God Trademarked the Word Family

Let's take a deeper look at what it means to be the family of God mosaic, right here at Dreamer's Church Austin.

We live in a world where everything is branded. From the “swoosh” on a shoe to the bite in an apple, trademarks communicate ownership, value, and origin. And in this series, Mosaic of the Church, we’re seeing that God is not just a Creator, He’s also the original Brand Designer.

In Ephesians 3, Paul reveals something mind-blowing to the church in Ephesus: God has trademarked the word "Family" for His Church. It's His design. His idea. His legacy. Not a borrowed cultural metaphor, but a holy, heaven-stamped reality.

“For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name.” Ephesians 3:14–15

Trademarks Protect Identity

In the Roman world, family (the patria) was the most significant social unit. It defined identity, economic security, inheritance, and spiritual belonging. When Paul uses the language of family in Ephesians 3, he’s doing more than offering a warm sentiment—he’s making a bold declaration: In Christ, Gentiles and Jews alike have been made one family.

“This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.” Ephesians 3:6

That’s a radical statement in a city like Ephesus, where the Temple of Artemis had long been the symbol of exclusion and elitism. In contrast, God’s temple, the Church, is marked by inclusion, adoption, and shared inheritance. When God trademarked the word Family, He wasn’t just protecting the name, He was protecting the design.

The Original Design of Family

When first-century believers heard the word “family,” they would’ve immediately thought of the covenantal structure laid out in the Old Testament. For them, family was more than biology, it was:

• A lineage of blessing (Genesis 12:2)
• A responsibility to teach the next generation (Deuteronomy 6:6-7)
• A collective name with shared legacy (Genesis 17:7)
• A sacred mission to display the values of God’s Kingdom (Genesis 18:19)

Paul draws all of that forward into the New Testament and says, “This is now what the Church is.” A spiritual family, Jew and Gentile, male and female, young and old, united under one name: Jesus. “In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.” Ephesians 3:12

This means when you walk through the doors of Dreamer’s Church in Austin, you’re not just stepping into a service. You’re stepping into a family gathering with eternal roots and Kingdom purpose.

WHAT GOD'S CHURCH TRADEMARK INCLUDES

The Church is not mans idea, it is God's Design to reveal His passion for followers of Jesus to dwell in community defined by the concept of family. Let’s break down what it means that God trademarked Family for His Church.

Generational Responsibility: The family of God is always thinking beyond itself. “These commandments...impress them on your children.” Deuteronomy 6:6–7. We’re called to live lives that leave a legacy—where faith is caught, not just taught.

Shared Name and Identity: In the Kingdom, your name carries your calling. “I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing.” Genesis 12:2. When you become part of God’s family, you take on His name, His purpose, and His legacy.

Interdependence and Stewardship: Biblical family means we steward the resources of God together. “Their nearest relative is to come and redeem...” Leviticus 25:25 We don’t just share pews; we share responsibility for one another’s well-being.

Marriage as the Foundation: Family is built on the covenant of marriage,God’s sacred design. “They become one flesh.”  Genesis 2:24. When the world tries to redefine family, we look back to the original blueprint.

Hospitality to the Outsider: God’s family always has room for one more. “The same law applies to the native-born and to the foreigner.” Exodus 12:49. This family welcomes, includes, and transforms.

Belonging and Inheritance: In the Old Testament, land = belonging. In the New Testament, it’s spiritual inheritance. “Give them property as an inheritance...” Numbers 27:7. Everyone in the family has a piece of the promise.

Correction as Protection: God disciplines not to punish, but to preserve purpose. “The one who loves their children is careful to discipline them.” Proverbs 13:24. Love corrects because it values destiny.

Prophetic Mission. God’s family lives on assignment. “Direct his children...to keep the way of the Lord.” Genesis 18:19. We’re not just here to hang out, we’re here to live prophetically and point people to Jesus.

WHAT THIS MEANS IN AUSTIN TODAY

The world is throwing around terms like community and tribe, but without covenant, those are just ideas. At Dreamer’s Church, we’re not interested in spiritual social clubs. We are a Kingdom family, and it’s our job to live up to the name God has stamped on us.

“...to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever!” Ephesians 3:21

Just like Apple protects its brand or Nike sues to guard its image, God protects the integrity of what He’s called “Family.” Not everything that sounds spiritual carries the spirit of God. We need to make sure we’re living in alignment with the Family brand.

YOU'RE NOT JUST INVITED, YOU BELONG!

Maybe you’ve felt like an outsider. Maybe your own family story has left you with wounds and questions. But in God’s family, there’s healing, belonging, and inheritance. When you become part of the Church, not just attend it, but engage with it, you become part of something bigger than yourself. Something eternal.

If you’ve ever struggled with this, you’re not alone. The enemy wants you to see yourself as an outsider of the church, God trademarked family, and you’re part of that brand. And better yet, you’re already included. God said you are a part of the Family, so don't miss the gatherings! They are such a huge part of experiencing the goodness of God found in community.

JOIN THE FAMILY GATHERING THIS SUNDAY

This isn’t just theory, it’s your invitation. If you’ve been searching for a “church near me” or a “church in Austin” that is welcoming, then we want to meet you. Not as a guest. But as family. Join us this Sunday at Dreamer’s Church. Find your place in the Church mosaic. There’s room for you at the table!

Watch Full Message: [SERMON LINK]