I’ve aways felt safe.

My whole life, I’ve aways felt safe.  Maybe I’m sheltered?  Maybe I’m naive?  Maybe I’m too “suburban”?  I don’t know but I’ve always felt protected.

I began to wonder, in a world full of danger, why have I felt this kind of safety since childhood.  I believe it has to do with family.  I always felt safe with my mom and dad, grandpa and grandmas, even with extended family we would only see once in a while.  I’ve always had family around.  I felt they loved me, they were watching out for me, that I could count on them, and they would take care of me.

I know that many reading this haven’t had this same experience with their family.  For some family wasn’t a safe place.  For others family was outright dangerous.  But it’s not supposed to be this way.  Even in our fallen world, God intended our families to be safe places where we are able to become the people we are called to be.  

God calls His church the FAMILY of God.  And no matter what kind of family you grew up in, your church family should be a safe place where you are loved.  When you surrendered your life to God He made you a part of His family.  There are no orphans in God’s family.  You’re called to be a part of a local church family. 

In our Activ8 series one of the steps of discipleship is being an active part of your church family.  Being a part of a great church family...

• protects us,
• keeps your fire burning for the Lord,
• leads to maturity,
• helps you grow and produce fruit,
• is obedience to the Lord, and 
• helps you and the rest of your family be a part of God’s Kingdom work!

Pentecost

When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. 

Acts 2:1-4 (NKJV)

It’s time to celebrate the birthday of the church!  It is Pentecost weekend!  This week take time to read Acts 2 to see how it happened.  Christ had talked about building His church in Matthew 16.  He had promised the Holy Spirit throughout the Gospels and in Acts 1.  At Pentecost the 120 were baptized in the Holy Spirit, Peter preached, and 3000 members were added to the church.  What a glorious beginning!  And the power of Holy Spirit continues today as Christ builds His church.

There are 3 baptisms spoken of in Scripture.  Make sure you have participated in all 3.

The baptism into God’s family.  “For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body…” 1 Corinthians 12:13

The baptism in water.  “Then Peter said to them,...’let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins...’”  Acts 2:38. “...and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also-not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a good conscience toward God.” I Peter 3:21.  “Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.” Romans 6:4 

The baptism in the Holy Spirit.  “I (John the Baptist) baptize you with water, but He (Jesus) will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” Mark 1:8.  Take time this week to study the following verses concerning being baptized in the Holy Spirit... Luke 24:49; Acts 1:8; 8:14-17; 10:44-48; 19:3-6; Ephesians 5:18.

Identity

Here’s a bible study for you this week...

My Identity in Jesus 

• Beloved - Jeremiah 3:13
• A Child of God - 1 John 3:1
• Delighted In - Zephaniah 3:17
• Forgiven - 1 Peter 2:24
• Washed Clean - Isaiah 1:18
• Free - Galatians 5:1
• A Temple of the Holy Spirit - 1 Corinthians 6:19
• Adopted into God’s Family - Romans 8:15.
• Co-Heir with Christ - Romans 8:17
• Righteous - 2 Corinthians 5:21
• New - 2 Corinthians 5:17 
• A Saint - 1 Corinthians 6:11
• Set Apart - 1 Peter 2:9
• An Ambassador of Christ - 2 Corinthians 5:20
• A Co-Laborer - 1 Corinthians 3:9
• A Sweet Aroma - 2 Corinthians 2:15
• Never Alone - Deuteronomy 31:8
• A Masterpiece - Ephesians 2:10
• Wonderfully Made - Psalm 139:14
• Bold - 2 Corinthians 3:12
• Having Guaranteed Victory - Psalm 18:35
• Holding a Secured Future - Jeremiah 29:11
• Whole in Christ - Colossians 2:10

Compiled by Ben Malcolmson, Assistant to the Head Coach, Seattle Seahawks