2000-10-09 - Trusting Christ and Joining a Family

Part 2 - Trusting Christ and Joining a Family

Origianally Published 2000-10-09

Acts 2:44-47 And all those who had believed were together, and had all things in common; and they began selling their property and possessions, and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need. And day by day, continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number, day by day, those who were being saved.

We continue on today with another thing that happens when someone comes to faith in Christ, at the moment of trusting Christ. I Became Accepted in the Beloved (Ephesians 1:6). A story is told of a Hindu and a New Zealander who once met each other on a ship. Neither could speak the other's language, but both had one thing in common; they had both previously given their lives to Christ. They each pointed to their Bibles, smiled at each other and shook hands, but that was all.

Suddenly, the former Hindu exclaimed with joy, "Hallelujah!" The New Zealander cried out, "Amen!" That is the kind of family the child of God has joined. There is a common communion that exists between Christians. This is even true when we don't speak the same language, because the bond that exists between Christians is deeper than mere words.

In the passage quoted above, we see the remarkable way the church was being built as it became established. It is clear that those who we see in this passage were behaving as if they were one family. And the result? The Lord added to their number day by day.

I always find it sad when Christians can't get along. Sometimes Christians not only fail to treat other Christians as family, but amazingly, it seems that they treat each other as mortal enemies. Sadly, most know this is not right, and yet excuses persist to justify this "acceptable" sin.

One principle I try to remember, when I find a brother or sister in Christ who consistently gets on my nerves, or who seems to cross me the wrong way, is that I will be spending eternity with them. This realization can really change my attitude regarding that person. Someday, that person and I will be standing side by side, before the throne of grace, singing praises to our Lord for His wonderful mercy and grace to us. Should I not then extend grace to that person now?

Being in a family is also a great comfort to those who feel they have no family here on this earth. Every Christian has a huge family, and every Christian is never alone. We may often feel alone, but the reality is that we have a loving and caring family both on Earth, and in Heaven among those who wait for us to join them. And this is a great motivation to stop looking at ourselves as orphans, and to begin to see ourselves as part of a great and loving family headed by our Lord Jesus Christ. What a great blessing this is!

Soli Deo Gloria,
T-

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