Church Family

"On this rock I will build my church and the gates of Hades will not overcome it" (Matthew 16:18 NIV).

I'm fortunate to have a very special church where we are more like family than a congregation. Our church, Bethel Grove, began by the pioneers gathering in their homes when they first settled in the prairies of Iowa. As the numbers grew they built a small one room building that was used for school and church. Their numbers continued to grow until they built church buildings used for worship gatherings, increasing the size each time they built.

"They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved" (Acts 2:46-47 NIV).

It's precious to be loved by your fellow worshippers as family. They care about you and what's going on in your life. They pray for you and for the best to come to your life. The church family is excited to share the blessings of their lives with you also, as well as the trials and concerns they have. Together you share the pains and problems of life as well as the blessings and joys that come your way. It is give and take equally and love forms as the joining cord that runs through the church.

I'm thankful for my church family and so blessed to be bound together by love with them.