We Are Family

We Are Family

Scripture: Hebrews 10:22-25

“Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”

Introduction:

Natives of Philadelphia, the sisters: Debra Edwina "Debbie" Sledge (born 1954), Joan Elise "Joni" Sledge (1956–2017), Kim Sledge (born 1957), and Kathy Sledge (born 1959) are the daughters of Broadway tap dancer Edwin Sledge (1923–1996) and actress Flores Sledge (née Williams; 1928–2007) The sisters were given vocal training by their grandmother Viola Williams, a former lyric soprano opera singer and protégé of civil rights leader Mary McLeod Bethune. Under Viola's guidance, they regularly sang at their family church, Williams Temple Christian Methodist Episcopal Church until forming a band and performing at charity and political events throughout Philadelphia, aptly named Mrs. Williams’ Grandchildren. The sisters graduated from Olney High School: Debbie in 1972, Joni in 1974, Kim in 1975, and Kathy in 1977. By the end of the decade, all four sisters graduated from Temple University in Philadelphia.

In 1971, they formed a group which consisted of sisters Debbie, Joni, Kim, and Kathy aptly named Sister Sledge. The siblings achieved international success at the height of the disco era. In 1979, they released their breakthrough album We Are Family, which peaked at number three on the Billboard 200 and included the 1979 US top-10 singles "He's the Greatest Dancer" and "We Are Family". A third single, "Lost in Music", reached the US top 40. "We Are Family" earned a Grammy Award nomination for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal.

We are all familiar with the lyrics of the song.

It starts with the chorus we are family I got all my sisters with me.

We are family get up everybody and sing.

The verse says everyone can see we’re together as we walk on by

And we fly just like birds of a feather I won’t tell no lie.

All of the people around us, they say can they be that close.

Just let me state for the record we’re giving love in a family dose.

Living life is fun and we’ve just begun to get our share of this world’s delights

High hopes we have for the future and our goal’s, in sight

No, we don’t get depressed here’s what we call our golden rule

Have faith in you and the things you do you won’t go wrong, oh-no, this is our family jewel.

My Saint Thomas Baptist family and friends, it is with the magnificent joy of the Lord that I stand before you today, reflecting on the sacred bond we share as children of God Almighty. My brothers and sisters I’m so overcome with joy because of the souls added to the family of God on this Baptism and Communion Sunday here at Saint Thomas Baptist Church. Ladies and gentlemen, it is so fitting that as we wrap up our series of conversations about our identity in Christ Jesus under the theme “This is Who We Are.” That today, we gather under the topic of conversation “We Are Family,” a reminder that our unity in Christ is not merely an idea but a divine calling.

In the book of Hebrews, we are called to draw near to God and to one another, demonstrating the essence of our family ties in faith. So with the help of the Holy Spirit and the real preacher Jesus Christ I want to submit a few truths to help us recognize that “We Are Family” and the first is this.

Drawing Near to God: Our Foundation (v.22)

First, let’s consider what it means to draw near to God. The scripture encourages us to approach Him with a sincere heart. This is not just about physical proximity; it’s about a heartfelt connection. When we come together, we bring our joys, our burdens, our hopes, and our struggles. We come not as isolated individuals but as a family seeking the presence of God together.

Imagine a family gathered around the dinner table. Each member brings their stories, their laughter, and sometimes their tears. In the same way, when we draw near to God, we bring our authentic selves before Him.

(James 4:8) “Come close to God and He will come close to you. [Recognize that you are] sinner, get your soiled hands clean; [realize that you have been disloyal] wavering individuals with divided interests and purify your hearts [of spiritual adultery].”

(Psalm 145:18) “The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him sincerely and in truth.”

(Isaiah 55:6) “Seek, inquire for, and require the Lord while He may be found [claiming Him by necessity and by right]; call upon Him while He is near.”

Holding Unswervingly to Our Hope: Our Commitment (v.23)

Next, we are reminded to hold unswervingly to the hope we profess. Family is built on trust and commitment. When one member of the family falters, it’s the strength of the others that helps lift them up. Our hope in Christ is the anchor that holds us steady amid the storms of life.

As we cling to this hope, let us not forget that it is rooted in the faithfulness of God. He who promised is faithful! When we face trials, we must remind one another of this truth. Let’s be the voice that says, “God has not forgotten you. You are not alone.”

(Romans 15:13) “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing [through the experience of your faith] that by the power of the Holy Spirit you will abound in hope and overflow with confidence in His promises.”

(1 Thessalonians 5:24) “Faithful and absolutely trustworthy is He who is calling you [to Himself for your salvation], and He will do it [He will fulfill His call by making you holy, guarding you, watching over you, and protecting you as His own].”

(Colossians 1:23) “[and He will do this] if you continue in the faith, well-grounded and steadfast, and not shifting away from the [confident] hope [that is a result] of the gospel that you have heard, which was proclaimed [a]in all creation under heaven, and of which [gospel] I, Paul, was made a minister.”

Spurring One Another On: Our Responsibility (v.24)

Now, let’s talk about our role in each other’s lives. The scripture urges us to consider how we can spur one another on toward love and good deeds. This is an active, intentional process.

You see, family doesn’t just happen; it is cultivated. It requires us to look out for one another, to encourage one another, to lift one another up. When you see a brother or sister struggling, don’t just stand by—step in! Offer a word of encouragement, lend a helping hand, or simply be present.

(Galatians 6:2) “Carry one another’s burdens and in this way you will fulfill the requirements of the law of Christ [that is, the law of Christian love].”

(Ephesians 4:29) “Do not let unwholesome [foul, profane, worthless, vulgar] words ever come out of your mouth, but only such speech as is good for building up others, according to the need and the occasion, so that it will be a blessing to those who hear [you speak].”

(1 Thessalonians 5:11) “Therefore encourage (admonish, exhort) one another and edify (strengthen and build up) one another, just as you are doing.”

The Importance of Community: Not Giving Up Meeting Together (v.25)

Finally, the passage emphasizes the importance of gathering together. We are reminded not to give up on meeting together, especially as we see the Day approaching. In our fast-paced world, it can be easy to let the demands of life pull us apart. But family thrives in community.

When we come together—whether in worship, prayer, or fellowship—we create a space where love can flourish. We build a sanctuary where God’s presence is felt, where healing occurs, and where hope is renewed.

(Acts 2:46-47) “Day after day they met in the temple [area] continuing with one mind, and breaking bread in various private homes. They were eating their meals together with joy and generous hearts, 47 praising God continually, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord kept adding to their number daily those who were being saved.”

(Matthew 18:20) “For where two or three are gathered in My name [meeting together as My followers], I am there among them.”

(Hebrews 3:13) “But continually encourage one another every day, as long as it is called “Today” [and there is an opportunity], so that none of you will be hardened [into settled rebellion] by the deceitfulness of sin [its cleverness, delusive glamour, and sophistication].”

My Saint Thomas Baptist family and friends let me leave you with a list of things that we do because “We Are Family!”

1. We uplift one another because We Are Family!

2. We stand together in faith because We Are Family!

3. We share in each other’s joy because We Are Family!

4. We support each other through trials because We Are Family!

5. We celebrate our victories because We Are Family!

6. We pray for one another’s strength because We Are Family!

7. We walk side by side in love because We Are Family!

8. We hold each other up in times of need because We Are Family!

9. We spread kindness and compassion because We Are Family!

10. We grow together in spirit because We Are Family!

Let the spirit of unity and love guide us, for We Are Family!

Conclusion:

My brothers and sisters, we are family. We are bound together by the love of Christ, called to draw near to God and to one another. As we hold unswervingly to our hope and spur one another on, let us commit to nurturing our community.

So, let us leave here today with a renewed sense of purpose. Let’s reach out, connect, and encourage one another. Because in this family, we find strength, love, and the presence of God.

May we always remember that together, we are stronger. Together, we are family. Amen.