Challenges to Family Unity
Relatives, friends, and outside influences who do not share Christian values can challenge family unity. Fathers must teach their children (Ephesians 6:4) and talk early.
Category: Kevin’s Korner
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Core Spiritual Practices for Unity in the Home
Satan and the world want to destroy the home. Families maintain spiritual unity through core practices like worship (Hebrews 10:25), Bible study, and evangelism.
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What is the Sin unto Death?
John is speaking to those who are Christians. He says, "If any man see his brother sin…." What kind of sin could a Christian commit that would lead to death? James says in James 1:14, 15 "But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death." According to James, any temptation can lead to sin and death.
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Can the Unfaithful Christian Return to Christ?
Yes, provided they sincerely desire to come back. The book of Hebrews deals more with this issue of falling away than does any other book in the New Testament because many Jewish Christians were falling away from the church to go back to Judaism. In Hebrews 6:4-6 we read, "For as touching those who were once enlightened and tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Spirit, and tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the age to come, and then fell away, it is impossible to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame" (ASV).
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Preaching Christ Brings Joy
Preaching Christ brings joy because of the 1) Challenges, 2) Comradery, and 3) Christ. Each person should understand the joy that comes from preaching Christ and evangelism. Each person may open their heart to evangelizing for the joy to be found.
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Good Things Happen to Bad People
Job's friends believed only good things happen to good people, but Job showed that the wicked sometimes prosper (Job 21:7-12). Blessings are not proof of God's approval.
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Let the Beauty of Jesus Be Seen in Me
Let the beauty of Jesus be seen in me by my 1) pure life 2) pure speech 3) living sacrifice 4) charitable deeds. Let each would resolve to be beautiful on the inside and not worry so much about external beauty. I want to emphasize how beauty in God's sight is radically different from man's standard of beauty.
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“But to Love One Another”
In this lesson we will compare and contrast the purposes and expectations of man in relationships with the purposes and expectations of God. We will note what humans construct when it comes to relationships vs. what God creates and then see how liberating God’s way is. I hope that each hearer will understand how God’s design of loving one another encapsulates the whole of human relationships without the need for additional human constructions.
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God Must Lead our Homes
Husbands and wives can agree that God should lead the home. When Adam failed to follow God's word (Genesis 3:6), leadership went astray. Seek God's kingdom first.
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God’s Righteousness Maintains Relationships – Romans 13
The righteousness of the gospel means maintaining good relationships with 1) The Government, 2) Your Neighbor, and 3) Christ. Each person would understand what it means to maintain good relationships.
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Children and the Church
In this lesson we will discuss 1) the purpose of the family in having children, 2) the mission of the church in relationship to children, and 3) the need for the church to be involved in the lives of children. This lesson encourages the church to support and be involved in our children’s activities with a view toward growth, and it discusses the relationship of the church to children in an encouraging way.
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Spiritual Leaders Needed in the Home!
The home needs spiritual leadership led by God's Spirit and word (Romans 8:14). Like Jesus, who led by humble example (John 13:14), fathers must prioritize God.
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Declaring the Glory of God – Psalm 19
The psalmist declares the glory of God through 1) The World, 2) The Word, and 3) His Wish. Every one should understand that all things were made to declare the glory of God.
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Showing Respect to Others
In this lesson, we will look at how Jesus showed respect toward others. The listener should understand that Jesus was extraordinary in His behavior.
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Patterns of Communication
Good communication skills require planning, patience, and practice. One cannot resolve all communication issues overnight. Sometimes, it takes time to think and to understand. We may need to broach the topic multiple times to communicate clearly.
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Should We Evangelize All Races?
The Bible teaches that the gospel is for all regardless of one’s race, social status, skin color, or other physical appearances that happen to be different from others. John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” God loved the entire world, every single person in it. God sent His Son to die for everyone.
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Should Church Members Door Knock?
I also want to emphasize that it is every Christian’s duty to evangelize. This isn’t something that is relegated only to the preacher, elders, or deacons. Every member is responsible. That does not mean that a person must stand on a street corner and preach a sermon. We have multiple opportunities to evangelize by inviting people to services, handing out tracts, sending cards, talking to people at work, talking to people at the grocery store, and just doing the things that we normally do as people. The key is what Jesus said in Matthew 5:16, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”
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The Strait and Narrow Way
The strait and narrow way is 1) the trail that Jesus blazed, 2) the trail that once begun, must be followed, 3) the trail that does not change, 4) the trail that brings reward. Each would understand the commitment necessary to walk the strait and narrow way.
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Good Marriages Have Good Communication
When married couples love and respect each other, they will tell each other the truth. A relationship built on a lie will not last very long. Ephesians 4:25 says, “Therefore, putting away lying, ‘Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,’ for we are members of one another.” This means that spouses do not keep secrets from one another. They are open, honest, and transparent. It also means that spouses must talk to one another about perceived problems in a constructive way.
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“Who at the Door is Standing?”
This sermon answers the question, "Who at the door is standing?" 1) Jesus is standing at the door. 2) The world is standing at the door. 3) You are standing at the door. Each hearer should be able to state who is standing at the door and for what reasons. To help each understand their relationship to Jesus while he stands at the door.
