Created to Be Part of God's Family | 42 Days of Purpose…Together Part 3
Hey there, City Church Greenfield fam! This past Sunday, we had the privilege of hearing an incredible message from our Connect & Student Pastor, Josiah Bradbury. He took us deeper into our 42 Days of Purpose…Together series by exploring what it truly means to be part of God’s family. Whether you’re new around here or have been with us for a while, this message is all about understanding how we fit into God’s big, loving household. So, grab a cup of coffee, get comfy, and let’s dive into the highlights!
What’s the Big Deal About Being Part of God’s Family?
We’re All in This Together
Pastor Josiah kicked things off by reminding us that we are all created to be part of God’s family. Think of it like this: God doesn’t do solo acts—He’s all about community. Ephesians 2:19 says, "You are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God's people and also members of his household." Translation? You’re not an outsider anymore; you’re in the family, no matter where you come from.
Fellowship: More Than Just Hanging Out
Fellowship is a fancy word for doing life together. It’s not just about seeing each other on Sundays; it’s about really getting involved in each other’s lives. Pastor Josiah shared how John Wesley started life groups that did everything from visiting prisons to serving the poor. Here at City Church, we have connect groups that do the same thing—building deeper relationships as we walk this journey together.
Loving God’s Family—Even When It’s Hard
Let’s be real: loving people can be tough, especially when those people are close to us. But here’s the kicker—loving one another is what we’re called to do. It’s our primary ministry. Peter and Paul, two guys who didn’t always have it together, were loved by God and used in mighty ways. The same goes for us. So, when loving someone in the church gets tricky, remember, you’re doing God’s work!
Building Strong Relationships: Trust Is Key
Trust is the foundation of any strong relationship, especially in God’s family. Pastor Josiah shared some personal stories about how choosing to trust others—assuming the best instead of jumping to conclusions—can transform relationships. It’s about building bridges, not walls, and creating meaningful connections within our church community.
Putting It Into Practice
Alright, let’s take what we’ve learned and apply it to our lives this week. Here are some fun and practical steps:
Commit to Fellowship: Get involved! Whether it’s joining a connect group or just showing up to more church events, find ways to spend time with your church family. Got any plans this week? Maybe it’s time to add some fellowship to your schedule.
Love One Another: Even when it’s tough, love the people around you. Is there someone in our church who needs a little extra love and support this week? Reach out and make their day.
Build Trust: Let’s start trusting each other more. If there’s tension in a relationship, maybe it’s time to let go and choose to trust instead. Where can you replace tension with trust in your life?
Let’s Reflect
Before you go, here are a few questions to mull over:
How can you help build a stronger sense of community in our church?
What can you do to deepen your relationships with others in the church?
Who in your church family could use a little extra love this week, and how can you show it?
By focusing on these things, we can grow closer as a church family and better reflect Christ’s love. Let’s make this week about living out these truths together.
Thanks for hanging out with me for this quick recap! I hope you’re feeling inspired to take some of these ideas and run with them in your daily life. Let’s stay connected, keep growing, and continue to spread Christ’s love all around. See you next week!
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