1 God formed me for his family God

1. God formed me for his family. “God is the one who made all things, and all things are for his glory. He wanted to have many children share in his glory. ” Hebrews 2: 10 “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe on His name. ” John 1: 12 “His unchanging plan has always been to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. ” Ephesians 1: 5

1. 1 You’re called to belong to Jesus Romans 1: 6: “You’re among those who’ve been called to belong to Jesus Christ. ”

1. 2 You’re called to belong to his church “So now you’re no longer visitors or strangers. Now you’re citizens together with God’s holy people. You belong to God’s family. ” Ephesians 2: 19 “In Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. ” Romans 12: 5

2. There are benefits of belonging to God’s church

2. 1 We get a new family name

2. 2 We have family access to God the Father Ephesians 3: 12: “In Jesus and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. ”

2. 3 We are heirs of the family inheritance Eph. 1: 18: “I want you to realize what a rich and glorious inheritance he has given to his people. ”

2. 4 Your new family helps you realize your true identity

2. 4 Your new family helps you realize your true identity

2. 5 Your new family offers support and encouragement against backsliding “See to it, brothers, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you my be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. ” Heb. 3: 12 “Encourage each other and give each other strength. ” 1 Thessalonians 5: 11

2. 5 Your new family offers support and encouragement against backsliding “In Christ the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him [Jesus] you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit. ” Eph. 2: 21, 22 1 Corinthians 3: 16 “Don’t you realize that all of you together are the temple of God and his Spirit lives in you? ”

2. 5 Your new family offers support and encouragement against backsliding

2. 5 Your new family offers support and encouragement against backsliding “I want us to help each other with the faith we have. Your faith will help me, and my faith will help you. ” Romans 1: 12

2. 6 The church is a place to grow.

3. Baptism is a celebration of your inclusion in God’s family

Conclusion “Love your spiritual family. ” 1 Peter 2: 17

Conclusion “Glory belongs to God in the church and in Christ Jesus for all time and eternity. ” Ephesians 3: 21