The great truth of the New Testament is that Christians are children of God by adoption. Today many people have forgotten that the New Testament preaches the revolutionary doctrine that our relationship to God is not through physical decent, but by adoption [Romans 8:23, Galatians 4:5 and Ephesians 1.5].

The implications of this doctrine are profound. All Christians are united together by bonds of faith and love, not physical relationships [Ephesians 2]. Thus, Christianity is not a tribal religion rooted in local communities bound together by kinship bonds. Rather, it is a world faith that unites all believers.

Mormon genealogical centers and numerous books in public libraries testify to the immense amount of time people invest in discovering their ancestors. In today's world, where the biological theory of evolution reigns supreme, finding biological roots is of great concern to many people. The desire to know oneself through one's forefathers has attracted people through the ages and motivated religious feelings in many cultures. No wonder so many religions center on ancestor veneration and the sacredness of the immediate family.

The Christian view of ancestors is very different. Of course knowing something about one's immediate ancestors interests almost everyone. But, the biblical emphasis is spiritual identity not physical inheritance because Christ lives in us [Galatians 2:20]. Consequently Christians are repeatedly urged to follow the example of Christians who lived before us because we share with them a "heavenly calling" [Hebrews 3]. Repeatedly, both the Old and New Testaments, point to examples of faith which we are encouraged to follow and remember [Hebrews 12; Acts 7; Luke 11:29-32; Joshua 4].

Remembering acts of courage and obedience to God strengthens our own faith. This fact was long recognized by the leaders of the Church. Throughout history Christians have told and retold stories of courage and faith. Yet today these stories are all but forgotten. Lives of "the saints" which were once standard texts for every educated person and pious believer are now rarely read and books like Fox's Book of Martyrs are almost completely forgotten.

Today, Christians are quickly forgetting their rich spiritual heritage as Christian biographies are replaced in popular culture by secular gossip. Popular magazines, radio and television are full of "lives." But, they are the lives of pop singers, film stars, television personalities, and secular politicians. Instead of teaching spiritual lessons they repeat trivia and revel in scandal. Something has been lost. And it is this something that can be recaptured by Christians who begin to search for their spiritual roots.

Visiting Africa, Asia, and Europe to see where your ancestors once lived can be an interesting experience. But, visiting these places to learn about great acts of faith is far more rewarding and it is something all Christians, regardless of race or nationality, can find profitable. It is also a spiritual quest which helps us see our own lives in perspective and understand our times against a much greater backdrop than tonight's television news. For the Christian seeking family roots can be fun. But, to find spiritual roots in God's family is far more exciting and rewarding. This is the quest that we encourage you begin.