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The Entire Family Together
The Relationship Between the Home and the Church
Scripture Reading: Acts 2:42-47
Often times in church, people have a difficult time establishing priorities in their activities because they do not understand the relationship of the Church to the home. In the New Testament it is very clear the home was very important in the life of the early Church (Acts 2:44-47). The teachings received in the temple were to be worked out in the home on a day-to-day basis.
How do the Church and the Home support each other?
God wants both the Church and the home to be strong and to support each other.
God wants the strength of the home to support the Church, and He wants the strength of the Church to support the home.
Which is more important, the Church or the Home?
It must be remembered that every local Church is made up of people who are also members of families.
· The pastor is a family member.
· The elders are family members.
· The deacons are family members.
· Every member of the body is a family member.
It must be remembered that the Church and the home are not meant to be in competition, i.e., having their resources pitted against one another. The dictionary defines competition as:
· “Contention of two or more for the same object or for superiority; rivalry.”
· “The independent endeavor of two or more persons to obtain the business patronage of a third by offering more advantageous terms.”
It must be remembered that there will be possible points of tension between the Church and the home that could create a spirit of competition if not handled correctly. Some of the tension points include conflicts over:
Ø Scheduling
Ø Doctrine
Ø Authority
Ø Time commitments
Ø Church policies
Ø Church standards
It must be remembered that there must be a strong relationship between the home and the Church in order for God’s purposes to be accomplished in both places. Noah’s ark is a good example of the importance of the family and the Church relating to each other. Notice the following:
> The ark (a type of the Church) was necessary for the preservation of the family (Hebrews 10:25).
> The building of the ark was a family project (Genesis 6:1-10).
> The ark with the family in it was on display for seven days before the flood came (Genesis 7:10).
The home and the Church together are to display to the world the glory of God (Isaiah 60:1-5).
> The ark with the family was a place of safety that was built together to overcome in the days of storm in the end time.
Which was most important, the ARK or the FAMILY? BOTH! How can parents help to keep the Home and the Church in proper perspective? Recognize that God desires the Christian home to be totally identified with the purposes of God, which are expressed and fulfilled through the Church. There is no evidence in the New Testament that any believer enjoyed the experience and benefits of salvation that was not vitally connected to the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ!
Realize the importance of endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Ephesians 4:3). There must be a unity between the home and the Church if there is to be protection and preservation in the last days (1 Corinthians 1:10).
Be aware of the tactics that Satan will try to use to destroy the unity between the home and the Church!
> Lack of communication: There must be a constant effort to understand what is really being said. When misunderstandings arise they must not be promoted, but they should be resolved by communication between local leadership and the parents.
> Double vision: Satan will try to bring confusion by giving every member a different vision, making it double-minded and rendering it ineffective. Parents should be careful to support the corporate vision of the Church in their families and help inspire the faith of the next generation to do the same.
> Defaming leadership: When parents have “preacher for dinner” and in other ways challenge the direction of the Church leadership in front of their children, they are undermining the influence of the Church in the lives of their children and are ultimately giving their children and excuse for later rebellion.
Check negative attitudes before they become a problem. Many wrong attitudes develop around small things, such as:
· The number of Church services
· The number of Church activities
· The length of Church services
· The type of music that is played
· The decision concerning the facilities or
· The building programs decisions concerning finances
· The particular emphasis of that local Church
· The Sunday Sermons or preachers
Church leaders are aware that many people have different views on many different subjects. After considering all of the views, because they are leaders, they must take some positive action. Many of these areas are matters of judgement and taste and, hence, when a decision is made, invariably it does not totally please everyone. This happens very often in a home between parents and children. Perhaps God is giving us an opportunity to demonstrate before our children what it means to submit to those that are over you. Parents can be sure that their children will learn much about how to respond to parental authority by how their parents respond to Church authority.
Disrespect at home toward the Church will undermine the respect that the young of the flock should maintain. In their day of trouble, they will have no respect for those who might be able to help them. Mutual respect and support are necessary.
Communicate positive attitudes toward the Lord and His House!
> Parents should teach their children respect for the Lord’s Day
> Parents should make the Church gatherings something to be desired
> Parents should make the Church a priority in attendance
> Parents should reinforce at home what is being said in Church
As the days of evil and deception grow worse, the Church and the home must come closer together in oneness, cooperation, and respect. The salvation of our families will be secure as long as we relate our lives to each other on the Body of Christ (2 Timothy 3:1-17).
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