The family is the oldest institution on earth. Perhaps no other word stirs up such pleasant thoughts as does “family” and “home”. But there is something even greater! I’m speaking of the family of God. There is absolutely nothing we could be a part of that’s more important. Since that is such a bold statement it raises questions that deserve to be answered.
I. WHAT MAKES GOD’S FAMILY POSSIBLE?
Answer– a supernatural formation. The family of God is unlike anything man ever made. It is a special creation wherein God takes the vilest of sinners out of all nations, forgives them, accepts them, and makes them His own. It is entered by the new birth which unites us together with God and one another. We become the children of God, heirs of God, and joint heirs of Christ.
II. WHAT MAKES GOD’S FAMILY PRECIOUS?
Answer– a sweet fellowship. Believers share a spiritual bond that is even stronger than blood. Paul describes this with the word “fellowship”, which means to have in common, share, or partnership. In his letter to the Philippians he speaks of the fellowship of —
–their service, 1:5
–the Spirit, 2:1
— their suffering, 3:10
III. WHAT MAKES GOD’S FAMILY PERMANENT?
Answer– a sure future. While earthly families come and go, God’s family is forever. There is an entrance but no exit. God’s children will be eternally supplied, perfectly satisfied, and perpetually serving their Father (Rev. 22:3). Although separated by death for a short time, God’s children never meet for the last time. They live each day with the prospect that they will be reunited. What a day that will be!
