"Church as Family"

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"Church as Family"

Hospitality

June 23, 2024 • Daniel Kitchel • Romans 12:9–13, Mark 3:31–34, Matthew 20:20–28

Your faith is personal, but it is not private. We are called to live out this faith among a family of believers.

Jesus said, "Those who do God's will are his brothers, sisters, and mother." This teaching was radical because it opened up the idea that family is not solely based on bloodlines or names but on faith.

This family relationship we are to have with one another in the church is rooted in hospitality.

Hospitality is everything. We are to have open homes, hearts, wallets, and prayer lists. We share burdens to lighten the load and rejoice with those who rejoice to double the joy. Our conversations move from shallow norms to deep wells of accountability and love. It means we always have another chair ready at the table for a guest to enter, as we are called to make the stranger our friend.

"A Command to be Joyful"

July 14, 2024 • Daniel Kitchel • Luke 7:36–50, 1 John 2:3–6

Indifference, apathy, and having our arms crossed spiritually are postures that many Christians face today. This is not what Jesus died for nor how we have been called to live. Jesus said, "I have come to give them life, and life to the full!" We are commanded to rejoice and celebrate. How much joy do you have?

"Eating Together"

July 7, 2024 • Daniel Kitchel • Matthew 20:20–28

Jesus used meals as a central way to reach others. He broke bread with everyone. Many have said, "He changed the world one meal at a time." As we seek to follow Jesus, we are called to live as he did. God calls us to open our homes and tables to others. May we know the life-changing power of demonstrating hospitality.

"You Cannot Follow Jesus Alone"

June 16, 2024 • Daniel Kitchel • Matthew 10:1–4, Romans 12:9–13

Jesus lived in community with others. If we are to follow Him, we are called to do the same. You cannot follow Jesus alone. As God's children, we are adopted into a larger family that includes other adopted brothers and sisters. We must do our best to bear with one another, love, forgive, and get along. It is a calling to love another radically.