I am starting a series of lessons that I will be preaching Sunday mornings for the next little while on the family. There is little doubt that the family unit, as God ordained, is under attack. We must not only be aware of such, but do what we can to stand strong. The key to success is to focus on the family as God would have it, since He designed it. Let’s look at the pattern that we ought to follow.

The seriousness of marriage

When society puts little value on the institution of marriage, that same attitude can enter the minds of God’s people. It is so serious that man needs to see that the choosing of a mate is until death do they part (Rom. 7:1-4).  It isn’t the idea that they “try out” each other before the vows are made. The Hebrew writer pointed out, “Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge.”(Heb. 13:4). The idea of “saving” oneself until marriage is a joke in many circles. With that, it has also become a joke that marriage is for life. The danger of not taking marriage seriously can put one in a situation where their life is miserable and possibly a separation, having destroyed the right to ever remarry (Matt. 5:32; 19:9).

Choosing a mate wisely

Marriage is not something you rush into. Sadly, the mindset in past times was the “shotgun” wedding. Committing fornication is not a reason to get married. To think you “have” to get married is not thinking properly. The choosing of a lifelong mate should take into

consideration if this person will be a help or hindrance to your spiritual growth. Since we are admonished to choose our friends wisely (I Cor. 15:33), how much more so when it comes to someone you desire to marry? Too, keep in mind that if you find yourself in a situation where your mate is no longer, or never has been, a help to you, remember that you can influence them by your godliness (I Cor. 7:16).

The roles as God designed

The goal we all need to have is to function the way our God designed it. It isn’t our place to say that I want the woman to be the head of the household and for the man to be the keeper of the home, when God says otherwise (Eph. 5:23; Titus 2:5). Of course, that does not mean the husband treats his wife like a slave – read Ephesians 5:28-29.  Nor does it mean the wife is confined to the home – read Proverbs 31:10-31, about the virtuous woman. Keep in mind God designed marriage and the roles, not man. Therefore, we ought to ask ourselves; who really knows what’s best?

The role of parents

Just as there is divine guidance for the husband and wife, the same goes for parents. When children are brought into this world there are many God given responsibilities that must be obeyed. Most people accept the idea of providing for their physical needs (II Cor. 12:14). However, and more importantly, is the need to bring them up to serve the Lord (Eph. 6:4). This means to train them in the way they should go, knowing they need guidance (Prov. 22:6). Of course, the best way to do this is to lead by example. This was a blessing that Timothy received from his mother and grandmother (II Tim. 1:5).

The role of children

Even though children are just that, children, they have a duty to obey their parents (Eph. 6:1). It isn’t their place to make demands, and act as if they are entitled to everything they want. They also need to be thankful and show respect. This is what you read concerning the children of the virtuous wife (Prov. 31). In this passage, the children rise and called their mother blessed (vr. 28). This is just a sample from the lessons that will be preached in a series of lessons over the next few weeks.

Chuck

What church would Christ attend?

Although the title’s question is hypothetical, our Lord is present when His followers gather to worship Him (Matt. 18:20). Moreover, we know that Christ dwells within the hearts of the faithful (Eph. 3:17). Knowing these things, the Scriptures provide enough information for us to answer the question.

If Jesus were to walk the face of this earth, where would He go to worship on Sunday? The answer can be found in Eph. 2:19, which describes God’s people as being part of a household. Christians belong to the family of God. When someone goes away on a trip and comes back, which family will he spend time with? That might seem like a silly question, but it will help us understand which church Jesus would worship with. Logically, He would spend time with His family and thus worship with His church.

Jesus said He was going to build His church (Matt. 16:18). This happened when He died on the cross and purchased the church with His own blood (Acts 20:28). When someone is covered by His blood and becomes a Christian, the Lord adds them to His body – the church (Acts 2:38, 41, 47; Rev. 1:5). This is why Christ calls them His own special people (I Pet. 2:9).

If Jesus returned to earth, would He assemble with the church that He is the head of (Col. 1:18) or some manmade religious organization? The answer might seem obvious. But would Christ show His love by visiting every denomination? This is an interesting question.

This should cause us to ponder a few things. I expect that Christ would visit every religious sect. He would not visit to worship though – He would visit to correct and admonish, telling them they need to abide only in His doctrine (II John 9) and that there is only one gospel (Gal. 1:6-9). Consider Revelation chapters two and three – the deeds of every congregation were recognized, but they were not all praised.

Let us return to the original question; which church would Christ attend? It would be His. We should not expect Christ to choose to worship with us if we designed worship for our own preferences rather than for His (John 4:24). Furthermore, why would anyone think that Christ would gather where He is not recognized as the head? Paul called the faithful who gathered in certain cities as churches of Christ (Rom. 16:16) because they belong to Christ.

Would Christ be pleased and willing to worship at any place that called themselves a church that is Christ?  Not at all. Again, He may go there to rebuke and admonish them to repent, just as He did with the seven churches of Asia in Revelation chapters two and three. Five of those churches were told to repent or else their candlestick would be removed. Jesus could say these churches belong to Him!

Let me make this perfectly clear – Jesus is not coming back to live on the earth again. But He is coming back, and everyone will be judged (II Cor. 5:10). It will be at a time when not expected (II Pet. 3:9-10). It is therefore important to be found faithful. If Christ would not be found worshipping at a manmade church, why would He be pleased to find you at one?

People who claim it does not matter which church we go to should look to the Scriptures and see how Jesus addressed His church. Remember, there will be many in the last day who will think they are going to be received into heaven but will instead hear the Lord say, “I don’t know you” (Matt. 7:21-23). Which church will you belong to?

                                                                                              Chuck