A new family
The idea of belonging has always been innate within us. From close-knit families to vibrant communities, we seek connection and acceptance. However, in today’s fragmented world, true belonging seems elusive. We’ve substituted depth for superficial connections, trading genuine care for fleeting interactions.
We looked at Ephesians 2:11-22 in the most recent message of our sermon series on Identity in Ephesians. As Pastor Sean pointed out that, in the midst of our longing to belong, Ephesians offers a profound truth: In Christ, we find a new family. Paul’s words resonate deeply, reminding us that through Christ’s sacrifice, we are brought near to God, reconciled and united as one body.
This new family transcends earthly divisions, erasing the barriers that once separated us. No longer strangers or aliens, we are fellow citizens with the saints, members of the household of God. In this sacred community, we find safety, love and provision – nurtured in truth and embraced by the Spirit.
As we navigate a world of counterfeit connections, we are called to embody the unity and acceptance of our true family. Let us walk worthy of our calling, humbly bearing with one another in love, and preserving the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
As a new family, we are assured a good dwelling place – a people, a family – where we are no longer rejected, marginalized or lost. So many in the world need to know that there is a place for them too. They long for it, so let us be a place and a people where they can fully dwell in the love of our Heavenly Father.
Reflection Questions
- How is your understanding of belonging and community affected by the concept of the “new family” described in Ephesians?
- In what ways do you see counterfeit versions of family and acceptance in the world around you, and how can you distinguish them from the genuine unity found in the family of God?
- Reflect on a time when you felt marginalized or rejected. How does the truth of being a member of God’s household offer hope and healing in those moments?
- Consider the barriers, such as tribalism or factionalism, that hinder unity within the body of Christ. How can you actively work towards breaking down these barriers in your own life and community?
- How does the imagery of dwelling in the love of our Heavenly Father resonate with you personally? What steps can you take to cultivate a deeper sense of belonging and security in God’s family?
Watch the Message
Worship Songs from February 4
- “Good, Good Father”
- “The Father’s House”
- “Who You Say I Am”