At East Gate Jax, we have deeply embraced the reality of Kingdom Family, called “Oikos” within the New Testament. Though this dynamic word can mean “house,” it can be expanded all the way out to mean an entire “lineage.” To simply call it a “house” could and would limit the vast expanse of what God intends to do through the power of Kingdom Family. It is clear, that with Jesus, it was always more about people than place, but as it expands, those people require a place to step into the greater definition of Church. These places are tools.
Some of my greatest opportunities for transformation have happened at tables, where the Spirit of God is present and active working in open hearts. Recently, during my quiet time before God, He spoke to me about the power of “home gatherings” as places for tables where He would heal natural families through what is available within Kingdom Family.
While Kingdom family shares some dynamics with natural family that are similar, they are not exactly the same. To go at Kingdom Family, the same way all experience natural family can miss some of the more important dynamics of what becomes available at the table of Kingdom Family. Also, many people, have things they carry in from their natural family experience that would limit their kingdom family encounter, the same way natural fathering wounds limit people’s perspective of their Heavenly Father. I want to encourage you to today to ask Holy Spirit to set a table before you for Kingdom Family, and let Him connect you with those that are to walk the journey with you.
Proverbs tells us “faithful are the wounds of a friend” so in the same way that redefines for many of us what friendship looks like, “Kingdom Family” through a Biblical and faith filled lens will help us heal natural families. Prodigals are coming home, marriages are being restored, and Jesus is faithful to take the seat of honor at the head of this table.
I encourage you dear reader, to take your seat in Kingdom family. Be healed, be restored, and be courageous as you journey onward and upward.
