1 of 21

Building Our Homes For God

Marriage Enrichment Retreat Session 7

Missionary Families of Christ

2 of 21

We act as Christians in the privacy of our homes.

We do not act as Christians simply when we are in church or together as MFC.

Missionary Families of Christ

2

3 of 21

What is a Christian home?

What are some of its elements?

Missionary Families of Christ

3

4 of 21

What is a Christian home?

What are some of its elements?

  1. A Christian home provides the environment that allows us to raise a Christian family.

​

  • It is the center of our Christian life.� * In the home we have prayer, fellowship, hospitality, teaching and formation.

​

  • It is a source of stability for our family members.�* We have roots and a strong sense of belonging and security.

Missionary Families of Christ

4

5 of 21

What is a Christian home?

What are some of its elements?

​

  1. It provides the framework for patterns of our relationships in the larger community.

* Cooperation rather than competition.

*  Faith rather than fear.

*  Sharing rather than greed.

*  Love rather than self-concern.

​

5. It is our center and base for evangelization.

Missionary Families of Christ

5

6 of 21

Characteristic of a Christian home

Missionary Families of Christ

6

7 of 21

Faith

Characteristic of a Christian home

  1. A place where the Lord Jesus reigns.
  2. A place where prayers and Scripture form an integral part of the family pattern of life.

Dt 6:4-9.

*  Family prayers.

*  Blessing of the children, sealing them with God’s protection.

*  Prayers for healing.

*  Reading of Scripture.

  • A place where the goodness of the Lord is recounted and remembered often.

*  This builds up faith and confidence in God as our loving Father.

*  This fosters grateful hearts.

*  Dt 8:10-18.

Missionary Families of Christ

7

8 of 21

Service love

Characteristic of a Christian home

a) A place where each member of the family is eager to serve others—both members of our household and outsiders.

b) The father leads, i.e., he sets directions as to what services to do or to accept. He sets the limits for service.

c) The mother makes the home a place of hospitality.

*  Brothers and sisters are welcome.

*  Needs are cared for.

*  We distinguish between the Christian view of hospitality (to serve) and the world’s view (to impress).

d) Children are introduced to service as a natural part of life.

*  Let the children serve snacks.

*  Let them welcome the guests.

*  Do not send them away when guests come.

e) Open your home to the Lord so that he can use it in any way he wants.

* Realize that we are merely his caretakers.

Missionary Families of Christ

8

9 of 21

Peace

Characteristic of a Christian home

a) A place where relationship are working well.

* This does not mean that there will never be relationship difficulties. But is does mean that we have matured enough in our relationships so that we know how to handle difficulties when they arise.

b) The family pattern of life is relaxed and orderly.

*  This frees us from the frantic pace of the world.

*  This enables members of the family to serve the Lord in various ways.

c) A place where God’s providence and provisions are experienced.

* Family members are free from the anxieties and pressures of the world

Missionary Families of Christ

9

10 of 21

Order

Characteristic of a Christian home

a) This simply proceeds from our relationship with God, who is a God of order.

* In other homes there is chaos. You don’t know who is coming or going, who is responsible for what, what to expect from each other.

b) First there should be order in the roles of husband/father, wife/mother, children. Their roles should be clear, defined and lived out.

*  The father is the protector, provider and priest.

*  The mother makes the home a place of warmth, a place where life can happen.

*  The children honor, respect and obey their parents.

Missionary Families of Christ

10

11 of 21

Order

Characteristic of a Christian home

c) Second, there should be order in schedule, in their life together.

*  The home is not a boarding house.

*  There should be ample opportunities for family members to interact with one another, to enjoy each other’s presence.

    •  TV and outside activities should not usurp family time. We should focus on recreation that allows interaction.

d) Third, there should be physical order. * Cleanliness.�* A system for storage.

Missionary Families of Christ

11

12 of 21

How can we build our homes for God?

Missionary Families of Christ

12

13 of 21

Make a decision that you will do what it takes to have a Christian home.

The father needs to take active headship in bringing this about.

Missionary Families of Christ

13

14 of 21

Evaluate your home

  1.  What elements are not God’s dominion? Be honest!

​

b)  Review the relationships within your family, including those who are living with you.

​

c)  Review the values of your family.

d)  Identify areas that may need change or improvement.

Missionary Families of Christ

14

15 of 21

Prepare a plan for building your home for God.

This includes goals, time frame, and specific things to do.

  1. Prioritize your goals.

​

  • Husband and wife agree on the plan.

​

  • Explain the plan to the rest of the household and get their input and cooperation.

Missionary Families of Christ

15

16 of 21

Have the right mind and attitude.

  1. Be open to the leading of the Spirit.
  2. Be obedient to God’s word.
  3. Pursue your plans with decisiveness and determination.

* But be realistic in your expectations.�

Missionary Families of Christ

16

17 of 21

Periodically evaluate your progress against your plan.

  1. Be flexible and do not hesitate to change your plan if such is needed.

​

  • Repent if you have not been faithful and steadfast.

Missionary Families of Christ

17

18 of 21

There is hope.

For God still is in control

We are living in a society where support structures for good Christian family life are slowly collapsing. But there is hope.

Missionary Families of Christ

18

19 of 21

Our task and calling is to build a Christian home

a place where Christian culture will be truly lived to the full.

Missionary Families of Christ

19

20 of 21

Build with the Lord

He is the architect and very life of every Christian home. And every so often, let us evaluate how we are building.

​

Missionary Families of Christ

20

21 of 21

BUILDING OUR HOMES FOR GOD

Marriage Enrichment Retreat Session 7

Missionary Families of Christ