney

The great thing about a big church is that you can be anonymous. Bad part about a big church is that you can be anonymous. And so that's why you've got to get in connection. Keep coming to church. Keep showing up. Keep taking notes. Keep going to small group. Go through the next steps. Get on the dream team. That's the attitude of somebody who's growing. Who's developing in their walk with the Lord. Who's becoming part of spiritual family. [00:16:19] (28 seconds) #FromAnonymousToConnected

Attend and participate in spiritual family in church every time the doors are open every every chance you get be here because you begin to look like the people you spend the most time with just ask yourself would your life be better would you be closer to god if you were here 52 sundays a year 100 spiritual family get plugged in. [00:21:40] (33 seconds) #BeHereBeTransformed

There's too many people who want the benefits of spiritual family without the commitment to spiritual family you need to find some people you lock arms with and you say we're this is my church that he's my pastor this is my people this is where i belong and i i love this place i serve in this place i make a difference in this place i'm a member i'm an owner of this place. [00:22:34] (24 seconds) #CommitToSpiritualFamily

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Transcript

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