Outline adapted from Norm Webb Jr. Building Strong Homes River Bend February 2, 2014 Outline adapted from Norm Webb Jr.

Introduction A society that desecrates the home represented in the Bible - Amy Glass - feminist blog writer - I look down on young women with husbands and kids and I’m not sorry. Candace Cameron Bure - Balancing It All

Introduction A society that desecrates the home represented in the Bible - Disney’s first LGBT couple - Good Luck Charlie The portrayal of fathers in the home on T.V. Purpose of our study

Foundational Principles Psalm 127:1-5 - “Building homes is God’s business” 1 - God must be the Establisher of the home. 2 - Without God’s leadership everything is futile. 3-5 - God’s richest blessings upon those that fear and keep His commandments.

Foundational Principles Joshua 24:15 - “…but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” A firm understanding of priorities - Matthew 6:33; 1 Timothy 4:8 A firm understanding of God’s Word - Psalm 119:1-5 (Deuteronomy 6:6- 9) A firm understanding of eternity - Luke 17:1-2; Ephesians 6:4

Threats to this Foundation Busyness - The real threat of materialism and overcrowded lives - Matthew 13:22; Luke 8:14 Which is more important? 1 Peter 3:15 - “15 but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence;”

Threats to this Foundation Social Media and Technology - “People don’t know what they want until you show it to them.” - Steve Jobs Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Email, Google+, etc. 1 Corinthians 9:27 - “27 but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.”

Threats to this Foundation Society’s View of Marriage - 1960 - 70% married; 50% today 1978 - 11% believed marriage was obsolete; 39% today Eight times as many children are born out of wedlock today, than in 1960. Evolution of T.V. series

Threats to this Foundation Society’s View of Marriage - God’s design of marriage - Ephesians 5:22, 25 - Wives submitted to husbands; Husbands love your wives. Proverbs 22:6 - Raising children by the Bible Matthew 22:37 - Love God

Characteristics of a God-centered home - The Word of God - 2 Timothy 2:15; Deuteronomy 6:6-9 Truth is Valued - Proverbs 23:23; John 8:31-32; Revelation 21:8; Ephesians 4:25 Husbands and Wives fulfill their roles - Ephesians 5:31-33; 1 Corinthians 7:3- 5

Characteristics of a God-centered home - Mom and Dad are living Christ-like - 1 John 2:6; Ephesians 5:1-2 Service is a priority - Philippians 2:1-4; Galatians 6:9-10 Boundaries are established - Ephesians 6:1-4 The Gospel is taught - Matthew 28:19 The home is devoted to prayer - Romans 12:12

Conclusion Building strong homes - Matthew 5:14-16 - The true test of a home’s strength is not physical, but spiritual. Genesis 7:13 - “13 On the very same day Noah and Shem and Ham and Japheth, the sons of Noah, and Noah’s wife and the three wives of his sons with them, entered the ark,”