Together - Daily DevotionalSample

The Church – the Family of God

Reading; Eph.3:7-20

Key Verse: “I kneel before the Father, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth derives its name.” V.14-15

Yesterday we saw that the Bible revealed a picture image of the church as the Bride of Christ. It is said that a picture paints a story of a thousand words. So over the next few days we will review Scriptural pictures of the church as God Himself explains the nature of the church and our part in it. 

The Old Testament referred to God as Father a handful of times but it was really the NT that launched our understanding of Him in that role. In particular Jesus introduced God not so much as a supreme being to be feared but as a father to be respected and loved. In recent times we have come to realise that fathering is not so much a biological function but more about care, provision, guidance, encouragement and protection in order that a child might realise their full potential.

Although in one sense God is the father of all mankind, He has particularly entered into a father-child relationship with us as we are “born again” of the Holy Spirit into His family (Rom.8:14-17). The church is a big family of brothers and sisters who love, support and help each other at all times (1 Tim.5:1-2).

Prayer: Father, I thank you that You have placed me in a church family of love, support and encouragement which I can give as well as receive