Belonging
New Relationships, New Community!
Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.
Matthew 16:16-18 (NIV)
A People, not a Building
The church is built on Jesus Christ, its leader. Both Jesus and Paul called God’s people the church, meaning God's family on Earth, not a building.
The God of the Bible created the universe out of a deep desire to enjoy His creation. He cares deeply for all, especially those made in His image—us. (We'll explore this more soon.)
God’s Earthly Family
Your story starts with God, the Creator, not at conception. He created us not out of duty, but to have a loving relationship. The Bible calls God our Father and us His children, highlighting our family bond.
This truth offers us an unchanging, deep, and safe identity as His children, His original intention and design. God views every person this way. He not only longs for a unified relationship with us, but also for us to be in relationship and harmony with each other. He calls us to see everyone as our brother and sister, because we all share the same dignity as those created in God’s image.
“So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.”
Image Bearers
Bearing God’s image means representing Him on Earth, rooted in our identity as His family. God also wants us to bear His name, which reveals our purpose: to work with Him in caring for the world as His partners.
Going back to the story of Eden, God is committed to his plan of having his earthly and heavenly families live together in his presence. As part of this plan, he intended for his human family to play a role in managing and maintaining his creation.
This is why God shared his attributes with us, such as creativity and intelligence, so that we could co-rule and care for his world. Remarkably, he gave humans a job he could have done alone, but he chose to include us.
“Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.””
What we do Matters
This means that everything we do (job, career or washing the dishes) will bring honour to God and is a spiritual calling. To God, being a pastor or minister is not more important than any other role. What we do matters, often it is in small, everyday ways.
Salvation doesn’t cost us anything; it is free for all who believe. However, following Jesus is not always easy; it requires making choices — we will get into that a bit later— to love and honour God and treat people for who they are, as fellow imagers of God.
Name bearing, as we mentioned, is rooted in our vocation and purpose— a priestly function. We all have a mission, and every person, no matter how small or weak or short-lived, has a purpose, a role to play in someone else’s life to represent God well to others around us.
“Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.””
Fellowship
God calls us to live in church community, where we find healing and encouragement on our journey with Jesus. Community is vital for healing and growth.
Our commitment to friendship and community reflects our spiritual journey. Becoming like Jesus means opening our hearts to God's work, embracing our identity as His beloved children, and living in the fullness of His love.
Community, accountability, and spiritual leaders partner with God to help us and advance His Kingdom. Spiritual growth begins in loving fellowship, offering support and shared values, then reaches outward to impact broader communities, strengthening faith and spreading God's love.
“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.”
You are not Alone!
Jesus left and returned to Heaven, which put the coming of Holy Spirit into motion. Now Holy Spirit could come and indwell in all believers; to be your counsellor, to guide you into all truth and to empower you to grow as a follower of Jesus. He will help you live each day for God and help you become more like Jesus.
Holy Spirit is the one who provides the victory. Your journey is to learning to be in step with Holy Spirit and walk with Him. You are no longer powerless to resist sin and ungodliness. He empowers you to boldly share the Gospel with others.
Now, you have the privilege of partnering with God in His mission to bring everyone back into His family. As you learn to live a surrendered life to Him, you will soon start to see the fruit of that appear in your life.
“On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptised with water, but in a few days you will be baptised with the Holy Spirit.”
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.””
Personal Application
Are you being discipled, either one-to-one or in a small group setting?
Are you making disciples? Who are you teaching to obey God’s Word?
Are you an active member of a local church?