EPISODE 0118 | 6 Characteristics of Spiritual Family
THESE NOTES ACCOMPANY EPISODE 0118
The Church isn’t just a gathering—it’s a spiritual family designed by God to transform lives and impact the world. In this episode, we break down six defining characteristics of the Ecclesia, the local church, as seen in Acts 2. From devotion to God’s Word to radical generosity and joy, these qualities set the Church apart from the world. Discover why being planted in a spiritual family is essential for growth, how the Church is both inclusive and exclusive, and why biblical community is God’s plan A—without a plan B.
Main Topics Covered:
✔️ The Church as Ecclesia—God’s Spirit-filled family, not just a building.
✔️ Jesus’ call to servanthood in the Church (Matthew 20:25-28).
✔️ Acts 2:42-47—the blueprint for the first church.
✔️ Why faith is personal but never private—it thrives in community.
✔️ The difference between me church and we church.
✔️ How the Church is both inclusive (welcoming all who believe) and exclusive (defined by biblical truth).
Key Scriptures:
📖 Matthew 20:25-28 – Jesus teaches the values of servanthood in the Church.
📖 Acts 2:42-47 – The early Church’s devotion, generosity, and joy.
📖 Psalm 68:6 – God places the lonely in families.
📖 Ephesians 2:19-22 – The Church is God’s home, built on Christ.
Six Characteristics of Spiritual Family:
🔹 Devotion to God’s Word – The early Church was committed to the apostles’ teaching.
🔹 Radical Generosity – They shared their possessions and cared for each other.
🔹 Intentional Community – They gathered daily, not just weekly.
🔹 Joy in All Circumstances – Their faith wasn’t circumstantial; it was rooted in Christ.
🔹 Inclusivity & Exclusivity – The Church welcomes all who believe but stands on biblical truth.
🔹 Commitment to Growth – They didn’t just attend church—they were transformed by it.
The Church is more than an event—it’s a family where we grow, serve, and live out our faith together.
Resources
The Better Planner™ is a personal planner designed by Pastor Stephen to help you map out all the different aspects of success and personal growth on your way to better.
The foundation of the Better Planner™ is the practice of defining and reaching your personal vision. The other principles for growth all integrate with and flow out of this essential step. As you develop and record the insights you receive from God and His design for your life, the Better Planner™ will lead you through a step-by-step process to become better.
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