Christian Home - Past or Present?

2 Timothy 1:5 NIV

I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.

1 Timothy 1:1–7 NLT

This letter is from Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus, appointed by the command of God our Savior and Christ Jesus, who gives us hope. I am writing to Timothy, my true son in the faith. May God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord give you grace, mercy, and peace. When I left for Macedonia, I urged you to stay there in Ephesus and stop those whose teaching is contrary to the truth. Don’t let them waste their time in endless discussion of myths and spiritual pedigrees. These things only lead to meaningless speculations, which don’t help people live a life of faith in God. The purpose of my instruction is that all believers would be filled with love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and genuine faith. But some people have missed this whole point. They have turned away from these things and spend their time in meaningless discussions. They want to be known as teachers of the law of Moses, but they don’t know what they are talking about, even though they speak so confidently.

Introduction:

More than a hald Century ago, a boy got into a terrible argument with His father. The father lost his temper and slapped the boy across the face . The boy ran out of the house and climbed upon some rocks above a lake.

He said he was going to drown himself. Everyone knew he meant it. The father ran after him, still screaming. All the family and half the town became involved.

Finally, they got the boy to come back home, but awful bitterness remained between father and son.

The bitter son grew into a surly man. In fact, he reached a point where he was considered one of the most dangerous men in the world.

His name was Mao Zedong, the former communist leader of Red China.

Would a Christian home made any difference?

It made a difference in the life of Timothy. He was born, reared, and instructed in a godly home.

His grandmother’s and mother’s faith became His personal faith. It was not proxy, impersonal, meaningless faith; it was so vital that it overflowed his life. One of my deepest convictions is that I believe in a Christian home.

Let’s take some time to talk about why.

I believe in the distinctives of a Christian home

Something is differently distinctively about a Christian home. One difference is LOVE!

LOVE

Not semtimental, selfish love, but a maturing attitude of thoughtfulness and consideration for others.

It is the love that also seeks to give another’s basic needs without looking for anything in return. This is God’s kind of love; it is Christian love; it is the Bible’s description of love; and it is the love of 1 Cor. 13, where love is personal, patient, selfless and lasting.

HAPPINESS

Another distinctive is happiness. Joy is a mark of the Christian life.

Jesus said:

John 15:11 NKJV

“These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.

The Christian home thrills with joy and laughter.

Those who live there know the meaning and ministry of a smile and practice it.

FORGIVENESS

Some homes know a lot about quarrels, fuss, feuds, and friction - strife and selfishness - but the members of a Christian home practice forgiveness.

Sometimed unkind words are said in haste. Later forgiveness is asked for and received and repairs the relationship. That is the spirit of Jesus Christ at work in the home! We need it! We cannot joyfully exist without it.

I believe in the dymamic of a Christian Home

Today the emphasis on a solid home environment is attacked by improper emphasis on things like, money/wealth, status, and sex, there is a inner dynamic that will save the home - dynamic faith - a believing relationship toward Jesus Christ.

He is the way, the truth and the life. We cannot possibly experience a dynamic relationship with God away from Him.

John 14:6 NLT

Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.

In Him is life - abundant, overflowing, and dynamic life.

John 10:10 NIV

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

For Mary and Martha - the sisters of LAzarus, Jesus was dynamic in their lives.

At the time of Lazarus’ death, Jesus came to them, knowing what he would do with the qiestion - Do you believe?

The answer was “Lord, I believe”

John 11:26–27 NLT

Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die. Do you believe this, Martha?” “Yes, Lord,” she told him. “I have always believed you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one who has come into the world from God.”

In that relationship there was power, light and life!

Jesus is the source of hope, and he makes the difference for life and home.

Along with faith is dynamic worship.

I am not talking about dead, formal, unmoving type of worship that makes no difference to a person.

I mean an awesome, personal, living, daily relationship with the Lord.

Life that is filled with praise and victory.

Let’s talk about worship for a minute. There are different types of worship:

Corporate worship - where you attend a gathering, a community of believers. Like minded people who come together to worship, pray, praise, exhort and encourage one another. Attending church sets a joyful example for the family. Children need it just as much as adults. It moulds and builds them in character and personality. Children need to experience the power of God’s word and see others their age experiencing and learning about God too.

Family worship - when you leave church the family should still learn and see God worshiped and spoken of outside the church and especially in their home. Parents this is a duty we take on when we dedicate our children to the Lord. We VOW before God and the church to train our children in the fear and adominssion of the Lord. Therefore there should be times at home where children experience the power of God’s word and prayer at home. Homes that have this kind of worship know it and it shows in the lives of the occupants.

Individual worship/personal worship - we teach by example. If you truly love God - how much time you spend with Him is an true indication of your love for Him. Let your kids, spouse and other family members see you worship, pray, praise and reading your Bible. Sing praises to the one you love and serve.

I believe in the Dividends (long term effects) of the Christian Home

Putting the effort into having a Christian home has long term effects on the family.

I have heard many testify on how they had family prayer or family altar and the difference this influence made in their lives even today.

This is a long term investment that pays off. The dividends are assured. The market value always appreciates and does not depreciate. You are sowing seeds that take deep root and will not be forgotten.

Not everyone becomes a prime minister, famous singer, designer, athlete or rich.

But all young people who marry can do something creative about building a Christian home.

Illustration:

Three daughters were born in a home. Those three daughters grew into young women and were married.

One of the girls became the mother of Edward Burne-Jones - celebrated artist who’s art has been enjoyed by many.

Another became the mother of Rudrard Kipling - famous author - who’s writings are thrilling many.

The third young lady became the mother of Stanley Baldwin - former prime minister of England.

The parents kept the home in the church and the church in the home. In return, God gave beauty to inspire us, books to thrills us and freedom to liberate us.

Foundation that is solid. Truth that is sound. Love that is safe.

Conclusion:

We can have a Christian home if we desire them.

We can have Christ in our hearts and homes if we invite Him.

We can have His daily leadership, life and love if we make ourselves available to Him. But we must make up our minds to do so!

What’s your plan?

Will Christ be the center of your home?

Would you say your home is striving to have Christ in the center of it?