Only God’s Family Will Last

by Rick Warren — November 6, 2021
From Connecting With God: The Lord's Prayer

“To God be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus for all time, forever and ever! Amen."

Ephesians 3:21 (GNT)

For the last few days, we’ve looked at how you can glorify God. One of the greatest ways you can show God’s glory is by joining God’s family, the church.

The Bible says in Ephesians 3:21, “To God be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus for all time, forever and ever! Amen” (GNT).

Did you know that God’s family is the only thing that’s going to last for eternity? A thousand years from today, if the Earth is still here, there won’t be a Microsoft. There won’t be a Hollywood. There won’t be any of the things we’re used to today. In fact, the Bible promises that even heaven and Earth as we know them today won’t last forever; one day there will be a new heaven and new Earth.

But there will still be the family of God. When everything else is gone, God’s church will remain.

If God’s family is the only thing that will last forever, don’t you want to join it? Being part of God’s family, the church, has all kinds of benefits. A local church will love you and help you grow in biblical truth and knowledge. It’s a place where you can share your talents, and benefit from the abilities of others.

Joining a spiritual family will be one of the most significant things you do with your life. The church is making a difference in the world that is going to outlast your career, your hobbies, and every other thing you do.

What are you waiting for? Find your spiritual family and join a local church today.

Talk It Over

  • God’s family is the only thing that will last forever. How do your priorities line up with that reality?
  • If you are not part of a local church, what steps do you need to take in that direction?
  • If you are part of a local church, how are you using your gifts and abilities to serve others in the church and your community?

Ready to join God’s family?

No matter what you’ve done or where you’ve been, there’s a place in God’s forever family ready and waiting for you. The invitation is wide open. Just believe and receive.

Are you ready? Here’s a prayer you can start with: “Dear God, I know when I die, I’m going to give an account of my life to you. I know I have sinned against you, and I have lived by my plan, not yours. I want that to change, starting right now. I want to turn away from my sins and toward you.

“Thank you for sending Jesus to die for all that I’ve done wrong so that I don’t have to pay the penalty. I know I don’t deserve your forgiveness. I know only your grace can save me, Lord. I could never be good enough to get into a perfect place.

“Jesus, thank you for loving me so much that you took all my guilt on yourself. You made me acceptable for heaven, and I humbly ask you to save me. I believe in you, Jesus. And I believe you will keep your promise to save me instantly, certainly, completely, and eternally. I believe you will make me part of your family, the church, that will last forever. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”

If you prayed the prayer above, please write and tell me at [email protected]. I’d like to send you some materials as you begin your journey with Jesus.


Give hope, prayer, and encouragement below. Post a comment & talk about it.