Text: “Now you are People of God” (1 Peter 2:10)

         “Deal not treacherously” (Mal. 2:16)

Introduction:

Our (NBC) Theme this year is the topic of our sermon today. One may wonder the convention between Moving Forward and Family life. The truth is, the church’s witness has been dented over the years due to the situation whereby families who are supposed to show forth the love of church to the dying world have failed church.

This year, our major emphasis will be on God using our families as a witness for the gospel thereby expanding His Church.  It is about our relationship with Him, (chosen, holy, loyal etc).

Yes, for the young people:

Friendship
Dating
Courtship
Sex before Marriage
Temptation
Etc.

But, for adults

What happens along the way
Marriage Responsibilities
Early Marriage Life
Middle Marriage Life
Latter Marriage Life
Child bearing and raising
Parents and teenage children
Becoming grand-parents
Family and neighbours
Parents and children serving God
Children outside Parents’ Church
Wayward children
Etc.

Three things are mentioned here, that call our attention

- Marriage

- Godly seed

- Divorce

Let’s begin today what God’s mind is on these

1. Marriage

a. God’s property and design – Gen 2:24 

b. No adultery involved – Matt.5:32  

c. It is meant to be permanent – Mk. 10:9, Rm 7:2   

d.   Divorce is not in the programme of God for his children 1 Cor. 7:10 – 11 

How much have many Christians of today allow the heathen to mock the Christian church by their disobedience to the above instruction

2. Godly Seed

It is usually said that the third reason for marriage is for godly seed to be raised, that is children:

         a.   Who will inherit the land (Ps. 25:13)  

b.   Children who are not forsaken – Ps. 37:25   

         c.   Who are  established – Ps. 102:28   

d. Who are mighty – Ps. 112:2  

e. They are blessed after their father – Prov. 20:7 

3. Divorce – a major foe of the home (others are adultery, polygamy, concubinage, etc)

a. It is dirty – Deut. 24: 1 – 6 

b. Matt. 5:31 

c. Matt. 19:7 

d. 1 Cor 7:27 (a serious warning) 

Know that disobedience to God’s Word in this matter is what makes the church lose its testimony, hence weakening our witness.

Conclusion:

You who, by God’s grace and mercy follow biblical injunctions concerning marriage, are you indeed faithful to God?

You who think or know, there is an error in the past, remember time of ignorance the Lord overlooks.  Don’t close your mind if the Holy Spirit instructs you on any restitution that must be made

Remember, the implication of our redemption (giving us new name and status) is that through us, men must give glory to our Father who is in heaven. 

Whatever ‘But’ in your family or marriage, the Lord will do a new thing.  Never give up.  This is your year to shine.

Pray:   Carry our your will in my family

Make my family a witnessing agency

Release the grace for your desire in my family

Give me my desired miracle this year 2013.