This topic is SO MUCH LARGER than a single blog post (or even a series). We see all through the New Testament that we were slaves of sin, lost in our sin, dead in our sin, under the wrath of God, etc… But as Ephesians 2 says in verse 4, two words CHANGED ALL OF THAT. Those words are “BUT, GOD…”
We were dead, BUT GOD.
We were lost, BUT GOD.
We were slaves to sin, BUT GOD.
This is one of my favorite passages to preach, but there’s another thought behind it. That thought is that we are no longer dead in sin, but because of Christ, we are dead TO sin! We are no longer lost because of sin, we’re now FOUND FROM SIN!! We’re no longer slaves to sin and hopeless, we’re REDEEMED IN CHRIST and HOPEFUL!!
Part of this process is called “adoption” - we weren’t born into God’s family, we were ADOPTED into it when we accepted Christ as our King and Savior (Rescuer) of our lives. Did we clean ourselves up first? No. God accepted us, ADOPTED us, just as we were. Full of sin, but forgiven because of Christ. Did we (or do we) follow His plan perfectly? nope. But He loves us anyway. He loves us completely, and fully, and wonderfully, and amazingly - not because we’re that good, but because HE is that good.
We’re adopted. It’s all because of Him. He chose us (Eph. 1:3-4); He adopted us (Rom. 8:15); and He’ll keep us (John 10:28-29) until we see Him face to face.
We were dead, BUT GOD.
We were lost, BUT GOD.
We were slaves to sin, BUT GOD.
This is one of my favorite passages to preach, but there’s another thought behind it. That thought is that we are no longer dead in sin, but because of Christ, we are dead TO sin! We are no longer lost because of sin, we’re now FOUND FROM SIN!! We’re no longer slaves to sin and hopeless, we’re REDEEMED IN CHRIST and HOPEFUL!!
Part of this process is called “adoption” - we weren’t born into God’s family, we were ADOPTED into it when we accepted Christ as our King and Savior (Rescuer) of our lives. Did we clean ourselves up first? No. God accepted us, ADOPTED us, just as we were. Full of sin, but forgiven because of Christ. Did we (or do we) follow His plan perfectly? nope. But He loves us anyway. He loves us completely, and fully, and wonderfully, and amazingly - not because we’re that good, but because HE is that good.
We’re adopted. It’s all because of Him. He chose us (Eph. 1:3-4); He adopted us (Rom. 8:15); and He’ll keep us (John 10:28-29) until we see Him face to face.
THAT’S adoption, folks… and that’s comforting. That’s encouraging. That’s amazing.
Now, here’s another encouragement for you -
That I’m aware of, there are currently 3 or 4 families in our church that are current foster/adoptive parents, and there are 3 or 4 MORE families that are somewhere in the process of becoming foster or adoptive parents!!! Friends, consider that.
If everyone showed up on the same Sunday, we’d have 150-160 people… we’re averaging around 115 - 120 on a Sunday. Almost 40% of our church is under the age of 18. That leaves the percentage of families ready (or becoming ready) to be resource parents at a VERY high percentage!!!
Why am I encouraged by this? Because there are MANY in this church willing to sacrifice their own comfort to help someone else. Someone broken. Someone that doesn’t “fit in.” Why?
Because MANY in this church realize that while they were still broken, while they didn’t “fit in,” GOD ACCEPTED THEM. GOD SAVED THEM. GOD ADOPTED THEM. GOD HELPED THEM. Not because they had something to offer, but because HE DOES.
Friends, not everyone is capable of being a resource family… but everyone IS capable of helping those willing to be a resource family.
I never would’ve thought 2-3 years ago that Nici and I would be a resource family. NOR would I have thought that our church would be full of families willing to do the same. My mind is blown by what God is doing in us and through us.
So, what’s the point of this blog? It’s to encourage those to keep going. It’s difficult. It’s exhausting. It’s heart-wrenching. BUT, it’s also joyful. It’s encouraging. It’s rewarding.
If you’re considering becoming a foster/adoptive (also called “resource family") parent, in Delaware County, you can contact Jason Phipps at 765.213.6888. There are options for respite care, fostering, guardianship, and adoption.
If you know God hasn’t laid on your heart to be a resource family/parent, perhaps you’d be willing to help those who are. Pray for them. Encourage them. Help them. Schedules with school, after school care, therapy appointments, etc. can be daunting at times. If you’re able and willing, ask if there’s something you can do.
EVERYONE can pray, some are able to do more. If you are, consider doing it.
Why? Because it’s commUNITY. We’re in this to love Jesus, love who Jesus loves, and serve who Jesus serves. Some are on the front lines; some need lots of support while out there.
Jump in.
You’re adopted into God’s family. Be willing to help someone else too...
Now, here’s another encouragement for you -
That I’m aware of, there are currently 3 or 4 families in our church that are current foster/adoptive parents, and there are 3 or 4 MORE families that are somewhere in the process of becoming foster or adoptive parents!!! Friends, consider that.
If everyone showed up on the same Sunday, we’d have 150-160 people… we’re averaging around 115 - 120 on a Sunday. Almost 40% of our church is under the age of 18. That leaves the percentage of families ready (or becoming ready) to be resource parents at a VERY high percentage!!!
Why am I encouraged by this? Because there are MANY in this church willing to sacrifice their own comfort to help someone else. Someone broken. Someone that doesn’t “fit in.” Why?
Because MANY in this church realize that while they were still broken, while they didn’t “fit in,” GOD ACCEPTED THEM. GOD SAVED THEM. GOD ADOPTED THEM. GOD HELPED THEM. Not because they had something to offer, but because HE DOES.
Friends, not everyone is capable of being a resource family… but everyone IS capable of helping those willing to be a resource family.
I never would’ve thought 2-3 years ago that Nici and I would be a resource family. NOR would I have thought that our church would be full of families willing to do the same. My mind is blown by what God is doing in us and through us.
So, what’s the point of this blog? It’s to encourage those to keep going. It’s difficult. It’s exhausting. It’s heart-wrenching. BUT, it’s also joyful. It’s encouraging. It’s rewarding.
If you’re considering becoming a foster/adoptive (also called “resource family") parent, in Delaware County, you can contact Jason Phipps at 765.213.6888. There are options for respite care, fostering, guardianship, and adoption.
If you know God hasn’t laid on your heart to be a resource family/parent, perhaps you’d be willing to help those who are. Pray for them. Encourage them. Help them. Schedules with school, after school care, therapy appointments, etc. can be daunting at times. If you’re able and willing, ask if there’s something you can do.
EVERYONE can pray, some are able to do more. If you are, consider doing it.
Why? Because it’s commUNITY. We’re in this to love Jesus, love who Jesus loves, and serve who Jesus serves. Some are on the front lines; some need lots of support while out there.
Jump in.
You’re adopted into God’s family. Be willing to help someone else too...
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