WE’RE FAMILY HERE…

‘the assembly of the upright,’ in Psalm 111:1 – ‘the branch of God’s planting,’ in Isaiah 60:21 – ‘the flock of God,’ in Ezekiel 34:15 –

‘the fold of Christ,’ in John 10:16 – ‘the congregation of the Lord’s poor,’ in Psalm 74:19 – ‘the pillar and ground of truth,’ in 1 Timothy 3:15 – ‘the lot of God’s inheritance,’ in Deuteronomy 32:9

we’re referred to as ‘the family in heaven and earth.’ Ephesians 3:15

Yes, once we were not family, we were estranged, “…but now in Christ Jesus” Paul clarifies in Ephesians 2, “you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ…” (Ephesians 2:13)

“…we have never been…lonelier.” Why “social media— from Facebook to Twitter – have made us more densely networked…Yet for all this connectivity…we have never been [more detached].” Why “…in 1985…10 percent of Americans said they had no one…to discuss important matters [with]…[But] by 2004, 25 percent [said they] had nobody to talk to…” Steven Marche

Realize: Family ‘In Christ’ Is Not Dependent On Status Or ‘Blood Relation.’

“Here [in the church] there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.” (Colossians 3:11).

God in Christ “…has destroyed the… dividing wall of hostility…” (Ephesians 2:14) “Consequentially, [we] are no longer foreigners and aliens [South-enders or North-enders, Old Frederick or New Frederick] but…members of God’s household….with Christ Jesus himself, as the chief cornerstone…” (Ephesians 2:19-20)

Adopt Barrier-Breaking Behaviors

A life clothed “…with compassion… gentleness and patience. Bear with one another” – Paul goes on to say – “…and forgive whatever grievances you have against each other…” (Colossians 3:12-13).

And so at great sacrifice, at great risk, Jochebed went beyond her own desire -- her own needs -- and “…got a papyrus basket…and coated it with tar and pitch. [And] then placed [Moses, her own] child -- in [the basket] and put it among the reeds along the bank of the [River] Nile…” (Exodus 2:3) – and went away

Overflow With Devotion, Love And Compassion!

“…overall…put on love…” (Colossians 3:14)

“Greet Rufus” – Paul notes, “…and his mother, who has been a mother to me also.” (Romans 16:13).

“Greet one another with the holy kiss…” (Romans 16:16).

‘you are loved’ – ‘you are needed’ – ‘you are wanted’– ‘you are family here’!

For in Jesus “… [we] are no longer foreigners and aliens [South-enders or North-enders – Old Frederick or New Frederick] but…members of God’s household…” (Ephesians 2:19-20)

For in Jesus “…you who once were far away, have [now] been brought near…” (Ephesians 2:13)