Embracing Relational Commitment in God's Family
Summary
### Summary
Today, we delved into the core values that define our church community, focusing on the importance of being relational. We began by reiterating that values are the deeply held beliefs that guide our actions and interactions, fostering unity and success. Our mission is to love people as God loves us, and this starts with loving one another within our church family. We emphasized that being relational means committing to doing life together as a church, experiencing God's love, and sharing it with others.
We explored the difference between merely attending church and being an active member of God's family. Attending church can make us feel better, but true membership offers the full benefits of spiritual growth, authentic relationships, and meaningful service. We discussed the importance of commitment in the family of God, likening it to the commitment required in human families. This commitment begins with accepting Jesus Christ and extends to participating in the local church community.
We shared personal stories to illustrate the transformative power of being part of God's family. For instance, the story of Miss Connelly, an international student who became a cherished member of our family, highlighted how we move from being strangers to beloved family members in God's household. This commitment to God's family brings us the Father's love, spiritual growth, and the joy of eternal fellowship.
We also discussed the necessity of spiritual leadership in our journey towards maturity. God has given us pastors and teachers to equip us for service and help us reach our full potential in Christ. Spiritual leadership is essential for our growth and the health of the church body.
Finally, we emphasized that every member has a role to play in the family of God. Just as every part of the body is essential, so is every member of the church. We are interdependent, and our collective efforts contribute to a healthy, loving, and effective church. We concluded by challenging everyone to make a commitment to fully benefit from being a member of God's family, thereby demonstrating God's love to the world.
### Key Takeaways
1. Commitment to Doing Life Together: Being relational means committing to doing life together as a church. This involves more than just attending services; it means engaging in authentic relationships and sharing God's love with one another. True membership in God's family offers the full benefits of spiritual growth and meaningful connections. [01:30]
2. Difference Between Attending and Membership: Attending church can make us feel better, but true membership in God's family offers the full benefits of spiritual growth, authentic relationships, and meaningful service. This commitment begins with accepting Jesus Christ and extends to participating in the local church community. [04:26]
3. Transformative Power of God's Family: Personal stories, like that of Miss Connelly, illustrate how we move from being strangers to beloved family members in God's household. This commitment brings us the Father's love, spiritual growth, and the joy of eternal fellowship. [14:24]
4. Importance of Spiritual Leadership: God has given us pastors and teachers to equip us for service and help us reach our full potential in Christ. Spiritual leadership is essential for our growth and the health of the church body. It helps us mature and become all that God wants us to be. [21:16]
5. Every Member's Role in the Family of God: Just as every part of the body is essential, so is every member of the church. We are interdependent, and our collective efforts contribute to a healthy, loving, and effective church. Every member is needed to serve God and fulfill their most fruitful role within the family of God. [26:10]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:30] - Introduction to Relational Values
[02:59] - We Are a Family
[04:26] - Full Benefits of Membership
[07:30] - Beyond the Sanctuary
[09:13] - Commitment in God's Family
[10:55] - Accepting Jesus
[12:43] - From Strangers to Family
[14:24] - Personal Story: Miss Connelly
[16:04] - Benefits of Being in God's Family
[17:51] - Importance of Local Church
[19:30] - Essentials of Healthy Christian Living
[21:16] - Role of Spiritual Leadership
[22:53] - Community Church Team Member Agreement
[24:28] - Personal Story: Spiritual Leadership
[26:10] - Every Member's Role
[28:03] - Interdependence in the Body of Christ
[29:42] - Serving Out of Conviction
[31:18] - Demonstrating God's Love to the World
[32:58] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 1 John 3:1 - "See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!"
2. John 1:10-12 - "He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God."
3. Ephesians 4:11-13 - "So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to 1 John 3:1, what is the significance of being called children of God?
2. In John 1:10-12, what does it mean to receive and believe in Jesus' name?
3. What roles did Christ give to the church according to Ephesians 4:11-13, and for what purpose?
4. How did the story of Miss Connelly illustrate the transition from being a stranger to a beloved family member in God's household? [14:24]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does being called children of God (1 John 3:1) impact our identity and relationships within the church community?
2. What does John 1:10-12 suggest about the importance of accepting Jesus for becoming part of God's family?
3. How does Ephesians 4:11-13 describe the process and purpose of spiritual growth within the church?
4. Reflecting on the sermon, why is commitment to the local church community essential for experiencing the full benefits of spiritual growth and authentic relationships? [04:26]
#### Application Questions
1. How can you personally commit to "doing life together" with your church family beyond just attending services? What steps can you take this week to engage more deeply? [01:30]
2. Think about the difference between attending church and being an active member. What specific actions can you take to move from being an attendee to a committed member? [04:26]
3. Reflect on a time when you felt like a stranger in a new community. How can you help others in your church feel more like family, similar to how Miss Connelly was welcomed? [14:24]
4. How can you support and benefit from the spiritual leadership in your church? Are there specific ways you can seek guidance or offer support to your pastors and teachers? [21:16]
5. Identify your unique role within the church body. How can you use your gifts and talents to serve others and contribute to a healthy, loving, and effective church? [26:10]
6. What are some practical ways you can demonstrate God's love to the world through your commitment to the church family? How can your actions reflect the unity and love described in the sermon? [31:18]
7. Consider the importance of spiritual maturity. What steps can you take to grow in your faith and help others in your church do the same? How can you encourage and support each other in this journey? [21:16]
Devotional
Day 1: Commitment to Doing Life Together
Being relational means committing to doing life together as a church. This involves more than just attending services; it means engaging in authentic relationships and sharing God's love with one another. True membership in God's family offers the full benefits of spiritual growth and meaningful connections. When we commit to doing life together, we experience the richness of community and the depth of God's love through our interactions with each other. This commitment is not just about being present but being actively involved in each other's lives, supporting, encouraging, and growing together in faith.
In a world where individualism is often celebrated, the church stands as a counter-cultural community that values relationships and interdependence. By committing to doing life together, we reflect the relational nature of God Himself, who exists in a perfect community of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This commitment requires intentionality, vulnerability, and a willingness to invest in others, knowing that we are all part of the same spiritual family.
Ephesians 4:2-3 (ESV): "With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."
Reflection: Think of one person in your church community you can reach out to this week. How can you intentionally invest in building a deeper relationship with them?
Day 2: Difference Between Attending and Membership
Attending church can make us feel better, but true membership in God's family offers the full benefits of spiritual growth, authentic relationships, and meaningful service. This commitment begins with accepting Jesus Christ and extends to participating in the local church community. When we move from being mere attendees to active members, we open ourselves up to the transformative power of God's family. Membership involves a deeper level of engagement, where we not only receive but also contribute to the life of the church.
True membership means being part of a community where we are known, loved, and held accountable. It is in this context that we grow spiritually, as we are challenged and encouraged by others. Membership also means finding our place of service within the church, using our gifts and talents to build up the body of Christ. This active participation helps us to mature in our faith and experience the fullness of what it means to be part of God's family.
1 Corinthians 12:12-14 (ESV): "For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit. For the body does not consist of one member but of many."
Reflection: Reflect on your current level of involvement in your church. What steps can you take to move from being an attendee to an active member of God's family? [04:26]
Day 3: Transformative Power of God's Family
Personal stories, like that of Miss Connelly, illustrate how we move from being strangers to beloved family members in God's household. This commitment brings us the Father's love, spiritual growth, and the joy of eternal fellowship. When we embrace our place in God's family, we experience a profound transformation that impacts every area of our lives. We are no longer isolated individuals but part of a loving and supportive community that reflects God's heart.
The story of Miss Connelly, an international student who became a cherished member of the church family, highlights the beauty of this transformation. As we open our hearts to others and welcome them into our lives, we create a space where God's love can flourish. This sense of belonging and acceptance is a powerful testimony to the world of what it means to be part of God's family.
Romans 12:10 (ESV): "Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor."
Reflection: Think of someone in your church who may feel like a stranger. How can you extend God's love to them and help them feel like a cherished member of the family? [14:24]
Day 4: Importance of Spiritual Leadership
God has given us pastors and teachers to equip us for service and help us reach our full potential in Christ. Spiritual leadership is essential for our growth and the health of the church body. It helps us mature and become all that God wants us to be. Pastors and teachers play a crucial role in guiding, teaching, and nurturing the congregation, helping us to understand and apply God's Word in our lives.
Spiritual leaders are not just authority figures but shepherds who care for the flock, providing wisdom, encouragement, and correction when needed. Their role is to equip the saints for the work of ministry, ensuring that each member of the church is growing and contributing to the body of Christ. By submitting to spiritual leadership, we position ourselves to receive the guidance and support we need to thrive in our faith journey.
Hebrews 13:17 (ESV): "Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you."
Reflection: Reflect on the role of spiritual leaders in your life. How can you support and encourage your pastors and teachers as they equip you for service? [21:16]
Day 5: Every Member's Role in the Family of God
Just as every part of the body is essential, so is every member of the church. We are interdependent, and our collective efforts contribute to a healthy, loving, and effective church. Every member is needed to serve God and fulfill their most fruitful role within the family of God. When each person uses their unique gifts and talents, the church functions as a cohesive and vibrant body, reflecting the diversity and unity of God's kingdom.
Understanding that we are all essential parts of the body of Christ helps us to value and appreciate one another. It also challenges us to step up and take responsibility for our role in the church. Whether through teaching, serving, encouraging, or giving, each contribution is vital to the overall health and mission of the church. By embracing our roles, we help to create a community where God's love is evident and His purposes are fulfilled.
1 Peter 4:10 (ESV): "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace."
Reflection: Identify your unique gifts and talents. How can you use them to serve your church community and contribute to its health and effectiveness? [26:10]
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Attending church and being a member of God's family are two different things. With one, you get the full benefit. Everybody say full benefit. I want to talk to you about the full benefit today. Attending church and membership in God's family are two different things. Our desire at community church is that every person would fully benefit. We say we desire to see everyone experience God. Everybody say experience God." [04:26] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "When we accept Christ, we go from being foreigners and people who are estranged from God to being actual members of his household. Connelly stayed with us for three years. Three years. Do you know when she left, it was like somebody died in our family. It was a sad weekend because she was family. And you know what? It's the same way. It's in similar, different fashion. When we come into the family of God, we benefit from the Father's love. We receive the gift of his spirit." [16:04] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Jesus said, I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. That's a pretty strong statement. Scripture in Acts 4.12 tells us there is salvation in no other name. There is no other name given among men whereby men must be saved other than the name of Jesus Christ. Without Christ, we are estranged from God, no matter how spiritual or religious we think we are." [12:43] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The world needs to see love. The world needs to see togetherness. The world needs to see commitment. And as the world sees a church that becomes a place where people of all backgrounds, races, and social statuses can come together in unity to bless others. As the world sees that unity and genuine love of God's family, it becomes harder to deny the existence of an almighty God that is filled with love. That's the big deal." [31:18] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Human families begin and flourish with a commitment. I'm so glad I made a commitment to my wife, Trina. I was hesitant to do it. She called me on it because she's a strong woman. Anybody, any man in here have a strong woman? Come on, man. That's your chance. That's your chance. You better put your hand up. If your wife, especially if your wife is in here. See, I just gave you some brownie points. Human families begin and flourish with a commitment. And so does doing life in the family of God." [09:13] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "We said that values are the deeply held beliefs that become the guiding force of a family's actions and interactions, and when agreed upon, they cultivate incredible unity, harmony, and group success. And I don't know about you, but I was thinking if there's any group of people that should be successful, it should be the church. Amen? When we win, people's lives are positively impacted for all eternity, and we get the opportunity to experience a little heaven on earth." [01:30] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "It's a commitment to fulfilling our most fruitful role within the family of God. Our most fruitful role within the family of God. How many of you in your household, everybody has chores. Everybody has something to do. The Bible also speaks of the family of God. An analogy that it uses or a metaphor that it uses is a body. A body. Just like parts of a body, every family, every family member is desired and needed to serve God. Every family member is desired and needed to serve God." [24:28] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We need consistency and a local expression of God's family for health and well-being. So, the idea of a non-church Christian is not biblical. You hear somebody say, you know what, I love God, but I don't think I need to go to church. That is a person who is not understanding God's plan. It's as unnatural and unhealthy an occurrence as an organ without a body, a sheep without a flock, or a child without a home. God doesn't want his children to be homeless." [17:51] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Spiritual leadership. We end up becoming mature. We end up becoming all that God wants us to be. Number four, it's a commitment to fulfilling our most fruitful role within the family of God. Our most fruitful role within the family of God. How many of you in your household, everybody has chores. Everybody has something to do. The Bible also speaks of the family of God. An analogy that it uses or a metaphor that it uses is a body. A body. Just like parts of a body, every family, every family member is desired and needed to serve God." [24:28] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Sound teaching, prayer, and fellowship, the life together. Everybody say, life together. Are all essentials to healthy Christian living. Sound teaching on Sunday morning, from Sunday morning messages, also through classes like Foundations. That's why we offer them. Sound teaching. Prayer. Come on, a family that prays together, stays together. That's why we do Tuesday morning prayer. That life together. Connect groups. Provide the platform for getting to know other family members. Authentic sharing and caring with one another." [19:30] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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