Building a people who belong – shaped together, living out our personal legacy through his kingdom community
Today, we’re reflecting on the importance of belonging and how we, as a church community, are called to build a place where everyone feels they truly belong. Just as the Israelites, led by Nehemiah, rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem to create a safe and secure place for their people, we too are called to build a space – both physically and spiritually – where people can experience the fullness of God’s love and find their place in His family.
The text reminds us that belonging to God’s Kingdom and His church means being fully known, fully loved, and never alone. It’s about identity, mission, and family. It’s in this belonging that we can build a life that leaves a legacy, just like the Israelites whose rebuilt walls symbolized protection, stability, and national identity for generations to come.
Our focus is on building a people who belong. This is more than just a phrase; it’s a commitment to creating a community where everyone feels valued, accepted, and connected. It’s about building “safe spaces” where people can thrive, grow, and experience God’s presence. It includes practical spaces where we can meet together and find connection with each other.
As 1 Peter 2:5 reminds us, we are living stones being built up into a spiritual house, and 1 Corinthians 12:27 tells us that we are Christ’s body, and individually members of it. We are being shaped together, and our personal legacy is lived out through this kingdom community.
For Reflection:
- How have you experienced a sense of belonging within our church community, and how has that impacted your spiritual journey?
- What practical steps can you take this week to help someone else feel a greater sense of belonging within our church?
- In what ways can you contribute to building a “safe space” within our community where people feel comfortable to be themselves and share their lives?
- Reflect on your own life: What kind of legacy do you hope to leave, and how can your involvement in our church community help you achieve that?
- Consider the “brick” you can bring – whether it’s financial support, a helping hand, or a heart of service. How is God calling you to contribute to building a place where people belong?
Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we thank you for the vision of building a people who belong. We thank you for the example of Nehemiah and the Israelites, who worked together to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. Lord, help us to have a heart for this work, just as they did.
We pray that you would guide us as we seek to create a community where everyone feels fully known, fully loved, and never alone. Give us wisdom to build spaces – both physical and spiritual – where people can encounter your love and find their place in your family.
Lord, stir our hearts to action.
Help us to see the “bricks” we can bring – whether it’s our time, our talents, or our resources – to contribute to this vision. May our efforts bring glory to your name and build a lasting legacy for generations to come.
We ask all of this in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.
Watch the sermon – You Tube