You Belong Here

You Belong to God (12:12-14)

1. Creator
2. Father
   1. You and Father God (To partake or share in)
   2. You belong to God twice – Once as creation, once as father
3. Spirit of Christ is ONE (For by one Spirit-in opposed to many)
   1. Belonging to God is doing things His way. His body moves in one direction
   2. You cannot continue to sin and go the opposite direction and claim you belong
   3. The world wants to tell you that you can do both. That you can belong to God and do whatever you want to do.  You have to be in Christ.  You can’t be associated with Christ. You have to be in Christ.  Partake of His Spirit.
      1. Half doing it does not work anyway. Both biblically and scientifically 1Quote from “Almost Christian” Kenda Creasy Dean says, “committed Christian teens share four traits:  They have a personal story about God they can share, a deep connection to a faith community, a sense of purpose and a sense of hope about their future.”
   4. Invitation to BELONG to God. Everywhere you go has expectations.  The godless have expectations.  They just do not have eternal promises.

You Belong to the Body of Christ (12:12-14) – Diversity

1. Inclusion and Individuality are equal.
   1. Inclusion leaves no room for expression. Individuality forces everyone alone.
   2. Focusing on just one leads to poor self-esteem (God’s definition)
2. Inclusion – You are a part of the plan of God. You are a part of the ultimate plan.  Something Big.  The movement and fulfillment of time.

“God allowing you to be a part of something bigger than yourself.” – Minister Tina Taylor

• How is God using you to move other parts of the body

1. Individuality – You are special, unique, and valuable. YOU BELONG HERE.
   1. Phil 3:12-14 Self-esteem is understanding I am not perfect but I am valuable.
   2. You are unique to your:
      1. Generation – You have the tools to navigate and add to the world at this moment
      2. Family – Your family is not the same without you. You bring that extra sauce to the mix

• Church – You are a part of this body. We see you and need you for more than technology

1. How do you determine which part of the body you are?

You Belong in Unity (12:12-14) – Unity

1. No schisms in the body; no division
2. Mutual dependence, respect and care
   1. Today is most certainly an invitation of many to show you we need you. We are making room for you.  YOU BELONG HERE.

• How is God using you to move other parts of the body

3. Legacy is important. It is only possible with someone other than yourself
   1. There are some things older people need to pass along
   2. There are some things younger people need to pass along
4. We celebrate and cover one another

WE BELONG HERE!