Are We Really Family? (Acts 2)

V42 “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread and the prayers.”

V44 “And all that believed were together, and had all things common; v45 and they sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all, according as any man had need. v46 And day by day, continuing steadfastly with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread at home, they took their food with gladness and singleness of heart,..” (Acts 2:42, 44-46 ASV)

If you look back to your earlier memories, pictures and experiences; they included family: old pictures with you bathing with your brother or sister, pictures with you and your siblings wearing the same dresses or suspender outfits to church, or even hugging each other at a family outing. From the very onset, your parents promoted and laid a foundation for you to participate in-FAMILY.

What happened? Seldom do we get together for birthdays. Rarely can we get the majority to come out for the holiday meals. Once in a blue moon, your kinfolk make the sacrifice to travel for family members’ graduations or a playoff game? And let's not go there, when it comes to attending the family reunions, which you grew up on, but now hardly ever will you see your relatives because the time together has lost its significance and relevance.

I remember when my grandmother was diagnosed with Leukemia, a debilitating disorder; she was lethargic, tired, weak, and seldom had an appetite. But once diagnosed, they treated her with a blood transfusion. They put somebody else's blood in her; they exchanged their good blood for her bad blood, and her whole countenance changed! She did a 180 (not a 360, cause you'd be where you started). I hope you see where I'm going with this.

Blood along with water are the essential ingredients for us to live; and I propose that some of us received blood transfusion from those who have similar blood types. Who are they? Family - the body of Christ ("Now you are the body of Christ, and each of you is a part of it"- 1 Cor. 12:27)

We've all been adopted into the family of God (Eph. 1:5) and it is Christ blood which has given us hope and a new life. We don't have to walk around tired, lethargic and without an appetite (for without food, one can't grow). I hope you see where I'm going with this!

The first church had everything in common (Acts 2:42-47); they ate together, prayed together, worshipped together, and satisfied any need that their church family member's had. There was a sense of community. That's what the church is supposed to be a people or society which shares common interest; in particular relating to our Father in heaven.

Let's get this family thing back on track and stop forsaking the fellowship (Heb. 10:24-25) - get back to church every week. Get back to serving in the church, get back to bible study, and helping brother's and sister's in need (Can somebody say I'm there). Let's break bread together; the church picnic is on the 26th of this month at Almond ridge Park, around the corner from the church. Meet us there.

We are family, I've got all my brother's/sister's with me! Do I??

Think about it, and let me know.

Pastor Kirkland A. Smith

Senior Pastor