It is the question of the ages. The answer is of surpassing wonder. Who are we?
We are the body of Christ.
We are a building, fitly framed together.
We are an army, marching with banners snapping in the breeze.
We are the light of the world, a city set on a hill that cannot be hid.
We are a kingdom, not here, not there, but in the hearts of men and women everywhere.
We are washed, sanctified, justified in the name and by the Spirit.
We are an holy nation, a priesthood, a peculiar people.
We are the apple of His eye, sheep of His pasture.
We are the called-out ones, accepted in the beloved.
We are heirs and joint heirs, engrafted, adopted, begotten by the Word.
We are a brotherhood, a sisterhood, a fellowship, people of like precious faith.
We are His children, He is our father, wherefore we cry “Abba! Father!”
We are brothers. We are sisters.
We are family.
May the church find a revival of fellowship, a renewal of the truth that defines us and makes us one. Click To TweetIdentity: We Are Family in Jesus Christ
Think of the word solitary. There is something sad, something empty about that word. Alone, lonely, solitary. A single cord, swiftly broken. And God saw that it was not good that man should be alone. Not alone. So He puts the solitary into families.
The stream of life grows as singles become a couple and the couple adds children. But the end is not there because many are still solitary; not all singles become couples, not all couples have children.
In these confusing, divisive times, may we remember who we are and draw closer to one another.
But all of us who enter into relationship with Jesus Christ flow into a wider stream of family. The household of ten or five or two or one; all of us join into the larger family of the church. In the church we find belonging; we find our true home. The bonds are strong; here we find shelter, peace, hope, and help. We are different from the world because we bear a name above all others.
We are changed by His Spirit into a unique nation, made citizens, but more than that: we are members of His household. We are family; we are the church.
In these confusing, divisive times, may we remember who we are and draw closer to one another. May we no longer look for excuses to have fewer family gatherings, but more. Not fewer hours together with our Father, but more. May the church find a revival of fellowship, a renewal of the truth that defines us and makes us one. One people, one family, one church. It’s who we are.
Resources and Links
Jerry Jones – A treasured leader of the Apostolic movement, no one can turn a phrase or mine Scripture quite like him. Soak your mind with these gems from God’s Word.
More Than Grasshoppers by Lee Ann and Joel Alexander: This book will help you discover your identity as an Apostolic child of God. By seeing ourselves as Jesus sees us—loved by Him, made in His image, empowered by the Holy Ghost, and equipped with spiritual gifts—we can triumphantly live out the purpose He has for our lives.
Pentecostal Publishing House: Your Resource for Christian Literature