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Family Life -
Family Life Ministries
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The Ministry of the Home
The Ministry of the Family
God has a definite purpose and goal in all of His dealings with us as individuals and as families. God deals with us to bring us to maturity so that we might in turn reach out to others. God remakes and reshapes our lives so that we can become effective instruments in His hand for the evangelization, growth, and development of the lost and struggling of this world. God's vision is bigger than an individual. God's vision is bigger than a family or even a particular church. God's vision is for the world (John 3:16). God has extended His salvation to us that we can, in turn, reach out to others!
What is the basis reason why God blesses His people with abundance and truth?
God operates on a very simple principle. He blesses us to be a blessing.
· He did this with Abraham (Genesis 12:1-3).
· He did this with the children of Israel (Isaiah 43:8-13).
· He does this with everyone (2 Corinthians 1:3-4, 1 Timothy 6:17-19).
What is the responsibility of God's people who have been blessed with truth?
In response to what God has done, God expects His people to be willing to reach out to others. God has established His people as a royal priesthood (Exodus 19:4-6; 1 Peter 2:5-9). As priesthood we are to:
· Be a servant nation to the world (Isaiah 49:3-6; Acts 1:8).
· Mediate the blessing of God to the rest of the earth (Exodus 19:5).
· Live in the "environment of God" while living in the midst of the nations, thus showing forth His glory (Matthew 5:13-16).
· Be God's vehicle to show forth God's praises to the world (Isaiah 43:21; 1 Peter 2:9).
· Be witnesses to the world of the power and love of God (Isaiah 44:8; 43:9-12; Acts 1:8).
What place does the home have in reaching out to others?
The Bible teaches a home in order can become a real place of manifold ministry. In the New Testament the home was:
ü A place of refreshment.
ü A place where the believers gathered for prayer (Acts 12:12).
ü A place where bread was broken (Acts 2:46).
ü A place of teaching and preaching (Acts 5:42; 20:20).
ü A place where the Spirit was outpoured (Acts 2:2).
ü A place where churches were started (Acts 18:7, 11; Romans 16:5; 1 Corinthians 16:19; Colossians 4:15; Philemon 2).
How does God want to use our homes?
· God wants every home to be a place where the principles of the kingdom of God are lived out. Each home should be a showcase for Christian living. In this way our homes will become:
· A pattern of good works attracting the lost (Titus 2:7-8).
· A testimony to those who are outside the Church (2 Corinthians 8:21; 1 Timothy 3:7; Acts 22:12).
· A place where people will come for answers (1 Peter 3:15-16).
· A true manifestation of the wisdom of God (Colossians 4:5; Ephesians 3:10; James 3:13).
· God wants every home to be a place from which we can reach out to our neighborhoods. God gives us all specific duties we are to fulfill toward our neighbors.
· We are to love our neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 5:43; 19:19; 22:39; Mark 12:31, 33; Romans 13:9-10; James 2:8; Galatians 5:14).
· We are to try to please them (Romans 15:2).
· We are to deal honestly with them (Ephesians 4:25).
· We are to be instrumental in teaching them (Hebrews 8:11).
· God wants every home to be stretching out and reaching out for the poor and needy (Proverbs 31:20).
· This starts with the needy in one's own and relatives (1 Timothy 5:4, 8, 16).
· This extends to the other members of the Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 16:15; Galatians 6:10; 1 Thessalonians 5:15).
· This reaches beyond to the stranger outside (Galatians 6:10; 1 Thessalonians 5:15).
Who are some good biblical examples of this kind of ministry?
· The virtuous woman was one who always kept a candle burning in her window to guide the wayfarer to a place of shelter (Proverbs 31:18).
· Elizabeth had a close relationship with not only her kindred but also all of her neighbors (Luke 1:39-45, 56-58, 15: 6-9).
· Stephanas serves as one of the best examples. Many commentators believe this man was the Phillipian jailer converted under the ministry of Paul.
· He was a man who was personally responsive to the Lord (Acts 16:30-31).
· He was a man who immediately got his own home in order (Acts 16: 32-33; 1 Corinthians 1:16).
· He was a man who was reaching out to the needs of others (Acts 16:34).
· He was a man who became addicted to the ministry of the saints (1 Corinthians 16:15).
· He became a great help and strength to the apostle Paul (1 Corinthians 16:16-17).
What are some practical ways in which we can get more actively involved in outreach from our homes?
There are many things we can do as believers. The following are only a few suggestions. You can add your own to the list.
· Housing needy singles, whether they be newly converted or in need of local parental oversight.
· Reaching out to the older people in the Body and your neighborhood.
· Establishing a healthy relationship with your neighbors.
· Take time to get to know them.
· Help them with a project.
· Be ready to assist in times of need.
· Invite them to dinner.
· Visit them when sick (and send a card).
· Remember them on special occasions.
· Talk to them when the occasion presents itself.
· Invite them along on special family or church functions.
· Be willing to help them with babysitting.
· Using your home for church functions.
· Showers
· Home meetings
· Prayer meetings
· Bible studies
· Reaching out to your boss and fellow employees.
The home is the place where true Christianity is displayed. People may question its authenticity in the Church, but when they see it in your home, they will be convinced (1 Peter 2:12-25).
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