A Family of Faith
Good morning. It's great to see all of you this morning. Good to have our visitors with us for. So, glad that you are here. If you would take a copy of God's word and turn to the book of Galatians, Galatians chapter number 6,
Galatians chapter number 6. We have for some time, been preaching Through The Gospel According to Mark, or taking a short break. As I want to focus on next few weeks, the local church. the local church Galatians chapter 6, our main verse for this morning will be found in verse 10, but I want to read the first Read the previous versus starting versus 6. Galatians 6 vs 6s, let him who is taught the word, share in all good things with him. Who teaches? Do not be deceived. God is Not mocked for whatever a man sows that he will also reap. For He Who sows to his flesh, will of the flesh reap corruption. But he who sows to the spirit will of the spirit reap everlasting life. And let us not grow weary while doing good. For in due season, we shall reap. If we do not lose heart, Therefore again, this is our Focus this morning. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all especially to those who are of the household of faith on a speak to this morning on this stuff and local church, a family of Faith. Let's pray together once again, our father, we thank you Father for this beautiful day that you given us that we can come into this place. Without fear of interruption from government intervention, we have the freedom to worship, and we give you the glory for that. Thought I pray that you bless this time of preaching, father, I pray that you give us listening ears. Hearts that are receptive to receive it and that Lord, that through the work of the spirit Lord, you would apply these truths to our heart. Well, I pray that we would have a more love a greater love for your church. Isaac's. Specifically the local church. This local church or may you give us a stronger, love a greater Zeal to serve you with in this church. Father, we ask you Lord to be with those who are unable to be here due to sickness. all we pray for those who are here, who are Los they don't know your son Jesus as her Lord and Savior. Until father we pray You through the Holy Spirit, withdrawal them to your son. That today would be the day of salvation. Father, we love you. We ask all these things in Christ name, amen.
Here. We seeing Galatians chapter 6, The Apostle Paul made and appeal to the church in galatia.
He said, let us do good to all. And he makes this appeal for them to do good to all in light of the fact. That they more than likely we're going to grow weary in well-doing. He tells them to do good to all in light of the fact that not only would they grow weary in well-doing, but they may even lose heart. I think we can identify two that to some degree. We all can get overwhelmed. We can all get discouraged. We can all get so down that it seems as if Nothing is going right? Losing heart. Sometimes takes place in the heart and mind of a Christian, because maybe we're not seeing the answers to our prayer. In the time that we might expect them to be answered. Maybe we have sown, what is good? We have some wood is good in word, we have song. What is good indeed? And yet they have not seen the fruit of what we are looking for at the time. In which we hoped for it. It's so Paul would have them to continue to sow. Continue to sow the seed and to continue then to expect that they would reap in due time. And this would glorify God.
The Paul says, adversity, in that Bell, you may grow weary in well-doing. You may lose heart. He says no, the last numbers 10. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all especially to those who are of the household of faith. I want to focus this morning on that Household of Faith, that's Household of Faith, as it relates to our local church here at Barrel Baptist And to whom are we to do good? How often are we to do? Good. When notice with me? First of all. We must be faithful. To do good to those who are outside of the church. We must be faithful to do good to those who are outside the church, those who are lost those who are not Believers. Again, Paul says a 10 therefore as we have opportunity let us do good to all
Cording disbursed. Paul is saying a Christian is someone who does all kinds of good to all kinds of people. Christians are to do some good for all. And what is the word? Good mean. What kind of good are we to do for those who are lost or outside the church WIll good? Is from the Greek word Agra sauce. And has a definite article in front of in front of it. In the Greek, in the words, Paul is speaking of here is a particular good. He's saying be good. It is the goodness of a moral and spiritual Excellence. That is a fruit of the spirit. And listen Paul here is not using the other Greek word Hayloft here to for the Greek word goodness, that is limited to a physical and temporal things know. Paul is speaking of internal goodness, that is produced by the spirit of God and the hearts of obedient Believers, which then finds them then finds expression in external, external goodness. That is spoken by the mouth or prefer performed by the hands. We noticed that it is also good. That is unqualified good. It is unrestricted. Good. That is to be shown to all men including unbelievers. We're just show and do good to all. Now, that's a pretty tall order. Is it not? Listen, it's easy to to do. Good to those who do good to you, right? It's easy to be nice to someone who is nice to you. it's easy, easy to serve Those whom we think genuinely appreciate
giving our of our time, it's easy to be polite, 10. To a good neighbor. It's hard to be polite to a bad neighbor, right?
But what about those who are unkind? What about those who are unreceptive to our message? What about those who do not appreciate what we do. And they antagonize us.
Are we took nor them are we to refuse to serve them or share? The gospel was in. AB leather, we don't have the right to pick and choose to whom we will serve and do good. We cannot gravitate only to those whom. We perceive that fit our mole. We are to do good to all men. All classes of men, the rich and the poor. All Races of men, all tongues of men. we are to do good to those who are in the church and those who are outside of the church, those who are in Christ, and those who are not in Christ, today speaks of your Paula, speaking of the totality of humanity, Paul is saying in essence. We are to overlook. No one. We are to do good to all. Hey listen. If there is an opportunity to serve, we are expected to embrace that opportunity. Paul, did not say that it would be easy, right? But it is to be expected. Notice what Paul said in 1st Thessalonians, 5:15
He said see that none render evil for evil unto any man. But ever follow that, which is good. Both among yourselves and to all men, And then we think about the great Commandment that Jesus gave. How we say we're to love the Lord, Our God with all of our heart, all of our soul and our mind. And As well as love our neighbor. As ourselves. So, doing good to all means. All men, all classes of me. And we don't pick and choose to who we want to show Grace to. Now, what are some ways that we can do? Good? To those who are outside. Are the church those who are lost well, Jesus mentioned, six different ways. In Matthew 25. I'm just give you those really quick. He mentions feeding the hungry. Giving drink to the thirsty. Showing Hospitality to strangers those who are not a part of the family. Clothing, the naked caring for the sick and visiting prisoners. so doing good means in a more practical way, maybe Watching out for our neighbors. Helping out in the community. There are gracious acts that we can do as Believers for those who are outside of the church, those were outside of Christ.
But also means doing spiritual good. Those who are within the church are to do spiritual good to those who are without the church, that is praying for those who are lost. Praying for those who need Christ, and then also giving them the good news about Jesus Christ, how he can save them from their sin. That's what Peter says in 1st Peter chapter 2.
He says we're such is the will of God. That bike doing, right? You may silence the ignorance of foolish men that by doing right by doing good. You may silence the ignorance of a foolish man. So Peter says that your good deeds that are done in the right spirit. May and noticed Peter uses that word, may not all the time. It may silence those who criticize Christianity, But beloved here's the thing. It is true that when Christians show love and concern, it would do more to win a person to Christ. Then the most carefully, articulated argument will
It's called building a relationship with those who are outside of the church. Those are outside of Christ.
Love the heart of every Christian testimony should be in all things. Show yourself to be an example of Good Deeds with Apostle. Paul said he said this and Titus Chapter 2 number 7, Paul. Admonished Titus. With Purity and Doctrine. Dignified sound in speech, which which is beyond reproach. In order that the opponent. Maybe put the shame having nothing bad to say about us. And then later on in chapter 3 in the same letter, Paul says, concerning these things, I want you to speak confidently. So that those who have believed God may be careful to engaging Good Deeds. These things are good and profitable for men. And so the scripture here strikes the the proper balance Paul says let us do good to all men. Those who are in the church those who were there at the church but especially to those who are of the household of faith. Christians are to do good to all what it says, but never the last we have a special responsibility to care for other Christians. You see as we live generously, as we live graciously and do good, we are called to pry or to rise the local church. Yes, we are to do good to everyone. Believer and unbeliever alike. Les Paul is concerned to point out, Christians ought to do good, especially to those Who are the household of faith? That brings us to a second point. We must be, especially faithful. You could even say particularly faithful to do. Good to those inside the church. Again Galatians 6 verse 10 houses. Therefore as we have opportunity Let us good, let us do good to all especially to those who are of the household of faith. Literally, those who belong to the family of Believers, those who belong in the family of God. Sprint. Listen. Do you know when you join a local New Testament Church? You are in essence joining a family. You're joining a family. Listen, we have the same father, right? And we have experienced the same spiritual birth. We have experienced Grace, beyond measure. We have experience merch.
The early church realized. but as the household of faith, you draw near when you are together more than just on a Sunday for 2 hours.
We are a family of Believers, a family of Believers. We are children of God, how by Dobson, amen. We are all children of God by adopting, those who are in Christ.
We're all members of the same household, the same spiritual family.
Of course, this family metaphor has really no into application when looking at the church, but the point is because we are family. Because we are of the same household. We had the same father, we've all experienced the same grace and mercy, because of that, it is absolutely necessary for Christians to be good to one another.
And this is not a matter about being selfish. It is a matter about being a good Witness.
Because how can we fulfill our mission to show God's love to the world without first showing love to one another.
Our love and support of the household of faith is one of the first indicators of genuine love for the Lord. That reveals our relationship with him. Jesus said this or stupid? John said this 1st John 3 verse 14? so we know that we have passed from Death unto life, How. Because why? We love the brethren. He that loves not his brother. Abides in death.
So this serves as one of the greatest tools and reaching a lost world showing love toward one, another Jesus said, they will know that you are my disciples in that you love one. Another
Listen, our love and support for one. Another speaks volumes is it speaks loudly to a lost world.
The world should find a presence of love and support within the church. Greater And more obvious than anywhere else in society.
This is why Church splits. And church factions in church. Splinters of splits, and I have seen that. Are so destructive. They're not on disruptive to that local church obviously but they are destructive to the community, he knows that those people at that, local church can even get along one with another. They don't even love each other. Why should I be concerned about other things they do in that local church? Years ago, it when a man died when I became the pastor. How do you know Le Baptist Church? Can you believe that was 25 years ago? I can't be that old but I am. We went out and went visiting knocking on doors and I can't tell you how many people that answered the door said. I'm not going to that church. All you hear about is church split after church split and they were correct. The church was a splinter off of a splinter off of a split. Horrible testimony. Totally lost their testimony because they were not prioritizing their love for one another. If we have ever loved one another, if we have ever served, one another now is the time to make that a priority of her life, it caused a lost world is watching.
Saint Paul says, let us do good to all especially to those who are of the household of faith. He is saying this The local church must be our top priority. It must be. Why? Well, because it is our primary family. The local church is our primary family. It is the Apostle says the household of faith. In the local church, it is where we find identity is where we find security receive nurturing nourishment is where we find and should find encouragement and support.
In the local church. We should find benefit from teaching and training and modeling and mentoring discipling. The local church is our spiritual home. And those who gather week-by-week or our biblically. Speaking our true brothers and sisters,
you remember a few weeks ago, reaching through the gospel of Mark and getting to Mark chapter 3 record there a time when Jesus mother and his brother show up to the house where he was busy ministering to people. I'm a Jesus heard that they wanted to speak with him and they really wanted to take him. Remember take him back home.
But Jesus asks, provocative, question to those who were gathered there in that house. When they told him how your, your, your mom and your brothers outside, they want you. He has his question to those inside the house. Who are my mother? And my brothers. and then, in March 3:35, He said this. Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does, the will of God. He is my brother and sister and mother. So, those who do the will of God belongs to Jesus family and our members of what Paul caused the household of faith and it is our brothers and sisters in faith who deserved in our primary support.
Not not, of course, to the neglect of our blood relations write 1st, Timothy Chapter 5 talks about that. But we are not to treat the church. As an afterthought. We are capri or terrorize the local church, the bride of Christ, our brother and sister in Christ. But here's the bottom line.
listen, when we
Will only or terrorize giving and doing good to the local church.
when we are fully convinced that the local church is the one-of-a-kind institution, it truly is when you see the local church and its glory, and its Splendor, you will have no problem priority Rising the local church. Remember Jesus beloved is the head of the church? He's the head of the church. No. Other institution can say that. Jesus is our head. Blood. Listen, no other institution serves as the dwelling place of God's people. There is no other institution that so that has so remarkable. Tracing its roots back to, before the foundation of the world Ephesians 1:4. Nor is there any other institution with the church's future extending as it does into eternity? The weather is a tuition. Can declare its significance. That is going to follow on into eternity. Only, the church can
Paul said, in person, first Thessalonians, one of these days, we're going to meet the Lord in the air. And when we do, we shall forever be with the Lord. So this is why we must proud to rise giving and doing good to the local church.
Now. Let's think about this by way of application and practically speaking. How can we do good? to our brothers and sisters with in, This body.
Practically speaking. What does all this mean?
What are some ways we can do good? Well, then give you some very quickly. And in the next few weeks will. Look at these in Greater detail but very quickly must give you a few ways. That's how we can do good for those in the household of faith. Number one show hospitality
Show Hospitality. There are numerous scripture references. How weird to show Hospitality with those who are within the church and to those who are outside the church, the Bible calls them strangers foreigners to show them Hospitality. It is we are to invite Believers into our home Share a meal with believers. but it's more than just that
is more than just idle chat. It's more than just talkin about the Razorbacks. It's more than just talking about politics. It's about talkin about the things of God. Your encouraging, your brother, your sister. you're talking about personal needs that if one feels led to to share with you,
Showing hospitality.
Another way we can do good for those who are in the household of faith is offer practical assistance. Offer. Practical help. Those within our church there, there, there are those who are sick. I may be those who have a sick family member that they have to care for, and that takes a lot of their time. Well, listen, offer to them, you know, the need offer to them, some help with some household tasks, maybe run an errand. Provide transportation. Whatever the case is,
this can be particularly helpful for those who are elderly. And have other limitations. This is doing good, especially to those. Then the church another way is provide emotional support.
Maybe. You just need to be a good listener.
And maybe you just need to be a good encourager to those who are hurting.
Maybe you need to pray with them. Pray for them with them. For those going through difficult times.
And then another white to do good as gift financially. Offer financial assistance to a church member who is in legitimate need.
And then share your testimony.
Share the hope that you have in Jesus Christ. Without even with fellow believers who may need encouragement in their face. Share your testimony of maybe a similar situation that you have gone through that, you can help them in their time of trial. But listen, if you are to do good. Until your brother and sister in this church, that means you need to know your brother and sister in Christ. So well that you know there need and this is where we're lacking. In our body. We need to do better to reach out to those that we don't know within this Fellowship.
And to get to know them. Because they are your brother and sister as well. And we'll speak more about this later. Let's let notice. Let's notice thirdly. Lastly.
We must be faithful. To do good. To do to those inside and outside the church now. Presently.
The last thing you notice is that we are to do good to one another and to everyone else as Paul says, as we have opportunity.
Recess numbers, 10. That does not mean that the good is something we do only now. And then that's not what pause talkin about here.
Rather the Greek word for opportunity is the word for time or season. The best conveys, the urgency. Now, that we are in the season. Now that we are in this particular time, now is the time to do good. Right now is the season of sowing Good Deeds. Now, the season for you to scatter, Good Deeds. So he can base here, the urgency of the coming Harvest. That Paul has mentioned in the previous verses. So this is a limited opportunity. Football say therefore as we have opportunity as we have this season to sow good seed you to show it. Don't waste your life thinking of only yourself. Which we're so natural prone to do.
Paula saying there's a time to sow and there were also in the future. Be a time to reap. Soon, the seed time will be over. And the day of harvest will come. Reaping. It's for the life to come beloved. That's what we have to remember. We want to. So now, we want to reap now, right? But raping. Is for the life to come. This lifetime is for the what the showing. So we must seize the opportunity to so good works while we still have the time to all men, those who are outside of those who are inside the church but especially to those who are our brothers in Christ and Sisters in Christ.
I asked you this. Morning, are you in the family of faith? Can you save brother? Wait. I know that I am in the household of faith. How do you become in the family of paid? Well, you have to place your faith and trust in the Lord. Jesus Christ to be your Lord of Lord and savior. You must repent, have a change of mind. Toward God and your to turn from yourself, and your sin and turn to Christ. As the only savior. Trust him.
And Jesus said, whoever comes to me, I will no wise cast out. So placing your faith and trust in Christ is the only way to be in the household of faith. And if you are in this household of faith here at this local church here at Barrel. I pray that I would ask you to pray that God would enlarge your reach. Administering and serving one another here in this local church. And then even in larger reach to those who are outside Miss church. You are too and I know you do. You ought to be friend? You ought to have friends who are lost. You ought to have relationships with those who are not in Christ. And if you don't think about this, how are they ever going to hear? And know the gospel. You need to have good relationships. They need to see Christ in you. Build relationships with those who are lost. And then, even build relationships with those. Within this family, your brother and sister in Christ that you may better serve them and encourage them, you can't encourage anybody that you don't know, his who is living in disappointment. Get to know one another better.
We'll talk about different ways in the weeks that, let's pray.
Our Father. we're thankful Lord for
this passage of scripture Lord, how really convicting it is.
And I certainly had to do a lot of preaching to myself before I was able to preach. To those before me. Father, I pray that you would enlarge my reach. Or help me to do good to show grace, and mercy. To those who are outside. And those are inside. Lord, I pray that we would. Here at Beryl would love one. Another I pray that we would.
Love one, another and serve one another in such a way that we would absolutely.
Be a light in this community you know world of darkness in a world that is constantly at odds with one another, there is so much division. So much this Unity. Or what a testimony right now.
to be a church that is in unity, loving one another for the cause and spread the gospel. Father, I pray that you would help us. I pray the Lord for those who are lost more than they would call upon Christ even now. Believing upon him. Lord, I pray for those who are looking for a local church, they're wanting to join. Father, I pray that you would speak to them, give them to sermon as to where you would have them growing and where you would have them to serve others and love others. As we love them. Serve them.
while I pray that you bless the remainder of this day, we met we meditate upon what we have heard. And may say to not steal the message from our hearts. We pray and ask all these things in Christ name. Amen. Let's all stand.