Family Resemblance - ReCreate Church - Pastor Michael Shockley - Service January 18, 2026

Family Resemblance Speaker: Michael Shockley, ReCreate Church Scripture: 1 John 3:8-9 Episode Summary In Part 9 of the 1 John series, Pastor Michael returns from the holiday break to talk about family resemblance - not just physical traits, but spiritual patterns. Using hilarious stories about his wife's seven sisters and a bee-in-the-jorts incident, he tackles a challenging passage about whether our life patterns show we belong to God's family or the devil's family. This isn't about perfection - it's about patterns. Key Points – John isn't asking "Have you ever sinned?" but "What does the pattern of your life say about what spiritual family you belong to?" – Jesus came not only to save us from sin's penalty but also from sin's power - He's the Chainbreaker who disrupts destructive patterns – A saved person can fall into sin, but they can't remain comfortable there - being in sin will make a child of God deeply unhappy – The difference between the two families is stumbling into sin versus settling into sin – Some family patterns are destructive and need to be broken: "It may run in the family, but it runs out with me!" – Anyone can claim to be a Christian, but true believers show a family resemblance to Jesus in their life patterns Main Takeaway If God is your Papa, it changes your pattern. This passage isn't about perfection - it's about patterns. A fish can jump out of water, but it can't be happy on land for long. Similarly, a true follower of Jesus can fall into sin, but they can't remain there comfortably. When we mess up, we don't run away from God - we run TO Him. Spiritual family resemblance matters far more than whose nose you got, because eternity is at stake. Memorable Quotes – "If God is your Papa, it changes your pattern." – "It may run in the family, but it runs out with me!" – "God is not looking to bust you as soon as you mess up. It's the opposite - He wants to rescue you, so messing up doesn't become your pattern." – "Jesus doesn't just forgive your past; He disrupts your patterns." – "If you are one of God's kids, being in sin will make you VERY unhappy." – "It's the difference between stumbling into sin and settling into sin." – "Don't let fake Jesus people stop you from connecting with the real Jesus." Reflection Question What patterns in your life reveal your spiritual family resemblance? Are there destructive family patterns you need Jesus to help you break so they run out with you? Tune in to hear the unforgettable story of a bee flying up Michael's jorts during a phone call, why his wife's seven sisters were impossible to tell apart on a landline, and the powerful truth that struggle against sin is actually a sign of spiritual life. Connect & Give Learn more about ReCreate Church at www.recreatechurch.org Give online easily and securely through Tithe.ly