God's Family

This powerful message challenges us to reconsider our relationship with the church and its role in our spiritual foundation. Drawing from Ephesians 1:4-5, we're reminded that God adopted us into His family—the body of Christ—and this adoption wasn't accidental but intentional. The sermon navigates a crucial question many believers wrestle with: Is church attendance necessary for the Christian life? Rather than offering a simple yes or no, we're invited to reframe the question entirely. It's not about whether we 'have to' go to church, but whether we can truly thrive spiritually in isolation. The early church in Acts 2 provides a beautiful picture of believers who devoted themselves to teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer—meeting together daily with joy and generosity. This wasn't obligation; it was the natural overflow of their faith. We see that Jesus Himself, though He could have lived spiritually alone, consistently gathered at the temple and built community around Him. The message reveals three profound realizations: the church is where we understand we're part of God's people, not just individuals; it's where diversity and unity glorify God together; and it's what Christ gave His life for. When we distance ourselves from the church, we risk distancing ourselves from Christ Himself. This isn't about checking boxes or earning favor—it's about recognizing that we need each other, especially in a world that constantly divides us along every conceivable line.