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Sermon Notes May 8, 2011
Psalm 127-128
Sermon #1 “Family Is the Field of Play for Our Faith” (overview)
Intro: A Group of people affiliated by consanguinity, affinity or co-residence
Can you guess what word this defines? Family
There is confusion to the point of Crisis in Family Life Today.
Problem: Struggling with How To….
(communication, discipline, parenting, …)
Lost track of the deeper issues…
What is a Family?
Why Priority?
“Back to the Future of Family Life”
n Reclaiming some biblical Suppositions concerning Family (Truths Taken for Granted in Bible)
— Suppositions eroded like slab under House…
n No Bible “Book on Family Life” — Instead, Assumed Truths concerning Family Run throughout Scripture
Psalm 127-128
(Poetry, not Precepts… speak to deep foundations of Family)
Eight Old Suppositions and (New False Assumptions) about Family; How they impact our Lives today…. You decide Who Is Right
First, Objections:
- I Am Single.
You Still have Family (parents, siblings, nieces, nephews…)
Invest in the Next Generation… Use Freedom to Fill a Gap.
- We have No Children.
Bible acknowledges the deep disappointment…
127:3- “A gift… A reward” = Not The Only Way God Blesses
Consider Adoption
- My Family is a Mess.
“Hello….. Solomon!”
Solomon’s Family ==== Rape, adultery, murder, betrayal..
Nathan sent word, “Jedidiah” == Beloved of the LORD (vs.2)
- God gives grace to Dysfunctional Families!
The Ideal Informs the Real… Not Perfect, but Better!
ILL – Watching Phil Michelson makes we want to Try..
Note: No Condemnation. Correction!
Read Again Psalm 127 & 128
Family Is the Arena for Our Faith
Exp – Our Faith Claim == Jesus died for Our sins and Rose Again
He has given us forgiveness and New Life (Spirit Within)!
Say, “Amen!”
If Jesus has changed Me, that change will be evident at Home.
If Jesus Is Lord, He will Rule my Family Relationships
ILL – The Arena of play for a basketball player is a court (show time!) musician, concert hall soldier, battlefield;
golfer, course; country singer, Grand ole opry
The primary Arena of Play for My Faith === My Family!
Exp – “song of Ascents” == 15 songs of worship used in pilgrimage to
Temple Worship Three Times a year…. 15 steps in Temple!
- Imagine…..As I approach God in Worship, I am thinking of my Family!
A Consistent Supposition in Bible (world view)
OT – 10 commandments… #1 of second Table.. Honor Parents Joshua, As for me and my house…
NT – Ephesians, “Walk in a manner worthy of Calling”
¼ of teaching about behavior at Home!
1 Peter 3:7 – … so that your prayers be not hindered
Family Is the Arena for Our Faith
False Assumption: Christians should behave in Public,
(school, office, neighbors…Church!)
but at Home we can relax and be Ourselves.
selfish, short-tempered, resentful, sharp-tongued
The Christian me is not the Real Me!??!
The Christian Life is Lived Out at Home!
Do unto others as you would have it done unto you
By your words you will be judged
Be kind, tender hearted, forgiving one another
Conclusion
On Judgment Day, when we give an account to Our Lord, We might be surprised by His Focus!
ILL – Defensive Back meeting with NFL Scouts before Draft
- Watch some film…. Practice!
Let’s count how many plays for failed to finish!
When I stand before Jesus, giving an account for my life,
Before examining church, city, $6 million….
Did you love Julie like I love the Church, lay down life?
Sons… instruction & example…
Your Family Is the primary arena for the Living out of your Faith.
