Readers of the Bible will recognize Israel as God's chosen people, a sometimes rag-tag family linked by heritage (descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob), experience (think Moses parting Red Sea), and laws (10 Commandments, anyone?). But more than anything, they were united by their exclusive covenant with the God who called them. Out of His goodness, power, and plan, the family of Jacob became a great nation that eventually blessed the world by producing the divine Savior, Jesus Christ.
Jesus started a new family--the church, His brothers and sisters in faith. Those who call Him Lord and Savior are woven together by their faith covenant with the same God, revealed in Jesus Christ, who sacrificed Himself to make a way for reconciliation between unholy people and holy God. The unique spiritual unity between believers is sometimes difficult to grasp. But it is very real. Often this spiritual bond is stronger than blood ties to family. The love of Jesus powerfully attracts those seeking peace, forgiveness, and purpose.
If you seek any of those elements, we invite you to read the book of Luke in the New Testament, for starters. Visit a church that teaches the Bible and see what a spiritual family looks like. Ask questions. Follow this blog or others that we will recommend as the weeks go by. Seek Jesus! He wants you to find Him.
The New Testament book of Ephesians speaks to the oneness that believers in Jesus experience. Chapter 4, verses 4-6, 16, say:
There is one body and one Spirit--just as you were called to one hope when you were called-- one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all, and in all. .. From him [Christ] the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.
The Stitches team consists of spiritual sisters, Christ-followers who aim to make Jesus look good and to share Him with each reader. We come from unique backgrounds yet worship together with the same church body. He has "stitched us together" by His Spirit. We have started this blog to investigate the Jesus-life, to encourage, equip, and challenge other brothers and sisters in Christ as we journey together.
Expect two entries per week, Mondays and Thursdays, each written by a different team member. Every two months or so we'll rotate back around. Add us to your Google Reader list, or subscribe to the RSS feed, so you don't miss any new post.
We look forward to your comments and interactions!
great intro post, kelley!
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