12: What Have They Seen in Your House – Discussion Starters
- What have they seen in your house? What feelings does this question stir in your heart? If police suspect a crime has occurred in a house, what evidence do they search for? What about your house and your spiritual condition? Is there any physical evidence in your house of your love for God? Look around. Can God-centered action that takes place in your house be detected? Do you ever run into a spell of time when things don’t look right in your house, and you communicate a wrong spirit by the clutter and messiness there? What do the angels see in your house and in your actions? Does it trouble you to wonder, “What have they seen in your house?”
- Learning from a king’s mistake. Hezekiah was a rich ruler, no question about that. And a sick man until he was miraculously healed by God. Then what happened? How did Hezekiah show gratitude for his healing? Why did he choose this method of showing (or not showing) his thankfulness for the miracle that spared his life? Have you noticed how strained it seems to be to bring up a spiritual topic when visiting friends–even faithful members of the church? Why the reluctance? What are some ways you and I can share our love for Christ the next time visitors come to see you?
- Family first. The best place to begin your work of witnessing of Christ’s love for you is (choose one): (A) at church after the sermon; (B) with friends who are eager to talk about their love for Jesus; (C) at home with family members; (D) at work on a job that is not especially spiritual. How can you share your joy of being a Christian with a relative who does not have a personal walk with God? Do we as Christians need to spend more time planning and developing witnessing opportunities we can use at home? Why don’t we spend more time talking about our love for Jesus in conversations with others? What should we do when any hint of a spiritual topic seems to pull family members away?
- Peace that wins. Likely you have some–and maybe many–relatives who simply do not care for your religious beliefs and try to stop any conversation that supports them. Paul’s friends wondered if it wouldn’t be better to divorce a husband or wife who becomes converted to Christianity. That would result in less controversy in the home, wouldn’t it? What was Paul’s thinking on this? Do you know any Adventist married couples who do not share the same religious teachings? If your marriage partner differs from you on key Bible principles, what should you do? Suggest ways to turn the following actions into acceptance of the Christian faith: Lovingkindness, unwavering fidelity, humble service, and winsome witness.
- Family life is for sharing. “That was some sermon,” a family member comments as the Sabbath meal is served. How can a sermon that leads a family member to make a comment like that result in a meaningful conversation at the dinner table? What are some ways a family can prepare a spiritual setting for talking about insights gained from Bible study or a church-related event? Does your family have a habit you have developed in sharing spiritual insights with others? If not, why not come up with some ideas for sharing as a part of your family life?
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Paul saw great hospitality in Priscilla's house, her house changed into a place like a church. Paul stayed 18 months in their home along with the couple. Romans6:3-4, Paul preached in the notorious town Corinth.