Walking With JesusSample

Born Into a Family

God wants all of us to be part of a local church Body in the same way as we are part of a family. A family provides, protects, affirms identity and helps you grow in character. The church is part of God’s eternal plan to establish His kingdom on earth. We are all part of God’s universal church (the bride of Christ) which consists of believers in many local churches.

In Acts 2 we see that the local church continued “with one accord in the temple,” but they also went from house to house to break bread. As the first church, we must also be part of a local small group or fellowship group. It is where we become accountable and learn to give and receive true Biblical love.

Now is a good time to find out where the nearest small group in your area is. 

Unity does not mean that all local churches should become one because God has created diverse people. We must, however, walk in unity of the Spirit with other like-minded believers.

Reflection questions (write your answers in a journal):

• What do you think is the purpose of our coming together as a local body? 
• Who should we not have fellowship with? (1 Corinthians 5:11)
• What about fellowship with unbelievers? (2 Corinthians 6:14-16)

Action:

Join a small group or home group as soon as possible if you have not yet done so. Contact your local church to find out where they meet.

Testimony:

There was a time in my life where I would visit one church after another, wanting to hear the best sermons from the best preachers in town. I did not realise that I was isolating myself from all my friends to whom I was accountable. I thought I needed only to be accountable to Jesus. However, this was one of the worst times in my life as I became very confused and even doubted my salvation. By God’s grace, I had good friends who kept inviting me to church. It was only after I joined a local church that I realised there is a supernatural covering and protection when we become a part of the local Christian family of believers.