Grow Your Family | Sunday Fast Track

Summary

In this CCF Sunday FASTT Track session, Misha from CCF Communications and Pastor Edric Mendoza address various real-life faith questions. They explore topics such as the meaning of 'hating' family in Luke 14:26, balancing love for God and family, and how to genuinely love others, even strangers. They also discuss how individuals who have lost family can find a sense of belonging in God’s spiritual family. The conversation emphasizes prioritizing faith in Jesus and fostering loving relationships within the church. The episode concludes with an invitation to the upcoming 'Truth Over Trends' youth series.

Takeaways

• 📖 In Luke 14:26, 'hate' refers to loving family members less than God, prioritizing Jesus above all else.
• 🙏 The passage emphasizes that loving God must come first, even if it appears like 'hate' towards family when choices conflict with faith.
• 💡 Loving God over family doesn’t mean neglecting or not loving them, but ensuring God remains the top priority.
• 🤝 In a church setting, we are a spiritual family, and building genuine relationships should be rooted in love for Christ.
• ❤️ Loving strangers and fellow church members can be challenging at first, but by initiating conversations and actions, genuine love will follow.
• 🌍 Practical steps, like small group involvement and ministries that help strangers, can show the love of God to others.
• 👨‍👩‍👦 For those who have lost family members, God provides a spiritual family where they can experience community and love.
• 👥 Joining small groups or 'dgroups' is highly encouraged to experience the close-knit bond of a spiritual family.
• 🎯 Even if someone has lost their biological family, they can still have a future family or children through God’s will.
• ✨ The upcoming series 'Truth Over Trends' focuses on youth, encouraging them to live a life rooted in God's word and values.

Q & A

What is the context of Luke 14:26 when it mentions 'hating' family members?

In Luke 14:26, the word 'hate' in the original Greek means to 'love less' in comparison. It does not literally mean to hate, but rather that our love for God should take priority over all relationships, even family.

Does hating family members in Luke 14:26 contradict the biblical command to love them?

No, it doesn’t contradict the command to love family members. The passage emphasizes that our love for God should come first, and sometimes this might look like 'hate' when we prioritize God’s commandments over family expectations.

How can someone balance loving their family and putting God first?

We should love our family, but our highest allegiance is to God. In cases where family asks us to do something against God's Word, we must choose to follow God’s will first, showing that He is our highest priority.

How can we genuinely love strangers in the church as part of the spiritual family?

Loving strangers involves helping them get connected to smaller church groups (such as dgroups), introducing them to Jesus, and showing practical love through ministries. Relationships may start awkward, but genuine love motivated by God’s love will grow over time.

Should relationships in the church feel forced or can they develop naturally?

Relationships in the church might feel awkward at first, but with a sincere desire to show God's love, they can develop naturally over time. It’s important to take initiative and trust that emotions will follow actions driven by love.

How can someone who lost their family at a young age experience having a family in the church?

Those who lost their families can find a new spiritual family through their relationship with God. By becoming part of a small group within the church, they gain brothers and sisters in Christ, forming meaningful and supportive relationships.

How can a person find a sense of belonging if they don’t have a biological family?

The church offers a spiritual family where God is the Father and fellow believers are brothers and sisters. Small groups within the church foster deep connections and provide the sense of belonging that people need.

What are the benefits of joining a small group (dgroup) in the church?

Joining a small group allows individuals to experience the love of God in a closer, more personal setting. It provides accountability, support, and an opportunity to grow spiritually through meaningful relationships.

What is the role of the 'good works ministry' mentioned in the discussion?

The good works ministry serves as an avenue for the church to show practical love to strangers by providing tangible help. It exemplifies God’s love through acts of service, especially to those in need.

What can we expect from the upcoming series 'Truth Over Trends' in the church?

The upcoming series, 'Truth Over Trends,' will focus on helping the youth understand God’s Word and apply it to their lives in a way that is meaningful and honors Him. It will encourage people to prioritize biblical truths over fleeting cultural trends.