"Assembled" sermon series: Exploring the biblical images of the Church. What does Church as Family look like?

Scripture References: Mark 3:31-35; Matthew 10:37; Acts 2:41-47

Intro: Welcome! Today starts a 10-week sermon series exploring biblical metaphors for the Church (Body, Flock, Building, Bride, etc.). We begin with the most dominant metaphor: Family. After a year where our view of church broadened (YouTube, Zoom, backyards), we want to ensure it doesn't lessen in depth. Statistics show church participation declined significantly during COVID. If teaching is accessible anywhere, why the local church? Why gather? Because God didn't just give us Himself; He gave us a family. Understanding the church as family is essential.

Key Points:

1. Church as Family Reveals its PRIORITY:
   • Jesus' Example (Mark 3): When His mother and brothers came, Jesus declared those doing God's will were His true family. This wasn't dismissing biological ties but elevating spiritual ones.
   • Ultimate Allegiance (Matt 10:37): Love for Jesus must surpass love for biological family. "The Spirit is thicker than blood." Caution against making "family is everything" an idol that hinders devotion to Christ's larger family.
   • Application: Prioritize the family of faith like your nuclear family. Let it show up intentionally on your calendar and budget. Your presence matters for the health of the family.
2. Church as Family Reveals it's about BELONGING, Not Attending:
   • Early Church Example (Acts 2): After Pentecost, 3,000 believers were added (not just attended). They devoted themselves to teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, prayer, shared possessions, and met daily. They didn't just "go home"; they stayed and shared life deeply.
   • Modern Application: We are added to a family, not just attending an event. This requires active participation from everyone to create a place of true belonging. Use your resources (time, relationships, home, finances) to draw others in.
   • Radical Hospitality: Be prepared for God to call you not just to share faith, but potentially your home and daily life to disciple new believers – truly living as family.

Conclusion: Understanding the church as family transforms our perspective. It's not just a weekly meeting but our primary spiritual community, demanding priority and deep, shared-life belonging. While earthly families can be messy (more next week!), God calls us into His family.

Call to Action:

1. Surrender: Daily yield everything to Jesus, especially if your nuclear family or possessions have become idols or fearful strongholds. Open your hands.
2. Be Added (Baptism): You're born into God's family. If you haven't been baptized as a sign of being born again and joining the family, consider taking that step in obedience (sign-ups available for Easter). Talk to us!
3. Pray: Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any misplaced priorities, adopt you fully, meet your longing to belong, and empower us to live as His family.

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