Introduction To say that the home (family) in America is in trouble is a gross understatement. To say that the home (family) in America is in trouble is a gross understatement. “As the home goes, so goes the nation”. “As the home goes, so goes the nation”. Some are trying to redefine the family. Some are trying to redefine the family. The feminists, homosexuals, lesbians are telling us we don’t need the “traditional” family. The feminists, homosexuals, lesbians are telling us we don’t need the “traditional” family.

Scripture Reading Eph. 5:22-6:4; Col. 3:18-21

Home Invasion Read an article by Rebecca Hagelin, author of Home Invasion. Read an article by Rebecca Hagelin, author of Home Invasion. Our homes are being invaded by a toxic, cesspool, culture. Our homes are being invaded by a toxic, cesspool, culture. An over sexualized society is pervading our homes. An over sexualized society is pervading our homes. Statistics tell us that 90% of kids who go online, many to do homework, stumble across pornography. Statistics tell us that 90% of kids who go online, many to do homework, stumble across pornography.

The influence of society The assault continues outside of the home. The assault continues outside of the home. Billboards, trashy magazines, books. Billboards, trashy magazines, books. One series of books, Gossip Girls is one of the most popular romance series for girls ages One series of books, Gossip Girls is one of the most popular romance series for girls ages The music. The music. Filled with pornographic lyrics and violence. Filled with pornographic lyrics and violence.

The degradation of humanity We are seeing a destruction of common decency. We are seeing a destruction of common decency. A decline in morality. A decline in morality. The death of civility. The death of civility. Our families, husbands, wives, our children and grandchildren are paying a terrible price for the decline in our society. Our families, husbands, wives, our children and grandchildren are paying a terrible price for the decline in our society.

The price that is being paid Among our families it seems that children pay the highest price. Among our families it seems that children pay the highest price. A report in 2004 medical journal Pediatrics revealed that children who watch a lot of sexualized TV have 2 times the sexual activity. A report in 2004 medical journal Pediatrics revealed that children who watch a lot of sexualized TV have 2 times the sexual activity. 1 out of 3 girls will be pregnant at least once before out of 3 girls will be pregnant at least once before 19.

The high cost 25% of sexually active teens will contract an STD. 25% of sexually active teens will contract an STD. The suicide rate among children 14 and under has increased 75% in the last ten years. The suicide rate among children 14 and under has increased 75% in the last ten years. Children are entering college with record numbers of clinical depression. Children are entering college with record numbers of clinical depression. Then there is “cutting”. Young girls cutting, slashing their arms just to feel alive. Then there is “cutting”. Young girls cutting, slashing their arms just to feel alive.

Who is responsible? Easy to point fingers at Hollywood, or the government. Easy to point fingers at Hollywood, or the government. Most 13 year old boys don’t have $60 to buy video games filled with violence and sometimes graphic language. Most 13 year old boys don’t have $60 to buy video games filled with violence and sometimes graphic language. 11 year old girls don’t have the ability or the money to go to the mall to buy trashy clothes that make them look like prostitutes. 11 year old girls don’t have the ability or the money to go to the mall to buy trashy clothes that make them look like prostitutes.

Taking Responsibility Parents must take the responsibility for raising their children. Parents must take the responsibility for raising their children. Many are concerned about being their child’s friend. Many are concerned about being their child’s friend. Children need parents, their mothers and fathers. Children need parents, their mothers and fathers. Children need to see their moms and dads pushing back against the toxic culture. Children need to see their moms and dads pushing back against the toxic culture.

The greatest gift we give our children Teach them there is a God (Duet. 6:7- 9; Eph 6:1-4). Teach them there is a God (Duet. 6:7- 9; Eph 6:1-4). A God that loves and knows them (1 Jn. 4:10). A God that loves and knows them (1 Jn. 4:10). A God who created them in His image, they are a blessing (Ps. 127:3). A God who created them in His image, they are a blessing (Ps. 127:3). They need God’s forgiveness, His mercy and grace. They need God’s forgiveness, His mercy and grace.

What Parents Need Parenting is a time consuming, sometimes frustrating job. Parenting is a time consuming, sometimes frustrating job. Some have abdicated their role. Some have abdicated their role. Husbands & wives, fathers & mothers need to pay attention to one another as well. Husbands & wives, fathers & mothers need to pay attention to one another as well. As parents we need the resolve and determination to do what is right. As parents we need the resolve and determination to do what is right.

What society needs The gospel. The gospel. But aside from that, men and women who will stand up for what is right & pleasing in the sight of God. But aside from that, men and women who will stand up for what is right & pleasing in the sight of God. When good people keep quiet about the ills of society, the baser sort have their way. When good people keep quiet about the ills of society, the baser sort have their way. I believe we are seeing that in our culture today. I believe we are seeing that in our culture today.

Conclusion We must keep and/or take back our homes. We must keep and/or take back our homes. God has given us the blueprint for a happy, successful family. God has given us the blueprint for a happy, successful family. If we would be the kind of families we should be, we will honor, through obedience, His will for us. If we would be the kind of families we should be, we will honor, through obedience, His will for us.