Why Do We Need A Church Family?

Watch the sermon online.

Why Do We Need A Church Family?                          11-14-21

Bottom Line: One of Satan’s greatest successes was separating church and family!

Introduction:

 A. I wish “I Love My Church” said “Church Family”! Why?

   1. Church and church family are two separate things!

   2. That wasn’t God’s intent, but it is what happened.

 B. The question “Why do we need a church family?” may be difficult to answer depending on what is really being asked.

   1. Purpose/Why? = I don’t need to go to church!

   2. Process/How? = Sorry or I need a church family!

   3. Position/What? = Institutional church or family?

 C. Why is there a separation between church and family?

   1. Analogy of Foyer, Living Room, and Kitchen (intimacy)

   2. Connect, Care, and Commit (loving relationships)

   3. Tradition & institutionalizing changed the assembly from the kitchen to the living room. Relationships optional!

 D. What is the difference in how we approach church?

   1. Church member, Church goer, Church family

   2. Many never get past the first two!

 E. What does the New Testament teach us about church?

   1. 1 Tim.3:14-15

   2. Hebrews 2:11 “Both the one who makes men holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers.”

   3. Greek word for “brotherhood” means family of believers

1. What is family? A relationship by birth or by commitment!

 A. Family is bonding – choice to be close

 B. Commitment = support, giving, sharing

 C. Anticipated togetherness

 D. Giving love and grace

 E. All these are seen in Acts 2:42-47

2. What does a church family look like?

 A. A living room church?

 B. A kitchen church?

   1. Romans 12:9-13

   2. 1 Timothy 5:1-2

   3. 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

   4. 1 Peter 4:8-10

 C. The purpose of togetherness was so that we could grow in love for one another. 1 John 4:7-12

3. Are you part of a church family? Membership? Goer?

 A. No time or desire for loving relationships?

 B. Consumer not a giver?

 C. Family? Bonding, giving, anticipation, love & grace

   * Do you have the right to say you are family?

Conclusion:

A. Jesus’ description of God in Luke 15 – Father w/ family!

   1. Two brothers – The next day – one indignant vs. broken

   2. Still family: related, together, different relationship w/ their father. Both loved by the father & both growing

B. Why do we need a church family? Tough answer if we don’t know!

C. You can’t belong to the Father and not be part of his family!