I have been thinking a lot lately about what the family of God means to me. The thought started when I posted about the Japanese people and their dedication to family honor. I have really chewed on this concept of church, and what it means to be a part of the body of Christ. It also helps that I am in a Bible study that is going through Thessalonians, and Pastor Jim is doing a study on Sunday mornings in Ephesians. Both of these Bible books are letters from Paul on what it means to be a part of the body of Christ and the start up of the church after Jesus' Resurrection.
For me it is a no-brainer. I grew up at Hacienda Heights Baptist Church, and it was like a second home. We worshipped there, the youth group had amazing camps and activities. My parent's friends were mostly attenders of HHBC. I got married in that church, and I still have a very deep connection with the families I grew up with.
The reality is, most people never had that kind of experience with a church. Or, they had a very negative experience with a church. Don't get me wrong, we were a dysfunctional family at HHBC. We had our disagreements. I think that the hardest part of being considered a part of the church family, is realizing people are not perfect. A matter of fact, Satan likes to get inside a church and get people riled up by using just about any topic to split the church. If you don't believe that there is an evil force that is trying to keep people from having a closer relationship with Christ, then you are sadly mistaken and are underestimating the enemy.
After Jon and I moved to La Verne, we decided to find a local church, and were invited to Glenkirk in Glendora. We have been there ever since due to the amazing Biblical preaching that is the mainstay of all Glenkirk's ministries. You will never find a church that is free of problems because we are the problem. We are all sinners and fall prey to Satan's plan of trying to weaken the family of God.
Back to my studies. It is really amazing to study how the Christian church grew in the midst of such persecution. God was really at work speaking through these everyday men (and women too) who were given such wisdom. The entire future of the church was in novice hands, and yet they were faithful in encouraging, helping, meeting, and loving each other. Things get done when you work as a strong group!
Stormie Omartian writes, "It is very important to have prayer time with other believers. In fact, it is impossible to grow and develop to your fullest potential independently of other believers. It can't be 'just me and God all the way.' We have to have a mutual dependence upon on another because we are defined and refined within the context of a local body of believers. Building a people to do God's work happens in the local church when we are connected to and grow with the rest of the body of Christ. It is within that context that we find who we are created to be and what we are created to do."
When believers unite in prayer, we have added power in the spiritual realm that we just don't get alone. I am beyond grateful for the thousands of prayers that have gone up on my behalf. I know I have prayer circles all over California and beyond that keep me lifted up in prayer. I feel it, and it gives me strength to know that the switchboard in heaven is lit up on my behalf. We really get God's attention in numbers! And you can definately see how God has answered those prayers and performed miracles!
Beyond prayer for myself, is the honor of praying with a group for other people. When something is heavy on my heart and I can share it and get others to pray, I know God is at work. Also, it is wonderful being a part of this family of God that ministers to the homeless, and has various missions around the world. It is exciting to see how God works in these areas!
If you are not part of a church family, you really don't know what you are missing. It is like there is a hole that you don't know you have, and something really fulfilling and wonderful is available to fill that hole, but you have to take the step.
Easter is coming! A great time to take that step and see what all the excitement is about. You might find yourself in a new family that wants to love, minister, and grow with you. It is not a perfect family, but we are all striving for the same goal, to have a closer walk with God. You may find the piece of yourself that has been missing!
Blessings,
Sandy
P.S. Keep an eye on Glenkirk's webpage http://www.glenkirkchurch.org/ for information on service times.
