The family of God
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Searching the Scriptures
David A. Bass, Rockford Church of Christ
Words like mother, father and family are very special words that should convey beautiful thoughts and memories. Ideally, families stand together, love one another, protect one another, and help one another.
This is God’s plan for the family. Sadly, Satan has destroyed the family unit, and many people have no true concept of what family is.
One of the many beautiful designations of the church is the family of God. Paul wrote in I Timothy 3:15, “But if I should delay, …that you may know how you ought to behave in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.”
“House” suggests family. When we obey the gospel and are baptized into Christ we become children of God. We read in I John 3:1, “Behold what manner of love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God. Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him.”
We are His children, and He is our Father. How wonderful to be able to call upon God, our heavenly Father, in prayer.
In prayer we ask our Father for strength, wisdom, help in time of temptation, sickness, sadness, sorrow, or even in death. Through Jesus we can confidently (boldly) approach His throne (I John 5:14).
As children of God we also have the love and support of our brothers and sisters in Chris, our Christian family! We laugh and rejoice with one another, and we cry with one another (Romans 12:15). We look to one another for strength and encouragement when we are discouraged. We can talk with a brother or sister about sin that we are struggling with (James 5:16) and pray for one another.
We can study together and help one another as parents. Christians can serve as a mentor for our children. Our Christian brothers and sisters should be our best friends and confidants.
Assembling together consistently for Bible study and worship are times for encouraging one another. The Hebrew writer says, “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is, but exhorting one another: and so much the more as ye see the day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:25).
When I am away from my family at Rockford I cannot encourage my brethren, nor can I be encouraged by my brethren. I can attend other congregations, but I cannot fulfill my duty to my brothers and sisters in Christ at Rockford.
Let’s always take time to listen to one another and to help bear one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2). May we never neglect a member of our family who is weak or discouraged.
I love my family at Rockford! I am thankful to God for each of you. May we grow in our love for one another, and may we help each other as we journey toward our heavenly home!
Send your questions or comments to: Dabass1962@bellsouth.net. Visit with us at the Rockford Church of Christ Sunday morning at 9:00 for Bible study and 10:00 for worship. We are located on Highway 231 near Dollar General.
