Most of us understand the great value of family. It is typically the closest earthly relationship we will ever have. A good family is a place of love, support, forgiveness, and sometimes discipline. Who would not want to be a part of that kind of bond?

As wonderful as a good earthly family is, there is a better family. It is one that I can choose for myself because the Father has opened the family to adoption. (Eph. 1:5) My spiritual family knows no end and death has no power over my brothers and sisters in Christ. (1 Cor. 15:51-58) On the great day of resurrection, all of us will be united, those I have known and those I have never met. (1 Thess. 4:16-17)

Because temptation is strong and evil never rests, Christ has given the local church to bring brothers and sisters together. We can exhort one another in worship (Heb. 10:23-25), we can provide for each others’ physical and spiritual needs (Acts 2:42-46), and we can become deeply tied to our spiritual family (Rom. 12:9-10).

The local church is the only Divinely ordained institution for Christians to unite in an organizational structure. A congregation has a hierarchy consisting of elders who respect God’s Word. (Acts 20:28-30) Brothers and sisters agree to work together under the guidance and direction of these qualified men. (Heb. 13:17) Each local church is autonomous and independent, but responsible to Divine authority. (1 Peter 5:1-3)

We have been blessed at Grissom Road to have a unified and supportive membership. May each of us do the best we can to grow our family bond.
Terry Starling