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1. HE IS BUILDING A FAMILY TO LOVE FOREVER

God's unchanging plan has always been to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This gave him great  pleasure.  Ephesians 1:5 (NLT)

From the very beginning, God has known who'd join his family, and his plan has been for them to develop the character of Jesus and become like him. That way his Son would be the first of many brothers and sisters. Romans 8:29

Jesus, and the people he saves and makes holy, all belong to the same  family. That's why he's not ashamed to call us his brothers and sisters! Hebrews 2:11

You become children of God through faith in Christ Jesus. And when you  are baptized into Christ, you're clothed with a new identity from Him. Now in Christ's family there are no divisions, such as Jew or non-Jew, slave or free, male or female. We're all equal because we share a common relationship with Jesus Christ.                                    Galatians 3:26-28

ACTION PLAN: For some, a holiday such as Easter can be a lonely experience if you don't have a family to share it with. As Christians, we now belong to the family of God. If you're not in a small group, and want to join with others in his family, text SMALLGROUP to 83000, visit our website atwww.saddleback.com/joingroup, or email smallgroup@saddleback.com.

2. HE IS KEEPING HIS FAMILY SECURE

"My people know my voice, and I know them, and they follow me, so I've given them eternal life. They can never be lost and no one can steal them out of my hand! My Father, who gave them to me, is more powerful than anyone, so nothing can snatch them away."      John 10:27-28

ACTION PLAN: Memorize the following verse to remember that once you are saved, that salvation is eternally secure because of the one who has saved you.

I know Jesus, the One in whom I have believed. So I am certain that he is able to safeguard and protect everything I've entrusted to him until that day. 2 Timothy 1:12b (NCV)

3. HE IS PRAYING FOR EVERY NEED WE HAVE

(Before the Cross) Jesus prayed for us: "I'm not praying for the whole world. I'm only praying for those you've given to me because they belong to you. Father, keep them and care for them, so they will be united just as we are … I'm not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one … I also pray also for those who will believe in me through their  testimony."      John 17:9,11,15, 20

Because Jesus will never die, he'll never stop serving as our priest! He will always be able to save anyone who comes to God through him. Why? Because he is always interceding for us, asking God to help us. Hebrews 7:24-25 (NCV)

In the same way, his Spirit also helps us in our weakness. We often don't know what or how to pray, but the Spirit also intercedes for us with deep feelings that words cannot express.
Romans 8:26

4. HE IS PREPARING A HOME FOR US IN HEAVEN

Jesus: "There are many rooms in my Father's home. I am going to prepare a place for you. If this were not so, I would tell you plainly. When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am."        John 14:2-3 (NLT)

No eye has ever seen, no ear has ever heard, and no mind has imagined the wonderful things that God has prepared for those who love him. 1 Corinthians 2:9 (NLT)

5. HE IS WAITING FOR US TO FINISH OUR ASSIGNMENT

Jesus: "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go now and make disciples of every nation, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to do everything I've commanded you. And be sure of this: I am always with you." Matthew 28:18-20

"This Good News about God's kingdom will be shared as a testimony to all the world and in every nation. Only then will the end Matthew 24:14

ACTION PLAN: Think of one person in your circle of friends or in your family that doesn't know the Lord. Cultivate that relationship over the next two months and take any opportunity that comes up to tell them about how Jesus can change their life the same way he has changed yours.

ACTION PLAN: Set aside time to learn more about "Finishing The Task" (FTT), by following this link: Finishing The Task and listen to the Doable Discipleship podcast interview with the Global Strategist of FTT, Lisa Pak.

A Future Snapshot of Heaven

I saw a vast crowd of people, too enormous to count, from every nation and every tribe and every people and every language, standing in front of God's throne … and they were singing loudly together "Salvation has come from our God and his Son, the Lamb!"      Revelation 7:9-10

"It makes no difference who you are or where you're from — if you want God and are ready to do as he says, the door is open!"      Acts 10:35 (MSG)

To all who receive him and believe in his name, Jesus gives the  right to become children of God (in God's family).      John 1:12