Child-ship

The Bible often takes the masculine preference in referring to children of God, and uses the word ‘son’, but the term refers to both male and female believers.  There was significance in the biblical choice to often refer to children of God as sons because of the common understanding of the relationship between a father and son in those times.  In many cultures these days, a child is a child.  But in biblical times children, particularly sons, and especially first-born sons, bared much of the responsibilities and rights of the family.  To say you were a child of someone (especially the head of the family, the father) was to signify shared characteristics, power, and responsibilities of him or her.  That is why there was such outrage at Jesus’ claim of being the Son of God (Jn 10:31-33).  He was literally saying he was a piece of a God -a chip off the old block- with all of the rights and privileges of God and his kingdom (household)!     

 

 

1. God created and loves everyone…

We were all lovingly created by God and for his purpose.  He’s further shown his love to us by giving us the opportunity to be a part of his family. (Col 1:16; Jn 3:16; Ro 5:8; 9:8; Eph 2:10)

2. …but not all are children of God.

Those who have not accepted the gift of salvation, through Christ, those who choose to live a life of sin, willingly living a life disobedient to God’s word, satisfying the sinful nature are not.

(Eph 2:1-3; Jas 4:4)

3. And everyone’s a child to someone.

(1Jn 3:8; Jn 8:42-47)

4. But what does it take to be a child of God?

Again, our mere existence is not proof of being a child of God.  God is spirit, and we have relationship with him in spirit.  When we receive his gift of salvation through faith in Christ Jesus, we are part of his family.  

(Gal 4:4-7; Jn 3:6; 4:24; Ro 10:9; Gal 3:26-27; Jn 1:12; Eph 1:4-5; 2:8-9)

5.      What are the privileges?

We have the right to call God Father!  We have the right to go to him as a child does to their father!  We are heirs of God and co-heirs through Christ, inheriting all that is his and sharing in his glory!

(Ro 8:15-17; Gal 4:6; Eph 2:5-7)

 

6. Responsibilities?

Even if we’re not crucified, suffering is characteristic of those who belong to God.  And Jesus even goes so far as to say that we’re blessed when we are.  Persecution and alienation for Jesus’ sake is evidence that we are children of God.  We also, have the responsibility of maturing spiritually and setting ourselves apart from the ways of the world (sanctification).

(Mt 5:11-12; 2Ti 3:12; 1Pe 1:13-17; Jas 1:2-4; 1Jn 3:3) 

7. Characteristics?

To be a child of God is to be an imitator of Him and his Son.  We show ourselves to be a child of God when we obey him.  Children of God bear godly fruit.  When we are the Lord’s children we have a relationship with him.   

(Mt 22;34-40; Lk 6:43-45; Jn 10:25-30; 14:15; 1Jn 4:8; 1Co 13:4-13; Gal 5:16-26)

 

 

What Makes A Church?

There are many ideas of what constitutes a church, but it’s defined exclusively by the word of God.  Many believe it’s the structure where believers worship.  And although a place of worship is important, it does not define a church (1Chr 17:1-15).  When a structure is built for the purpose of worship, it has to be sanctified.  And the building is then desanctified for common use before it is sold, or before it is demolished.  The two ceremonies usually involve a gathering of the congregation and includes a prayer.  In the Old Testament the presence of Lord dwelled in tabernacles and tents, and on items deemed holy.  And God gave strict (consequence of death) instruction of care of them (Nu 1:51; 4:15).  In the New Testament the Lord dwelled among men (Jn 1:14).  And finally Jesus gave the believer the ability to be indwelt by the Lord upon accepting him as Lord and Savior (Eph 2:19-22; Col 2:9-10; Jn 14:23, 26).    

The church is illustrated as a body, with Jesus being the head (Col 1:18, 24).  Just as a headless body cannot live, neither can an assembled people that don’t collectively recognize the character, essence, authority, and the word of God.  The church is also illustrated as the bride of Jesus, who -in love- has given his very life for her (Eph 5:23-27).  Just as we recognize a tree by its fruits, a church is recognized by an adherence to God’s word (Lk 6:44).  While it’s true the church is made up of imperfect people who err, the essential character of the that assembled body should be defined by love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control, and truth according to the Word (Gal 5:22; Jn 4:24).  And just as individual believers are to repent for their wrongdoing, it’s my belief that individual bodies, and the universal church should as well -where it is applicable (Mt 3:2).  It is my prayer that we strive to be holy, as God is holy, for it is our charge (1 Pe 1:16).  Let’s stay right, where we are right, and get right where we’re not.

Although individual churches may vary in interpretation of disputable matters, we should ‘make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace’ and at least agree that ‘there is one body and one Spirit’…’one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father…’ (Ro 14; Eph 4:3-6)

Be Encouraged

Encouragement plays such a big part in the walk of one trying to follow Christ.  In fact, it’s absolutely essential.  Throughout the Bible, we ourselves are not only encouraged by God’s word, but charged to encourage one another as well (Tit 2:15; Isa 1:17; Eph 6:22; Col 4:8).  The writer (who we believe to be Paul) of Hebrews was divinely inspired by God to pen these words, ‘…(E)ncourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness’ (3:13).  Here, Today is contrasted with the Day (of ultimate judgment), so we’re presented with many opportunities to admonish (which involves warning and urging, in addition to encouraging) one another in everyday that proceeds our day of judgment.  For those who trust in the Lord, the forthcoming Day is not a looming threat, but an encouragement to, not only find joy in working for the Lord, but to admonish others to share in that joy as well.  For the Christian, there is no suffered loss, whether it’s Today or the Day (Php 1:20-26).  To live is Christ and to die is gain (Php 1:21).  How’s that for encouragement?  If you’re on God’s side you win, no matter what!

There is no real encouragement outside of God’s word (2 Ti 4:2).  Any other words spoken are just flowery and deceptive, with no basis, or promise.  Be careful not to accept negative ‘encouragement’, which we’re all susceptible to (Ps 64:5).  That is why we’re encouraged to regularly meet with those who are strengthening themselves in God’s word (Heb 10:25).  Iron sharpens iron, indeed (Pr 27:17)! 

It’s not only for the prophet, the gifted, or the seemingly strong to encourage (Ac 15:32; Ro 12:8; 15:1).  We can all be an encouragement, at least in prayer.  Remember, Job in his affliction had the heart to pray for his friends (who were supposed to be an encouragement to him), and as a result of his act of faith, he was then prospered (Job 42:10)!  It’s not only for the benefit of others that we should encourage.

God is our source for all things.  Through Jesus Christ himself and God our Father we have eternal encouragement (2 Th 2:16-17).  And if -and when- we become weak, God has a ready ear to listen to our desires and our cries (Ps 10:17).  With that thought in mind, I want to encourage you to go to Him who’s not only ready to hear you, but has all the power in heaven and earth to positively affect your circumstance.              

Because I Said So

I couldn’t stand the saying when I was a child, and the thought of it kind of irritates me even today, but as an adult I can see the benefit of not being provided with an answer every time I inquired.  It was, no doubt, a form of discipline, and I’ve seen many instances where adults obviously were not disciplined by this seemingly arbitrary response.  And I’m sure you have too.  They’re the ones that don’t last very long on the job, and make everyone miserable for the duration of their time there.  Well, likewise the Lord sees fit to discipline us, as an expression of his love for us.

There’s a word of encouragement that addresses us as children:  Do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as children.  Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his own children.  For what child is not disciplined by his parent(s)?  If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and are not truly his children.  Moreover, we have all had human parents who disciplined us and we respected them for it.  How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live!  Our parent(s) disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness.  No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful.  Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it (Heb 12:5-11).

How thankful am I for discipline, in love, from my heavenly Father, and my earthly charges: my mother and grandmother.  How much trouble has their discipline kept me out of?  How much has their discipline given me the ability to set out goals and diligently accomplish them?  They did as they thought best, and no it didn’t seem pleasant at the time, but what a harvest their love has produced, and continues to produce.  Thank you Ma.  Thank you Grandmother.  And thank you Lord!