2. Godly Families Church of Christ at Medina December 2nd, 2012 Much of the information in this lesson was taken directly from “Godly Families in the Local Church” by Chris Reeves in the 2006 Truth Lectureships, God Give Us Christian Homes.

3. The Center: Husbands and Wives • In the beginning, God created a family unit that revolves around a man and woman-husband and wife. (Genesis 2:18-25) • This relationship has always been the plan of God, and we cannot improve his plan. Husband & Wife God’s Plan For Family Unity

4. Growth: Children • God put Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden to work it and to keep it. (Genesis 2:15) • However, He also gave them the responsibility of producing a family (Genesis 1:26-28) Children Husband & Wife God’s Plan For Family Unity

5. Commitment • - • - • - • Marriage • God intended for the marriage relationship to be between one man and one woman – for life. (Matthew 19:3-9, Romans 7:2) • Children • Parents should be committed to every aspect of the child’s growth and maturity. (Ephesians 6:4) • Family • Three of the 10 Commandments in the Law of Moses deal directly with the unity of the family. • Honor your father and mother… • You shall not commit adultery… • You shall not covet… Family Connections

6. Commitment • Love • - • - • Love is the desire to do what is best for the other person. • Marriage • Ephesians 5:25-33 • Children • Titus 2:4 • This includes the need to discipline our children because it is for their good. (Hebrews 12:5-7) Family Connections

7. Commitment • Love • Respect • - • Marriage • Husbands should appreciate and respect the gift of a good wife. (Proverbs 18:22) • Husbands are to respect their wives because they are heirs with them of the grace of life. (1 Peter 3:7) • Wives show their respect for their husbands by submitting to his authority as given by God. (Ephesians 5:22-23, 1 Peter 3:1) • Children • Children are to respect their parents. (Deuteronomy 5:16, Ephesians 6:1-3) Family Connections

8. Commitment • Love • Respect • Joy • Marriage • Husbands should rejoice and enjoy the wife that God has given him. • Genesis • Proverbs 5:18 • Proverbs 12:4 • Ecclesiastes 9:9 • Children • Parents should enjoy the blessings of children. They are a gift from God. • Psalm 127:3-5 • Psalm 128:3 Family Connections

9. Children Love Husband & Wife Commitment Joy Respect

10. Worship Together • - • - • Worship is giving God the honor, respect and glory that He deserves. It is a wonderful privilege for each individual, and it is a great opportunity for each family. • Example: Cornelius (Acts 10:24) • Example: Israelites (Nehemiah 3:12, Nehemiah 8:2-3). • Parents: • What do we communicate to our children regarding worship based on our actions, preparation, attitudes, etc? • Children: • You must take a responsible role in the worshipping of God. • God has always intended for worship to be a family affair (Deut. 16:11) Family Activities in the Local Church

11. Worship Together • Learn Together • - • Christianity is a taught religion, not a bought, fought or caught religion. (Chris Reeves) • God expects parents to take the lead in teaching their own children. (Deuteronomy 6:1-10, 11:18-19) • Examples: • Memorial Stones @ Gilgal (Joshua 4:19-24) • Abraham (Genesis 18:19) • Lois and Eunice (2 Tim. 1:5) • How can we get started? • Read and study the Bible together at home! • Sing and Pray together. Family Activities in the Local Church

12. Worship Together • Learn Together • Work and Serve Together • Worship is just one aspect of a Christian family’s activities. We are also expected to perform good works. • Ephesians 2:10 • Titus 2:14 • Hebrews 10:24 • How can we do this? • Be Hospitable together. (James 1:25-27, 2;15-16) • Encourage together. (Acts 21:4-6) • Evangelize together. Family Activities in the Local Church