IT FEELS LIKE HOME (THE POWER OF BELONGING) – DYLAN JAHNIG
Scriptures:
John 8:47
Galatians 3: 26-29
Points:
1. Believe in Jesus
2. Be Baptized into the Family
3. Build a life to the Glory of God
In this powerful message, we’re reminded of the transformative power of belonging to God’s family. The key scripture, John 8:47, challenges us to examine our spiritual hearing: ‘He who belongs to God hears what God says.’ This isn’t about behavior, but about belief and belonging. We’re not built into God’s family, we’re born into it through faith in Jesus. This shifts our perspective from trying to earn our place to embracing our identity as God’s children. As we internalize this truth, we’re encouraged to ‘be family’ – to take our place at the table, to serve, and to live out our faith boldly. Our belonging to God is the foundation for hearing His voice and living out His calling in our lives.
The Power of Belonging:
Have you ever walked into a room and suddenly felt at home? That inexplicable sense that “these are my people”? This feeling of belonging is more than just a pleasant emotion – it’s a fundamental human need that shapes our growth, identity, and purpose.
But what does it mean to truly belong, especially in a spiritual context?
The Essence of Belonging
Belonging goes beyond mere attendance or association. It’s about being an integral part of something greater than ourselves. In the context of faith, belonging is intrinsically tied to our relationship with God and His family.
There’s a striking passage in John 8:47 that illuminates this: “He who belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God.” This verse challenges us to consider: Are we truly part of God’s family? Do we hear His voice guiding our lives?
Believing in Jesus: The Foundation of Belonging
The cornerstone of spiritual belonging is our faith in Jesus Christ. Galatians 3:26 reminds us, “You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.” It’s not about our behavior or religious performance – it’s about our belief in and relationship with Jesus.
This shift from performance to faith is liberating. We’re not trying to earn our place in God’s family; we’re embracing the identity He’s already given us through Christ. It’s like switching the source of our life from our own efforts to God’s grace.
Baptized into Family
When we place our faith in Jesus, we’re not just joining an organization – we’re being born into a family. Galatians 3:27-28 beautifully expresses this: “For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
This spiritual baptism transcends our earthly divisions and unites us as one family in Christ. It’s not about building ourselves into God’s family piece by piece, but recognizing that we’ve been born into it through faith.
Think of it like this: When a child is born into a family, they don’t have to earn their place – they belong from day one. Similarly, when we’re born again in Christ, we instantly belong to God’s family. Our growth and maturity will come, but our belonging is immediate and unconditional.
The Story of Nicky Cruz:
The transformative power of belonging is beautifully illustrated in the story of Nicky Cruz. Once the leader of a violent New York gang called the Mau Maus, Cruz encountered a persistent preacher named David Wilkerson.
Despite Cruz’s threats and violence, Wilkerson continued to share God’s love with him. Even when Cruz held a knife to his throat, Wilkerson declared, “You can cut me into a thousand pieces, and every piece will still say ‘Jesus loves you.’”
This unwavering love eventually broke through Cruz’s hardened exterior. He gave his life to Christ, finding the true belonging he had always sought. Cruz went from being a feared gang leader to a powerful evangelist, demonstrating how God can transform anyone who comes into His family.
Breaking the Stronghold of Exclusion
For many of us, there’s a stronghold in our minds that whispers, “You don’t belong. You’re not good enough. Your past disqualifies you.” But the truth of God’s Word shatters these lies.
Romans 14:8 declares, “If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.” Our belonging to God isn’t based on our performance or perfection – it’s rooted in His love and Christ’s sacrifice.
No matter what you’ve done or what’s been done to you, you can belong to God’s family. It starts with simply believing in Jesus and accepting His offer of salvation and sonship.
Living in the Light of Belonging
When we truly grasp our belonging in God’s family, it changes everything. We approach life’s challenges differently, knowing we’re not alone. We serve others with the confidence of those secure in their identity. We pursue God’s purposes, knowing we’re part of His grand story.
Whether things are going well or poorly in our lives, we belong to the Lord. Our circumstances don’t define our belonging – our relationship with God does.
As we go about our everyday lives – in our workplaces, our homes, our communities – we carry this sense of belonging with us – letting it fuel our courage, shape our decisions, and inspire our love for others.
Discussion Questions
- How does the concept of ‘belonging’ in a spiritual context differ from belonging to other social groups, and why is it crucial for hearing God’s voice?
- In what ways might we unintentionally behave like ‘illegitimate children’ in God’s family, and how can we shift our perspective to embrace our true identity?
- What does it mean to be ‘baptized into the family’ of God, and how might this understanding change our approach to church participation?
- How can we reconcile the idea of being ‘perfectly fit’ for God’s family from day one with the ongoing process of spiritual growth and sanctification?
- In what ways might we be listening to the ‘wrong father’ in our lives, and how can we discern between God’s voice and other influences?
- How does the concept of ‘switching our source’ to Jesus practically apply in our daily decision-making and priorities?
- What are some potential ‘strongholds’ that might prevent people from fully embracing their belonging in God’s family, and how can they be overcome?
- How does the idea that ‘whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord’ impact our approach to life’s challenges and uncertainties?
- In what ways can we actively ‘build a life that glorifies God’?
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of belonging in Your family. We’re humbled that, through Jesus, we are not just invited but born into Your household of faith. Help us to hear Your voice as beloved children, to believe deeply in Jesus, to embrace the unity of our baptism, and to live boldly for Your glory. Remove any doubts or fears that distance us from You, and fill our hearts with the confidence of knowing we are Yours. May our lives reflect Your love, and may we build a legacy that honors You in all we do. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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