GOD'S FAMILY

God’s Family

    Pentecost opened God’s Door for all people to become men/women of God’s Family.  Faith in Jesus is the victory!

    God’s Open Door. 

    "And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write, 'These things says He who is holy, He who is true, "He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens": I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name.”  Rev 3:7-8 (NKJV)

    “Now the Lord spoke to Paul in the night by a vision, "Do not be afraid, but speak, and do not keep silent; for I am with you, and no one will attack you to hurt you; for I have many people in this city." And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.”  Acts 18:9-11 (NKJV)

    Sons and Daughters of God.

    “For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, "Abba, Father." The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs--heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.”  Romans 8:15-17 (NKJV)

    “For an answer: what you were given was the certificate of being a son or daughter (depending) and by His Spirit we get to call the totally Awesome God “Dad” (“Abba, Father”)! And somehow His Spirit inside us whispers, “It’s kosher.” And it doesn’t take a genius to work out that if we’re God’s adopted kids, then we’re in line for a pretty massive inheritance as God’s heirs, sharing it with Jesus. Given that we’re part of His struggles, we’ll also get to be part of the party.”  Lacey  

    “For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.  For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.”  Gal 3:26-29 (NKJV)

    “Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God,  having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner stone, in whom the whole building, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.”  Eph 2:19-22 (NKJV)

    Because of Christ's sacrifice for sins, both Jewish and Gentile believers receive the Holy Spirit, which makes it possible for them to approach God openly and boldly. Gentiles who believe are no longer strangers and foreigners. Through Christ, they are fully accepted into God's family. They become children of God, just like believing Jews.  “For you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

    Live as God’s Holy People.

   “Jesus said to him, "'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.'  This is the first and great commandment.  And the second is like it: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'  On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets."  Matt 22:37-40 (NKJV)

    “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.  Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.”  Romans 12:14-15 (NKJV)

    “Paul called on the Corinthians to realize their identity as God's "holy people" (2 Cor 1:1) in two ways: They were to separate themselves from moral evil, and they were to be dedicated to God in holy living and service. Christians are therefore urged, "Let us cleanse ourselves from everything that can defile our body or spirit. And let us work toward complete holiness because we fear God" (2 Cor 7:1).—NLT Study Bible

    “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.  Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord.  Therefore "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head."  Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”  Romans 12:18-21 (NKJV)