My House–God’s House
Text: Deuteronomy 6:6-9
Introduction:
- The formation of my faith as a child.
- Cultural trends that challenge faith formation: divorce, violence, secularism.
- Theme: The church's mission is to equip families to teach changeless truth in changing times. (Include testimonies to illustrate various points.)
I. I need to be at home in God's house.
A. Priorities come from decisions.
B. Decisions come from values.
C. If I value God's house:
1. I will decide to be there (Hebrews 10:24,25).
2. I will decide to sacrifice to be there.
3. I will decide to be there as a model for my family.
4. I will decide to live out what I learn there.
Plant an act; reap a habit.
Plant a habit; reap a virtue or a vice.
Plant a virtue or vice; reap a character.
Plant a character; reap a destiny.
II. God needs to be at home in my house.
A. Faith is developed by parents (Ephesians 6:4).
1. The principle from Proverbs (Proverbs 22:6).
2. Timothy's example (2 Timothy 1:5; 3:14,15).
B. Faith is developed on purpose (Deuteronomy 6:6-9).
1. There are no accidental disciples.
Dr. Joe White, in Faith Training, said, "Faith does not get passed along genetically like brown eyes or freckles. It must be handed from generation to generation."
2. There are no accidental disciple makers.
a. Regular family devotions.
b. Faithfulness in attendance, tithing, service.
c. Modeling Christian character.
Conclusion: The family unit is at the front lines in making disciples of Jesus Christ. We need only take hold of the tools provided by the church and use them.
