F I R S T
A S S E M B L Y  O F  G O D
 

At First Assembly of God we believe in family!  Do you ever wonder why we refer to the church as “family?”  The Bible explains that "all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God" (Romans 8:14). Becoming a Christian means being adopted into God's family as a child of God and brother or sister to fellow believers. This understanding explains why we refer to the church as a family.

 

So what is the value of this family?

 

The value in having a church family is not only in receiving—receiving love, bearing lighter burdens, learning truth that equips, and having help to overcome sin. There is value also in having the opportunity to give in each of these areas to other believers. Serving—whether by extending love and acceptance; offering to cook, drive, or babysit; teaching children or discipling those younger in the faith; or meeting with someone to provide accountability and encouragement—brings a sense of purpose and fulfillment. Knowing that God has a role for each believer to play in the lives of other believers gives meaning and direction to our lives.

 

Proverbs 27:17 states that, "Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another." Being a part of community allows believers to help each other to better understand and live out the truth. Proverbs 27:6 and 9 say, "Faithful are the wounds of a friend… the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel." These verses show that accountability from a friend is a blessing in our lives.

 

When a church family faithfully lives out these principles of love, God is ultimately glorified. Jesus commanded His disciples to "let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven" (Matthew 5:16). In light of the fact that engaging with our church family glorifies God and given the other benefits of interacting with the church family, let us "not [be found] neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but [let us be] encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near" (Hebrews 10:25).