Ephesians 4:16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

Yesterday I made mention of being one part of the family of God. Here is another expression of inclusion where we should feel included in this family. Having moved because of a new job, a marriage, or any reason caused a change of churches, we will often look to see where we fit in with a new church.

Think as a Christian who is aware of this scripture in terms of finding a place within a new worship body. A church is a part of Christ but is not the whole body of Christ. More than a building, a church is an administration of the spirit, working in each member to cause unity, harmony, and effectual workings. As such these church administrations need members to fill roles to function.

When walking into a church for the first time, is there the sense of an open or closed membership? Do they make room for others? Do they want to get to know new comers? Do they share their space or try to close ranks around their comfort zone. That is a first indication of God being at work in that church. The very first indication in Ephesians 4:16 is fit. We cannot fit in if there is no room made available. Finding a place within this new or established church will always be the same. Those members will see where new comers fit if they are looking to complete their body.

I don’t trust men who walk into a church and announce with pride, “I am a (name it) and you should (claim it).” Name it and claim it personalities only look to themselves and their agendas. God will show gifts. Members will discover talent.

Galatians 3:26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.

Ephesians 2:19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God;

I don’t like being left alone. For me loneliness is a hard pill to swallow. The day I accepted Jesus Christ into my heart my loneliness ended. Even now, in my quiet time, with my door shut and the noise of the outside world cut off, I am not alone. He is here with me.

Being adopted into sonship isn’t just about having God the Father as my Abba Father, it is a whole family. My elder brother is Jesus Christ. Every new born again Christian is my little brother or sister. Being family is so important to me because of my past experience of being alone. They too know how that feels. We stand on common ground now.

Getting to lend a hand as a newborn takes those first unsteady steps by faith is rewarding. I understand how difficult it was to walk by faith at first. We all need family for encouragement and support.

There is real benefit in coming to know those who have been walking with Christ much longer then we have. It is very much a part of what John described as a grace experience.

John 1:16 And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.

Seeing this grace manifest itself in the elders is encouraging to the children as grace is imparted from the elder to the youth by the power of the Holy Spirit who abides in both.

Philippians 4:9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

If it be of God, it is in you also.