This week’s devotions are based on Rooted – Week 5 “I am the Church” (Watch here)
Ephesians 3:2 Surely you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that was given to me for you, 3 that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly. 4 In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, 5 which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets. 6 This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.
Most of us are accustomed to saying, “I am going to church.” We know what we mean. On Sunday morning, we get dressed, drive to a familiar location, walk through the doors, greet friends, sing, pray, and hear God’s Word. Church is the place we go.
But the Bible gives us a much bigger picture.
The Church is not primarily a building we enter. It is the people Christ has called to himself. Through the Gospel, God brings people who were once separated from him and joins them together as one body.
Paul writes, “Through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 3:6).
Notice the repeated word: together.
The Gospel does not simply create a collection of individual Christians who happen to worship in the same room. Jesus brings us together. He makes us heirs together. Members together. Sharers together.
That means Christianity was never meant to be lived alone.
There is something wonderfully personal about faith. Jesus knows you. He died for you. He forgives your sins. He calls you by name. But his grace also brings you into a family. When Christ makes you his own, he connects you to his people.
John writes, “Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12).
Children belong to a family.
This is one reason gathering with other believers matters so deeply. We do not come together simply because church attendance is a religious obligation. We gather because this is who we are. We are God’s people. We need one another. We hear God’s promises together. We confess our faith together. We receive encouragement together. We carry burdens together.
Think about that when you walk into worship this Sunday.
Look around the room.
These are not merely people who happen to attend the same service you attend. These are people whom Christ has gathered. They are fellow members of his body. They are part of the family into which he has graciously brought you.
And perhaps there is someone who needs to experience that belonging. Someone standing alone. Someone new. Someone who feels unnoticed. Someone who is quietly wondering whether there is really a place for them.
Because you are part of the Church, you have an opportunity to remind them what the Gospel does.
The Gospel does not just forgive outsiders.
It brings outsiders inside.
You do not merely go to church.
By grace, you belong to the Church.
Reflect
- How does seeing the Church as a family change the way you think about worship and belonging?
- Who might need you to help them feel welcomed into God’s family?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for bringing me into your family through Jesus Christ. When I am tempted to live my faith alone, remind me that you have joined me to your people. Help me to value the Church, encourage my brothers and sisters in Christ, and welcome those who feel like outsiders. Keep me rooted in your grace and grateful that I belong to you and to the family you have created. In Jesus’ name, Amen.