GOD’S ETERNAL FAMILY

BAPTIZED INTO GOD’S FAMILY

Baptism has significance throughout the Bible. The Early Church invented a short baptism confession: “I renounce (leave) the devils family and any tie to his pomp, pride and arrogance-” They would openly, publicly declare their love for God, and rejection for the lawlessness, selfish ambition and sinfulness of this world. When Abraham left his homeland (Ur of Chaldea) and journeyed into the unknown, it was a type of baptism. When Moses left the comforts and glory of the palace of Egypt, openly associating with the “Israelite slaves” it was a type of baptism. In the Book of Acts, you were baptized into Christ and became part of the revival family- a journey from a place of nothingness to identity, security and permanence. Today we want to explore baptism and what it means to belong to God’s eternal family.

CHALLENGES TO FAMILIES IN MODERN TIMES

Cults, Mormonism, Islam and other religions have a secret strength- the draw of belonging to their family. Even gangs and gang violence in the inner city has the appeal of family. In the USA since the industrial revolution, the culture is steadily moving away from family. Why is this happening? Families are eating together less and the world became more fast paced. Both parents earn a living, and therefore spend less time together. The emphasis is towards individual achievements and away from community or family. In the Information Age its exponentially faster. You can now sit in front of a computer, be plugged into your IPOD, and tune into YOU-TUBE on your Gen3 or Gen4 Phone- and you can do this all day long (alone). But in the 1700′s-1800s agrarian/farming days, people would take time to work, sit on their porch, drink lemonade and be together. I am not looking back at those days say “oh the good ol-days!” I am saying life is moving fast, and to meaningfully connect it requires strategy and planning. Today, we are faced with the challenge of family values, family identity, and family belonging (even in churches). Life is fast paced and its getting faster ever day. In Africa its not unusual to see a Masaii Tribesman 100′s of miles away from any city….with a cell-phone in hand. Yet with these modern conveniences, people still struggle to connect and find meaningful relationships. What unusual days we live in.

OUR IDENTITY IS RESOLVED IN FOLLOWING JESUS

God has birthed and built an eternal, supernatural family. Its not just a natural birth, identity and joining. Its supernatural and it only works properly through the Love of Christ. When projects, plans, and good deeds are over-emphasized, the love bond/ unity of the Spirit begins to break down. Just like in a natural family- when performance or good behavior is over-emphasized the child may start to doubt his/her secure place in the natural family. Gods spiritual family (the Church) also has similar dynamics and parallels. Sometimes we are horrible about teaching the place Jesus Christ ‘won for us’. Sometimes whole churches and ministries go into performance trips, which make it sound like God is angry or happy according to what the Church is doing. The opposite is true– we could do nothing, so Christ did the greatest miraculous work. As we learn to believe in His goodness, we ‘cease striving and know He is the Lord’. Instead of trying to prove or perform, we begin to rest. Its during this confidence of His Work and enjoying Him, that good fruit begin to emerge in our lives. Pure goodness arrives- help, healing and telling people about Jesus for goodness sake- not because we get anything in return. Many Christians get it backwards- they act like everything on earth hinges on them. In their anger and earnest, they go around looking down upon other believers. They are so sure they are ahead of the rest, the winds of spiritual pride blow them into one place to another. They rarely listen to people because they are waiting to ‘speak their sermon’. Its a terrible misrepresentation of God who took time to eat, drink and live a normal life here on Earth. Jesus grew up with the imperfect family experiences that we all grew up with.

LIVING IN THE TENSION (BETWEEN TWO EXTREMES)

God doesn’t want a lazy or loveless family. Church is not intended to become a social club where we only eat, talk and meet on Sunday. Without the vital life of Christ and His Presence, this is where churches end up. We cannot become Gods family of love and power just by ‘gathering together’- its much more than that. You can get all the seeker friendly folks in the world together in one building- its no guarantee “God is among us”. On the contrary, we become God’s supernatural family when we “gather in My name- then I am there”- Its a family bond through His Love, His Purpose, His Plans, His Kingdom and His Word. When we get outside of His original intention, then we open the door for confusion, strife, “envy , jealousy- every evil thing” as James said (James 3:16) Only a people passionate and in pursuit of God will stick together, forgive and love one another through all of life’s difficulties. Only a family with a bigger vision than “my ministry, my plans, my my my” will survive and thrive during these times. Usually when its a “church project” that unites people, then the same project has the potential to scatter people. Most of us who are honest have likely seen this at least once in our Christian life, if not several times. Why are there church splits? Someone came to the family with his/her own agenda, and in so doing lost the Centrality of Christ and Love of God. They may have attached all kinds of Bible verses and “in Jesus’ name” prayers to what they were doing- but they lacked the nature of Jesus Christ in what they were doing. You may get surprised by this statement but there are 1000s of projects and churches doing things in Jesus’ name that are in fact against God’s nature and Jesus’ plans.

Another way to describe Gods family is like a wheel- and Christ binds together the spokes of the wheel. Any church, movement or ministry that sidelines the basic Centrality of Christ usually breaks down (its only a matter of time). Anytime Jesus is treated casually or too common, then you will see a breakdown of relationships, then a collapse of projects and eventually the entire ministry.

BAPTISM-JOINING CHRIST’S FAMILY.

Baptism is meant to be a public declaration “I love to be in God’s family. I love His ways, His grace, His principles, His standards. I love His power, love His Glory- even if people reject me because I am a Christian, I accept that. I come out to be baptized- we gather here in the Name of Jesus to tell the world who we are. We invite the entire world to join this family, this community. We love everyone, but we do not agree with all the sinful passions, lust, greed and selfishness that is destroying people.” We are here to discover God’s new quality of life- full of hope, dreams, fulfillment and new power. As we join Christ’s family, we agree to learn the ways of His family (discipleship)- a lifetime discovery and quest of learning to live under the smile of Father God. Baptism is an open door to discover: 1)Permanent Identity 2) Forgiveness and Acceptance 3) Your talents, graces and purpose on earth 4) Free access to relationship (siblings) 5) Access to our Heavenly Father. Baptism means “we go under the water, our old life is now dead. We arise out of the water in a new, resurrected life.” This symbolism is powerful and celebrated throughout history.

ACCEPTANCE NOT CONDEMNATION

The Early Church was a family of love and power. They discovered “there is now no condemnation in Christ Jesus” and found the ‘acceptance’ into His Beloved. Far from being a “bless me club” they were no nonsense revivalists- they plundered hell to populate Heaven. They were seeing the dead rise, the sick healed, and revelations of God Spirit and Glory that we dream of. There was authenticity- but there was also sin and mistakes. We can glorify the Early Church (until they become super-human, untouchable) and even worship the saints. Its a mistake to create a class of super Christians- we believe they can do it, but we cannot. We believe in ‘old time religion’- the glory days are over. The entire New Testament was written to help us believe “we can also walk with Jesus”. The Holy Spirit was a given to be a Teacher, Trainer and Practical empowerment- a Personal Coach and Trainer.

Gods family is built upon a personal relationship with Jesus- all the goodness flows like a river from that Source. God’s Churches only have strength and health according to how they celebrate, remember and build upon Jesus’ Presence amongst them. “Where there are 2 or 3 gathered together in My Name, I am there in the midst” Jesus says (Gospels). The key for our personal life is the same key for healthy Church life- the Centrality of Jesus. The degree to which we lose the central focus, is the degree to which we are prone to sickness, misunderstanding and disappointments. People often ‘leave the Church’ because of other people. Its a favorite excuse for many who say “I am not a Christian because there are so many hypocrites in the Church” (which is true). But its no excuse– who will stand before the Son of God in eternity and say “Sorry Lord- I couldn’t love, follow and obey you because of all the hypocrites. People disappointed me, therefore I got out….” Such a thing will never occur. The Ancient Overcomers and Modern Overcomers both have this in common- they overcame disappointment and betrayal. They couldnt allow the sins of others to prevent them from fully uniting with Jesus Christ and His Glorious Purpose. While Judas took the 30 pieces of silver, John the Beloved went closer to Jesus. While Judas sold out the Son of God for money, John boldly laid his head upon the shoulder of Jesus. Timothy went closer to Paul, while Demas “forsook Paul” (2 Timothy 4:9). Diotrophes was arrogant and self serving, yet Demetrius was a proven servant of God in the same church (3 John 9-12). We, like the Early Church, must learn to “hold onto the good, and reject evil.” Its personal choice- nothing is ‘predestined’ as far as Friendship with God. If we don’t want God, He won’t force us. But whenever we do want Him (anytime, regardless of how good or bad the situation) He awaits to love, embrace and help us. God loves family because God created family. I admit how much of a shock it is when one first discovers hypocrisy and immorality in the Church. It’s no reason to leave Jesus, that for sure. Finite, predictable fallen man is not a good enough reason to leave the Infinite, Glorious Good God. If anything, he allows the disappointments of men (and family) to bring us closer to Him. How will any of us grow in love, forgiveness if we don’t have opportunities to forgive when we have been hurt? If our faith is in men- what people think or give us- its no wonder why we are so sad.

DISAPPOINTMENT IS COMMON EVERYWHERE

Hurts and pain are unfortunate- but they do occur in every country, every tribe and even every Church. Its part of God’s plan to mature us- to transform us into His Son Jesus. There are even “Judas” type characters running around in every nation, tribe and Church. They appear ‘as an Angel of Light’, they talk about God and Jesus- they use the Bible. In the end they always collect money like Judas collected 30 pieces of silver. They will sell out God’s Church because they are the definitive “hireling” Jesus warned against in John 10. The Apostles were shocked and hurt by Judas, but they didn’t end there. Disappointments and betrayal terribly hurt- but they are a doorway to knowing Christ in the meaning of His Sufferings (Phil 3:10). I confess I have viewed abd experienced every side of this discussion- betrayed, betrayer, hurt, the hurter, forgiver and the forgiven (who hasn’t?). Its easy to write an article and identify it…but in the moment of misunderstanding and hurt, its easy to reject what God is doing. We are all prone to want God to do things our way and even not perceive Him even when He is beside us (Luke 24:16) . Jesus walked alongside of them, and they couldn’t recognize He was there. Its the same for us today, He comes in ways we least expect, and He uses people that we tend to dislike. Don’t be so shocked that God allows the true and the false to grow up, often side by side. Its part of teaching us to recognize (discern) good and reject evil (see Matthew 13). Every parent that loves their children, teaches them ‘what is good and what is bad.’


THE GREAT CALL

There is a great call to become God’s family. Its an invitation not to substitute the many ‘good things’ that become a stumbling block (get in the way) of knowing Christ. Some churches even find Jesus standing “knocking outside, trying to get in” (Rev 3:18:21). We must again become sensitive to God, responsive and willing. Adam and Eve walked with God and enjoyed their Father. They understood God was their greatest source, not people. They got into problems when they began to put their faith in another Tree…. another source….another person. This is the cause for failure in our own personal lives and also corporate life (the Church). Beloved of Christ, let us love and seek the Lord and become healed and restored. We have to give the Church a break, for a moment. The Church is full of people, and even the Early Church had problems, disagreements and had to forgive. But they had something we must long for- they had God’s Glory and Manifest Presence. Lets aim to be God’s Supernatural family of love and faith. Its a family from every tribe and nation- its open to all who bow the need to Jesus Christ. Its a family of Jew and Gentile, dating back 1000′s of years. Its a family that heals one another, loves each another, covers one another- a family that doesn’t easily let go of each other during hardship (consider the persecuted Church in China, parts of Sudan and Somalia). Battle hardened warriors who have seen nearly everything, and whose testimony is tied to worshiping/encountering Jesus together. People get really idealistic about God’s family (Church). The revival family in the Book of Acts was no perfect group- consider Ananias and Sapphira. When revival comes, then comes greater opposition both human and demonic. Some people get extra Biblical ideas that ‘revival comes in some comfortable form that doesn’t challenge them’. I guarantee you by the Scriptures, revival usually shakes every comfort zone, including theologies near and dear to us all. Its messy like child-birth but the baby (lasting fruit) is beautiful.

While the confusion, hate and selfishness in the world grows, you will see God’s family growing in depth and understanding of God’s purposes. Community (knowing who your friends and enemies are) will become essential again. “The hearts of the fathers will turn to children, and children to their fathers” (Malachi 4:5). Churches and movements will emerge with companies of people who deeply love one another, have great faith and are more than ‘a team’. You will hear more ‘families inside the Family’ like Timothy’s who had generational faith, love and power. “I want to see you, I remember your tears- from the faith that lived inside your grandma Lois, in your mother Eunice, and now was passed to you” said the Apostle Paul. Such relationships will again be seen in every church and movement, throughout the world. The Holy Spirit says “I am the God of generational blessings, generational success and generational relationships.” Here in Africa we are planning for success in relationships, for many years to come. – Along the way must learn to bless and release people. Some people hate us, others love us, and others aren’t sure. Shiloh House Mission is being refined to love the Lord more than all others- this means forgiving and blessing those who misunderstand or even despise us.

As dishonor and hatred grows you will witness growing honor, dignity, power and love amongst the Church of Christ. Jesus prophesied “the love of most will grow cold….lawlessness will increase.” Paul the Apostle said “terrible and treacherous times are coming…men will be lovers of money, lovers of themselves and false in every way.” (2 Timothy 3). Yet you will see greater and increasing light, life, love and power emanating from God’s Sons and Daughters. Great levels of forgiveness, mercy and kindness- deeds and miracles unheard of in times past. The Church will become “signs and wonders in Israel…for the Lord who dwells on Mount Zion” (Isaiah 8:18). The greatest believers will overcome the greatest trials and tests (Revelation 1-3). Today’s overcomers will be interesting characters like Apostle John or Peter- thriving, forgiving and allowing God’s Spirit to make necessary adjustments- even in the presence of Judas Iscariot.

“I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ from whom the whole family in Heaven and Earth in named…” - Ephesians 3:14-15

“God planned something better for us, that they (saints and patriarchs of faith) should not be made perfect apart from us” -Hebrews 11:40

Below are other Scriptures that show us ‘family’ is a major theme to God.

“And in your (Abraham) seed all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” - Acts 3:25

“The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham” - Matthew 1:1

“Get out of your country, family and fathers house…..to a land I show you, and I will bless you….” - Genesis 12:1-2

“Israel is my Son, my Firstborn”- Exodus 4:22

“Return you backsliding children, and I will heal your back-sliding…”- Jeremiah 3:22

“Here I am and the children whom the Lord has given me- We are for signs and wonders in Israel…”- Isaiah 8:18

“Don’t complain or dispute- become children of God is a crooked world, whom you shine light out towards”- Philippians 2:15

“God is Father to the fatherless….he sets the lonely into families.”- Psalm 68:5-6

“I am returning to My Father and Your Father, My God and Your God…”- John 20:17

“What hinders me from being baptized? Then Phillip answered only believe…” - Acts 8:36

“Therefore come out from among them, be separate_ and I will receive you.- you will be my sons and daughters says the Lord Almighty” - 2 Corinthians 6:17

“He delivered us from darkness and into the Kingdom of the Son of His Love” – Colossians 1:13

“You are a chosen generation, a holy nation, His own special people…called out of darkness
into marvelous light”- 1 Peter 2:9

“Come out of her (Babylon) my people”- Revelation 18:4

“You are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God”- Ephesians 2:19

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