The Power of Belonging: Find Your Place in the Church
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- The Importance of Belonging
- Belonging through Faith
- The Significance of Baptism
- The Power of Blended Community
- The Blessings of Belonging
- Embracing Diversity in the Church
- Overcoming Barriers to Belonging
- The Family of God
- Living out Belonging in Everyday Life
Introduction
Welcome to Calvary Church with Skip Heitzig. In this teaching series, Pastor Skip explores the concept of belonging in the context of the church. He emphasizes the importance of understanding what church truly is and what it's not. Through the study of Galatians, Pastor Skip examines the idea of church as a place for belonging. In this article, we will delve into the topic of belonging and explore how faith, baptism, and community play a crucial role in our sense of belonging in the church.
The Importance of Belonging
Belonging is a fundamental human need. We all desire to be part of something greater than ourselves and to contribute to a community. Psalm 68 declares that God sets the lonely in families, primarily through the church family. However, in today's society, there is a growing subset of individuals known as the "nones" who identify as spiritual but not affiliated with any organized religious group. These unchurched Christians believe in God and Jesus but do not believe in the concept of the church. In contrast, the New Testament clearly states that the purpose of God is to build His church and call out a people for His own glory.
Belonging through Faith
Faith is the portal through which we enter into a relationship with God and become part of His family. Believing in Jesus Christ is what leads to our sense of belonging. We are not saved by our own works or achievements but by our belief in Christ. This belief is not just a generic acknowledgment of God's existence but a wholehearted commitment, trust, and reliance on Him. Just as a person places their whole weight upon a parachute to experience its full effectiveness, we must fully commit to Jesus and put our trust in Him to experience the fullness of belonging.
The Significance of Baptism
Baptism is not just a mere ritual, but a powerful symbol of our faith and belonging in Christ. It illustrates our identification with Christ's death, burial, and resurrection. While water baptism is an outward proclamation of our salvation, spirit baptism is the true immersion into the body of Christ. Through spirit baptism, the Holy Spirit places us into the family of God, regardless of our ethnic or social backgrounds. It is important to understand that baptism does not save us, as we are saved by grace through faith alone. However, water baptism is an essential step of obedience and a public declaration of our faith.
The Power of Blended Community
In the church, all barriers that typically divide us are obliterated in Christ. There is no favored status, and there is unity among believers. In the early church, this concept of blended community was difficult to embrace. Jewish believers struggled with accepting Gentiles as equals in the family of God. However, Paul emphasizes that in Christ, these distinctions no longer hold significance. The church is a place where all believers, regardless of their ethnicity, social status, or gender, belong together as one body. This understanding challenges us to celebrate diversity and build bridges rather than walls in the name of Jesus.
The Blessings of Belonging
Belonging to God's family brings numerous blessings. Through our faith in Christ, we become heirs and beneficiaries of the promises made to Abraham. As spiritual descendants of Abraham, we are part of the legacy of salvation by faith. These promises include the inheritance of a future kingdom, which God will fulfill. However, it is essential to distinguish between the promises made to physical Israel and the blessings bestowed upon the church. While the church does not replace Israel, we are joined together as a family through faith in Jesus Christ.
Embracing Diversity in the Church
In the church, diversity should be celebrated and embraced. The body of Christ consists of individuals from various ethnicities, backgrounds, and social statuses. Rather than allowing our differences to create divisions, we should appreciate the unique contributions each person brings to the community. By working together and valuing one another, we can experience the beauty of unity in diversity. The New Testament encourages us to break down barriers and recognize that there is no distinction or favored status in the family of God.
Overcoming Barriers to Belonging
Despite the invitation to belong to the church, many people face barriers to experiencing true belonging. These barriers can include past negative church experiences, misconceptions about the church's purpose, or fear of rejection. It is essential for the church to create a safe and welcoming environment where individuals can find acceptance, forgiveness, and love. By addressing these barriers and extending grace to one another, we can help people overcome their hesitations and allow them to fully experience the joy of belonging.
The Family of God
Belonging in the church means being part of a spiritual family. The early church understood this concept and met together regularly in large gatherings and small groups. In the large group, they studied the Scripture and worshiped together, while in the small group, they applied the teachings of Christ and built deeper relationships. To fully enjoy belonging, it is important to connect with others in the church community. This can be done by joining small groups, serving together, and actively participating in the life of the church.
Living out Belonging in Everyday Life
Belonging in the church is not limited to attending services or being part of organized activities. It should extend into every aspect of our lives. Believers have a responsibility to live out their faith and demonstrate God's love in their relationships, workplaces, and communities. By embodying the values of Christ and being intentional in our interactions, we have the opportunity to positively impact the world around us. Living out our belonging means being ambassadors of Christ's love and grace wherever we go.
