Family Faith

(Acts 16:1-5, Phil. 2:19-24, 1 Tim. 1:1-3, 2 Tim. 1:3-5)

The Importance of Bringing the Message of the Salvation of Christ to Your Children

There is a 60% probability that if you don’t reach your child about Christ before they graduate from
high school, you will not reach them (James Dobson) (See Prov. 22:6)

In one of his sermons Richard Mather imagines the voices of damned children at the final judgment
speaking to their Christian parents who neglected to lead them to Christ. While his words are
imaginary, the idea is not totally fanciful. Jesus himself said that one generation will rise up and
condemn another one (Matthew 12:41).

The Importance of a Being a Good Example for Your Children

Nourish faith of the young by example, with gentleness and wisdom (Prov. 31:26-28, Titus 2:18)

The Importance of Constantly Praying for/with Children

Constantly remember young ones in prayer (2 Tim. 1:3 & St. Augustine’s mother & Billy Graham’s
mother)

The Importance of Sharing God’s Word with Children (Ps. 78:1-8, 2 Tim. 3:16-17, Deut. 6:1-2)

The Importance of Encouraging Your Children

A national survey of strong families conducted by the Human Development and Family Department at
the University of Nebraska- Lincoln, determined that a key common factor of strong families was that
the “Family members gave one another compliments and sincere demonstrations of approval. They
tried to make the others feel appreciated and good about themselves."

Benjamin West was just trying to be a good babysitter for his little sister Sally. While his mother was
out, Benjamin found some bottles of colored ink and proceeded to paint Sally’s portrait. But by the
time Mrs. West returned, ink blots stained the table, chairs, and floor. Benjamin’s mother surveyed the
mess without a word until she saw the picture. Picking it up, she exclaimed, "Why, it’s Sally!" And she
bent down and kissed her young son. In 1763, when he was 25 years old, Benjamin West was selected
as history painter to England’s King George III. He became one of the most celebrated artists of his
day. Commenting on his start as an artist, he said, "My mother’s kiss made me a painter." Her
encouragement did far more than a rebuke ever could have done.

The Importance of Keeping Your Commitments to Your Children

 Doing so, inspires faith and confidence

The 1989 earthquake which almost flattened Armenia, killed over 30,000 people in less than
four minutes. In the midst of all the confusion of the earthquake, a father rushed to his son’s
school. When he arrived there he discovered the building was flat as a pancake. Standing there
looking at what was left of the school, the father remembered a promise he made to his son,
"No matter what, I’ll always be there for you!" Tears began to fill his eyes. It looked like a
hopeless situation, but he could not take his mind off his promise. Remembering that his son’s
classroom was in the back right corner of the building, the father rushed there and started
digging through the rubble. As he was digging other grieving parents arrived, clutching their
hearts, saying: "My son! "My daughter!" They tried to pull him off of what was left of the
school saying: "It’s too late!" "They’re dead!" "You can’t help!" "Go home!" Even a police
officer and a fire-fighter told him he should go home. To everyone who tried to stop him he
said, "Are you going to help me now?" They did not answer him and he continued digging for
his son stone by stone. He needed to know for himself: "Is my boy alive or is he dead?" This
man dug for 38 hours. Finally in the 38th hour, as he pulled back a boulder, he heard his son’s
voice. He screamed his son’s name, "ARMAND!" and a voice answered him, "Dad?" It’s me
Dad!" Then the boy added these priceless words, "I told the other kids not to worry. I told ’em
that if you were alive, you’d save me and when you saved me, they’d be saved. You promised
that, Dad. ’No matter what,’ you said, ’I’ll always be there for you!’ And here you are Dad.
You kept your promise!"

Evidence of the Holy Spirit at Work in Your Children

Genuine interest in others (Phil. 2:20)

Not selfish, looking after kingdom interests (Phil. 2:21)

Prove by work of the gospel (Phil. 2:22)