Unity in Christ: Embracing Our Family of Faith

Devotional

Day 1: We Belong to God's Family Through Faith

Through Jesus Christ, we are no longer strangers or outsiders but are welcomed as members of God's household, united not by bloodline or background but by faith. This new family transcends divisions of race, politics, and past mistakes, offering a place of belonging and purpose for all who believe. In this spiritual family, each person is valued, and together we are being built into a dwelling place for God’s Spirit. No matter your past or where you come from, you are invited to be part of this family by faith in Christ, and in this family, you are never alone. [01:04:36]

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."

Reflection: What is one way you can intentionally welcome someone who feels like an outsider into your church family this week?

Day 2: Adopted and Born Again—Our New Identity in Christ

Becoming part of God’s family is not something inherited by birth or tradition, but a gift received through being born again and adopted by God’s grace. Whether you come from a Christian background or not, it is by receiving Jesus and believing in His name that you are given the right to become a child of God. This new identity is a privilege, making you a son or daughter of the King, and it is rooted in God’s love and initiative, not your own efforts. God sees value in you and calls you His own, inviting you to live in the fullness of this relationship every day. [01:09:00]

John 1:12-13 (ESV)
"But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God."

Reflection: How does knowing you are adopted and chosen by God change the way you see yourself and others today?

Day 3: United by Shared Belief and Love

The church is a family united by a shared belief in Jesus Christ and His teachings, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Himself as the cornerstone. This unity is not about uniformity in every opinion, but about holding fast to the essentials: the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Our love for one another, even in the midst of differences, is the mark of true discipleship. When we lift up Jesus above all else, our community becomes a place where God’s presence dwells and where love overcomes division. [01:14:26]

Ephesians 4:4-6 (ESV)
"There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all."

Reflection: Who in your church or community do you disagree with, and how can you show them Christlike love this week despite your differences?

Day 4: Every Member Has a Purpose in the Body

Just as a body is made up of many different parts, each with its own function, so too is the church made up of many members, each uniquely gifted and essential. No one is insignificant; every person brings something valuable to the family of God. When each member discovers and uses their gifts, the whole body is strengthened, and God’s work is accomplished. Ask God to show you your role in His family and step forward to serve, knowing that your contribution matters deeply. [01:24:00]

Romans 12:4-5 (ESV)
"For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another."

Reflection: What is one gift or talent you have that you can use to serve your church family this week?

Day 5: Life Is Better Together—Mutual Care and Support

God designed us for community, not isolation. In the family of faith, we are called to care for one another, support each other in times of need, and celebrate together in times of joy. When we reach out, check in on those who are missing, and offer practical help, we strengthen the bonds of love and make the church a true reflection of God’s heart. Even small acts of kindness and presence can make a profound difference, reminding each person that they are seen, valued, and never alone. [01:50:13]

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (ESV)
"Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken."

Reflection: Who is someone in your church family you haven’t seen or heard from lately? Can you reach out to them today with a call, message, or visit?

Sermon Summary

Today, we gathered to reflect on the profound truth that God is the great I Am, the One who calls us into a holy family, not by blood, but by faith. In a world and nation marked by division, animosity, and confusion, we are reminded that our primary allegiance is not to political parties or ideologies, but to Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace. We are called to be a people who stand in the gap for our nation, praying for unity, peace, and a return to the foundational commandment: to love God with all our heart, soul, and strength, and to love our neighbor as ourselves.

We explored the biblical and even scientific reality that all humanity shares a common ancestry, making us, in a very real sense, one family. Yet, despite this, division and hatred persist. The church, however, is called to be different—a new family, defined not by conflict or politics, but by faith in Jesus Christ. Through Him, we are no longer strangers or outsiders, but fellow citizens and members of God’s household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Himself as the cornerstone.

This family is not something we are born into by natural means, nor is it inherited through tradition. Rather, we enter by being born again—by faith and by adoption into God’s royal household. Each of us is invited to become a son or daughter of God, not by our own merit, but by grace. This is a privilege and a calling, one that comes with both identity and responsibility.

As members of this family, we are united by shared beliefs and a common commitment to Jesus. Our love for Him is demonstrated in our love for one another, in our willingness to serve, forgive, and support each other. The church is likened to a body, where every member has a unique and vital role, and to a building, where each stone is fitted together to create a dwelling place for God’s Spirit. Our strength and witness come from our unity, mutual care, and active participation in the life of the community.

We are challenged to look beyond our differences, to reject the narratives of division, and to embrace our calling as a family of faith. Life is truly better together, and as we work, serve, and love as one, we reflect the heart of God to the world around us.

Key Takeaways

1. Our True Identity Is Found in God’s Family, Not in Politics or Division In a world that constantly tries to define us by our political affiliations, backgrounds, or opinions, God calls us to a higher identity—as members of His household. Our unity is rooted in Christ, not in agreement on every issue, and our allegiance to Him transcends all other loyalties. This means we must actively resist the pull of division and instead pursue the unity that only the Spirit can bring. [50:17]
2. The Church Is a Family Formed by Faith and Adoption, Not by Birth or Tradition Entry into God’s family is not automatic by virtue of birth or religious heritage. Jesus teaches that we must be born again—born of the Spirit—and Paul reminds us that we are adopted as sons and daughters through faith. This adoption is a gift of grace, and it means that every believer, regardless of background, is equally valued and welcomed in God’s royal household. [64:36]
3. Shared Beliefs and the Foundation of Christ Unite Us as One Body The church is built on the unshakeable foundation of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. While we may have differences in non-essential matters, our unity is anchored in the essentials of the faith. This shared foundation enables us to weather disagreements and remain steadfast, knowing that what binds us is far greater than what could divide us. [74:26]
4. Every Member Has a Unique Role and Responsibility in the Body of Christ Just as every part of the body has a function, so too does every believer have a purpose within the church. Our gifts, talents, and presence are needed for the health and growth of the community. True belonging is found not just in attendance, but in active participation, service, and mutual care—each of us is both needed and called to contribute. [87:00]
5. Mutual Care, Support, and Practical Love Are the Hallmarks of God’s Family The strength of the church is seen in how we care for one another, especially in times of need or loneliness. Simple acts of presence, encouragement, and service build up the body and reflect the love of Christ. As we reach out, support, and include others, we embody the reality that life is better together and that God’s family is a place of belonging for all. [98:00]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[02:10] - Contemplating the Great I Am
[05:30] - Praying for Our Nation’s Unity
[12:00] - Life Is Better Together: The Family of Faith
[18:45] - Created for Community, Not Isolation
[25:30] - The Limits of Pets and the Need for Human Connection
[31:00] - Our Shared Ancestry and the Roots of Division
[38:00] - The Church: God’s New Family
[44:30] - Entering God’s Family: Born Again and Adopted
[51:00] - The Privilege and Responsibility of Sonship
[58:00] - The True Meaning of “Church” and Ecclesia
[64:36] - United by Shared Beliefs and the Foundation of Christ
[74:26] - The Essentials of Christian Doctrine
[87:00] - The Body Analogy: Every Member Matters
[98:00] - Practical Steps for Mutual Care and Community
[105:00] - Closing Prayer and Call to Action
[110:13] - Dismissal and Fellowship

Bible Study 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

According to Ephesians 2:19-22, what are believers called now, and what are they built upon?
In the sermon, what are the two ways described for entering God’s family, and how are they explained? [01:04:36]
What does the pastor say is the foundation of the church, and why is it so important? [01:14:26]
How does the sermon describe the church as both a body and a building? What does each image teach us? [01:27:00]

Interpretation Questions

The sermon says our true identity is found in God’s family, not in politics or division. What does it mean for our allegiance to be to Jesus above all else? [50:17]
The pastor talks about being “born again” and “adopted” into God’s family. Why do you think both images are used, and what do they teach us about belonging? [01:04:36]
The church is described as a body where every member has a unique role. What might happen if some members don’t participate or use their gifts? [01:27:00]
The sermon says that mutual care and practical love are the hallmarks of God’s family. Why is this kind of love so important for the church’s witness to the world? [01:38:00]

Application Questions

The pastor challenged us to resist the pull of division and focus on unity in Christ. Are there any areas in your life where you feel pulled toward division—maybe in politics, family, or even church? What would it look like to put your allegiance to Jesus first in those situations? [50:17]
Entry into God’s family is not automatic by birth or tradition, but by faith and adoption. If you grew up in a Christian home, how do you personally relate to the idea of being “born again” or “adopted” into God’s family? Have you made that decision for yourself? [01:04:36]
The sermon says every member has a unique role and responsibility. What gifts, talents, or passions do you have that could be used to serve the church family? Is there a specific way you feel called to get more involved? [01:27:00]
The pastor encouraged us to look out for those who might be lonely or missing from the community. Is there someone in our church or small group you haven’t seen in a while? What is one practical step you can take this week to reach out and show care? [01:38:00]
The church is built on the foundation of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. How does remembering this foundation help you deal with disagreements or differences with other believers? [01:14:26]
The sermon ended with a challenge to greet someone you don’t know well and offer help. Is there someone in our group or church you’d like to get to know better? What’s one way you can take a step toward building that relationship this week? [01:50:13]
The pastor said, “Life is truly better together.” When have you experienced the blessing of being part of God’s family? How can you help make our church a place where others feel that same sense of belonging? [01:38:00]

Sermon Clips

So essentially what they're saying is that we all come from the same family tree. So if we all come from the same family tree and we're all related, then where does all the racism and hate come from? Where does that come from? If we all have essentially the same genetic heritage. [00:59:39] (20 seconds) #OneFamilyOneRace

But there's good news. And the good news is that there is the church. God didn't leave us in our brokenness that was created by Adam. He decided to do something differently. And we see that through Jesus Christ, God is building a new family. He's building a new community. And that is the community of faith. And this family is not defined by conflict. This family is defined by faith. [01:02:58] (22 seconds) #NewFamilyInChrist

Who we are as the church and as the people of God is defined by our faith. Not by our politics. Not by how we look. Not by the direction the nation is going. But by our faith in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. This is a family that's built on life. Eternal life in Christ Jesus. That is what he has come to give. [01:03:24] (20 seconds) #FaithDefinesUs

So when we think of ourselves as a church, we need to understand that we are being built up into a place where God can come in and dwell. You know, in an individualistic sense, Paul says, you are the temple of God and the Spirit of God dwells within you. But here he's talking about the larger community of the church now. And he's saying that the church, this family that God is creating, it's a different kind of family where God can dwell. [01:05:56] (26 seconds) #GodDwellsInUs

We belong to God's family. I like the idea that I'm a part of the family of God. And we are a part of God's family through faith. In other words, that's how we come into this family. We're not born into this family in the way that we are born biologically, but we are born into this family through faith in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. [01:08:05] (21 seconds) #FamilyThroughFaith

But through adoption, we have this joining of the family through invitation. God calls us and invites us to come to be a part of his family. He wants us to be a part of his family. So, it's not by bloodline, essentially, but it's through grace. God says, I want you to come. [01:09:46] (16 seconds) #AdoptedByGrace

How you become a Christian is by being born again, a second time. And you might be saying, well, what are you talking about? I don't understand. Well, Nicodemus had the same issue. He said, how can a man be born again? And do I have to go back into my mother's womb and be born again? And Jesus said, you don't, I mean, you're a wise man, you're a Pharisee, and you don't know these things. And he says, you have to be born of the Spirit of God. Amen. You have to be born of the Spirit of God. And that comes through Jesus Christ. [01:11:38] (29 seconds) #BornOfTheSpirit

``So when we talk about being born again into the household of God, it means that we have recognized that we are beggars. It recognized that we have lost our way. We have recognized that we have gone outside, and we want to come back. And here's the thing, the beautiful thing about it is that our father is always waiting. He's always waiting to embrace us and say, come home, my son. You may think that you're just a servant, but no, you're a son. I'm going to put rings on your finger, I'm going to put a robe on you, and welcome you to be back home. [01:12:56] (29 seconds) #WelcomedHomeByGod

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