We Are Family

"It was not through the law that Abraham and his offspring received the promise that he would be heir of the world, but through the righteousness that comes by faith. For if those who depend on the law are heirs, faith means nothing and the promise is worthless, because the law brings wrath. And where there is no law there is no transgression. Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham’s offspring—not only to those who are of the law but also to those who have the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all.  As it is written: “I have made you a father of many nations.” He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed—the God who gives life to the dead and calls into being things that were not." - Romans 4:13-17

I am certain that you have heard the expression, "blood relative". I don't think that I am understating it when I say that millions of people are trying to understand their blood relationship with others through genetic testing. There is something in us that makes us want to know. Adopted children very often feel compelled to find their birth parents. 

Jesus spent a good bit of his earthly ministry telling people to stop looking at their natural condition and use it to shape their world view - what they like - what they don't like - who they like - who they don't like - what they do - what they don't do. His speaking is summed up in His admonition to Nicodemus. 

"Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again." - John 3:5-7

As Christians we have a common blood relative - it is Jesus Christ.

"He [Jesus] has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins. He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence." - Colossians 1:13-18

We have been adopted into the family of God. Grafted into the Vine. We are now called the children of God. The eyes of our hearts have been opened to spiritual truth. Our new birth has reshaped our world view (or should have) - so what we like - what we don't like - who we like - who we don't like - what we do - what we don't do - has changed and now is consistent with the will of God.

Stop looking at the outside of the cup to determine if someone is part of your family. It is the inside of the cup that determines that.

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory. 

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone