FAMILY

We value community and family.

We are a family. We need a family.

Ephesians 2:13 (NKJV)

But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.

Ephesians 2:14

For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation.

Ephesians 2:19

Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God.

Ephesians 2:20-22

Having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the Chief Cornerstone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.

Ephesians 2:19b (NLT)

You are members of God’s family.

Every born-again believer is a member of the Family of God.

We declare that we are more than conquerors through Him who loves us.

We declare that we are overcomers by the blood of the Lamb and the Word of our testimony.

We declare that greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world.

We declare that Jesus is our peace, and we are one body in Him.

We declare that He has broken down every wall and barrier that the enemy would try to build between us.

We declare that we will walk in love, acceptance, and forgiveness toward one another.

We declare that we will not hold on to offense, but we will release every offense and choose to bless and not to curse for the glory of God.

We declare that we are a temple of the Holy Spirit and by God’s grace, a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.

1. Welcome One Another

Romans 15:7 (ESV)

Therefore, welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.

Romans 12:13 reminds us that we are to be given to hospitality.

1 Peter 4:9a (NKJV)

Be hospitable to one another.

“Hospitality” in Greek – love the stranger, love the newcomer

Ephesians 2:19 (AMPC)

Therefore you are no longer outsiders…but now you share citizenship with the saints, and you belong to God’s [own] household.

Ephesians 1:6 says that you are accepted in the Beloved.

You belong here!

2. Honor One Another

Romans 12:10 (NKJV)

Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another.

1 Peter 2:17a

Honor all people.

Honor – treat as valuable; weighty; very important

We honor people by taking the time to listen to them.

We honor people by the words we speak to them.

We honor people by the way we speak about them.

We honor people by the way we treat them.

3. Forgive One Another

Ephesians 4:30

And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

Ephesians 4:31

Let all bitterness, wrath, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice.

Ephesians 4:32

And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.

To forgive is to cancel the debt.

To forgive is to release the offense and the person to God.

To forgive is to release the anger, the bitterness, and the resentment.

Discussion Questions:

1. What kind of memories does the word, “family” bring to your mind?

2. The Bible tells us the Church is the family of God. How has the Body of Christ been like a family to you?

3. What could we do at Joy that would make us more like family?

4. Are there members of your family or church family that you need to forgive? Would you be willing?

5. Who is one person the Holy Spirit is asking you to get to know better in the family of God?