Finding True Belonging in God's Family
Summary
### Summary
Today, we explored the profound need for belonging and how it shapes our spiritual journey. From the moment we are born, we crave connection and intimacy, yet the world often tells us we don't need to belong to anyone, not even to God. This isolation can lead to a dangerous path of cynicism, selfishness, and brokenness. However, God has a different plan for us. He places us in a family, His family, where we can find true belonging and purpose.
We delved into Ephesians 2:19-22, which speaks about being no longer strangers but fellow citizens with the saints and members of God's household. This passage emphasizes that our primary belonging is to God, and through Him, we can break down the walls that divide us—whether they are political, racial, or social. In Christ, we are united, and this unity is not just a future promise but a present reality.
Belonging to God means being built together into a dwelling place for His Spirit. This process involves growing in grace and knowledge, being equipped through the teachings of the apostles and prophets, and living out the truth of the Gospel. It's not just about individual growth but about being part of a community that shapes and supports us.
We also discussed the importance of going out and sharing this message of belonging with others. Whether it's through simple acts of kindness to our neighbors or more extensive outreach efforts, our mission is to reach the city to touch the world. This is not just a slogan but a mandate that calls us to action.
In conclusion, knowing who God really is, growing in Him, and going out to connect others to Him are the keys to true unity and belonging. As we celebrate 40 years of ministry, let's recommit to these principles and continue to build a community where everyone can find their place in God's family.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Need for Belonging: From birth, we have an intrinsic need to belong, to be seen, and to be loved. This need is not just emotional but spiritual. Belonging to God and His family fulfills this deep-seated need and prevents the isolation that leads to cynicism and brokenness. [51:24]
2. Breaking Down Walls: In Christ, the walls that divide us—whether political, racial, or social—are broken down. Our unity in Christ transcends these earthly distinctions, allowing us to experience the narrative of heaven on earth. This unity is a present reality, not just a future promise. [59:19]
3. Being Built Together: Belonging to God means being built together into a dwelling place for His Spirit. This involves growing in grace and knowledge, being equipped through the teachings of the apostles and prophets, and living out the truth of the Gospel. It's a continuous process of growth and community building. [01:03:19]
4. The Importance of Going: Our mission is to reach out and share the message of belonging with others. Whether through simple acts of kindness or more extensive outreach efforts, we are called to go and make disciples. This is not just a slogan but a mandate that requires action. [01:16:15]
5. Keys to Unity and Belonging: Knowing who God really is, growing in Him, and going out to connect others to Him are the keys to true unity and belonging. These principles help us maintain our spiritual family and fulfill our mission to reach the city and touch the world. [01:20:08]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[45:16] - Prayer for God's Presence
[46:23] - Worship and Praise
[48:49] - God's Goodness
[49:25] - Invitation to Bethel Midtown
[50:19] - The Importance of Belonging
[51:24] - The Need for Connection
[52:41] - The Danger of Isolation
[55:05] - The Search for Belonging
[55:52] - Belonging in God's Family
[56:59] - Ephesians 2:19-22
[58:30] - Belonging to Christ
[59:19] - Breaking Down Walls
[01:00:57] - Unity in Christ
[01:03:19] - Being Built Together
[01:16:15] - The Importance of Going
[01:20:08] - Keys to Unity and Belonging
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Ephesians 2:19-22 (ESV): "So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him, you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Ephesians 2:19-22, what are believers no longer considered to be? What are they now considered to be?
2. What is the foundation upon which believers are built, as mentioned in Ephesians 2:20?
3. In the sermon, what are some of the dangers mentioned that come from isolation and not belonging? ([52:41])
4. How does the sermon describe the process of being built together into a dwelling place for God's Spirit? ([01:03:19])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean to be "fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God" in the context of Ephesians 2:19-22?
2. How does the breaking down of walls (political, racial, social) in Christ, as mentioned in the sermon, reflect the unity described in Ephesians 2:19-22? ([59:19])
3. The sermon emphasizes the importance of going out and sharing the message of belonging. How does this align with the idea of being built together into a dwelling place for God's Spirit? ([01:16:15])
4. In what ways does knowing who God really is contribute to true unity and belonging, according to the sermon? ([01:20:08])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own need for belonging. How has your sense of belonging to God's family impacted your life? ([51:24])
2. Are there any walls (political, racial, social) in your life that need to be broken down to experience true unity in Christ? How can you start addressing these walls this week? ([59:19])
3. The sermon talks about being built together into a dwelling place for God's Spirit. What steps can you take to grow in grace and knowledge within your community? ([01:03:19])
4. Think of a simple act of kindness you can do for a neighbor this week to share the message of belonging. How will you approach this act? ([01:16:15])
5. Knowing who God really is, growing in Him, and going out to connect others to Him are keys to unity and belonging. Which of these areas do you feel you need to focus on more, and what specific actions can you take to improve in that area? ([01:20:08])
6. The sermon mentioned the importance of being equipped through the teachings of the apostles and prophets. What resources or practices can you incorporate into your life to better equip yourself in living out the truth of the Gospel? ([01:03:19])
7. How can you actively participate in building a community where everyone can find their place in God's family? What role do you see yourself playing in this mission? ([01:20:08])
Devotional
Day 1: The Deep-Seated Need for Belonging
From birth, we have an intrinsic need to belong, to be seen, and to be loved. This need is not just emotional but spiritual. Belonging to God and His family fulfills this deep-seated need and prevents the isolation that leads to cynicism and brokenness. In a world that often promotes self-sufficiency and independence, the message of belonging to a spiritual family is countercultural but essential. When we recognize that we are part of God's family, we find a sense of purpose and connection that the world cannot offer. This belonging is not just a comfort but a foundation for our spiritual growth and well-being. [51:24]
Ephesians 2:19-20 (ESV): "So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone."
Reflection: Think of a time when you felt isolated or disconnected. How did that experience affect you emotionally and spiritually? How can you seek to deepen your sense of belonging to God's family today?
Day 2: Breaking Down Walls of Division
In Christ, the walls that divide us—whether political, racial, or social—are broken down. Our unity in Christ transcends these earthly distinctions, allowing us to experience the narrative of heaven on earth. This unity is a present reality, not just a future promise. When we embrace this truth, we can begin to see others through the lens of Christ's love, breaking down barriers that have long divided us. This unity is not just theoretical but practical, calling us to live out our faith in ways that promote reconciliation and peace. [59:19]
Galatians 3:28 (ESV): "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus."
Reflection: Identify a barrier—whether political, racial, or social—that you have encountered in your life. How can you actively work to break down this wall and promote unity in Christ today?
Day 3: Being Built Together as God's Dwelling
Belonging to God means being built together into a dwelling place for His Spirit. This involves growing in grace and knowledge, being equipped through the teachings of the apostles and prophets, and living out the truth of the Gospel. It's a continuous process of growth and community building. As we grow individually, we also contribute to the growth of the community, creating a space where God's Spirit can dwell richly. This collective growth is essential for the health and vitality of the church, as each member plays a crucial role in building up the body of Christ. [01:03:19]
1 Peter 2:5 (ESV): "You yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ."
Reflection: Reflect on your personal spiritual growth. How are you contributing to the growth of your spiritual community? What steps can you take to be more actively involved in building up the body of Christ?
Day 4: The Mandate to Go and Share
Our mission is to reach out and share the message of belonging with others. Whether through simple acts of kindness or more extensive outreach efforts, we are called to go and make disciples. This is not just a slogan but a mandate that requires action. Sharing the message of Christ's love and the sense of belonging we have found in Him is a vital part of our faith journey. It calls us to step out of our comfort zones and engage with those who may feel isolated or disconnected, offering them the hope and community we have found in Christ. [01:16:15]
Matthew 28:19-20 (ESV): "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."
Reflection: Think of someone in your life who may feel isolated or disconnected. How can you reach out to them today and share the message of belonging and hope that you have found in Christ?
Day 5: Keys to True Unity and Belonging
Knowing who God really is, growing in Him, and going out to connect others to Him are the keys to true unity and belonging. These principles help us maintain our spiritual family and fulfill our mission to reach the city and touch the world. As we deepen our relationship with God, we are better equipped to foster unity and belonging within our community. This journey involves continuous learning, growth, and outreach, ensuring that we remain connected to God and each other. [01:20:08]
Colossians 2:6-7 (ESV): "Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving."
Reflection: Reflect on your current relationship with God. What steps can you take to grow deeper in your faith and help others find their place in God's family? How can you actively contribute to the unity and belonging of your spiritual community?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Life was not meant to be lived alone. But when you choose to stay alone, you become cynical. You become hardened. You become selfish. You become broken. That despairing of life, devaluing your own life makes it easy to devalue other people's lives. You can run into a building. You can try to kill someone. You can be reckless because you don't belong to God. You don't belong to others. You don't belong to anyone because you're alone." [55:05] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "If you don't go, they won't know. And if they don't know, they won't grow. You and I have got to go on the back of that T-shirt. Please come stand next to me, James. I'll show you the back of this T-shirt. On the back of that T-shirt, it has a mission statement. Reach the city to touch the world. That's not a cute slogan. That is a mantra. That is a mandate. That is our mission." [01:16:15] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "You know, the first thing that happened when Debbie and I came to this church? Even though we had been serving the Lord for a long time, we got the holy pat down. People didn't know us. They started talking to us like we never heard the gospel. Well, you know, Jesus, I wanted to start saying, because Pastor Shino was our foundationist class teacher. I want to say, man, I know that, man. Angry spirit. But guess what? There were things I didn't know. I had to humble myself and hear this gospel yet again." [01:08:42] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "You can figure this out in Christ. You can stand shoulder to shoulder with people who are different to you. And he had to say this to Ephesus. Ephesus, because Jews and Gentiles hated each other. How could you be in Christ and still identify with your worldly distinctions and then let your worldly distinctions trump your relationship with Christ?" [01:07:55] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "You need to know where you belong and where you fit in. But the world is telling us that you don't have to belong to anyone. You don't have to belong to God. You don't have to belong to other people. In fact, if you're tired enough of people, we have AI that can help you in school. AI that can be on the phone answering all your difficult questions. We can have AI that can write your paper for you. You don't even have to get your own groceries. You can call and they can be delivered to you." [51:24] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "You still got them? Still got them. See, what you need to understand is, you're not just a part of a program, you're a part of a family. Now, you can take advantage of it or you can dismiss it. But I pray that you take advantage of it. So give God one more hand, a cup of praise as we get to the word." [50:19] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Knowing him is the key to unity. Knowing who he really is. Is the key to unity. That's it. You can't really have it without him at all. The Bible says it goes on in the other verse. It says, it says we're being built. So once you know him, you have the opportunity to be built greater for him and into him. We're being built. This is on purpose. This is a growth term." [01:02:31] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The apostles doctrine is not the doctrine of the world. Which says do whatever you want, be whoever you want to be. And you define what is politically correct. And you can make other people conform to that level of correctness. That is not a doctrine from God. There is a truth that must be spoken. But it is not a truth that is spoken in anger. It is not a truth that is spoken in frustration. It's not a truth that is spoken in order to control the behaviors of people who have free will from God." [01:04:24] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "And then from there, somebody said, you guys need to be in a life group. And Pastor Tim Johnson, who you'll see in a few weeks, he put us in this life group. And then from there, he said, you know what? You need to lead a life group. And then start leading the life group. I started leading three life groups, four life groups, eight life groups. Then they said, you need to go on outreach. We started doing outreach to everybody in the community and not just the community, all of the high schools and the junior high schools." [01:12:51] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "And then you know what? After you get those biblical foundations reestablished, you got to get equipped. Equipped to do what? Know the Bible. The Bible says study to show yourself approved. A workman that does not need to be ashamed. Rightly divide in the word of truth. People, I'm just telling you, the percentage of people who think that there is no devil is like half people that know the Bible." [01:11:42] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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