Growing Together: Embracing Our Church Family Vision

Devotional

Day 1: The Church as the Light of the World

The church is called to be the light of the world, shining hope, faith, and love into the darkness and actively advancing against the gates of hell, not retreating or remaining passive. This means that as a community, we are not just a gathering of individuals, but a people on a mission—empowered by Christ to bring His presence and truth into every corner of our city and beyond. When we embrace this calling, we become a beacon of hope, courageously sharing Christ’s story of love and making disciples, trusting in Jesus’ promise that nothing can overcome His church. [04:25]

Matthew 5:14 (ESV):
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.”

Reflection:
Where in your daily life do you see darkness or hopelessness, and how can you intentionally bring Christ’s light into that place this week?

Day 2: Embracing Our Identity as God’s Family

God has lavished His love on us, calling us His children and inviting us to see one another as true brothers and sisters in Christ. This identity is not just a theological idea but a lived reality, shaping how we relate to each other—with warmth, belonging, and genuine care. When we pray “Our Father,” we remember that we are part of a family that extends beyond our biological ties, united by the love of God and called to welcome others into this family with open arms. [05:43]

1 John 3:1 (ESV):
“See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are.”

Reflection:
Who in your church community do you need to see and treat more intentionally as a brother or sister in Christ this week?

Day 3: Growing in Grace and Knowing Jesus

We are invited to continually grow in the grace of God and in our knowledge of Jesus, not just in times of ease but especially through trials and suffering. Growth in grace happens as we receive God’s gifts—His Word, baptism, and communion—and as we seek to know Jesus more deeply, even sharing in His sufferings. In every season, God is at work shaping us to be more like Christ, drawing us closer to His heart and empowering us to live out our faith with authenticity and resilience. [07:55]

2 Peter 3:18 (ESV):
“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.”

Reflection:
What is one practical way you can intentionally grow in your relationship with Jesus this week, especially in an area where you feel challenged or stretched?

Day 4: The Power of Togetherness and Deep Relationships

God designed us to grow together, not in isolation, and calls us to meaningful relationships where we truly know and are known by others. The church is a people, not a building, and togetherness means sharing life, supporting one another, and encouraging each other in faith. Through intentional practices like sharing highs and lows, reading Scripture, praying, and blessing one another, our relationships deepen and our community becomes a place of genuine connection and spiritual growth. [10:34]

Ecclesiastes 4:9 (ESV):
“Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil.”

Reflection:
Who is one person in your church family you can reach out to this week for a deeper conversation or to pray together, moving beyond surface-level connection?

Day 5: Forgiving, Bearing Burdens, and Serving One Another

Growing in our relationships with one another means practicing forgiveness, bearing each other’s burdens, and serving sacrificially, just as Christ has done for us. These actions are not always easy, but they are essential for building a healthy, Christ-centered community where love is lived out in practical ways. As we forgive, support, and serve each other, we reflect the heart of Jesus and create space for healing, unity, and transformation within our church family. [14:46]

Ephesians 4:32 (ESV):
“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”

Reflection:
Is there someone in your church family you need to forgive, support, or serve in a tangible way this week? What step can you take today to move toward that?

Sermon Summary

When considering the next five years, it’s easy to focus on personal milestones—graduations, new homes, retirement, or children growing up. But what if we asked God where He wants us to be in five years, both as individuals and as a church community? At Trinity, after much prayer and discernment, a vision emerged: to be a church family who grows together in our relationships with Christ and one another. This vision isn’t just a slogan; it’s an invitation to slow down, invite God into our dreams, and ask what it truly means to be a church family.

The church is not just a building or a Sunday gathering; it is the people of God, called to be the light of the world, to pierce the darkness with faith, hope, and love. Jesus promised that the gates of hell would not overcome His church, and that means we are called to be on the offensive—actively sharing Christ’s story of love and making disciples. But being a church family goes deeper than just being together in the same space. It means recognizing that we are brothers and sisters, children of God, loved lavishly by the Father. This identity shapes how we relate to one another, not just as acquaintances, but as true family.

Growth is central to this vision—not just individual growth, but growth together. God calls us to grow in grace, through the means He’s given us: baptism, communion, and His Word. Growth happens in community, not isolation. The early church modeled this by devoting themselves to Scripture, prayer, breaking bread, and fellowship. Relationships are at the heart of this: truly knowing and being known, sharing highs and lows, praying for and blessing one another. Tools like Faith 5 can help us deepen these connections, moving beyond surface-level interactions to meaningful spiritual conversations.

Ultimately, our focus is on growing in our relationship with Christ—knowing the power of His resurrection, but also sharing in His sufferings. Trials and hardships are inevitable, but they are opportunities to draw closer to Jesus and to one another. Forgiveness, bearing each other’s burdens, and serving one another are practical ways we live out this vision. The challenge is to ask God which part of this vision He is igniting in our hearts, and to trust that He is already at work, doing what only He can do. May we depend on Him, and may He make us into the church family He desires us to be.

Key Takeaways

1. Vision Rooted in God’s Leading: True vision for our lives and our church is not just about our own plans, but about seeking God’s direction. When we slow down and invite God into our dreams, He shapes our desires and gives us a purpose that is bigger than ourselves. This requires prayerful discernment and a willingness to be led where He wants us to go, not just where we want to go. [01:18]
2. Church as Family, Not Just a Gathering: Being part of a church means more than attending services; it means embracing our identity as brothers and sisters, children of God, loved by the Father. This identity calls us to deeper relationships, where we know and are known, and where we extend the love we have received to others. The church family is a place of belonging, even in our imperfections. [05:26]
3. Growth Happens Together, Not Alone: Spiritual growth is not a solo journey. God designed us to grow in grace and knowledge of Jesus within the context of community. The early church’s devotion to Scripture, prayer, and fellowship is a model for us—reminding us that togetherness is essential for deep, lasting transformation. [08:21]
4. Intentional Relationships Deepen Faith: Meaningful relationships require intentionality—sharing our joys and struggles, praying for one another, and speaking blessings over each other. Tools like Faith 5 help us move beyond surface-level connections to genuine spiritual intimacy, where we can encourage and challenge each other in our walk with Christ. [10:12]
5. Christ-Centered Growth Through Trials: Knowing Christ means experiencing both the power of His resurrection and the reality of His sufferings. Trials are not just obstacles, but opportunities to grow closer to Jesus and to each other. In these moments, forgiveness, bearing burdens, and serving one another become tangible expressions of our faith and our dependence on God’s grace. [12:29]
** [12:29]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:09] - The Five-Year Question
[00:52] - Trinity’s History and Vision Retreat
[01:41] - Vision Statement: Growing Together
[03:14] - The Reality of Church Family
[03:50] - The Church: Light of the World
[05:12] - What Does Family Mean?
[06:06] - Brothers and Sisters in Christ
[07:16] - Growing in Grace
[08:21] - The Power of Togetherness
[09:04] - Building Deep Relationships
[10:12] - Faith 5: A Tool for Connection
[12:03] - Growing in Relationship with Christ
[13:37] - Growing with One Another
[14:57] - Personal Reflection and Next Steps
[16:25] - Depending on God’s Work

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Matthew 5:14 (ESV) — > “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.”

2. 1 John 3:1 (ESV)
> “See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are.”

3. Acts 2:42 (ESV)
> “And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.”

Observation Questions

According to Matthew 5:14, what does Jesus call His followers, and what does that imply about their role in the world?
In 1 John 3:1, what is the significance of being called “children of God”?
What four practices did the early church devote themselves to in Acts 2:42?
The sermon described the church as “not just a building or a Sunday gathering; it is the people of God, called to be the light of the world, to pierce the darkness with faith, hope, and love.” What does this mean in practical terms? [[03:50]]

Interpretation Questions

The sermon says, “True vision for our lives and our church is not just about our own plans, but about seeking God’s direction.” Why is it important to invite God into our dreams and plans, both personally and as a church? [[01:18]]
What does it mean to relate to each other as “brothers and sisters, children of God, loved lavishly by the Father,” rather than just as acquaintances? [[05:26]]
The early church “devoted themselves to Scripture, prayer, breaking bread, and fellowship.” Why do you think these practices were so central to their growth together? [[08:48]]
The sermon mentions that “growth happens in community, not isolation.” Why do you think spiritual growth is so closely tied to being in relationship with others? [[08:21]]

Application Questions

When you think about the next five years, do you tend to focus more on personal goals or on where God might be leading you? What would it look like to slow down and ask God about His vision for your life and for our church? [[01:18]]
The sermon challenges us to see church as a family, not just a place we go. Do you feel like you belong to a church family here? If not, what is one step you could take to build deeper relationships? [[05:26]]
The early church was devoted to being together and sharing life. What is one way you could be more intentional about connecting with others at Trinity—maybe through a small group, serving, or simply reaching out to someone new? [[08:21]]
The Faith 5 tool encourages us to share highs and lows, read Scripture, talk, pray, and bless each other. Which of these steps feels most natural to you, and which one feels most challenging? How could you try one of these with someone this week? [[10:12]]
The sermon says, “Trials and hardships are inevitable, but they are opportunities to draw closer to Jesus and to one another.” Can you think of a recent challenge where you experienced God’s presence or the support of others? How did that impact your faith? [[12:29]]
Forgiveness, bearing each other’s burdens, and serving one another are practical ways to live out being a church family. Is there someone you need to forgive, help, or serve this week? What is one specific action you can take? [[14:03]]
The pastor encouraged us to ask God which part of this vision He is igniting in our hearts. As you reflect on the words “church,” “family,” “growing,” “relationships,” “together,” and “Christ,” which one stands out to you? Why, and what might God be inviting you to do about it? [[15:10]]

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