"Assembled" sermon series: Exploring the biblical images of the Church. What does Church as Family look like?
Scripture References: 1 Timothy 3:4-5, 15; 1 Timothy 5:1-2; Galatians 6:10; Hebrews 10:24-25
Intro: Welcome back to our sermon series on metaphors for the Church. We continue exploring "Church as Family," building on last week (family implies priority and belonging). We honored Neva Wright for her years leading our kids' ministry – a beautiful picture of family service. As we rebuild that ministry and re-gather after a year of mandated distance, understanding our identity as God's family is crucial. Paul, though single, planted spiritual families, emphasizing this in letters like 1 Timothy: we're God's household, treating each other as mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters. This quality of relationship is our witness (Gal 6:10).
Key Points:
- Church as Family is MULTI-GENERATIONAL:
- There's unique beauty and wisdom when all ages connect (e.g., baptisms spanning ages 10 to 71).
- Every generation is needed, like pieces of a puzzle, to complete God's picture for us. Kids, you are essential!
- Diversity (age, ethnicity, background) united in Christ brings Him glory.
- Church as Family is FORMATIONAL:
- Biological families deeply shape us (habits, conflict styles, etc.).
- Discipleship often means unlearning unhealthy family-of-origin patterns and adopting God's family ways regarding relationships, grief, money, conflict, etc.
- Our church family also forms us. The goal is for Christ to be formed in us through this community.
- Church as Family is MESSY & COSTLY:
- Reality check: Families (biological and spiritual) bring great joy AND deep pain. Dysfunction is common wherever humans gather.
- Don't expect perfection. The early church faced messiness (NT letters address issues; Hebrews 10 warns against quitting meeting together).
- Even inspiring churches/leaders can cause deep wounds (Bill Hybels example). Acknowledging this helps us persevere instead of bailing when things get hard.
Conclusion: The Church, as God's family, is meant to be multi-generational and deeply formational. But like all families, it will inevitably be messy and costly. Expecting this reality helps us navigate the difficulties without giving up. Our hope isn't in a perfect church, but in a perfect Christ.
Call to Action: Where do we find strength to stay engaged despite the messiness and hurt? At the family meal: Communion.
- It reminds us of our need for grace when tempted to focus on others' sins.
- It points to Jesus' endurance through suffering, giving us strength to persevere.
- It assures us we are wanted and accepted by the Father, who paid the price for our place at His table, regardless of how Christians treat us.
- It reminds us we are family because of His sacrifice, not our perfection.
- Jesus isn't giving up on His Bride, the Church. Focusing on Him at the table gives us strength to "go again," risk vulnerability, and love others from the love we've received. Take the elements, remembering His love sustains His family.
*Summaries and transcripts are generated using AI.
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