we are formed ...

... for God's family. "God is the one who made all things, and all things are for His glory. He wanted to have many children share His glory.." Hebrews 2:10a (NCV)

our second purpose in life is FELLOWSHIP - loving God's family (ie. to love fellow believers). In 1 Timothy 3:14-15 (NCV) says, "I'm writing... so you'll know how to live in the family of God. That family is the church..."

there are 4 levels of fellowship:

1. membership - choosing to belong
"In Christ we who are many form one Body, and each member belongs to all the others." Romans 12:5 (NIV)
don't be a spiritual orphan! be part of a church family!!

2. friendship - learning to share
"All the believers met together constantly and shared everything with each other." Acts 2:44 (LB)
let's learn to share our experiences; homes & our problems with each other.
we are not make to carry our problems alone - share them!
you might have heard of this saying: "joy shared is doubled; problem shared is halved."

3. partnership - doing my part
"We are partners working together for God." 1 Corinthians 3:9a
everyone in God's family can contribute. we need to find what God has entrusted to us (eg. talents) & do our part!
remember: love is to shown in action, not just word.

4. kinship - loving believers like family
"Be devoted to each other like a loving family." Romans 12:10 (GW)
find practical ways to bless someone - start today!