Making God real in ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN Home

effectivegenuinespiritual Strong Christian home is foundation of effective, genuine, and spiritual service True relationship with Jesus reflects in our behaviour at home Easy to behave well or be polite in public places: church, school, work … but difficult at home WHY? WHY?

Take loved ones for granted: spouses, children, parents, brothers/sisters No outsiders see good deeds, no praises, no recognition … no effort needed Become like PHARISEES, do things only to be seen by men We praise, worship, build churches for God, but often don’t bring Him home We fail to bring God’s love, forgiveness, patience... to our loved ones We must have our own church at home

WHY must we bring JESUS home & in personal spiritual life? To have an effective Service, with conviction & spiritual power If we’re going to help others, must help ourselves first Healthy family unit is foundation of any Healthy society, community, church …

How to bring JESUS into our home? 1) Prayer Regular prayer, personal & with family “For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.” (Matthew 18:20) We want God to be in our midst Sit at the Lord’s feet to Restart, Replenish & Reset Pray in the morning, at night, driving in car … Carry God with us wherever, whenever …

2) Bible Read daily, alone & with family Meditate, reflect & self-examine, apply messages Spiritual books, lives of saints … Read with family (children) nourishes them, bonding time … St. Paul tells Timothy: "But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Jesus Christ” (2 Timothy 3:14-15)

3) Ministering at home Call & check-up, to say “hello” to lonely or sick Make home inviting/welcoming to all Help neighbours in need St. Paul says: “Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time” (Colossians 4:5) Spend time with your spouses, children … Need godly influence on family HG Bishop Suriel (Australia) : 1960's 1) Family, 2) Church, 3) Friends, 4) School 1980's 1) Friends, 2) Family, 3) Media, 4) School Family 1990's 1) Media, 2) Friends, 3) School, 4) Family Church dropped off list!

4) Purity Christian homes pure, free from: Sinful & worldly pleasures, lusts, gossip, bad company, evil words, thoughts, pride, & self- righteousness … Guard ourselves & our homes, don’t let “garbage” in God’s temple Be careful: Internet, TV, music, games … Inappropriate images/messages, bad role model, drinking, unhealthy food … Words (conversations/phone)

5) Avoid Laziness Idleness & wandering thoughts, waste of time, lead to sin Prioritize … put God first, before all else Reading, praying, working, ministering St. Paul: “See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:15) Serve your own family, help share the burden Must be Mary & Martha

6) Strive for Orthodoxy Always strive to increase knowledge of church Be firmly grounded in faith, to pass on torch Spiritual books, listen/meditate on liturgy, sermons, songs, hymns … St. Paul: “Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle” (2 Thessalonians 2:15) “When I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also” (1 Timothy 1:5)

7) Make Home Holy Pictures of Jesus, St. Mary, and saints on walls Spiritual atmosphere, encourages holiness Blessings The world bombards us with worldly reminders Christians should be filled with reminders of holiness & godliness

If servant does not have a strong Spiritual life at home Service & church a burden No enjoyment in praying, reading Bible, or serving In Sunday School, often feel insecure & uncomfortable Sensitive or defensive (comments or criticism related to service) Often looks for attention & recognition Seeks popularity with children they serve Drawing children to themselves instead to God Hypocritical in behaviour (different home vs church) Lack true humility, worry about external appearances Unable to be a good role model Lose focus of the real meaning of service Serving with little effectiveness & no spiritual power

If servant has a strong Spiritual life at home Serve with conviction & effective spiritual power from the Holy Spirit St. Peter’s sermon on Pentecost, and the disciples’ ministry Confident & shine in service, have real spiritual impact True humility, don’t seek own glory or recognition from anyone but God St. Paul: “For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ” (2 Corinthians 4:6) Draw people to Christ, a reflection/image of Christ Service will be fruitful, despite hardships