The Church is God's field and he wants us to grow. 

What does it mean for the Church to be the Family of God?

It means the Gospel shapes our identity (as children of God)

It means the Gospel shapes our lives (as those who do our Father's will)

It means the Gospel shapes our relationships (as brothers and sisters in Christ)

The Church is the flock of God and Jesus is our Good Shepherd. 

The Good Shepherd calls the flock (and we must respond).

The Good Shepherd leads the flock (and we must follow).

The Good Shepherd keeps the flock (and we must rest). 

Jesus is building his church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. 

What is the church? The Body of Christ - many members, one body. As the Body of Christ:

Our connection is intimate

Our connection is interdependent

Our connection is indispensable

Our connection is intentional

What is the church? We are. The Called (by God's mercies). The Committed (offering our bodies as living sacrifices and our minds for renewal). The Connected (one body and members of one another). 

The Christian faith is objective reality and ultimate relationship.

If the resurrection of Jesus is reality, it's time to change our expectations. 

If resurrection is reality, the last will be first. 

If resurrection is reality, the dead will be alive.

If resurrection is reality, the world will be changed. 

Salvation, transformation, proclamation - we're all in this together! We are the Church.

In these final greetings, Paul models and commends at least seven characteristics of a church growing more deeply rooted in Christ:

Affection

Affirmation

Reconciliation

Communication

Hospitality

Unity

Service

Gospel transformation brings Gospel proclamation by changing our posture (inward focus to outward focus) and our participation in God's mission - we prepare with prayer, walk with wisdom, and speak with saltiness.