God's Human Family

The Family of God God has always wanted a human family (Sons and Daughters of God) and the biblical story tells us of Adam’s failure and God’s new partnerships (Covenants) to fill the earth with royal family that would represent him (Image of God) on the earth. The restart with Noah ends in all the nations going astray (Genesis 11), but God chooses one family (Abraham) to bless all families (Genesis 12:1-3). Moses brings God’s family (Israel and the Exodus), out of Egypt (Hosea 11:1) and later King David becomes the central figure in this royal family (Psalm 2:6-9). After the kings go astray God exiles them, but there is hope that the King will return to the throne and God would make his dwelling with his people once again. What they didn’t expect was that this Son of David would be God himself in Jesus the Messiah (Messiah/Christ is an anointed kingly figure). His life, teachings, death, burial, resurrection, appearances, and ascension show us that the new door to becoming the family of God is to trust in Jesus (for salvation, identity, purpose, belonging) and give him our allegiance as King. He purifies us (like the High Priest) to become the temple space in which God will dwell. Those who confess Jesus as Lord become his family (John 1:12). This family is destined to become more and more like Jesus the perfect representation of God on earth. We are family now and what we will be is glorious throughout eternity. As we bring people along toward Christlikeness at Issaquah Christian Church (Philippians 1:6; 2:12-13; 3:12; 4:11) we want to make sure that everyone gets the invite to more love, more life and meaningful participation in the family. Using the analogy of a home, there are several steps to go from being a guest to active family member. A Path Forward to Becoming Family at ICC The Porch. Do you feel like you are on the Porch looking in at the rest of the household? You have listened to Jesus’ call to Come and See (John 1:39,46), visited a church service or program of the church and have experienced a welcome. Maybe you consider yourself a Guest of ICC on a periodic basis and have had some pleasant experiences. You have been presented the Good News that God has come near and become King in Jesus (Gospel). You have been encouraged to affirm your allegiance to Jesus at this point and are called to repent (turn from trusting yourself) and believe and be baptized (Matthew 4:17, John 3:36). The Couch. You’ve accepted that Jesus is Lord and Savior and have been welcomed into God’s family in response to Jesus’ call to Follow Me (John 1:43). Maybe you have been invited into relationships and have started to have deeper conversations with ICC Members. Maybe you are a regular Guest of ICC services and programs. You feel part of the family but want to be doing more and making more connections. The Table. Do you feel you are engaging in deeper relationships at ICC and are learning how to talk about Jesus with those outside on the Porch? Maybe you are responding to Jesus’ call to Go Fish drawing people to Jesus (Matthew 4:19). You confess Jesus as Lord and you have consistent fellowship (meals, ministry, prayer) and have been able to connect new guests toward this pathway. You are becoming known and getting to know others through spiritual conversations about King Jesus. You have become a Member of the ICC Family and are serving more regularly learning how to use your gifts. The Kitchen. Do you feel like you are in the thick of the action in creating environments for others to flourish as family? You are probably responding to Jesus’ call to Go and Bear Much Fruit (John 15:16). You are involved in meaningful service on a team. You are bringing other people into the household. You have figured out your spiritual gifts and are moving toward the common family goal of making disciples with others. This can happen through ministry teams in the church and in your neighborhood, workplace, schools, and places of recreation. Growing Deeper at Any Stage The Fridge. Do you feel like there are a few family members who really know who you are? You have to be family or really close friends to look into someone’s fridge. You are growing in deep, regular, intimate, confessing, supportive relationships with other Christians. You are probably becoming like Christ in your inner and outer life (spiritual maturity and emotional maturity). (James 5:16, 2 Timothy 2:2)