Healing Our Homes: The Family Witness

Introduction

It is time for Christian families to claim the authority of God in our homes.

Isaiah 32:18 says, “Then my people will dwell in a peaceful place, in safe and secure dwellings.”

For families to usher in God’s kingdom, we must peel back the layers in our family to allow our Father to bring about healing in our household.

What do you picture when you think of a family that seeks the Lord? Non-reality vs reality.

“Talking about your parenting can be a sensitive endeavor. Understanding how weighty this task is can lead us into a downward spiral of negative reactions. It is easy to feel afraid of how many ways we will surely mess this up going forward or regret opportunities already past. To feel ashamed of our personal and ancestral dysfunctions and to tremble at the thought of passing the worst of our sinful legacies on to a new generation. To feel insecure about our insufficiencies and inadequacies. To feel a sense of impending resignation, already inclined to give up when it gets too difficult. All these feelings are common, but they are not rooted in the gospel confidence and blood-bought freedom we get to walk in as those who trust in Christ. In family discipleship, as in all else the Lord calls you to God’s “grace is sufficient for you” (2 Cor. 12:9). Christ has commanded us not to worry, so do not torment yourself with disturbing what ifs. You can have urgency without anxiety.” - Family Discipleship

Parents, we are called to be a witness of the good of God and His mercy to our household.

READ Deuteronomy 6:4-9

In verses 6-9, Moses taught ever leader of the household how to live our their witness in the household.

“Display a Devoted Witness”

The words taught were to be written on a man’s heart instead of stone tablets. Deut. 111:18 “Imprint on your heart and mind”.

In the New Testament, the test of mans love for God was rooted in obedience.

Total devotion. An expression of loyalty.

This was how Israel would share their relationship with God.

Anything else would be devotion to something else.

OU game with Tricia. Everything fell apart because I didn’t pay attention.

We cannot lead a home for Christ unless our heats & minds are devoted to the Lord.

Study time

Prayer (my struggle) ----> All can be done exactly where we are spiritually.

Scripture memory.

These aren’t punishments...

You are called to display a devoted witness to the people we live with. But, more importantly, we must display our devotion to the Lord.

YOU CAN DO THIS..

“An Approach Led With Purpose”

The Israelite family carried the primary responsibility for passing the torch to the next generation.

To obey His commands and impart the words to our children.

God determined Israel to talk about how to love Him during the day and at night.

Teach His ways

Talk about Him

Bind His word in mind and heart.

Jewish people would write Deut 6:5 on a piece of paper, place in a small box, and tie is to their foreheads. Started as devotion to God. Became a sign of sign of devotion towards religion.

When we enter our home, is the environment prepared to invite God in?

Simple ways to train:

Devotion reading

Scripture memory

Prayer Time

Church Attendance (Our job is to back you up)

The responsibility does not rest on the schools, government, or even the church.

As adults, we don’t have to fake our faith. If we do, our children and grandchildren will.

There is a choice we all make. Will we mirror our witness and focus on the spiritual training of our children and grandchildren?

what can you start his week in your household?

Lead a prayer

Worship together

Bed-time devotion

Start a reading plan for your kids.