Why God Chose to Adopt You (And Why it Changes Everything)

CROWD Church Livestream

Why God Chose to Adopt You (And Why it Changes Everything)

Ever feel like you're not quite enough for God? Matt Edmundson kicks off our relationships series by tackling the most fundamental relationship of all - our relationship with God as Father.

In this foundational message, Matt unpacks why the Bible uses adoption language to describe our relationship with God, revealing how Roman adoption was actually more secure than natural birth. Through personal stories about fatherhood and honest conversation about earning God's approval, discover what it means to be permanently, irrevocably his.

[07:00] Why Adoption Language Matters

Matt shares his initial bias against adoption as "second best" and how meeting adoptive families at Frontline Church began changing his perspective.

"I felt like adoption was second best. Like God was saying, well, you're not my real children, but I'll take you anyway."

What we discover:

• Paul's use of "spirit of adoption" in Romans 8:15
• "Abba" means daddy, dad, pops - intimate family language
• The difference between earning status and receiving it
• Why understanding context changes everything

Key takeaway: God chose adoption language intentionally - it's not about being second best but about being deliberately chosen.

[14:00] Roman Adoption Was Different

Matt reveals the shocking truth about adoption in Paul's time - it was more permanent than natural birth.

"Romans had a saying: 'Adopting an adult heir, the father could see what he was getting.' They weren't taking chances on a baby who might not survive."

Revolutionary insights:

• Romans adopted adults, not babies
• You could legally disown natural children but never adopted ones
• Adoption involved seven witnesses and complete authority transfer
• Once adopted - permanent, irrevocable, forever

Key takeaway: Adoption was the most secure family relationship available - that's why God chose this language.

[20:00] Stop Performing, Start Living

Matt gets personal about trying to earn God's approval through faith levels, emotions, knowledge, or works.

"Monday morning's business crisis - you're still his child. That relationship falling apart - you're still his child. That failure you can't forgive yourself for - you're still his child."

Practical application:

• Stop performing for acceptance you already have
• Stop fearing rejection that literally cannot happen
• Fight from your place, not for your place
• Romans 8:38-39 - nothing can separate us

Key takeaway: Security frees you to live without constantly questioning the relationship.

[28:00] Conversation Street: The Choice in Adoption

Will asks why God chose to adopt everyone, leading to deep discussion about choice and commitment.

"There are actually two parties in Roman adoption. The adopter and the adoptee. As adults, the adopted person had to make a conscious choice."

Community insights:

• Adoption requires mutual choice - not just God choosing us
• Conscious decision to leave old family, accept new identity
• Can happen young or old, instantly or over time
• But there must be that deliberate choice

Key takeaway: Entering God's family involves conscious decision from both parties.

[35:00] The Cost and the Exchange

Anna addresses what it costs to be adopted into God's family.

"The cost is also your life, you know, saying to God, I want to have a relationship with you and I'm willing to give you every part of my life in exchange for all that you offer me. The exchange by my reckoning is a pretty good one."

Honest discussion about:

• Giving up illusion of control (Ellis's insight)
• Trading temporary things for eternal inheritance
• Not religious rules but relationship reality
• Cost of discipleship vs adventure of following Jesus

Key takeaway: What you give up is insignificant compared to what you gain.

[42:00] When Earthly Fathers Complicate Things

Anna raises the difficult question about projecting earthly father relationships onto God.

"I would encourage you to pray this through and allow God to renew in you a fresh image of what a good father can be... Just bring to God those things that you are projecting on him."

Pastoral wisdom for:

• Those with absent or difficult fathers
• Even those with good father relationships
• Allowing God to heal and renew understanding
• Separating earthly experience from heavenly reality

Key takeaway: Everyone needs God to renew their understanding of perfect fatherhood.

About Matt Edmundson: Pastor at Crowd Church, father of three now-adult children (the reason his beard is grey), and passionate about making faith accessible and real. Matt brings theological depth with practical honesty, sharing personal stories that illuminate biblical truth for everyday life.