Welcome Home by Pastor Ty Choate

Bill IBC Hamilton • August 25, 2025

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Welcome Home

Living and being part of God’s family means we are chosen, united, commissioned, and loved. Let’s live out our identity with joy and purpose—welcoming others into the family with open arms. We have a great example of “Church Family” in Acts 9:31 - Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace and was strengthened. Living in the fear of the Lord and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers.

Here are four truths:

1: We Are Adopted into God’s Family God didn’t just save us—He chose us. Ephesians 1:5 – “He predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will.” Adoption means intentional love and belonging. We are not spiritual orphans; we are sons and daughters of the King.

2: We Are United by Faith, Not by Background God’s family transcends race, class, and gender. Galatians 3:28 – “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Unity in diversity is a hallmark of the Church. Our common faith in Christ binds us together more deeply than any earthly tie.

3: We Share in the Family Mission Being part of God’s family means participating in His work. Matthew 28:19–20 – “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” We’re not just recipients of grace—we’re ambassadors of it. The family business is redemption, and we all have a role.

4: We Are Called to Love One Another Deeply Love is the family trait of God’s household. Our love for one another proves our spiritual DNA. 1 John 4:7 – “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.” Forgiveness, grace, and compassion should mark our relationships.

Let’s live out these truths everyday and not just attend church—let’s be the church.

Amen?

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Christmas Perspective by Pastor Ty Choate

By Bill IBC Hamilton • December 15, 2025

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By Bill IBC Hamilton • December 1, 2025

Hope and Perspective by Pastor Ty In the movie “It’s a Wonderful Life” we see a great change in the character, George Bailey. What is different about George Bailey's life after Clarence (Angel) shows him what life would have been like without him? In terms of circumstances, absolutely nothing. At this point, for all he knows his life is exactly as it was a few hours before; Clarence did nothing to change that. The Bailey Building and Loan has still lost $8000- it could be forced to close and people could lose their life savings and jobs, rumors of embezzlement – the family ruined – George’s Arrest -Scandal! But George has changed! He has a new Attitude… a new Perspective on what’s really important Family, Friends and his Faith in God. It’s easy to forget in the movie that the real change has nothing to do with money and affection on Christmas Eve. The real change is within his soul. For the first time George Bailey is looking at life with new eyes. Same for a group of shepherds at the first Christmas – they had a change I attitude/perspective in Luke 2 the angels put on a celebration to announce the birth of Jesus. The shepherds went and found the baby Jesus. Their station in life had not changed but their attitude had: The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. (V20) May this Christmas give us a new perspective and a vertical focus all year long.